The Palatka news and advertiser. [volume] (Palatka, Fla.) 1908-19??, 1910-12-23
JOSEPH m. RIVERS
HAS PASSED AWAY
Was States Attorney for Eighth
Judicial Circuit.

Hon. Joseph NJ Rivers, states attorney
for Putnam and the other counties com
priSing the Eighth Judicial Circuit OF
Florida, died at his home in Gainesville
last Saturday night of pneumonia.
The Gainesville Sun, in chronicling
the story of his life and death says:
"Mr. Rivers was known throughout
middle Florida, add his serious illness
was surprise, and his untimely death a
shock to the people who honored and
trusted him, for he had worthily won
and worthily worn all the honors be-
slowed.
"Mr Rivers was son of Mr.. and
Mrs. l.. w. Rivers of Lake City, being
one of family of ten children. He was
just past forty years of age, having cele-
brated his fortieth anniversary last May.
Being born on Columbia county farm,
Mr.. Rivers early attended the rural pub
lie schools of his section. After receiv-
ing good public school education he
took up the profession of teacher, and
rendered faithful and efficient service
for three years in the public schools oi
Alachua and Columbia counties. Short
ly after reaching young manhood he de-
termined to be a lawyer and began the
study of law under the direction of Col.
Blackwell of Jasper. By burning the
midnight oil he was quickly recognized
as an attorney of ability. After being
admitted to the bar he came to Gaines
vile and began practicing. Being of an
affable and studiouS disposition he was
not long in marching TO the front ranl;
of his chosen profession. He was
elected to the lower house of the State
constituency faithful and conScientior S
service. -Four years ago he was honored
with election as States prosecuting at
torney, which office he retained until
the summons of death was announced.
"Mr. Rivers is survived by his father,
mother and five brothers, who are, DR..
T. NJ. Rivers of KiSSimmee, D. @. and
l.. w. A. Rivers of Lake City, F. B.
Rivers of ValdoSta, and B. o. Rivers Of
Live Oak. He leaves his wife and five
young children. He married Miss Leona
Bitch, daughter of Mr.. and Mrs. w. M.
Bitch of Santa Fe, who survive him.
The children are Leon, LuciuS, Joseph
NJ, Glenn and Byron. Mr.. Rivers was
an Odd Fellow, a director of the Flori
da Anti Saloon League, trustee of Co
lumbia College at Lake City, and super
intendent of the First Baptist church
Sunday school.
"The history of Mr.. Rivers life fully
illustrates what honesty, industry and
devotion to duty will accomplish. Mr..
Rivers was strong man in the court
room, whether in the argument of a
proposition of law or in appeal TO jury.
As an advocate he accomplished his pur
poses by no maneuyering or indirect
method, but went boldly and fearlesSly
up to his work, strong in his convic
lions of right, and absolutely fearless of
the consequence TO himself AT the
bar he was courteous lawyer, fnlly i'm
bued with the nobility of the profession,
and he never lowered it to the standard
of making of his professional ability an
article of trade and barter.
"The sudden death of Mr.. Rivers re-
calls what mockery is human ambi-
ton. An ignis latus, leading madly
onward until the coveted prize is
graSped, only to find it naught save
dust and ashes In the prime OF man
hood, in the midst of pleasant dreams,
when life TO him was SO sweet, so full
of that which human language fails TO
express, the grim harvester reached
forth his hand, and he was stricken
down. Death is seldom welcome, but
never so unwelcomc as when it cuts
down the young, the strong and the
useful, npon whom depend the helpless,
and so it was in the death of Mr. Rivers.
Just forty years of age, he was recog-
nized among the best attorneys OF Flori-
da. and only few days before his death
there was every evidence Of that phySi-
cal strength which, with his age, would
seem to propheSy for him many more
years of usefulness, many years more TO
be given to those who were dependent
upon him-a devoted wife and loving
children, who were ever his constant
1.-The funeral took place Monday
morning at 1890 O'Clock, the services
being held in the First Baptist church,
where Mr.. Rivers had worShipped for
years. The city of Gainesville was in
business was suspended, and
sadness and sorrow could be seen in
every face. His eloquent pastor, Rev.
J. ]. Cloar, spoke beautifully of his
Christian life when his remains were
laid TO rest"