Newton-Oglethorpe County GaArchives Obituaries.....Hawkins, Sion W. July 20 1898
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Phyllis Thompson http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00011.html#0002524 June 21, 2004, 12:26 pm

Georgia Enterprise, July 28, 1898
EDITOR HAWKINS DEAD
  Sion W. Hawkins was born in Sumpter county, Ga., Sept. 29th, 1849, and died
July 20th, 1898. These dates record the beginning and the end of life for one 
who was our friend, and perhaps the best known and most beloved man in 
Covington.
  The announcement of his death sent a pang of sorrow to the heart of every man,
woman and child in our town, for all knew and loved him, and experienced a sense
of personal loss and bereavement.
  No man ever served his people more earnestly and devotedly. For years he was 
the editor of the Enterprise, one of our best weekly papers. As an Editor he 
was fair and just-at the same time, loyal to his party. His pen was used to 
upbuild and develop the resources of his section and State. Democracy had no 
truer champion and defender.
  Mr. Hawkins enjoyed in a large measure the respect and confidence of his 
people, as was evidenced by his being often selected to fill positions of trust 
an honor. Several times as an Alderman he served the city with marked ability 
and fidelity. In December last he was placed in charge of Municipal affairs and 
was giving to our town, a clean and economical administration. Had he lived to 
see its close, he would have passed into history as one of our best and most 
popular Mayors.
  In 1886 the Democratic party nominated him for Representative and elected him 
by a large majority, the first organized Democrat to represent Newton county in
many years. In all these positions energy, zeal, loyalty and devotion 
characterized his labors. As a man he was kind and generous, charitable and 
sympathetic. He loved his fellow men and was ever ready to lend a helping hand 
to any and all needing assistance and to speak a kind and cheerful word to those
needing encouragement. The "Stranger within our gates" ever received from him
cordial welcome.
  In 1874 he was happily married to Miss Camilla Calloway of Oglethorpe county.
This union was a peculiarly happy one. For near 25 years they journeyed together
along life's pathway. His devoted wife was to him a source of strength and 
inspiration, a veritable help-mate. For her he entertained a love and devotion, 
akin to that of Isaac for Rebecca.
  In 1887 Mr. Hawkins united with the Methodist Church and for eleven years 
preserved his Christian integrity, walking upright before God and man. Speaking
to a friend just before his death, he remarked: "The faith I experienced in the 
hour of conversion and baptism, is with me and sustains me now."
  The writer knew him intimately as a man, citizen, public official, a Mason and
as a member of the same church. In all these relations he proved himself worthy
and faithful.
  Lovingly I recall his virtues and pay this tribute to his memory.
  His remains were laid to rest in the family section of the cemetery here 
Thursday. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. E. Dickey, of Oxford.

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