My Genealogy Hound

Enoch W. McFaddin. To the resident of Posey county the name of McFaddin is as familiar as that of Washington to the school boy. Members of the family had examined the site of the present city of Mt. Vernon, while on hunting expeditions, previous to its cession by the Indians. Andrew McFaddin, known as “Piddle-de-dum,” squatted on land now a part of the city about 1905. He was soon followed by “Slim” Andrew and William, and the locality became known as McFaddin’s Bluff. In the development of the county, members of this family have borne an important part, have been honored with public office, in which they have served with credit, and numbered among them have been men of substantial property and influences Enoch W. McFaddin was born on his father’s farm in Lynn township, August 1, 1867, a son of Philocles P. and Malinda (Bundy) McFaddin. The father was a son of Noah and Sarah (Albright) McFaddin, and was also born on the McFaddin farm in Lynn township, November 4, 1844. Noah McFaddin was the first of the family to settle in Lynn township, and the original homestead is now owned by his grandson, Noah McFaddin. Philocles P. McFaddin attended the country schools of his home district, three terms at Mt. Vernon, and completed a course at Owensville (Indiana) Academy. He married when nineteen years of age. He was throughout his lifetime engaged in agriculture and in this occupation he was successful; he accumulated a comfortable fortune, became a man of influence in his section, where he was highly respected for his honesty and clean living. He was a Democrat, took an active part in the work of his party, and was always ready to assist both with time and money any movement that had for its object the improvement of the commercial, civic or religious life of the community. He married, on May 15, 1864, Malinda Bundy, daughter of James and Louisa (Weir) Bundy. She was born January 8, 1845, in Posey county. Mr. and Mrs. McFaddin became the parents of six children: James F.; Enoch W., Noah, sketches of whom follow; Benoni, Idellia, Hannie B. and Lemuel P., who died when quite young. Mr. McFaddin was a member of Artie Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of New Harmony, and both he and his wife were members of the General Baptist church. His death occurred in 1891, and that of his wife on January 20, 1893. Enoch W. McFaddin was reared in Lynn township, attended the public schools and assisted in the work incident to carrying on his father’s farm. He engaged in farming on his own account in 1891, and is accounted one of the most successful agriculturists of his township. The improvements on his property are second to none in Posey county. He is widely known in southern Indiana and Illinois as a breeder of light harness horses. He is the owner of Argot W. Wilkes, one of the noted pacing stallions of this section of the State. Daisy Lee, 2:23 ¼, was reared and trained by him, as well as several other valuable animals. He is quite an extensive breeder of Poland-China hogs, and in this line of endeavor has met with success. He is also the owner of a saw mill on Big Creek, which has proven a profitable investment. Mr. McFaddin has been a lifelong Democrat, and has been an active worker in the interests of that organization. He was elected trustee of Lynn township in 1908. His administration of the business of this office was highly creditable. Extensive improvements were made to the township roads, school buildings remodeled and repaired, and several bridges replaced by new ones. Through his handling of the township’s finances he was able to reduce the tax levy each year, while accomplishing more in the way of improvements than had any of his predecessors in office. He was a candidate for the office of sheriff in 1912, but failed to secure the majority necessary for election. He is a member of Artie Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, No. 396, of New Harmony, Mt. Vernon Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 277, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Posey Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. McFaddin married, on March 28, 1897, Miss Flora Alexander, daughter of David and Phoebe Alexander. She was born in Posey county on July 6, 1870. The McFaddin home is known for its hospitality, its hostess for her qualities of heart and mind; as is her husband for his good fellowship, broadmindedness and charity toward his fellow man. He is one of the county’s best known sportsmen, a splendid shot, and his hours of recreation are given to the woods, field and stream.