John Haggin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captain
John Haggin
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| Born | 1753 |
| Died | 1 March 1825 (aged 71-72) |
| Resting place | Spring Hill Cemetery, Harrodsburg |
| Known for | Early Kentucky settler |
| Spouse(s) | Agness Nancy Gibbs |
| Parent(s) | Samuel Haggin and Mary Florence Fairfax |
Captain John Haggin (born 1753 – died March 1, 1825) was one of the very first settlers in Kentucky. He arrived in the spring of 1775 with his wife's uncle, Colonel John Hinkston. John Haggin was known for helping to protect pioneer settlements from attacks. He also went on many important trips and was involved in building up the new western frontier.
Contents
Life as a Kentucky Pioneer
John Haggin was born in 1753 in Winchester, Virginia. His parents were Samuel Haggin and Mary Florence Fairfax.
Starting a Family
Later, John moved to western Pennsylvania. There, he married Agness Nancy Gibbs. They had twelve children together! Before moving to Kentucky, he served in a military campaign in 1774.
Moving to Kentucky
In the spring of 1775, John Haggin became one of the first settlers in what is now Kentucky. The next year, he brought his family to their new home. They built a cabin near the Licking River. However, because of conflicts with Native Americans, they soon moved to a safer place. This new spot was called McClelland's Station, which is now the city of Georgetown.
Naming Lexington
John Haggin was with a group of hunters near where Lexington, Kentucky is today. They were camped there when they heard exciting news. The American Revolutionary War had begun! They also learned about the Battle of Lexington in Massachusetts. To honor this important battle, the hunters decided to name their camp "Lexington."
Becoming a Leader
John Haggin was very active in politics. He helped Kentucky become its own state. He also served as a judge on Kentucky's first highest court, the Kentucky Court of Appeals.
Early Racetracks
Records show that John Haggin had a racetrack in Harrodsburg before 1785. This means his track was one of the very first, if not the first, racetracks in Kentucky! Other famous tracks opened later, in 1788 and 1789.
Later Life and Legacy
By the time he passed away, John Haggin had become very wealthy. He owned a lot of land. People saw him as an honest and hardworking person. He seemed to pass these good qualities on to his children.
