Obituaries of Captain A. J. Driver, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/ajdriver.txt ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb Project policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ALGenWeb Archives File Manager Carolyn Golowka, -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by William Fischer, Jr., February 2001 Obituaries of Captain A. J. Driver, 1919 MR. A. J. DRIVER DIED SUDDENLY --------------- When the room of Capt. A. J. DRIVER in the Bonner Hotel in Roanoke was visited this morning that well known gentleman was found dead in his bed, with every evidence of having passed peacefully from life several hours earlier. He had been in feeble health for some time, but retired apparently in his usual condition. The nephew of the deceased, Mr. B. O. [Berry Owen] DRIVER [Jr., 30 Oct 1893--12 Mar 1922], took charge of the remains, and after having them embalmed, carried them to his home, where the body will rest till tomorrow morning, when it will be carried to West Point, Ga., for interment in the family burying lot. Captain DRIVER’s only surviving child, Mrs. O. E. STAFFORD, of Birmingham, is expected to arrive this evening with her husband. Captain DRIVER was 84 years of age, was a brave Confederate soldier, and in his earlier years was prominent in business circles in West Point and Roanoke. “Uncle Al” was well liked by a large circle of friends. He outlived nearly all the members of his family, and only recently lost a son and a grand-son to whom he was devoted. [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 16 Apr 1919, p.1] --------------------------- TRIBUTE TO CAPT. DRIVER One by one the pillows [pillars?] of the Old South are falling; link by link the golden chain is breaking away! Again we have seen the putting out to sea of that Mystery Ship, Death, which takes from our side those of high station and of low; on this voyage bearing the spirit of the gallant and courtly Captain A. J. DRIVER, one of the few remaining sons of that Old South so well loved and honored by her noble children. Capt. DRIVER was a very Chesterfield in his graceful gallantry of bearing toward his fellows; was always of that chivalrous mind and heart that caused him to reverence womankind wherever encountered; was always of that tender mind and heart that loved children, and drew them to him instinctively, even as pure love ever draws its object. A brave soldier of the Confederacy, he fought with faith and courage the battles for her rights, and never ceased to believe in her bright future; himself contributing in a large measure to her growth in his native State. Captain DRIVER’s cultured mind and kindly bearing drew around him a large circle of friends, who tenderly called him “Uncle Al” and whose hearts are saddened by his going. Having within so short a time been called upon to bury two of his own loved ones, he was heard to express submission to God’s will, but prayed that he himself might go before having to give up his only remaining child and through a kindly Providence, in the quiet of the gentle night, he slipped out to join those who had gone before. A long, useful life of devotion to his family and loved ones and of service to country; an avowed faith in his God and the promises of His Word; these made “Uncle Al” a ready traveler to make the journey to that Other Land, where perfect peace and understanding await those of earth’s sojourners whose faith has been firmly fixed in God. [Editorial from The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 30 Apr 1919, p.4]