Obituary of Tabor Hudson

The following obituary was transcribed by Suzanne Forte (suzanneforte@bellsouth.net) from a scrapbook in her possession, belonging to her great grandmother, Cora Lorena Foster Weeks. Lorena was born Jan 25, 1877 in Freestone Co, Texas and died Jan 6, 1952 in Gilmer County, Georgia. This obituary was presumably from the Gilmer County newspaper, the Times Courier, but could have been from the Atlanta, Georgia, newspaper, the Atlanta Journal/Constitution.

Surnames: Hudson, Tabor

Date: 30 Sep 1947

"Last Rites Held Friday at Cartecay For Mr. J. S. Hudson"

   Funeral services for Judge J. S. Hudson, prominent and honored citizen of the county, were held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Cartecay Methodist Church. The Masonic ritual was observed. Mr. Hudson was 88 years old.

   The services were conducted by Rev. H.D. Helton, pastor, who was assisted by Rev. C. M. Lipham, District Superintendant of Dalton; Dr. H. P. Bell, pastor of the Ellijay Baptist Church, and Rev. C. B. Cochran, pastor of the Ellijay Methodist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.

   Mr. Hudson was an office holder in various capacities for 45 years. For a period of ten years he was county school superintendent and for 20 years he was a member of the board of education. He was Gilmer County's first effective commissioner of roads and revenues. He was a pioneer in a number of public improvements. He was a foremost figure in the building of four state highways through the county. He directed the local phase of this work while two of the roads were graded and two of them paved. He was also first in directing better standards of farm production among boys. He was tactful and diplomatic in obtaining many improved rights of way for better roads. He surveyed and placed on better grade many of the roads of the county. While lacking many of the present day heavy road machines, he nevertheless made a memorable start toward roads through the county.

   Mr. Hudson was kind and hospitable in his home and made callers feel fully welcome. He was prompt to accomodate, and many will always remember him as the helpful and sympathetic friend of the young people as well as a figure in public affairs generally.

   Mr. Hudson's father was J.A. Hudson, who was killed at the age of 28 at the Battle of Resaca in 1864. His grave is there in the Confederate cemetery.

   On February 21, 1889 he was married to Miss Harriett Elizabeth Tabor, who died January 2, 1929.

   Mr. Hudson was a member of the Cartecary Methodist Church, in which he was chairman of the board of stewards for 50 years. He had been a member of the Ellijay Masonic Lodge for 50 years and was to receive his 50 year pin this week. He operated extensive farming interests and had developed one of the county's finest apple orchards. He was prominent in the soil conservation program of this district.

   Surviving are three children, E.T. Hudson, President of the Ellijay bank; Miss Winnifred Hudson, Ellijay; R. G. Hudson of Blue Ridge and three grandchildren.