Pike County Georgia News- J. C. Driver Letter 1895 ********************************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ********************************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Lynn Cunningham lcunnin1@bellsouth.net Table of Contents page: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/pike.htm Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm The Pike County Journal. Zebulon, Pike County, Georgia, August 9, 1895 >From a Dying Man Its contrary to the general rule to find a letter written by a dying man, but in one case, at least, the rule must give away to an exception. In another column we print the letter written by J.C. Driver of Tampa, Fla., last May to his father and mother in this county. At the time of Mr. Driver's death he was the architect in charge of some large buildings that were being constructed at Tampa. He was a bout 30 years of age and a son of J.W. and Mrs. Sarah Driver of this county. His letter was in response to one from home in which he received some flowers. His strength gave out and he signed his letter in a very uneven hand. Then in a few minutes he was asleep in death. A Letter Tampa, Fla., May 10 1895 My dear father and mother, my dear sister and brother: your long waited letter came last night, but the shadow of death came first, and while passing through the shadow I listened to the words for which I had waited so long. The rose leaves were sweeter than any honey and I placed them over my heart - there to perish with my pain-wasted body, but which will bloom again in a new life where there is neither pain or death. Father, I want to put my arms around your neck once more, I have so longed for a sight of your dear old face again. I ask you to forgive all the wrong and any distress I have caused you and remember I am waiting for you in the world above. Mother, I am glad your health is so much better, and that you are free from so much suffering. Oh, I have suffered more than tongue can tell, and I have so longed to see you again, but it will be in a better world where we will part no more. Tillo, be good to your wife. Some day you may need her as I have needed mine. Try to do good works. Keep good company and you will know happiness and peace. Bessie and Hassie I will remember when I go up higher and will give them the protection I could not give here. Prepare to meet me on the beautiful shore. Give my love to all the neighbors and friends. Tell Molly Irvin I wish her every possible happiness. Sallie and Giles I remember and the kindness they did me in the old days, and Giles in the long suffering in Atlanta. They will receive a just reward for all acts so bestowed. Uncle Clay I think of so much and have prayed for him with all my heart. And now in this world farewell! I await your coming on the other shore. Farewell father and mother. [signed] J.C. Driver (Transcribed 11/06/02 Lynn Cunningham Note: 1880 Census Place: District 545, Pike, Georgia Source: FHL Film 1254161 National Archives Film T9-0161 Page 29D Julius W. DRIVER, Self, M, M, W, 47, GA, Occ: Farmer, Fa: NC, Mo: NC Sarah E. DRIVER, Wife, F, M, W, 37, MS, Occ: At Home, Fa: GA, Mo: GA Sallie DRIVER, Dau, F, S, W, 22, GA, Occ: At Home, Fa: GA, Mo: GA Emma DRIVER, Dau, F, S, W, 12, GA, Occ: At Home, Fa: GA, Mo: GA Tilla DRIVER, Son, M, S, W, 9, GA, Occ: At Home, Fa: GA, Mo: GA Bessie M. DRIVER, Dau, F, S, W, 2, GA, Occ: At Home, Fa: GA, Mo: GA