The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1914-07-31
FATHER OLIVER DEAD.
Body Lies in State at Church for
Funeral tuesday.

Jacksonville hearts of all in this
community are bowed with the deep
est sorrow at the passing away OF ono
of Its foremost citizens, the silken
cord which bound the spirit of Rev.
Father Oliver, pastor OF st. Peters
Catholic Church to Its earthly tene.
ment, having been sundered.
The body was borne to the church.
where 1t lies In state, and will remain
until the funeral hour. when a solemn
requiem mass will be held with Rt.
Rev. John L. Gum. bishop OF the do
cese Of Natchez, as the celebrant. A
guard OF honor of the knights OF st.
John will remain in constant attend.
ance at the bier until the funeral Ia
held.
|. Charles A. Oliver, DID, was a ma
tive Mississippian, having been born
In Clay county on May /, 1857. having
just entered his fifty.eighth year. He
was the eldest son of DR.. and Mrs.
Charles A, Oliver. both of whom had
settled In Mississippi from Nottoway
county. Va. early in their married
life.
His early education was received at
Cecilian college, near Bardstown, KY.
whence he graduated at the age of
II. A a youth he showed evidences
of a brilliant mentality, was an apt
and ready student, being especially
devoted to literature, ancient and
modern. and languages, He could
carry on conversation in German,
Spanish, Italian, French, Russian.
Dutch. Austrian, and was an adept at
Greek and Latin.
Deciding to enter the ministry Of
his adopted church, he having been
born a Protestant, he entered the
American College In Rome, where he
studied for six years, taking the de-
gree Of doctor of divinity, He always
took especial pride in the fact that he
acquired his theological training I'M
der Cardinal Satolli, one of the most
brilliant men in the Catholic hier.
archy.
He returned to his own country in
1888 and was assigned to work ut
Holly Springs, where he served two
or three years, He has served also
at Vicksburg, Scranton and other
points In the state.
Father Oliver in 1919 celebrated the
twenty-fifth anniversary Of his ordina-
ton when most of the priests Of his
diocese were present to participate.
He has been chancellor of the do
cese for several years and was highly
regarded by clergy and laity alike.
Father Oliver leaves two brothers,
!. A. and Roger Oliver, both of this
city. and other near relatives in Mis-
sissippi. He was universally beloved.
this high degree Of love and respect
being generally held throughout the
community In which Is years of a
busy. helpful life has been spent.
He had been a great reader and a
St"uNhb VI ahtliS wac hA'tib ahh nv
tentive in conversation, and was On.
sidered a walking encyclopedia Of
general information. He was fond Of
chess, and whenever opportunity af-
forded would look up his chess club
brethren, and was considered a good,
careful player.
He was of the type of man to make
a definite and decided impression on
his fellow men, Of tastes and ideals
simple and essentially Democratic.
While he was what the world calls
Catholic, 1t was a broad and liberal
spirit that characterized his life and
teaching, combined with sympathy
and respect for humanity generally.
He was easily one Of the best known
men in Jackson, and his charity was
as broad as his acquaintance, His
genial, helpful personality will be
sadly missed from among his fellow
men, ...