Hon. I. V. Abernethy

Shortly after the noon hour yesterday, Hon. I. V. Abernethy passed away at his home here after a lingering illness of many months. In fact, he had not been a well man for several years, and for several weeks his family and friends had been expecting the end at any time.

Mr. Abernethy was one of Okolona's best and most popular citizens. He served his people as a member of the present legislature.

The funeral will be conducted from the residence this afternoon by his pastor, Rev. W. O. Blount. Interment will be made in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery.

The Okolona Messenger, Thursday, February 5, 1925, Page 1.


The Official and statistical register of the state of Mississippi, Volume 4, 1915, Page 840-841.

IRVIN ABERNETHY of Okolona. Representative from the County of Chickasaw, was born August 23, 1852, at Troy, Pontotoc County, Mississippi. His father, Marion Abernathy came from Alabama and removed to Mississippi in 1849, where he lived until his death in Pontotoc County, 1903. With him to Mississippi came his parents. Samuel Abernathy and wife, who were North Carolinians by birth. Irvin Abernathy is of English and Irish ancestry. His mother, Martha (Wilson) Abernathy. lived, prior to her marriage, with her parents in Pontotoc County, who were among the best people of their section.

Mr. Abernathy received his education in the public schools of three different counties of Mississippi, Pontotoc, Tunica arid Chickasaw. For four years he followed successfully the occupation of teaching. He is at present a farmer and is one of the most worthy and public spirited citizens of Chickasaw County. Though true to his convictions he is open-minded and is always actuated by the highest ideals of honesty and Justice in the service he gives his state. Before his election to the Legislature, in 1915, Representative Abernathy was for years a member of the Board of Supervisors of Chickasaw County, and for ten years filled the office of public cotton weigher. In both capacities he served the public with ability and integrity and was urged to seek higher office.

In the Legislature he has been placed on several important committee* where he tenders faithful and conscientious service: Ways and Means: Agriculture; Public Printing; Fees and Salaries. Mr. Abernathy is a Democrat, and has been a member of the County Executive Committee of his party. He is a Deacon in the Baptist Church, an Odd Fellow, and a Woodman of the World. April 20. 1882 (1879 per Chickasaw Co. Marriage Records), he was married to Mis." Mary Jane Laughlin, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Park) Laughlin of Chickasaw County. The Laughlins are of good Scotch ancestry and were among the early settlers of America in the Colonial period. Mr. and Mrs. Abernathy have eight children: Mabry Lucile. Annie Lee. Ollie Burtrand, William Grady, Luther, C. V., Myrtle, and Mary Evelyn.