Biography of Edward Nix
Edward Nix stated in a deposition taken on 26 May 1784 that he examined the claim for compensation
by Francis Ralleson, formerly of Georgia, as a loyalist in the Revolution. Edward Nix stated
that Mr. Ralleson's claim was just. However, the British government rejected Ralleson's claim in the end.
The Territory of East Florida was granted to England by Spain in 1763. After the American
revolution, many British loyalists fled to East Florida. In 1783, Britain turned East Florida back
over to Spain as part of the larger peace settlement. As they retook control of East Florida in 1783, an
extensive census was conducted by the Spanish of the inhabtitants and whether each inhabitant which to
stay under Spanish rule or to leave. Listed in this 1783 census is Edward Nix, born in
Virgina, occupation shoemaker, a bachelor; wishes to leave for British Dominions;
he is a boarder at Malcolm Ross' house (which was located near the Minorcan Chapel).