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
Clarke	Joseph	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1923	13	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.
Terrell	George	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	37	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Mongumory	Tom	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1923	60	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.
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.
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.
Cleveland	J.	Male	African American	Free	Student		December 31, 1925	18	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hiram	Hary	Male	African American	Unknown	Farmer		December 31, 1927		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Harry Hiram most likely lived at 164 Herring Street and worked as a farmer in 1912. According to his tombstone, he died from unknown causes on October 30, 1928.
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.
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.
Mack	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Post Office Clerk	December 31, 1855	December 31, 1917	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John R. Mack was born around 1856 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Charlotte H. Mack in 1882 and the couple had at least eight children: Annie, Abram, Mattie, Fannie, Lucile, Richard, Milledge, and Walter. In 1900 and 1910, he worked as a post office clerk and owned a house at 853 Reese Street. According to the 1913 City Directory, he and his family lived at 853 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1918.
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.
Morton	Frank	Male	African American	Free	Tailor	December 31, 1893	December 31, 1933	40	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of William and Clara H. Morton, Frank B. Morton was born around 1894. In 1910, he lived with his mother and siblings on Chase Street. He worked as a butcher in 1910 and as a waiter in 1917. During the First World War, he served in the 157 Depot Brigade and was stationed at Camp Gordon. On November 8, 1924, he married Mary Gray. In 1930, he worked as a laborer. He died from myocardial weakness and nephritis on December 27, 1934. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a tailor and lived at 784 Chase Street.
Whitfield	W.	Male	African American	Free	Blacksmith	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1938	74	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	W. M. Whitfield was born on April 18, 1865. According to the 1938 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith and lived with his wife, Mittie, at 495 Reese Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 13, 1939.
Hunter	Sebe	Male	African American	Free	Merchant		December 31, 1921	35	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Shanks	Otis	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1891	December 31, 1956	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Otis Shanks was born around 1892 in Thompson, Georgia. In 1916, he “was arraigned on a charge of disorderly conduct and his cash bond was forfeited.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a truck hand for Southern Railroad and lived at 499 River Street. During the war, he served stateside in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. After the war, he married Christine C. Shanks. He worked as a laborer at the gas plant in 1930 and a “helper” in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as plant operator at Atlanta Gas Light and lived at 139 N Newton Street. At 65 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 19, 1957. After his death, his wife applied for a military headstone.
Colbert	Guy	Male	African American	Free	Student		December 31, 1922	18	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Davis	James	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1948		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, James W. Davis, who resided at 178 Strong Street, died from unknown causes on June 28, 1949. He married Mrs. Minnie Reid and had at least five children. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked.
Au[??]	Ned	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
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.
Thomas	Alfred	Male	African American	Free	Mechanic		December 31, 1918	27	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Jameson	Shores	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1871			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Shoals Jamison was born around 1872 in Alabama. According to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 23 N Findley Street. In 1910, he worked as a coachman and lived with his wife, Ella Jamison, at 193 Pendley Street (193 Finley Street). He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
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?].
Morton	William	Male	African American	Free				10	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William Morton died when he was 10 years old. He was the brother of Lizzy C. Morton.
Whitlock	John	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1856	December 31, 1916	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John Whitelock (or Whittlock) was born around 1857. According to the 1894 City Directory, worked as a laborer and lived at 805 Athens Avenue. He may have been married to Martha Whitelock. At 60 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 3, 1917.
Cole	Loucious	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1904	December 31, 1924	20	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Holbrook	Marion	Male	African American	Free	Post Office Clerk	December 31, 1879	December 31, 1928	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Marion J. Holbrook was born on April 14, 1879 or 1880. He married Carrie Jones Holbrook and the couple had at least two children: Marion and Georgia. He worked various jobs in his early years; he was barber in 1900 and a laborer at “Odd Jobs” in 1910. He started working as a post office clerk in 1911, and remained at that position for the remainder of his life. He intentional shot himself and died from two gunshot wounds on May 6, 1929. At the time of his death, he had been living with his wife at 130 Harris Street.
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.
Griffen	Thomas	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1919	26	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Pinkard	Amos	Male	African American	Free	Grocer	December 31, 1888	December 31, 1961	73	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Amos Pinkard was born in 1889. In February 1908, he was charged “for violation of the prohibition law.” He married Nettie Pinkard and, 1940, the couple lived at 264 N Billups Street. According to the 1940 City Directory, he worked as a grocer. He still lived at 264 N Billups Street in 1958. He died from unknown causes on December 16, 1962.
Morton	Charlie	Male	African American	Free	Soldier	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1947	52	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Charlie L. Morton was born on November 17, 1895. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 784 Chase Street. He died from unknown causes on March 12, 1948. After his death, Mrs. Clara Morton applied for a military headstone on his behalf. She lived at 784 Chase Street, which was most likely his last known address as well.
Scott	Emmett	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1925	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw	Charles	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
[Carey?]	Eddie	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Diggs	William	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1972		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, William Diggs, who resided at 357 DuBose Avenue, died from unknown causes on January 27, 1973. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
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.
Thomas	Eluice	Male	African American	Free	Child	December 31, 1923	December 31, 1924	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Martin	George	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1819	December 31, 1880	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	George Martin was born around 1820 and most likely spend the majority of his life enslaved. He married Mary Martin and the couple had at least one child: Essen Martin. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and the family lived on an “unnamed street near River Street.” He died from unknown causes in 1881. According to the 1897 City Directory, his wife lived at 648 Odd Street, East Athens; this is most likely his last address as well.
Neelia	Peter	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1925	78	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Jarrell	Robet	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1883	December 31, 1959	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Robert Jarrell was born around 1883. In 1904, he married Mearly Taylor, who worked as “servant at Moss-Side, 497 Cobb Street, for forty-three years.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a driver and lived at 190 Cohen Street. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at that address in 1956. At 77 years old, he died from unknown causes on May 13, 1960.
Pledger	William	Male	African American	Enslaved	Lawyer	December 31, 1849	December 31, 1903	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William A. Pledger was born in 1850 and enslaved as a child. Along with William Henry (Harrison) Heard, he was the co-owner and editor of the Athens Blade, a leading African-American newspaper that was distributed throughout Georgia and in several northeastern cities. As one of the first African-American lawyers in Atlanta, he was active in republican politics and a delegate to each republican convention from 1876 to 1900. According to the 1898 City Directory, he worked as a lawyer and lived at 209 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on January 8, 1904.
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.
Adams	Clarence	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1919	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Morton	Chester	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1884	December 31, 1884		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Chester Morton was born in March 1885 and died from unknown causes in July 1885. He was 4 or 5 months old at the time of his death. He is buried in the Morton plot in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Wilder	Charlie	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Rachel Wilder and James Wilder, Charlie Wilder was born around 1860. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely his last known address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
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.
Thomas	Marion	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1903	December 31, 1936	33	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Marion Clemons Thomas was born around 1904. At 33 years old, he died on December 16, 1937.
Anderson	J.	Male	African American	Enslaved	Painter		December 31, 1919	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw	Willie	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1879	December 31, 1926	39	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Elizabeth Shaw, Willie A. Shaw was born in October 1888. In 1900, he attended school and lived with his mother and grandmother in Athens. In 1915 and 1916, he was arrested and charged with violating prohibition. During the First World War, he served as a cook in the 157th Deport Brigade. After the war, he married Eliza Shaw. He died from [??] on April 5, 1927. At the time of his death, he worked as a chauffeur and, after his death, his wife lived at 330 N. Pope Street.
Cox	Dick	Male	African American	Enslaved	Mill Employee		December 31, 1922	64	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas	Hamilton	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1909	December 31, 1939	30	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Hamilton Thomas was born around 1910. At 30 years old, he died from unknown causes on December 26, 1940.
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.
Morton	Monroe	Male	African American	Enslaved	Businessman	December 31, 1855	December 31, 1918	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of a white man and Elizabeth Morton, Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton was born enslaved around 1856. He most likely lived on plantation of John Phinizy. In 1870, he lived with his mother, “Lizzie,” and his siblings in Athens. He worked a number of jobs. According to the census, he worked at a retail grocery in 1880, post master in 1900, and a contractor in 1910. He was also a republican party leader, the owner and publisher of The Progressive Era (a black newspaper), a business leader, and a real estate owner, who built the Morton Theatre and facilitated the development of Athens’s “Hot Corner.” According to the Atlanta Independent (Jan. 30, 1904), “Mr. Morton is a self-made man, and has won his way to the front in business, politics, society by sheer force of character, distinct individuality, rare precocity and strict application to business.” In his personal life, he first married Amanda Morton, who died in 1885 He, then, married Tallulah Morton, his second wife, and the couple had several children, including Monroe, Maude, Ida, and Charlie. He died from cirrhosis of the liver and chronic myocarditis on February 12, 1919. He was, according to his Death Certificate, a “Retired Capitalist” who lived at 823 Prince Avenue. His obituary in The Athens Banner described him as “one of the wealthiest negros in the South.” The paper continued: “‘Pink’ Morton was well known not only in Athens, but throughout the state. He was one of the leaders of the republican party in Georgia, and at one time under the administration of President McKinley was postmaster of Athens. His career has been a most unusual one. Starting life as a slave in 1853 on the plantation of Phinizy’s near Athens, he became a leader of his race, and a most successful business man.”
Jerby	Minor	Male	African American	Free	Farmer		December 31, 1918	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Crane	Thomas	Male	African American	Free	Gardener	December 31, 1867	December 31, 1924	57	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.
Thomas	Matt	Male	African American	Enslaved	Driver		December 31, 1923	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Thomas	Tommie	Male	African American	Enslaved	Labroer	December 31, 1863	December 31, 1939	76	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son or Margaret and Hampton Thomas, Tommie Thomas was born on May 15, 1864 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he lived in Athens with his parents. He still lived with them in 1880, but also worked as butcher in that year. In 1930, he worked as a foreman for the transfer company. He died from chronic nephritis on March 11, 1940. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a laborer and lived at 168 Warsaw Street.
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.
Jefferson	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Tailor	December 31, 1865	December 31, 1900	34	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Ella and Edgar Jefferson, Robert Jefferson was born on May 1, 1866. In 1880, he lived with his parents and attended school. He married Mary L. Jefferson in 1890. In 1900, he worked as a tailor and live with his wife and four children—Robert, Geneva, Ellen, and Julian—at 8 Harris Street. He died from unknown causes on May 10, 1901.
Pope	Simon	Male	African American	Free	Janitor	December 31, 1869	December 31, 1939	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Washington Pope, Simon G Pope was born on July 4, 1870. He married Ida Pope and the couple had at least four children: Edwin, Leroy, Edmund, Celastine, and Simmie. He worked as a day laborer in 1900, gas worker in 1910, oil mill laborer in 1920, and janitor in 1940. He owned a house at 524 Vine Street in 1940. He died at home from a spontaneous hemorrhage and chronic myocarditis on October 31, 1940. At the time of his death, he worked as a janitor for the University of Georgia.
Bakin	Edward	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1918	0	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.
Shaw	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Mason		December 31, 1922	36	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.
Simmons	Mitchell	Male	African American	Free	Church Employee	December 31, 1905	December 31, 1964	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Anna B. Simmons, Mitchell Simmons was born on November 2, 1906. In 1910, he lived with his mother and grandmother in Madison, Georgia. In 1920, he worked as a theatre porter in Atlanta and lived with his mother in the city. By 1930, he had moved to South Carolina and was married to Thelma Simmons. The couple had at least one child: Mitchell J. Simmons. According to his Second World War draft registration, he worked for Reverend Frank Gantt and lived at 814 Hampton Street in Columbia, South Carolina. He died from unknown causes on February 12, 1965.
Credell	Henry	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1924	80	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
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.
Norman	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1923	68	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.
Porter	Walter	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1889	December 31, 1960	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Walter Porter was born around 1890. He married Susie Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. He worked as an insurance agent in 1910, a tailor in 1920, a hotel servant in 1930, and a porter in 1940. At that time, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 554 E Strong Street. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 6, 1961.
Barnett	Joe	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1919	18	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Williams	Willie	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1914	December 31, 1965	51	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Willie Asa Williams was born around 1915. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1966.
Shaw	Warren	Male	African American	Free	Presser		December 31, 1922	33	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Flanigan	Albert	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1880	December 31, 1967		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Albert Capp Flanigan, who resided at 87 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in June 1968. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked
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.
Nesbit	Ernest	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1945		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Ernest Nesbit, who resided in Augusta, died from unknown causes December 15, 1946. He married Mollie Nesbit, and the couple had at least one child, Leroy Nesbit. 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.
Dillard	William	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1907	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William Dillard was born around 1844 and most likely enslaved. According to the 1870 Census, he worked as Day Laborer. She married Racheal Dillard and they had at least two children: Nannie and Annie. In 1904, he worked as a laborer and lived at 640 Fourth Street. He was one of the founding members of the Gospel Pilgrim Society.
Harris	Will	Male	African American	Free	Shoemaker		December 31, 1925	41	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.
Barnett	William	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1887	December 31, 1919	38	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Williams	Willie	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1940	December 31, 1962	22	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Willie James Williams was born around 1941. He died from unknown causes on 1963.
Shaw	Will	Male	African American	Free	Chauffer		December 31, 1926	38	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.
Small	Howard	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1908	December 31, 1972	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Howard Small was born April 9, 1909. According to his Second World War Draft Card, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia and his next of kin was Louvenia Guinn, a friend. By 1951, he was living in Seattle, Washington. He died from unknown causes on April 5, 1973.
Cleveland	John	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1868	December 31, 1930	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John Cleveland was born between 1865 and 1875. He married Liza Cleveland, a laundress, and the couple had a least one child: Johnnie, Magnolia, and Manda. Unable to read or write, he worked as an oil mill laborer in 1920 and was working as a laborer in 1929. He was not working in 1930 and lived at 168 John Street in Athens. He died from unknown causes on November 27, 1931; he was around 62 years of age at the time of his death.
Flanigan	Melvin	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1914	December 31, 1976		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Melvin Coot Flanigan, who resided at 190 Cleveland Avenue, died from unknown causes in December 1977. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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?]	Lucius	Male	African American	Free	Printer	December 31, 1866			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Randal Thomas, Lucius Thomas was born around 1867. In 1880, he lived with his father and siblings in Athens. He married Julia Collins Thomas and the couple had at least five children: Mary L., Walter, Sylvester, Violet, Charley, and Eugene. In 1900, they lived at 21 Washington Street and he worked as a printer. According to the 1910 Census, he worked as a “Type Setter.” In 1920, he worked as a printer and lived at 588 Hancock Avenue. He died from an unknown cause on an unknown date.
Downer	G.	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1860	December 31, 1914	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to the tombstone, G. T. Dower was born around 1861 and most likely enslaved as a child. At 54 years old, this person died from unknown causes on February 2, 1915. Most likely this person is Gaines Downer, who, according to the 1904 City Directory, worked as a laborer and lived at 658 Morris [St. Av. or Way?].

Decedent

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