The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1915-10-19
FOUND DYING IN ROOM
nP IA. IVEY, BELOVED BAPTIST
DIVINE, DIES SUDDENLY.
2, oft Note Saying, II May Have Taken
and Overdose of Medicine. Ii
Have God Forgive Me-"

Have God Forgive Me-"
A death tinged with sadnes and
,o+bos was that of Rev. ]. A. Ivey,
whose spirit winged its fight to the
Cod who gave it at ten O'Clock last
Thursday morning.
DR.. Ivey had attended prayer meet
ing at the Baptist church the night
before and took his usual active part
in the services, appearing in his US
nal cheerful and happy spirit Re-
turning to the home of Mr.. j. H.
Whitchard, where he boarded, he re-
tired to his room, after exchanging a
fow words with Mr.. Whitchard.
He did not appear for breakfast
the next morning, and Mr.. Witch
ard. not hearing him moving about,
went into his room to investigate.
When he entered the room he found
Mr.. Ivey struggling and hastily sum-
moned physicians, who labored to re-
vive him, but without avail.
The rumor of suicide spread rap
idly through the city, and upon in
vestigation a short note was found,
which read: Il fear l have taken an
overdose of some medicine sent me
bv a doctor from Texas. If so may
God forgive me"
Last May DR.. Ivey buried his wife,
who had been his boon companion,
helper and inspiration in his work as
a minister of the gospel, and since
that time he has been gloomy and
despOndent, and in failing health.
To his intimate friends it was appar-
ent that DR.. Ivey's mind was not nor
NAL at times, and that the death of
his wife preyed heavily upon him. 1t
is said that he had been taking drug
to brace him up in his great loss.
Many doubt the suicide theory and
believe that the taking of an over
dose of the medicine was accidental.
At the time of his death DR.. Ivey
was in his 68th year, and his life
had been an eventful and useful one.
He was graduated from Mercer Uni
versity in 1875, and came immedi
ately to this city as pastor of the
Dawson Baptist church, which posi-
ton he acceptably filled for a num-
Der of years. While pastor of the
Dawson church he married, bringing
his bride here, and they both proved
valuable workers for the Master S
cause Leaving Dawson DR.. Ivey went
to TalbOtton as pastor of the Baptist
church there, later removing to Tex
as, where he filled pulpits in num-
Der of the leading churches for about
20 years. About ten years ago he
returned to Dawson, and was pastor
of a number of the nearby churches.
At the time of his death he was pas
tor of the Baptist churches of Lees
burg, Smithville and Coleman where
he was held in high esteem by his
congregations and others.
Dr. Ivey vas easy to approach, and
his genial disposition made him
fayCrite with all, without regard to
creed or church, as we'll as with those
who do not affiliate with any church.
He was recognized as a man of ire
prOachable christian character and
lofty ideals, and many a sin-sick,
weary soul has caught inspiration
from his teachings and been led to
the way of life through his influence.
Dr. Ivey is survived by two broth
ers, Mr.. Judson Ivey of Leesburg and
Mr.. A. J. Ivey of Brooklyn, Ga.
The funeral services were held in
the Baptist church at O'Clock Thurs
day afternoon in the presence of
large gathering of sorrowing friends,
and were conducted by Rev. T. NJ.
Galloway, pastor of the First Baptist
church, assisted by Rev. j. NJ. Cutler,
pastor of the First Methodist church,
after which the remains were convey
ed to Cedar Hill cemetery, where
they were buried beside the grave of
his wife.
The world was made richer by the
life of this sainted man of God and
his going is a distinct loss to it. The
reflection of his life and his cheering
words and deeds of kindness will
make the world better and brighter
for his having lived in it.