The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1906-10-19
SAM JONES DEAD.
Sudden End of Noted Georgia Evan
gelist.

Sudden End of Noted Georgia Evan
gelist.
Little Rock, Ark. Oct. 15.-The
Rev. Sam p. Jones, the celebrated
Methodist evangelist, died suddenly
on Rock Island train No. at Perry,
Ark, early Monday morning, pre-
sumably of heart failure. He was
en- route from Oklahoma City, Okla,
to Gainesville, Ca, his home, to
celebrate b e ffty-ninth anniver-
sary of his birth with a family re-
union.
Retiring in the best of health and
in high spirits Sunday night, he
arose this morning, saying that he
felt fine. Later, though, he was
taken seriously i'll, and as Perry
was reached the evangelist, reclin-
ing in the arms of his worker,
the Rev. v alt Holcomb, and sur
rounded by three members of his
immediate family, peacefully and
quietly passed away.
With the evangelist at the time
of his death we're his wife and
daughters, Mrs Annie Pyron and
Miss Julia Jones.
The body was brought to Little
Rock, where it was prepared for
burial and thence the funeral party
continued their journey en- route to
Cartersville, Ga, where the inter-
ment took place.
The Rev. George Stuart, former
associate of Mr.. Jones, and the Rev.
J. A. Bowen, of Mississippi, con-
Quoted the funeral services. The
Rev. e. O. Excel, the well known
hymnist and singer, rendered favor
ite songs Of Mr.. Jones.
Members of the minister's family
are nearly prostrated with grief
over his sudden death.
HIS LIFE.
Mr.. Jones made his first great and
positive reputation as an evangelist
in 1885.
Mr.. Jones was born near Carters-
vile, Ca, over half century ago,
and was reared at his fathers home
near that place. He received col
lege education and started on his
life's career as lawyer. In the
early years of his manhood, as he
himself often related, he was way
ward and given to sporting desires.
Horse racing and gambling were
pleasures that besethim, and
he was pursuing wild career when
the fear of God came to him. Chiefly |
through his wife's influence, it is
said, the young man was persuaded
10 abandon his excesses and to take
Up the study of theology. He quick
y mastered the course and was ad-
nitted to the North Georgia Con-
erence of Methodist ministers in
ais early twenties.
His talent or oratory became
manifest at an early age, and as a
:ircuit rider in Northern Georgia
lie was Immediately successful. He
promptly decided to devote his ener-
.ies to evangelical work.
FIRST APPEARANCE IN MEMPHIS.
In 1885 he accepted ali invitation
# the Memphis Pastors Associa-
ion to preach here. His name had
'een suggested by the Rev. DR.. La
mar. pastor of the Central Baptist
,hurch. The meeting was held at
he Court Street Cumberland Pres
'yterian Church, and lasted three
weeks. With the first speech he
Ielivered the success of the revival
vas assured. Immense crowds
locked to hear the evangelist. He |
ad sounded new note in the dis
emination of the teachings of
'hrist and his popularity increased
y leaps and bounds. The local
ress acclaimed Mr.. Jones as one :
I r
t the most gifted evangelists in
he country, and the pulpit indorsed
be eulogies. Instantly Mr. Jones /
ervices we're demanded elsewhere I
nd after leaving Memphis he soon !
aimed national reputation.
Since then he had spoken in every
ty and town Of prominence in The /
'nited States and the great clamor s
)r his services took him isfo Cana. e