July 9, 1909 The Edison News - Vol. 5, Page 1 - Edison, Georgia

Death Of An Old Citizen Last Friday - Mr. Gideon Pritchett Passes To The Beyond After A Long Life Well Spent On Earth

It is with genuine regret that we chronicle this week the sad death of Mr. Gideon Pritchett, which occurred Friday morning last week at his home in the Mars Community, about 8 miles West of Edison.

Up until last October he was enjoying usual good health, and though feeble at times, was able to transact business and to go over his farm, but since then his health declined rapidly and a few weeks ago all hope of his life being spared was abandoned, and the loved ones sadly awaited the coming of the death angel.

The deceased was one of the oldest and best know citizens of this section, and at the time of his death was 87 years, 4 months, and one week old. Mr. Pritchett lived nearly all of his life at the place of his death, and while the announcement of his death was expected, it caused a gloom of sadness in every home in that section.

Mr. Pritchett lived an ideal Christian life, and for many years was the leading force in the upbuilding of the Mars Hills Primitive Baptist Church, one of the strongest of its kind in this part of the State. As a neighbor and citizen, he was loved by many, as a husband, kind and thoughtful, a loving father and splendid example of all that a Christian man could be.

Besides a large numbers of relatives, grand and great grandchildren, the deceased is survived by his wife, who is now nearing her 80th mile post and six children: Mrs. H.C. Hodges of Moye, Mr. J.T. Pritchett and Mrs. Bill Strickland of near Edison, Mrs. Forrest of Early County; Mrs. J.S. Everett of Columbus and Mrs. J.K. Everett of Florella.

The remains were consigned to their last resting place in the Mars Hill Cemetery, Saturday morning at 10:00 in the presence of a large crowd that had gathered far and near to pay a last tribute of respect to one whom they had known and loved and claimed as a personal friend. The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. Mr. Petty, in a most befitting manner.

To his aged wife and his children and other relatives, we join with others in extending heart felt sympathy to them in their sad bereavement.




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His wife being Mary Ann Bell 2nd wife Christian Stewart 11/16/1879 in Clay Co. 6/5/1851 Gideon and wife joined Mars Hill Primitive Baptist Church, 10/29/1863 Gideon joined CoB, 4th LA Infantry, Civil War, A deacon for over 60 years at Mars Hill, and a farmer in Clay Co. He requested a calico horse not mules to take his body to rest at his death. They had 14 children

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Gideon was living in Conecuh County, Alabama when he was conscripted to the war on October 29, 1863 at Mobile, Alabama with Company B, 4th Louisiana Infantry. I have these records from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Gideon never served with a Georgia unit. Gideon died on July 9, 1909 and is buried at Mars Hill Primitive Baptish Church near Edison, Georgia and has a Confederate headstone. Submitted by Barbara W. Pritchett