Stephen Haddy
WAS born in Plymouth Dock, now Devenport, in the year 1800. He received an excellent English education, and on leaving school was apprenticed to the trade of a cabinetmaker. As a boy he had shown a fondness for working in wood, and so persistent was his application, perseverance, and industry that on completion of his engagement his proficiency readily procured him employment with one of the best firms in London, where he assisted in preparing a suite of rooms for the Queen of Wurtemburg, who was at that time visiting at Windsor Castle. Mr. Haddy married, in March 1828, Miss M. B. Stenlake, of Plymouth, who for nearly forty years was a most exemplary wife and mother. She was well known at Port Adelaide, where she resided till her death, which took place in 1867. Li 1830 Mr. Haddy accepted an engagement in the County of Wicklow, Ireland, and resided there seventeen years. During this time a great potato-failure and famine occurred. It is customary with tradesmen as well as farmers to plant annually a crop of potatoes, and among those which escaped the devastating blight was the crop of Mr. Haddy, who then showed his sympathy by distributing it among the needy, regardless of creed or character. Indeed, his large-heartedness won the respect and gratitude of all who knew him, whether Protestant or Romanist. Though loyal to the faith of his fathers, he recognised the right of every man to hold his own honest convictions in religion or politics. Returning to Devonshire in 1846, he established a lucrative business. He arrived with his family in South Australia by the barque "Jenny Lind," June 13, 1850, and was warmly welcomed by his brother Joseph, who had preceded him hither fourteen years previously. He lost no time in starting business at Port Adelaide, where he also acted as agent for the late Charles Simeon Hare. In 1854 he accompanied two of his sons to the Victorian diggings, where the party were fairly successful, and, after some rather remarkable adventures, returned to Port Adelaide. He here continued to follow his trade, which, by the aid of his sons, he brought to great perfection. His death took place on August 8, 1875, and was the result of an accident whilst he was on a visit to his son at Mintaro. Mr. Haddy's whole life was exemplary, and a proof of what practical excellence can exist with the necessities of constant hard work to bring up and place out respectably in the world a large family. His truth, benevolence, charity, and kindness have never probably been exceeded by any one, even in the highest walks of colonial life. His sons still reside at Port Adelaide, where they are well known and eminently respected.