The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-08-28
SUICIDE OF A MINISTER.
a SCANDAL INVOLVING WOMAN
DROVE HIM TO THE DEED.

Rumor Had 1t That He Took Improper
Liberties With Young Lady of
SLOAN While Conducting a Revi-
val-The Services Discontinued and
his Tragic Death Followed.
GREENSBORO, GA, Aug. 27.-An Incl
dent occurred in this county this morning
which shocked the people more terribly
than anything in years. This tragedy, for
tragedy 1t was, was the suicide Of Rev, w.
A. Overton, one Of the most pro minent
Baptist ministers in the state. When the
news came it was impossible for the peopIe
TO realize it was true, and the sad story was
confirmed. The first news was brought to
Greensboro on the evening train, but par
ticulars were meager. and it was not until
late that correct information was received.
THE STORY OF THE SUICIDE.
These particulars ara about as followss
last night Mr.. Overton retired TO his room
as usual and as far as known, rested we'll.
This morning his wife left him sleeping
calmly just about day aud began prepaFa~
tions for her days work. Not many minutes
later she heard the report OF gun, and,
rushing into her husbands room, found
him lying insensible on the bed, with a ter
rible hole In his throat, from which blood
half lying on him was a dOuble-barTeled
shotgun with beth barrels empty. while the
room about him was spattered with blood.
He was dead when his wife reached him.
Physicians and neighbors were sent for.
but though they came and lovingly and sadly
bent above the corpse, none Of them could
bring back the life that had been taken.
HIS HIGH STANDING.
Rev. Mr. Overton was about go years OF
age and throughout this section of Georgia.
aud indeed the whole state, had been looked
upon as a man of the highest christian
character. He was of superior brain,
aud his sermons had always
been listened to with the closest
attention by his congregation. Everybody
thought he was an eminently good and
pure mau. He had raised a family, and
several grandchildren are left to mourn his
death. He served, almost up to the time OF
his death. several churches, among them
that at SLOAN, parish some six miles east
of Greensboro.
BEGINNING OF HIS TROUBLE.
There it is presumed his trouble began.s
Some two weeks since he was conducting a
protracted meeting at this church. Much
interest was manifested, and numbers
came up TO the altar for prayer and con-
version. Mr.. Overton preached some pow
erful sermons, and the interest was general.
When the meeting had been In progress few
days 1t was whispered that Mr.. Oyerton
had taken improper liberties with young
| lady prominent in the community. These
whisperings increased with each day, aud
the older members Of the congregations
catching hold Of them Mr.. Overton was
requested to discontinue the meeting. which
he did. Then the scandal spread It's tongue
from house to house that the minister had
proven false to his vows. This was more
then he could hear. For several days he
appeared alternately lively and despondent,
and the end came In his sad death this
morning.
1t Is a most unfortunate occurrence, and
is deeply regretted by the people. Mr..
Overton Is connected by marriage with
some Of the best families In Greene county,
and has always been highly esteemed and
respected.