Judge Hugh Augustus Haskins, generally beloved and highly respected citizen of Pulaski County, was born December 9, 1848, in this county. He was the son of Ottoway Haskins and Elizabeth Burkhalter Haskins, who were married March 26, 1844.
When only sixteen years of age, he enlisted in the Confederate Army, on November 29, 1864, where he served with bravery till he was paroled May 2, 1865.
He was one of the outstanding farmers of Pulaski County, and served the county as tax collector from the year 1895 to 1911. In 1912 he moved to Hawkinsville, and, upon the death of Judge P. T. McGriff, served as Ordinary from November 3, 1913, till his death on September 19, 1923. He was succeeded by his son, H. A. Haskins, Jr., who still holds the office of Ordinary.
Judge Haskins was a Mason, a Baptist, and was at one time commander S. M. Manning Camp, U. C. V.
On October 29, 1868, he was married to Miss Nancy Jane Fleming. The family included three sons and eight daughters: W. B. Haskins, L. F. Haskins, H. A. Haskins, Jr., Mrs. Leah Haskins Holmes, Mrs. Katie Haskins Trice, Mrs. Frankie Haskins Turner, Mrs. Bianca Haskins Dykes, Mrs. Eulalia Haskins Buchan, Mrs. Bertie Haskins Lawson, Miss Inez Haskins, and Miss Ruth Haskins. The deceased are Mrs. Frankie H. Turner, Mrs. Leah H. Holmes, and Miss Ruth Haskins.
Judge Haskins was noted for his patriotism, loyalty to his community, and many deeds of charity. In the truest sense he was a friend to humanity. He was generous and hospitable, not only to his friends, but to strangers as well. He never failed to respond liberally to every call of humanity in the most unostentatious manner. He looked on all men as brothers, and helped many financially. With loyal heart and with purest hand he faithfully discharged all private and public trusts. He was a stranger to deceit and lover of truth. His home was known for its hospitality. No one could talk to him without realizing he was in the presence of one whose strength of character was great because his heart was pure. The passing of this good man was a great loss to Pulaski County.
