Pike County Georgia Obituaries - Capt. Jack Mitchell 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 Co., Ga., Friday February 8, 1895 Capt. Jack Mitchell Dead After an Illness of Only About Twenty-Four Hours With Paralysis The Most Popular Man In Pike Pike County Mourns a Favorite Son - Some of the Incidents of His Life Capt. J.H. Mitchell is dead. The announcement is fraught with sadness to the people of this county, and especially to those of this immediately [sp] community. Last Friday Capt. Mitchell was superintending some repair work for W.H. Mitchell. He walked home, a considerable distance, to his dinner and seemed to be in usual health. He went back to his work in the afternoon and about sunset he threw his overcoat across his shoulders and started for home. He did not arrive before dark, an unusual thing for him, and a search was instituted for him. He was found at 7 o'clock in an unconscious condition. He was lying on his back, his hat and his overcoat being several feet from him. A cold rain and sleet had been falling since dark and the clothing and body were wet and cold. The prostrate form was borne to the home of a colored man where the warmth of a good fire dried the clothing. Then he was carried home and Dr. Head was summoned. The doctor pronounced the trouble an extreme stroke of paralysis involving the left side. Every attention was bestowed, but at 7 o'clock p.m. Saturday tired nature went to rest and that great, warm-hearted man, Captain John Harris Mitchell was dead. On Monday morning a grave was prepared at the Baptist church cemetery, and at 11 o'clock a.m. the largest crowd ever seen in Zebulon on a similar occasion had assembled in and around the church to hear the funeral discourse, which was preached by Rev. J.W. Beek. Not half the crowd could get in the house, but they remained patiently outside until the services were over, and then filed down and up the aisles to view the features of their dead friend for the last time. Then according to a request of Capt. Mitchell the masonic fraternity took charge of the services and proceeded to the grave to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of a beloved brother. This ceremony was conducted by H.C. Burr of Griffin. Thus ended a life that has been useful and true to Pike county, to Georgia, to the South, to family and friends. The writer of these lines feels keenly the loss of one of the first and best friends he made in Pike county and he extends his sincere sympathy to the bereaved family. Personal History J.H. Mitchell was a son of Samuel Mitchell, and was born May 5, 1833. He was married to Miss Rebecca Wells, sister of Rev. Harry Wells, Dec. 26, 1854. He was elected to the state legislature in 1859 and made a useful member. When war was declared between the states and the call went forth for southern troops, Capt. Mitchell responded and went out with Co. A, 13th Ga. regiment - the first company that went from Pike. There he made a fine record and never shirked a duty that was imposed on him. At Cotton Hill in the mountains of W.Va., he was officer of the guards and one night as he was making the rounds of duty was mistaken for an enemy and was fired upon by his men. As a result he received a broken leg and a wound which made him a cripple for life. He was discharged and cane home, but on recovering went back into service. He was made captain of his company and did his duty heroically. On a forced march his broken leg gave him pain and great inconvenience. He was wounded again at the Seven Days Fight in front of Richmond. This time he was shot through the wrist, and was again discharged. He came home again seriously disabled. Capt. E.L. Conally taking his place as captain of the company. He was elected again to the legislature in 1864 and was re-elected in 1888, 90-92 - having served five full terms. He refused to offer his name for another term, and declined other similar offers, saying that the county had honored him enough. He professed faith in Christ as a savior and united with the Zebulon Baptist church in 1883 and served acceptably and creditably as a deacon for six years, holding this position at the time of his death. His marriage was blessed with ten children - seven of whom are now living, honored and respected by all who know them. Mrs. Mitchell is also living and is a very superior woman, one whose council and encouragement contributed much to the great political and social strength of her husband. In Free Masonary Capt. Mitchell was indeed a bright light. He took the Entered Apprentice degree on Saturday evening, June 10, 1854; was passed June 27th and was raised July 11th. The officers at the time were Hartford Green, W.M., S.K. Reeves, S.W. and W.D. Redding, J.W. [?]. He was elected secretary of Montgomery Lodge No. 31 in December following. He occupied the West station in 1859. In 1874, he was sent to the East and served there for seven years consecutively. He was succeeded by Dr. Redding in 1882; was elected S.W. in 1883 and returned to the East in 1884 where he served seven years again consecutively. J.H. Howell was then elected Master and Capt. Mitchell returned to the west and was in charge of that station up to his death. He entered honorably into the spirit of the fraternity. His charity was broad and without the semblance of trumpeting. His love toward the brethren was true as steel and in return he was loved and venerated as one of the landmarks of the order. His lectures, and especially the one on the third degree, was a gem and Masons who knew him would ride miles through the cold and rain to hear it. His last active Masonic work was at Mt. Olive lodge a few weeks ago. His work there will never be forgotten by any person present. His name will remain a fragrant memory with the brethren. Peace to his ashes! Peace to his posterity! (Transcribed 11/2/02 Lynn Cunningham)