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1. Family History

John Camm Nix was born in September 1843 at Bothamsall, Nottinghamshire. His father was Adam Nowell Nix and his mother Elizabeth Camm. Like many children born at the time he inherited his second given name of Camm from his mother. The Nix family of Alfreton were well-known.

John’s grandfather was Thomas Nix, who was born at Greasley, Nottinghamshire in 1767. By the year 1800 he had moved to Alfreton and on 2nd December that year married Elizabeth Hawkesley at the Church of St. Martin’s, Alfreton. Thomas became the tenant farmer of Lilley Street Farm, owned by the Palmer-Morewood family of Alfreton Hall. It was likely to have been a dairy farm, but Thomas also bred horses. The Derby Mercury, published on 30th March 1825 printed a notice regarding a grey colt: “DEVONSHIRE - The property of Mr. Thos. Nix, Lilley Street Farm, near Alfreton, WILL COVER THIS SEASON, At a Guinea and Half each Mare and Half-a-Crown the Groom…” The notice included the full ancestry of the colt, which won several times at York, Doncaster and Newmarket races. In 1835 the family moved across Alfreton to Outseats Farm, which was also owned by the Palmer-Morewood’s and was also predominantly a dairy farm. Thomas and Elizabeth had several children, two of whom are relevant to the Outseats Farm.

Thomas’s first son was Adam Nowell Nix (Adam’s middle name was taken from his grandmother’s maiden name). Adam was born in Alfreton and baptised at the Church of St. Martin, Alfreton on 2nd August 1809. Adam moved away from Alfreton and married Elizabeth Camm in Retford, Nottinghamshire in the last quarter of 1842. On the census of 1851 they lived in the village of Clarborough, near Retford, where Adam worked as a publican and butcher. Elizabeth died in 1858 and three years later at the census of 1861 Adam lived at Sutton Coldfield and was described as a widower and retired publican. Despite no occupation being recorded Adam was aged only 49 years and lived with a young son and two daughters, the eldest being just twelve years old. By the census of 1881 Adam lived with one of sons, also named Adam, a butcher by trade who lived at 45, High Street, Alfreton. Two of Adam’s daughters also lived on the premises. Adam died in 1885, the death being registered at Aston, Warwickshire.  

Thomas’s second son was Thomas Hawkesley Nix, born in 1812 (the middle name again taken from his mother). When Thomas senior died in September 1847 his son Thomas took over the tenancy of Outseats Farm. A short obituary was published in the Derbyshire Advertiser & Journal on 1st October 1847: “At Outseats, near Alfreton, on the 19th instant, in his 81st year, Mr. Thomas Nix, farmer, greatly respected by a large circle of acquaintance.”  Thomas Jnr. would continue to run the farm until his own death in 1867.

John Camm Nix, the son of Adam, was 15 when his mother Elizabeth died in 1858. It is possible that her death prompted Adam to send his son to live with his brother Thomas, John’s uncle, at Outseats Farm in Alfreton. John was certainly at Outseats in 1861, when he was recorded on the census living there as a “farmers servant” and his uncle Thomas as “farmer of 69 acres”.

Although Outseats was a dairy farm, Thomas, like his father before him, seems to have had more than a passing interest in horse breeding. He never married, and on his death in 1867 his effects and property were auctioned, including farm implements, livestock (including four stallions) and the household furniture. The auction notice specifically mentioned the stallions and gave the following descriptions: “…Namely, Orleans, a dark bay horse, ten years old, by Orlando out of Miami, by Venison; British yeoman, a bay horse with immense power, 17 hands high by Mr. Dack’s Matchless, of St. Ives, Cambridgeshire; a chestnut horse, Warrior, six years old, a strong horse on short legs, and has got some rare stock; a black horse, Nelson, three years old, possessing immense power and looks like making one of the best horses for farming purposes in the Midland Counties.”

Then only in his mid-twenties, John Camm Nix took over the tenancy of Outseats Farm. It is almost certain that his uncle’s passion for horse breeding was passed on, as John became one of the most well respected breeders of shire horses in the country.  

Even in his early life John Camm Nix became convinced that the humble cart horse was far more important as a breed of horse than the agricultural community as a whole then acknowledged. Before the advent of the steam traction engine and motor vehicle which revolutionised the agricultural industry, horses were the mainstay of heavy farm and industrial work. Everything from ploughing to haymaking would have involved the heavy horse, and away from the farms, such animals were used by brewery’s to pull their drays and even by the Alfreton Urban District Council who owned a small number of horses which they stabled at the Market Place in Somercotes.

In the latter part of the 19th century John lived at Outseats with an ever changing number of agricultural workers and servants. His sister, Lydia was employed as housekeeper for a while, before she married and moved to Copthorne Villas at Alfreton, a short distance from the farm. By the census of 1891, the property at Outseats recorded John, a housekeeper, a domestic servant and four agricultural labourers, all present when the enumerator called. In 1901, the census that year recorded two grooms and milk seller at Outseats, amongst others.

John remained a bachelor all his life. At the time of his birth education for the working classes was often attendance at a Sunday School, where studying the Bible was often seen as more important than learning to read and write, but it is known that John could read and write and was well educated, although where he studied is not known. In politics he was a conservative, and wrote an open letter to the Derby Mercury regarding a political meeting at Alfreton on at least one occasion. He was also a religious man, and certainly in his later years regularly attended church at St. Thomas’s, in Somercotes. Although John derived much of his income from horse breeding Outseats Farm was still a dairy farm, and through this business he would have been well-known and had many acquaintances and business contacts throughout the district. He became an Alfreton Freemason on 15th May 1878 but did not attend meetings after the death of one of his close friends (who had, perhaps, persuaded him to join the Freemason’s circle).

By 1911 the housekeeper at Outseats was Margaret Ann Browne, who would continue in this position until John’s death. The census of 1911 recorded three grooms at Outseats, perhaps reflecting the importance that horse breeding now had in John’s life.

John Camm Nix

 

2. The Stud Farm

By the 1870s, John Nix had turned Outseats Farm into a Stud Farm and he took part in many agricultural and county shows, both as exhibitor and judge. His knowledge and ability became known throughout the farming world. Several counties and other organisations began to call for societies and associations to be founded to promote and improve the breeding of horses, particularly for farm work. One such society was formed in the November of 1877. Called the “Cheshire and District Society for Improving the Breed of Horses,” it had Lord Combermere as president and was formed for “…some improvement in the breed of agricultural and draught horses…” The first annual show of this society took place in February 1878 in the grounds of the Royal Hotel, Crewe and 29 exhibits were shown, including Beauchief, a bay aged 7 years and Lord Byron, also aged 7, both owned by John Nix. Beauchief was shown again in May the same year, this time at the Rufford Fair & Cattle Show, when the stallion won John £8 in prize money. On 30th March 1878 the Derbyshire Courier printed a short article: “ALFRETON - Mr. John Nix’s Horses - This gentleman has just had a show of his splendid stud of entire horses in Alfreton. It is generally admitted that it would very difficult to find a district in England that could compete with him. At the Ormskirk Horse Show, held on Thursday, Mr. John Nix’s horse, Beanchief, obtained the first prize of £25 and gold medal.”

In September 1878 the Midland Agricultural Society’s Show was held at Alfreton, and many well-known landowners and farmers in the district were not only on the organising committee but showed many of their animals. The Palmer-Morewood family were present, as was Thomas Haden Oakes, Charles Seely Jnr and many of their tenant farmers. John Nix was a judge for some of the categories, but surprisingly did not win a prize in the category for horses. 

It is often reported that John Nix was one of the founders of the Shire Horse Society but no written confirmation of this has been found. However, newspapers though clearly report that he was a founder member of the Society and a member of its council for many years. The society was formed originally as the English Cart Horse Society at the beginning of June 1878 at a meeting in London of farmers and owners who are not named. Given the prominence of John Nix and his promotion of the Shire Horse it is likely that he was of the many farmers through which the society was founded. The meeting was recorded by the Birmingham Daily Post, among other newspapers on 6th June 1878: “The English Cart-horse Society —The Earl of Ellesmere presided, Monday, at a meeting of farmers and owners of English cart-horses, held at the Society of Arts, London, for the purpose of agreeing to the memorandum and articles of association of the English Carthorse Society… The meeting decided that the name of the society should be "The English Cart-horse Society of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland." The objects for which the society is established are to improve the breed and promote the breeding of English cart-horses, to promote the general interests of the breeders and owners of such, horses, to purchase, sell, and let property for the society; to make bye-laws, and to raise and manage funds…”

Their first show, at Islington, was held in 1880. The East Anglian Daily Times dated 8th March that year, printed a long article on various agricultural matters, part of which read: “SALE OF SHIRE HORSES – About a year ago, Messrs. Sexton and Grimwade of Ipswich and Colchester inaugurated what promises to be an annual sale of Shire Horses at the Outseats Stud Farm, Alfreton, Derbyshire. The sale was an entire success, attracting a large gathering of horse breeders from different parts of the Kingdom, and so satisfied was Mr. John Nix, the breeder, with the result of the venture that he has again instructed Messrs. Sexton and Grimwade to dispose of another selection of his horses. This second sale will take place to-morrow (Tuesday) when 39 animals – 8 stallions and 31 mares and fillies, will be brought to the hammer. Notwithstanding the dispersal of cart horses at Lord Ellesmere’s recent sale and at the Agricultural Hall, Islington on Friday last, a good attendance of prominent breeders is confidently looked for. Mr. Nix’s stud takes high rank amongst Shire Horses, and, as those who purchased at his sale last year are fully satisfied, we can strongly commend this opportunity to the notice of intending buyers. The catalogue, as last year, is quite a work of art, the services of Mr. Duvall having again been brought into requisition ti illustrate it with drawings of the horses to be sold.” 

A long article was published in the Norwich Mercury on 2nd March 1881 relating to the 2nd Cart Horse Society Show also held at Islington, a very small part of which read: “… The Duke of Westminster, Mr. T.H. Miller, Mr. John Nix and Mr. J. Forshaw were among the other winners…” Derbyshire was home to several notable horse breeders, including the Hon. E.K.W Coke, owner of the Longford Stud, who in 1881 was president of the English Cart Horse Society. The Derby Mercury, published on 19th October that year printed an article regarding a sale of horses from the Longford Stud and at which Mr. Coke spoke. The newspaper reported on part of the speech he made: “He wished to say a word or two on a subject of considerable importance. The English Cart Horse Society (he should like to call it the Shire Horse Society) had done and was doing very much good, and he hoped it would continue…”  It seems that Mr. Coke was far from the only breeder who wished a name change, and the English Cart Horse Society final became the Shire Horse Society in 1884.

 

Advertisement from the Derbyshire Advertiser & Journal 20th April 1895

 

John was also on the committee of the long standing Alfreton Agricultural Show, part of the season of the Alfreton Agricultural Society.

Over the years John Nix became something of a local celebrity. The Derbyshire Times & Chesterfield Herald of the 24th March 1900 printed an article relating to an annual horse parade that John had established in Alfreton and which included a visit to his dairy farm. The article is transcribed in full, as follows: “HORSE PARADE - Mr. John Nix's Shire Horses - In local agricultural circles there is no better known person than John Nix, of the Stud Farm, Alfreton, whose equine stock has secured for him an envious reputation among stock, breeders whose interests are allied. But not confined to local circles is the reputation of Mr Nix, for throughout the country is his name known, and only the other week in the Metropolis did he secure further laurels in the profession which he so dearly cherishes. And this is as it should be, for no man has done more consistent work in the attainment of his ambitions than Mr. Nix, truly he merits the honours awarded. And not only has Mr Nix gained notoriety for himself, but who can estimate the influence for good over agriculture exercised by such lovers of horseflesh as Mr James Oakes, J.P., and Mr Nix, to say nothing of others who could be placed in the same category. Mr Nix holds a parade of his animals annually, though last year through various causes he dispensed with the function. This year the custom was resuscitated and the parade took place last Friday afternoon at the Stud Farm. Ordinarily, a visit to Mr Nix's premises would have its compensatory advantages, and the casual observer must at once be struck with the cleanliness of the whole surroundings. Really, the farm is an ideal one. But on Friday the visit was doubly interesting, when the company made their inspection of the stock. Mr Nix, in his usually courteous and methodical manner had sent out numerous invitations, and favoured by splendid weather, though the wind was biting, capital company turned up. The parade took place shortly after two o'clock, and the turn-out called forth the admiration of every visitor. This year Mr Nix's stock is mostly young, but the material is fine. Farmers of all types had a rare lot from which to make their choice. Of his old stock Mr Nix only retains two of his most noted stallions, and these are the famous ‘College Don’ and the hackney stallion ‘Integrity’. The latter is a high stepping animal, and a bay with black points. He stands on grand feet and legs, shows plenty of weight, and high carriage, with grand knee and hock action. His sire, ‘Confidence’ was the sire of more prize winners and high priced hackneys than any other horse known. It is stated that nobody knows how many prize winners this horses was sire of, and they have won distinction at all the shows of note in the country. Brood mares by him have made as much as £2,000 each to go abroad. 'College Don’ is known probably throughout the country, and this is his eleventh year with Mr Nix. He is a splendid animal, and looks as well as ever. The sobriquet of ‘the old man,’ seems to be applied to the animals by some of the visitors on account of his lengthy residence at the farm, and his splendid qualities. Mr Nix has hired ‘College Don’ to Lord Coventry until July for the use of the latter's tenants. He will start his journey this week. Speaking upon this animal we may say that at London the other day, ‘College Don’ gained further honours for his master. Among the new stock ‘Jamaica Crown Prince’ seemed to take high place in the estimation of many. He was secured from Mr Ransom Hitchin, and was foaled in 1896. He is a bay horse, and possesses some grand bone and hair, combined with which is size, power, and activity. He will travel in the neighbourhood of Mansfield. ‘Hendre Hercules’ is a massive horse of chestnut colour, and many panegyrics were made about him by the company. He was bred by Lord Llangattack. He is of great size and substance, which with his activity and fine breeding at once place him in the very first rank. He stands well and is perfectly sound. This stallion will remain the Alfreton district. ‘Hendre Agriculturalist’ is a fine black animal, and was foaled 1896. His sire was ‘Prince Harold’," and the latter was sold for £2,600. ‘Hendre Agriculturalist' is a halfbrother to the record-priced mare ‘Hendre Princess,’ which was sold at Lord Wantage's sale, last February for 1,100 guineas; two others of the same sire, at the same sale, made 910 guineas. He has won a lot of good prizes in various parts of the country. He is a thickset, weighty young horse, with capital pasterns and feet, nice quality bone, and a profusion of hair, shoulders well laid, loins broad and muscular. He is just the animal for the average farmer. ‘Beaumont Standard’ is a most massive bay and stands on fine-set short legs. He is just the horse for high mares short of weight. ‘Gipsy King’ was bred by Messrs James Oakes and he gives great promise of securing a good reputation. ‘Long Crofts,’ is another animal whose future laurels are yet to be made. Both animals are a most useful type. 'Old Warden Statesman’ is a three-year-old bay, big, upstanding, and a heavy colt. He possesses every quality for making a big, heavy horse. ‘Watnall Jubilee King’ is another three-year-old and was bred by R. O. Howson. His build is big, a splendid muscular frame, and as his breeding is excellent it is not at all unlikely that he will in time be a valuable sire. ‘Lord Lannock’' is another big active colt. ‘Watnall Wedger,’ ‘Whittington,’ and ‘Caistor,’ are all new to the Stud, and judging by their characteristics and fine breeding, they should be heard of in the future. If farmers and others will only provide the material in brood mares, Mr. Nix can furnish some splendid animals to suit every requirement, and are sure by the exhibition of his new stock, Mr Nix will fully sustain his reputation for combining the essentials, of high breeding, quality, and fine substance.”

In 1911 the Derbyshire Courier printed a series of articles which were titled “Derbyshire Farms and Farmers”, each of which concentrated on a particular farm of note and featured an interview with the farmer. Article No.3 of the series was written about Outseats Farm and John Nix, who had, by then, been the tenant farmer for over forty years. It contained details of the farm and also of the Shire Horses owned by John at the time. The full transcription of this long article, published on 25th February 1911 follows:

Derbyshire Farms and Farmers – No.3

– Alfreton Outseats Farm –

A CHAT WITH Mr. JOHN NIX – On Successful Horsebreeding

Day by day we hear the pessimists talk of the times when horseflesh will have disappeared from our streets and roads, when the motor will take its place entirely, and the horse will come to be looked upon as a curiosity, a relic of the past. That is from the pessimist, and it is refreshing to hear, from a man who knows, the other side of the question. Agriculture has no more attractive side than that of horsebreeding, and Derbyshire has no more ardent or successful breeder than Mr. John Nix, of Outseats Farm, Alfreton. Farming at Outseats is a history in itself, and dates back to the year 1835. The present tenant, Mr. John Nix, was brought up on the place, so no wonder that his experience is extensively sought after.

‘My grandfather took the farm off Mr. Palmer-Morewood, said Mr. Nix, and I succeeded my uncle, the late Mr. Thos. Nix. There are a number of my uncles entries In the very earliest studbooks’.

The secret of “how to make farming pay” as solved at Outseats many years ago, as the present owner will tell you, Mr. Nix considers farming a business, pure and simple, and says that whoever takes up the profession must conduct it on business lines. In the Outseats shire-horse stud nothing but the best is kept. And the best is produced. This is the secret.

Mr. Nix would be described in one of the present day novels as a typical English farmer with rubicund complexion. He has ideas of his own and is original in his methods on the farm. Since his experience is sought after by great and learned men, I am speaking of one of the greatest authorities on shire horses in the United Kingdom. In fact his name is so well known in the shire horse world that he scarcely needs any introduction to the Derbyshire public. That he is an astute judge is a fact proved in the past, for he has judged, not only at most of the important county shows, but also at the London shire horse shows. For many years he was a very prominent figure in the ring at shows in England, Ireland, Wales and the Isle of Man. His popularity at these shows may be judged by the large number of repeat applications for his services. One of the popular agricultural journals says of him: ‘He is a judge of very independent views, and has had great experience in all parts of the country. Naturally as a Derbyshire man he likes horses to begin well on the ground, having plenty of weight, active, and in the stallion particularly he is partial to the big one.’

Mr. Nix is very proud of his 200 judge’s badges of various shapes, sizes and designs, which have been presented to him at one time or another. If mounted, these badges would make a striking picture. ‘The greatest show I ever judged at,’ said Mr. Nix in answer to my query, ‘was the London Cart Horse Show. This is one of the annual sights in London, the parade of the finest cart horses, extending to several miles in length. Although the task of judging at this show was no easy one, it afforded a great amount of pleasure’.

What made you give the work up? I asked. ‘Because it took such a great amount of my time. I felt I must give it up,’ was the reply, but since he gave up the work Mr. Nix has received heaps of pressing invitations to change his mind and go on again. One letter in particular, from a very influential personage, speaks of his resignation as one of the greatest losses to shire horse breeders. His resignation was announced with much regret in the agricultural papers at the time, one editor adding: ‘that the services of one who has always carried out the duties of judge so impartially is bound to be missed.’

Mr. Nix has always a good word to say for the show steward. ‘I know,’ he said, ‘that the steward does not get everybody’s good word, and there has been a lot of unpleasant things said about him, but I must say that I have never met a bad one yet. Nor have I seen one who refused to do his duty.’

Mr. Nix remarked to me that in his opinion nothing in the farming industry paid better than horse breeding, especially amongst the small farmers. His advice to all farmers wishing to take up this work is: Begin in a small way, but, above all things, start with “good ones.” He contends that the days of haphazard and chance are over, and the man who adopts farming as a profession must ever keep in view that it is a business pure and simple. But there is no way, he considers, in which a farmer can combine pleasure and profit better than by breeding and rearing. A mistaken notion seems to exist in some quarters that it is a very costly business to go in for this kind of work, but, says the Outseats farmer, there is no need whatever to o to any great expense in it. His further advice is ‘Secure the best blood.’ And when one comes to think about it, it takes no more to keep a good horse than it does to keep a bad one, whereas the difference in results is beyond calculation.

‘Some farmers,’ said Mr. Nix, ‘are ruled by the price they pay for a sire; with them it is not the question of the horse, but a question of the price paid. This is deplorable, but I am pleased to think that all farmers do not view this in the same light, for some of the very best horses in England have been bred by the small farmer. Old farmers say that they can breed from anything, but that is a great mistake. It is as the Duke of Portland said: “You cannot get a silk purse from a sow’s ear.”’

Derbyshire, Mr Nix went on, was one of the best breeding districts in the country, because the soil is just right for producing good bone, feet and hair. And, in spite of the progress made by the motor cars and other haulage power, it had not reduced the price of horses, and there was nothing so scares today as good horses. “Good feet, limbs and joints,” Mr. Nix puts down as the leading points in a shire horse. It takes some years to build up a business like the one at Outseats, but to Mr. Nix those years have been years of absorbing interest. In the establishment of his high class stud he has exercised exceptional care and supervision over his stock. His idea has always been that if the young shire horse is to become great, it must be closely watched. One has only to walk round the stables to see that this idea has been carried to the letter. Not only has Mr. Nix been a judge of other people’s stock, but his own has been judged in the ring, and it is interesting to know his success at the various shows with his shires has been more than ordinary.

His prizes from some of the most important shows in the country include gold and silver medals, a beautiful silver coffee service and a number of other silver goods. At the present time he is bust preparing three of his handsome animals – Saxon Admiral, Sudbourne Rusticus and Bank Premier – for the great London Show.

SOME OF THE PICK

Having spoken of the man, now let me refer to his extensive business. I am perfectly safe in saying that Mr. Nix possesses some of the finest shire and hackney stallions, not only in the county, but in the country.

SAXON ADMIRAL – A shire stallion bred by Sir Walter Gilbey. Here is a combination of the best breeding – Blythwood Conqueror and Royal Albert. Blythwood Conqueror won 16 first and champion prizes, also second prize at the London Shire Horse Show. Royal Albert’s blood is of the greatest value, which Saxon Admiral has fully inherited. He is an extraordinary good horse, with capital feet and legs and beautiful hair; he has splendid bone, and is thoroughly sound. BANK PREMIER – is a shire stallion over 17 hand high, and is of a beautiful appearance. Being bred from big heavy sires he is the right sort to breed good cart-horses. Bank Premier has won prizes at Shropshire, West Midland, Montgomery, Woodbridge and Suffolk shows. His pedigree is of the best blood in shire horse history. SUDBOURNE RUSTICUS – is a fine 3 year old shire stallion, splendidly formed and with excellent feet and joints. Sire Eaglethorpe Dick, grandsire Uncle Dick. DANESFIELD PRESIDENT – was bred by Mr. R W Hudson of Danesfield, and standing at 17 hands, 2 inches high, and is about the biggest 4 year old shire stallion in the county of Derby. He has won first prize in the Derby Royal Show, first East Bucks, second Guildford and first at East Berks. Sire, Hendre Hydrometer (1900, first champion and S.H.S. gold medal at the York Royal Show); grandsire, Prince Harold. ABBEYDALE PEACEFUL – It is stated that the Government is going to give its attention to the production of good sound horses. And Abbydale Peaceful is just the horse for the production of such. He is a big 5 year old Hackney stallion, and for size, colour and breeding he has no equal as a country stallion. He is a bay with black legs nearly without white, 16 hands high, fine mover and of beautiful appearance. Sire, Syndale Hero; grandsire, Ganymede and great grandsire Danegeld, which was purchased by Sir Walter Gilbey for 5,000 guineas. Dam, Black Bonney. Ganymede and Danegeld were both big prize-winners. BLACK FRIAR III – is an exceptionally well-bred 3 year old shire stallion, half-brother to Tatton Drayking, who had won prizes in London. He is a real good horse, and a perusal of the stud-books will show that he is bred on the lines to become one of the best stud horses for weight, size, strength and soundness. He won first prize at Market Harboro’ in 1908 and 1909. ?? Sire, Tatton Friar; dam, Tatton Actress. DEWSTOWE JAMESON – a big horse on short legs, whose sire was Dunsmore Jameson and dam Dewstowe Matchmaker. He is a tremendous thick, wide shire stallion, of the real dray horse type, a horse that will please all good judges of shires that require soundness, constitution, activity and up-to-date breeding. This horse’s stock has done exceedingly well and has won prizes at most of the important shows. BROCKHAM CUT SEE – is a roam shire stallion standing 17 hands 2 inches on short legs. He is a wonderful big horse with big open feet; he is full of quality with weight and has an abundance of long, straight silky hair. For a horse with big bones his joints are perfect. His stock has been mostly prize-winners and he is a great favourite with all breeders. His sire was Brisbane, a prize-winner at Oxford and bath and West Shows in 1891. His dam was Willington, also a big prize-winner at all the notable shows. The breeding of Brockham Cut See is of the best and of the right type.

The stallions mentioned travel during the season, thorough Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire and Staffordshire. The chief groom is Mr. Frank Cumberland, who takes great pains with the anilmals. Blackberry Tandridge and a number of other excellent horses are to be seen on the farm, but space will not allow mention of them. I must mention though, that an extraordinary fine mare caught my eye in passing round the buildings. Blackberry Tandridge, I learned, was by the defunct champion Markeaton Rotal Harold and was kept for breeding purposes.

HAIR ON SHIRES

For some time there has been a great amount of controversy in the agricultural papers on the question of hair on shire horses. Some writers have stated that too much hair on shires is bad, and does not add to the animal’s beauty.

Mr. Nix has been written to be the editor of one of the leading agricultural papers for his opinion on the subject, and being interest myself I mentioned the matter to Mr. Nix.

‘My opinion,’ said he, ‘is that they cannot have shire horses without hair. It’s a very easy matter to get rid of it, if desirable, but it will take away part of the animal’s beauty. We cannot get gtreat horses without some nice hair, and people who go in for shows encourage this sort of thing. It is natural for all great horses to have plenty of hair, and I consider it a great adornment. If horses have good feet, plenty of fine quality bone and good flat legs they will never get too much hair, but these kind of horses which will produce sufficient hair of good quality. It is the round legs which get too much hair.’

Mr. Nix does a very large milk trade, the chief of it being in Alfreton. Great pains are taken in this department to bring things up to the highest standard of purity, and scrupulous cleanliness is observed. Everything on the dairy premises is indicative of the strictest supervision. The same care is exercised throughout the farm. The shorthorns and the young beasts present a healthy appearance. There are about 100 acres of land surrounding the homestead, and everything goes to prove that the farm is managed in the best possible way.

The house stands directly in the middle of the hill leading from Alfreton to Somercotes, opposite to the reservoir. The hill is always referred to as Nix’s Hill. On the outside the house gives one the impression that it is one of the modern kind, but the great oak rafters inside tell a different story. If they could speak they would say that the architect has been dead for more than a century. It is a beautiful homestead with commodious rooms. Its gable abuts on the road, and the outlook at the back is indeed fine. Evidently, Mr. Nix takes as much pride in his house and garden as he does in his stallions. Pastures studded with trees surround the picturesque homestead, and there is a special beauty in the landscape and a magnificence in the house and its surroundings.”

 

3. TRIP TO ARGENTINA

By the time the article in the Derbyshire Courier was published in February 1911, John Nix had already begun to wind down his travelling and judging at shows. He was 67 years of age, but his reputation as a breeder of Shire Horses and a respected judge went far beyond the shores of England. In 1911 he was invited to Argentina to judge at a world famous livestock show, run by the Palermo Rural Society, Buenos Aries, Argentina. It was an opportunity that he could not refuse, and he left Alfreton on his long journey on 17th August the same year. The Belper News, published on 20th October 1911 printed a long article on his return and interviewed him about his experiences. Part of the article is transcribed as follows: “Looking as fit as the proverbial fiddle, Mr. Jno. Nix of the Stud Farm, Alfreton, the well-known breeder of shire stock, is home again from his long voyage to South America. The genial good-natured equine expert left Alfreton on August 17th…   Mr. Nix’s journey was undertaken to officiate as the judge of the shire horses at the famous show of the world-renowned Palermo Rural Society, Buenos Ayres, Argentina. Mr. Nix, after many years’ experience as a judge at all the most important and classical shows in the country, decided some time ago to give up judging, but a pressing invitation from Buenos Ayres induced him to break his resolution. This was very pardonable, for this is probably one of the highest tributes that can be paid to a judge, and, unsolicited, Mr. Nix accepted the invitation as a great honour and the crowning achievement of his years as a judge, and his vast experience as a breeder of shire horses. It should be explained that the Buenos Ayres Authorities have implicit confidence in Englishmen as judges and annually they seek the best authorities that can be obtained in England for this famous show. Six judges, including Mr. Nix, sailed from England in the Royal Mail Steam Packet Co’s., boat, “Amazon” in which they also returned… Mr. Nix’s conditions were readily complied with in the matter of facilities on board, and we presume his colleagues were the objects of the same regal treatment. Mr. Nix’s return passage cost £78 alone, and the bill for the judges expenses alone, including their lavish entertainment while in Argentina, is estimated not to be far short of £1000… The judging takes place one day, and this is followed by a parade of animals, while later there is an auction sale.” 

 

Derbyshire Courier, 1911

 

4. John Nix’s Death

In later years, after his adventure in Argentina, John Nix remained at Outseats, and still ran the dairy farm and his breeding of Shire Horses. He never lost his passion for them, or, it seems, his belief in their role as a working animal. He could often be seen in Alfreton and Somercotes, where he still regularly attended the church.

John Camm Nix died at Outseats Farm on 9th September 1927 at the age of 83. In line with his wishes, he was buried in the Nix family vault at St. Martin’s, Alfreton on 14th September, his coffin carried on a farm wagon pulled by two of his favourite shire horses. In his Will, he left £2,993.1s.9d, a substantial sum considering he did not own the farm. The sum was divided between his housekeeper, Margaret Anne Browne and William Shaw, a close friend and farmer of Fradley Old Hall, Lichfield..

By the time of John’s death the hill where Outseats farm was located had long become known locally as Nix’s Hill, in deference to the three generations of the Nix family that had lived there, and the farm itself was by then simply referred to as “The Stud Farm”. Although John was the last member of the family to live there, Nix’s Hill became it’s official name, and is remembered today in the name of the trading estate that now sits on the land where the farm once stood.

The Staffordshire Advertiser published on 17th September 1927 was one of several newspapers to carry an obituary: “Mr. John Nix. the Stud Farm, Alfreton. Derbyshire, has died the age of 85 [sic]. He was a noted breeder and judge of Shire horses, and was one the founders of the Shire Horse Society, and for many years was a member of the council. He acted as a judge at nearly all of the large shows, and some years ago he visited Argentina to judge the heavy horses at the great annual show there. Mr. Nix was bachelor, and was an old English yeoman farmer of a type which is now almost extinct.”

Derbyshire Advertiser & Journal, of the 16th September 1927 carried an extensive obituary: “DEATH OF MR. JOHN NIX OF ALFTREON – Noted Shire Horse judge – By the passing of Mr. John Nix, whose death took place at his residence, “The Stud Farm” Alfreton on Friday night, another link has been broken in the once long but now fast disappearing chain of yeomen who made English agriculture and its allied interests an example to the world – one of those men who denied nothing in labour, money of brains to obtain the best results, and to whom effort meant determination to achieve. Mr. Nix, who would have been 84 years of age on September 19th comes of an old Alfreton family, who have rented under the Alfreton Park Estate for well over a century. He was a son of the late Mr. Adam Nix, of Lilley Farm, Alfreton, his uncle Mr. Thomas Nix being the tenant of “Outseats” Farm, known in more recent times as “The Stud Farm”. When still a youth, Mr. John Nix went to live with his uncle and eventually succeeded him on the farm as tenant, and by his tenure the farm has been I the family for just over 100 years. By his death the farm, as a whole, has probably had its last tenant, as we understand that only reluctance to disturb an old tenant has caused Mr. Palmer-Morewood not to break up the extensive frontage for building purposes on the main road between Alfreton and Somercotes. It was in the matter of the improvement of the breed of heavy agricultural horses that Mr. Nix became well-known in national and international agricultural circles. In early life he realised the deterioration of this type of horse due to the then popularity of the half-legged breeds for agricultural purposes, and being convinced of the utility of the heavy horse, he did not rest until he made a stir in the matter. In this connection he was one of the founders of the Shire Horse Society and for many years afterwards he was a valued member of the council.

A NOTICABLE FIGURE – Mr. Nix was a noticeable figure because of his adherence to the old world type of dress, with top-hat being his general headgear, whether at work or pleasure. On a summer evening, in his white overcoat, he could frequently be seen leaning over his yard gate viewing the passing world as a whole. He was not a talkative man, and one sometimes wondered what his thoughts were as he watched the traffic along that busy road, and saw his favourite type of horse being gradually superseded by mechanically propelled vehicles.

Although Mr. Nix was a bachelor, he was essentially a home man, and he was fortunate in having a devoted housekeeper in Miss Brown. At one time he was actively interested in the Alfreton Lodge of Freemasons, but on the death of an old friend, some years ago, he ceased to take part in those gatherings. He was a devout churchman and a strict observer of the sacredness of the Sabbath. During the latter part of his life he attended Somercotes Parish Church.

Reverting to his interest in horses, and his faith in the heavy breeds, this led him frequently to markets, fairs and sales, where he was always on the look-out for animals showing signs of bone development and the now much prized leg-feather. This gradually led to his establishment of a stud, and there is no doubt that his judicious selection of male stock did much to put the Shire Horse in the premier position it held up to the power of petrol.

He had one great disappointment and a financial set-back some years ago, when he sent over a valuable consignment of eleven Shire Horses to America under the charge of Joseph Malin, who had been employed as a groom for many years. The horses were heavily insured against shipwreck, but a further contingency arose which was not anticipated. The ship experienced a ver bad passage, with heavy seas, and the animals, wild with fright, so damaged themselves that all but one had to be killed and thrown overboard. Malin made heoic efforts to pacify the horses, and in doing so sustained broken ribs. The one remaining horse was landed and received by Mr. Alfred Morewood. As it was not a case of shipwreck, it did not exactly come within the terms of the insurance policy, but although Mr. Nix was advised that he could probably sustain a claim, he had a horror of the law and did not press his case.

KEEN JUDGE OF SHIRES – He officiated as a judge of Shire Horses at most of the big shows, including the Royal and Islington. In 1911 he went to Argentina to judge heavy horses at a show held there, and he came back with a very high opinion of the up-to-date methods of agriculture in that country, especially with the procedure of the government in connection with the improvement of the breeding of horses and cattle, which he considered superior to the English methods.

Mr. Nix leaves a brother, resident in Warwickshire, and a sister, Miss Nix, who resides at Copthorne Villas, Alfreton, to mourn their loss. Up to three months ago he enjoyed extraordinarily good health, considering his age, and actively attended to the duties pertaining to the supervision of his farm. Nine weeks ago he had to take to his bed, and was supervised by a specialist that an operation would probably do away with his trouble. After considering the matter he decided not to undergo the operation and calmly made his arrangements. He sent for the Rev. R E Birtwhistle, vicar of Somercotes, who administered the last rites of Holy Communion, and left express orders that his remains were to be carried to their last resting place in one of his farm wagons, drawn by his favourite agricultural horse, and that his bearers were to have suitable refreshments. Permission has been obtained from the Home Office for the remains to be interred in the vault with his uncle in Alfreton Churchyard, and the internment took place on Wednesday.

THE FUNERAL – The remains were interred in the family vault in Alfreton Churchyard (by permission of the Home office) on Tuesday afternoon [this is a mistake in the newspaper as John was interred on Wednesday 14th September 1927) in the presence of a large congregation. The Reverend I H de Cas (vicar) officiated, and was assisted by the Rev, R E Birtwhistle (vicar of Somercotes). At the wish of the late gentleman, the coffin was borne on a farm waggon drawn by two of his favourite Shire mares. The coffin, which was of plain oak, with brass fittings bore the inscription:

John Camm Nix

Born Sept. 4th, 1843*

Died Sept 9th, 1927

 

(There followed a long list of mourners.)

 

*It is believed that John Camm Nix was born on 19th September 1843, as mentioned earlier in the same newspaper obituary, and not 4th September as printed at the end of the article. However, there is no documentary evidence other than this to confirm the exact date.