JOHN A. MATHISON Submitted by Terry Jackson The Southern Democrat Oneonta, Alabama Thursday, July 4, 1907 Rev. John A. Mathison Dead Rev. John A. Mathison, an able divine of the North Alabama Conference of the M.E. Church, South, died at his home in Lincoln, Monday morning July 1st after undergoing an operation for appendicits. It will be remembered that Mr. Mathison was married to Miss Vessie Davidson, daughter of Dr. A.S. Davidson, of Selfville, about two years ago. He was pastor of the Methodist Church at Lincoln and was held in very high esteem by his people. His remains were brought to Oneonta for interment and were accompanied by Rev. J.L. Mathison and wife of Ozark; A.L. Mathison, of Waterloo; Dr. J.W. Newman, Presiding Elder of the Talladega District; Rev. J.T. Terry of Easonville and the official board of his church composed of A.H. Crawford, G.L. Schmidt, W.D. Davis, W.L. Hollingsworth, J.W. Crawford and J. Harwell Wilson, who acted as pall-bearers, also by Misses Sudie Schmidt and Lula Crawford of the Home Mission Society. The funeral services were conducted at the Methodist church by Rev. W.L. Hendericks assisted by Revs. Newman and Wilson, after which the remains were conveyed to the new cemetery east of Oneonta. Although Mr. Mathison was only 28 years of age he was considered one of the leading young ministers of the conference and great things seemed to be in store for him. It is sad to give up one whose influence for good among men was just dawning, who by his station in life was so well calculated to spread abroad the blessings of godly living. Yet, "He that doeth all things well, makes no mistakes," and we humbly bow to his will. While the silence of death wraps and chills the relatives and friends at this moment, memories, sweet and precious come crowding in.