Decedent
Gospel Pilgrim Decedents has a comprehensive list of men, women, and children interred in the cemetery. Using grave markers, obituaries, and death certificates, we have complied a list of individuals buried within the cemetery and, to the extent possible with archival silences, developed short biographies of each persons' life. Some decedents have marked graves, while others do not.
In part, this data is based on an early 2000s GIS survey of the cemetery, which was completed by David Berle, Gail Tarver, Taylor Ladd from the University of Georgia's Horticulture Department. The Athens-Clarke County Death Certificate data was, likewise, transcribed by Leah Richier, an graduate alumni of the University of Georgia's Department of History.
Last Name | First Name | Gender | Race | Status | Occupation | DOB | DOD | Age | Grave Location | Grave Marker | Biography |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rhodes | Joe | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Jones | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1831 | December 31, 1916 | 85 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | John W. Jones was born on March 19, 1832 and most likely spent his early life enslaved. He married Georgia Thomas Jones, a cook, around 1881 and the couple had three living children. In 1900, he worked as a cook and owned a house at 360 Broad Street. In 1910, he rented a house at 563 Broad Street and did not work. According to the 1916 City Directory, he lived at 522 W Broad Street. He died from unknown causes on July 27, 1917. |
Boyd | Thad | Male | African American | Enslaved | Shoemaker | December 31, 1847 | December 31, 1903 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thaddeus "Thad" Boyd was born sometime between 1842 and 1848 and most likely spent his childhood and youth enslaved. As a freeman, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens. He married Araminta Boyd and had at least six children: William, Carrie, Thad Jr., Nannie, Eulessis [Ulysses?], and Mary Lou. By 1900, he was widowed and living at 1019 W Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on November 15, 1904. |
Clarke | Joseph | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 13 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Griggs | Joe | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1949 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Joe Henry Griggs, who resided at 280 Cain St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in May 1950. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Teasly | Walter | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Charlie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1959 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Charlie Grant Jones, who resided at 462 Reese Street, died from unknown causes in January 1960. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Mathews | Henry | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1854 | December 31, 1916 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Henry Mathews was born between 1855 and 1861 and most likely spent his childhood enslaved. In 1900, he worked as Rail Road Laborer and lived as a single, male boarder at 772 Georgia Railroad Street. He married Lizzie Mathews and, in 1910, the couple lived at 144 Summey. At that time, he worked as a city streets laborer. According to the 1914 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at Summey, which intersected Lumpkin Street near Cedar Street. On February 7, 1917, he died from unknown causes. |
Turner | Luther | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1884 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Luther Turner was born around 1885. He married Frances Turner and the couple had at least seven children: John, Dorthey, Walter, Fannis, Charles, Joseph, and Crawford. In 1920, the couple lived on Water Street and he worked as a laborer for the Southern Railroad. In 1940, they lived at 970 Hobson Street and he worked as a watchman. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
Mongumory | Tom | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | Tom | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1953 | 59 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Eveline Howard, Tom Johnson was born around 1895 or 1896. He most likely served in the 341 Service Battalion during the First World War. In 1920, he worked as a laborer at a cotton press and he and his mother rented a place at the rear of 789 Thomas Street. He died from unknown causes on April 7, 1954. At the time of his death, he lived at Apt. 188 803 Play Lane. |
Reid | Dina | Male | African American | Free | Seamstress | December 31, 1885 | December 31, 1917 | 32 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Dina Reid was born around 1886. She married Lorenza W. Reed Jr. and, in 1910, the couple lived on Pearl Street. She worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes on April 17, 1918. |
Huff | John | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1884 | December 31, 1926 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Richards | J. | Male | African American | Free | Reverend | December 31, 1920 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Brewer | Dennis | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1898 | December 31, 1927 | 29 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Georgia and Albert Brewer, Dennis Brewer was born on April 28, 1899. In 1920, he lived with his parents and worked as a laborer. According to the 1921 City Directory, he still worked as a laborer and lived at 1018 Pope Street. By 1924, he lived at 986 Water Street. He died at 29 years old on October 25, 1928. |
Cleveland | J. | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1925 | 18 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Foster | Robert | Male | African American | Enslaved | Farmer | December 31, 1852 | December 31, 1917 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Nice and Lee Foster, Robert H. Foster was born around 1853 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he worked as a farm laborer and lived with his parents. He married Emma Foster and the couple had at least three children: Ella, William, Robert, and John. He worked as a farmer in 1880 and 1910; he lived outside of town near “Allensville and Wherele Hall Road” In 1918, he and his son were accused of “desecrating the United States Flag,” but were both acquitted of the crime. He died from unknown causes on September 3, 1918. |
Terrell | George | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Jones | Walter | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1954 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Walter Jones died from unknown causes in April 1955. He married Annie Jones, and the couple had at least two children—Melease Jones Winston and Walter Jones Jr. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Matthews | Anderson | Male | African American | Free | Driver | December 31, 1887 | December 31, 1917 | 29 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Jennie Mathews, Anderson Matthews was born on July 15, 1888. He married Julia Cheney in November 1914. During First World War, he lived on W Hancock Avenue and worked as a chauffeur. According to the 1914 City Directory, he lived at 1423 W Broad Street. At 29 years old, he died from unknown on May 17, 1918. |
Upson | Neal | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1860 | December 31, 1941 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Jane and Harold Upson, Neal Upson was born around 1861. According to a 1930s WPA interview, he was enslaved on Frank Upson’s plantation in Oglethorpe County. He married Brynie Upson. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 22, 1942. | |
Grant | Render | Male | African American | Free | Chauffer | December 31, 1922 | 23 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Moore | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1925 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | William | Male | African American | Unknown | Reverend | December 31, 1841 | December 31, 1908 | 67 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William D. Johnson was born in Maryland on March 19, 1842. In 1879, he married Alice V. Johnson of Georgia. The couple had at least five children. As a clergyman, Johnson could read, write, and owned his own house at 529 Lumpkin Street. He died from unknown causes on April 10, 1909. |
Reid | Willie | Male | African American | Free | Butcher | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1937 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Nora Smith and Willie Reid, Willie Reid was born on August 16, 1894. In 1910, he lived with his grandmother (Della Batiste) and worked as a brick yard laborer. During the First World War he served in the 315th Labor Battalion. At 43 years old, He died from rheumatic heart disease on April 15, 1938. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 462 Madison Avenue. |
Allen | Owen | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1828 | December 31, 1899 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Owen Allen was born in December 1829 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He married Margaret Allen and the couple had at least five children—Hopy, Albert, Henry, Nancy, and Margaret. In 1870, he worked as a “Day Laborer” and, in 1880, as a "farmer." According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith at 907 S Lumpkin Street and lived in Allensville. He died, at 71 years of age, on December 28, 1900. |
Hunter | Sebe | Male | African American | Free | Merchant | December 31, 1921 | 35 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Kenney | Charlie | Male | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1964 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Charlie Kenney died on August 16, 1965. | |||
Colbert | Guy | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1922 | 18 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Hudson | Charlie | Male | African American | Enslaved | Merchant | December 31, 1857 | December 31, 1941 | 84 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Charlie Hudson was born around 1858 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Maggie Hutson, a laundress, around 1904 and the couple lived at 387 Odd Street in 1910. He worked as a retail grocery merchant in 1910 and 1920. He died from unknown causes on October 29, 1942. |
Killian | W. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1951 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, W. H. Killian Sr. died from unknown causes in March 1952. He married Ruth Moon Killian, and the couple had at least three children, William Herty Killian Jr., Archibald Killian, Alfred Killian, and Clarence Killian. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Matthews | John | Male | African American | Free | Merchant | December 31, 1883 | December 31, 1940 | 57 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | John T. Matthews was born between 1874 and 1884. He married Margaret “Maggie” Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. He worked as farmer in 1920 and was a dry goods store merchant in 1930. He died from unknown causes on March 27, 1941. |
Green | Rudell | Male | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1924 | December 31, 1924 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Morton | Ebb | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Au[??] | Ned | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
Morton | Charles | Male | African American | Free | Entertainment Industry | December 31, 1902 | December 31, 1969 | 67 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and Tallulah Morton, Charles Morton was born on February 27, 1903. In 1910 and 1920, he attended school and lived with his parents and siblings on Prince Avenue. In 1930, he worked as a “Machine operator” at the “picture show,” most likely at the Morton Theatre. According to his Second World War draft card, he worked for his family and lived at 823 Prince Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked at Twentieth Century Billiards and lived, with Goldiee W., at 659 W Hancock Avenue. At 67 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 20, 1970. |
Wymbs | J. | Male | African American | Free | Minister | December 31, 1890 | December 31, 1935 | 45 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Janette and Lewis Wymbs, J. H. Wymbs was born around 1891. He died from an acute infection on August 15, 1936. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a minister and lived at 175 Second Street. |
Brittain | Will | Male | African American | Free | City Worker | December 31, 1866 | December 31, 1925 | 57 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Gabriel Brittain, Will Brittain was born in November 1867 in Georgia. He married Brayne Brittin and the couple may or may not have had children. He died from apoplexy on March 21, 1926 and, at the time of his death, he “worked for the city” at lived at 140 [Glyn?]. |
Cole | Loucious | Male | African American | Free | Driver | December 31, 1904 | December 31, 1924 | 20 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Huff | Will | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1934 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Alois Howard and Gib Huff, Will Huff was born on March 12, 1893 in Crawford, Georgia. He died from [??] of heart and nephritis on February 11, 1935. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as laborer and lived at 264 Bridge Street. |
Thomas | Alfred | Male | African American | Free | Mechanic | December 31, 1918 | 27 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Maxwell | Charlie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1971 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Charlie Joe Maxwell, who resided at 253 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes on June 12, 1972. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
[Carey?] | Eddie | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
Griffen | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 26 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Johnson | Eddie | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1919 | December 31, 1946 | 27 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Mattie Franklin and Eddie Ted Johnson, Eddie Johnson was born on May 9, 1920. He never married. In 1941, he lived in Chicago and worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Still living in the city, he was working as a “Bumper Factory Worker” when he died from unknown causes on November 13, 1947. The body was returned to Athens for burial in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. |
Morton | Claud | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1892 | December 31, 1892 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Claud Morton was born in February 1893 and died in June; he was just over 3 months old. He most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family. | ||
Derricotte | Mathew | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1943 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Mathew “Booby” Derricotte was born around 1890. In 1909, he worked as a laborer and lived at 46 Hull Street. He married Lucy Derricotte and, according to the 1942 City Directory, they lived at 270 Fifth Street. He still worked as laborer. At 54 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 28, 1944. |
Scott | Emmett | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1925 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Smith | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Carpenter | December 31, 1888 | December 31, 1924 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Nellie Thomas and Scott Smith, Robert Smith was born around 1889. He married Pearl Smith and served in the 313 Service Battalion during the First World War. He died from being “shot by police in self defense” on December 25, 1925. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as carpenter and lived at 387 Flint Street. |
Howell | Leonard | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1954 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in November 1955. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
McCleskey | Edward | Male | African American | Free | Carpenter | December 31, 1864 | December 31, 1931 | 67 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Julia and William McCleskey, Edward McCleskey was born in March 1865. In 1930, he was widowed and owned a home at 220 Harris Street. He worked as a carpenter for much of his life. At age 67, he died from cardiovascular renal disease on September 19, 1932. |
Neelia | Peter | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1925 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Austin | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1895 | December 31, 1939 | 44 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Henry L. Austin was born on February 28, 1896 in Washington, Georgia. During the First World War, he served as a private in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. At the start of the war, he lived at 528 Strong Street. After the war, he married Ada Austin, a cook, and in 1930 the couple lived in the rear of 574 Pulaski Street. It is unknown if they had children. In 1930, he worked as a laborer for the University of Georgia and, in 1935, he was a janitor, most likely for the university. In 1935, he and Ada lived at 150 N. Harris Street. He died from unknown causes on June 29, 1940. His wife, still living at 150 N Harris Street, ordered a military tombstone marker in1941. |
Adams | Clarence | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Brown | Hamilton | Male | African American | Free | Printer | December 31, 1903 | December 31, 1970 | 66 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Mamie E. and Anderson Brown, Hamilton J. Brown was born on May 3, 1904. As a child, he lived on Reese Street with his parents. In 1947, he worked as a printer and, according to the 1947 and 1949 City Directories, he lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes on January 25, 1971. |
Hunter | Richard | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1928 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Carolina and Richard Hunter, Richard Hunter was born sometime between 1857 and 1869 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked as a laborer on the city streets in 1910 and as a “general worker” in 1920. He married Rachel Hunter and the couple had at least three children: Anna Bell, Nellie Bell, and Christine. He died from pneumonia on March 16, 1929. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a mechanic and lived at 487 Madison Avenue. |
Thomas | Eluice | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1923 | December 31, 1924 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
McCree | Sam | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1955 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Sam McCree, the son of Ella Kelly and the husband of Rowena McCree, died from unknown causes on October 1956. The funeral was handled by McWhorter Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Johnson | Emanuel | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1939 | 43 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Lulu and George Johnson, Emanuel Johnson was born in May 1897. In 1900, the family lived at 8 Oconee Street. He married Lonie Johnson and, in 1929, they lived at 260 Vine Street. At that time, he worked as a janitor. According to the 1931 City Directory, he worekd as a janitor at the First Baptist Church and lived at 260 Vine Street. He remained at that address, according to the 1940 City Directory. He died from unknown causes on October 2, 1940. He was only 43. |
Reid | Lorenzo | Male | African American | Enslaved | Barber | December 31, 1862 | December 31, 1946 | 84 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Lorenzo W. Reid was born around 1863 and most likely enslaved as a child. On October 5, 1884, he married Laura Richardson Reid, a laundress, and the couple had at least ten children: Beulah, L. W., Charlie, Addie, Fannie, Louisa, Ruth, Etta, Mattiline, and Laura Ella. In 1900, the family lived at 431 Bridge Street. He worked as a barber in 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1940. In 1940, he lived at 431 Bridge Street. At 83 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 14, 1947. |
Aycock | Homer | Male | African American | Free | Decorator | December 31, 1901 | December 31, 1959 | 58 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Homer Aycock Sr. was born around 1902. He married Rosa Aycock, a laundress, and the couple had at least five children: Percy, Eva Lee, Anna C., and Homer Jr., Christine. He worked as an “Interior house Dectorator” in 1930 and 1940. In those same years, the family rented at home at 183 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1949 City Directory, he still lived at 183 Lyndon Avenue. He died from unknown causes on November 16, 1960. |
Anderson | J. | Male | African American | Enslaved | Painter | December 31, 1919 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Mullins | William | Male | African American | Free | Driver | December 31, 1882 | December 31, 1954 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William J. Mullins was born around 1883. In 1910, he lived on Reese Street and worked as an ice wagon driver. According to the 1928 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Nancy, at 223 N Church Street. In 1930, he drove truck for the ice company and still worked as a driver in 1940. In 1952, he lived with his wife at 223 N Church Street and worked as a truck driver at Atlantic Company. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 26, 1955. |
Hawkins | Daviet | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
Cox | Dick | Male | African American | Enslaved | Mill Employee | December 31, 1922 | 64 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Johnson | Curtis | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1983 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Curtis Johnson, who resided at 97 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in September 1984. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Hunter | Ed | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | December 31, 1957 | 39 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Annie Hunter, Ed Willie Hunter was born around 1919. In 1930, he attended school and lived with his mother on Finley Street. In 1940, he worked as a butler. He married Juanita Gross on January 25, 1943. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as yardman and lived at 540 S Finley Street. He died from unknown causes on June 5, 1958. According to his obituary published in The Atlanta Constitution, he lived at 548 Finley Street. |
Nesbit | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Mason | December 31, 1853 | December 31, 1895 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sarah and Charles Nesbit, John Nesbit was born around 1854. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings in Athens. He married Ella Virginia Richardson on February 3, 1884 and the couple had six living children, including John, Fannie, Sarah, Julia, and Laura. According to a 1889 editorial on East Athens, “Mr. John Nesbitt has a pretty house that can vie with many of our handsome ones on this side.” According to the 1894 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 310 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1896. |
McCree | Guy | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1883 | December 31, 1950 | 66 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Guy W. McCree was born on October 10, 1884. He was arrested for gambling in 1914. According to the 1940 Census, he had been married but lived with a boarder at 143 Fourth Street. He worked as a laborer in 1940. According to the 1949 City Directory, he lived at 923 Water Street. He died from unknown causes on October 3, 1951. |
Johnson | Will | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1907 | December 31, 1935 | 28 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Alice Johnson and N. Derricotte, Will Henry Johnson was born on September 10, 1936. He died from “labor pneumonia” and “pleural effusion” on May 21, 1936. He was living in Atlanta, Georgia at the time of his death. |
Mullins | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1869 | December 31, 1930 | 61 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Henry A. Mullins was born around 1870. He married Georgia Mullins and the couple had at least four children: Owen, Samson, Lumpkins, and Mary. In 1910, he worked as a city cook and owned a house at 236 S Collins Street. He died from unknown causes in 1931. |
Walter | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Walter is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about his life. | |||||
Jerby | Minor | Male | African American | Free | Farmer | December 31, 1918 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Lee | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Farm Laborer | December 31, 1878 | December 31, 1934 | 56 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ella and John Menifee, Henry L. Lee was born on March 14, 1879. He married Maggie Lee around 1900 and the couple rented a home in Oconee County in 1910. He worked as farm laborer. In 1930, he lived at 45 Rocky Branch Road in Oconee County. He died from unknown causes on December 15, 1935. |
Stach Family | John | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
Brown | Anderson | Male | African American | Free | Barber | December 31, 1868 | December 31, 1938 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Anderson S. Brown was born in 1869. In 1900, he was widowed and worked as a post office clerk. He remarried before 1910; he and Mamie E. Brown at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. They were active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He worked as a “Special Deputy” for the “City Odd Teller” in 1910 and aa barber in 1920 and 1930. In 1910, 1920, and 1930, the family lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1939. She remained in the house after his death. |
Crane | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Gardener | December 31, 1867 | December 31, 1924 | 57 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
Johnson | James | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1971 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, James Johnson, who resided at 151 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes in October 1972. He was married to Ethel Johnson and they had at least one child, Blanche Johnson Jones. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
Johnson | William | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1877 | December 31, 1957 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William Johnson was born on January 3, 1878. In 1910, he was divorced, worked as a street laborer, and lived in his mother’s (Laura Johnson) household in Warsaw Alley. He died from unknown causes on January 11, 1956. |
Bakin | Edward | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1918 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
Bell | Andrew | Male | African American | Free | Reverend | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1958 | 58 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | The son of John J. Bell and Idea Bell, Andrew Bell was born on June 10, 1897 in Oglethorpe, Georgia. In 1910, the family lived on College Ave in Athens; Andrew did not attend school was unable to read or write at that time. Sometime before 1920, he married Mary B. Bell and moved to Atlanta, where he lived much of his adult life. He worked as a “Overseer” at the Country Club in 1920 and, according to his obituary, he was a “Reverend.” At 58 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 23, 1959 in Fulton County, GA. His funeral was held at the Dorsey Tabernacle Baptist Church in Athens on September 29, 1959. |
Derricotte | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1856 | December 31, 1939 | 83 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Edward J. Derricotte was born on March 12, 1858 and most likely enslaved as an infant. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and as a “Sexton To Church” in 1880. In 1882, he married Charlotte L. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. He worked as a laborer at “odd jobs” while living in Everett, Massachusetts in 1920. Upon returning to Athens, he worked as carpenter in 1920. After the death of his wife, he moved back to Everett, Massachusetts where he worked as a janitor and lived with extended family. He died from unknown causes on June 4, 1940. |
Shaw | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1922 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Lee | Albert | Male | African American | Free | Butler | December 31, 1912 | December 31, 1940 | 28 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Susie B. and Albert Lee, Albert Thomas Lee was born around 1914. In 1930, he worked as a butler and lived at 424 Reese Street. In 1922, he was arrested for stealing goods and jailed. At 28 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 8, 1941. |
Stephens | Oliver | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1848 | December 31, 1879 | 31 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Oliver Stephens was born on August 21, 1849 and most likely enslaved. At 31 years old, he died on September 6, 1880. | |
Credell | Henry | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Geter | Otis | Male | African American | Free | Unemployed | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1967 | 67 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ida and Dink Geter, Otis Geter (or Jeter) was born around 1900. As a child, he attended school and lived on Fourth Street with his parents. He married Alice Brown on May 17, 1937. At the time of the Second World War, he was unemployed and living at 630 Madison Avenue. On February 12, 1959, he was arrested for liquor possession and spent twelve months in jail. He died from unknown causes on May 6, 1969. |
Hurley | Langston | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1884 | December 31, 1904 | 20 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Langston Hurley was born on March 9, 1885 and, at 20 years old, he died from unknown causes on November 5, 1905. According to his will, he bequeathed his possessions to Lizzie Hamilton, his mother. | |
Nesbitt | Charlie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1889 | December 31, 1889 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Charlie Nesbitt was born on January 8, 1890. At 9 months old, he died from unknown causes on October 22, 1890. He was most likely the infant of Ella and John Nesbit, who lived at 310 Pearl Street. | ||
Thomas | Matt | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
McGinthy | Harmon | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1956 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Harmon McGinthey, who resided in Madison, Georgia, died from unknown causes in April 1957. He was the husband of Leila Mae McGinthey and the father of Gussie Mae McGinthey. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
McCree | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1859 | December 31, 1954 | 95 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Louisa and Squire H. McCree, Edward McCree was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings on a farm in Watkinsville, Georgia. By 1880, the family had moved to Throne Street. Instead of attending school, 13 year-old McCree worked as a laborer. He married Nettie McCree, a laundress, and the couple had at least one child: Maggie. In 1910, he worked as a city street laborer and rented a home at Green Street. According to the 1938 City Directory, the coupled lived at 543 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1955. |
Wade | John | Male | African American | Free | Grocer | December 31, 1886 | December 31, 1947 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Orange Wade, John Wade was born around 1887 (or on February 2, 1886). In 1910, he worked as a “Bartender” at the “Bear Saloon.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a market business man and lived on Washington Street. According to the 1947 City Directory, he worked at Wade’s Market and lived with his wife, Leona, at 872 W Broad Street. He died from unknown causes on May 28, 1948. |
Norman | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Roebuck | [??] | Male | African American | Free | Porter | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1951 | 52 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Roger Roebuck was born on March 15, 1900. He married Katie Roebuck prior to 1918. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 328 Atlanta Street and worked as a laborer. He worked as a laborer for a Fertilizer Company in 1920 and a porter in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as a deliveryman at Beussee's Flowers and he and his wife lived at 770 Bray Street. He died from unknown causes in 1952. |
Bacon | Robert | Male | African American | Enslaved | Porter | December 31, 1818 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Robert Bacon was born around 1819 and most likely enslaved for much of his life. He married Minerva Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least three children: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. He worked as a La laborer in 1870 and porter in 1880. In 1880, he lived with his wife, children, daughter-in-law, and grand children at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. According to the 1889 City Directory, his wife lived at 414 N Foundry Street and this is most likely his last address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
Barnett | Joe | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1919 | 18 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
Dillard | Hansel | Male | African American | Enslaved | Barber | December 31, 1792 | December 31, 1852 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Hansel Dillard was born enslaved around 1793. Trained as a barber, Dillard advertised his services to white Athenians in The Southern Whig: “Barbering and Hair-dressing. Hansel Dillard, Respectfully informs the citizens of Athens and the public generally, that he will, at all times, be found at his Shop, happy to accommodate those who favor him with their patronage.” In an era that barred almost all free and enslaved men from skilled employment, barbers enjoyed steady, profitable work. Indeed, this profession paid well; Dillard’s earning bought him freedom. As a free man of color, Dillard carved out a respectable space for himself in the slaveholding South. Dillard, according to The Weekly Banner, “made a great deal of money.” In addition to his barbershop, Dillard owned a bakery, operated a confectionery, kept a stable, and ran a delivery service. For him, and many other African-American men, barbering was a path to freedom and middle-class prosperity. It allowed him to procure not only his own freedom, but purchase his wife’s freedom for $1000 as well. She, then, took in student’s washing for additional income. In 1851, Dillard owned property; he paid taxes. Sixty-year-old Dillard died of unknown causes on Sept. 5, 1853. He was buried in Athens. Exactly where, however, is unknown. At some point, years after Hansel Dillard’s death, friends from Charleston, South Carolina erected a tombstone in his memory. While damaged by age and neglect, the stone, inscribed “I know that my Redeemer livith,” still stands in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery today. |
Hawkins | Perry | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1848 | December 31, 1917 | 69 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Perry F. Hawkins was born around 1849 and most likely enslaved as a young adult. In 1871, he married Katie B. Hawkins, a servant, and the couple had at least five children: Julia, Fred, Will, Robert, and Clifford. In 1881, he was a registered voter. He worked as a blaster in 1880 and a “rock breaker” in 1900. According to the 1909 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at 143 Pearl Street. In 1911, at the Mayor’s orders, “the old negro, Perry Hawkins, went to the city hall according to promise and there gave his boy the licking on his life.” He died from unknown causes o October 25, 1918. |
Shaw | Warren | Male | African American | Free | Presser | December 31, 1922 | 33 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |