Strange Death
Last Saturday night a most singular event transpired in this county. An old and well known gentleman by the name of Joel SULLIVAN, who resided about five miles northeast of Bolivar, died in the following manner: Mr. SULLIVAN, who had attained the age of 86 years, as usual, did a good day’s work on Saturday. At night he went to his home, a large double log house, ate a hearty meal, and, seemingly, in the best of health, retired to rest. About midnight he rose from his bed, crossed the wide hall that separated the two rooms, woke up the members of the family and told them that he was dying, at the same time shaking hands with each one of the inmates and bidding them a final farewell; he then went back to the room from whence he came, woke up his grandson, shook hands with him and told him also that he was dying; after so doing he seated himself in a chair, his features quickly underwent a change, his limbs relaxed, while a thick film gathered over his eyes. He was taken from the chair, and placed upon the bed nearby, but alas, the spirit of the old man had forever fled from its casket of clay. His only remark after bidding the family farewell was that he seemed to be choking. What a mystery is life, how strange is death!

The Bolivar Bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 25 Jan. 1868, Page 3. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.