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 Gendersort ascending Race Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Davis Clifford Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1893 December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Jennie L. and Will Davis, Clifford L. Davis was born on February 13, 1894. As a child, he attended school and lived with his family at 425 Bridge Street. In 1910, he worked as a tagger in a warehouse. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 237 Bridge Street. During the war, he served stateside as a private in the 157 Depot Brig. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1920.
Davis Madison Male African American Enslaved Legislator December 31, 1832 December 31, 1901 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Madison Davis was born around September 27, 1833 and spent his youth and young adulthood enslaved to a carriage maker. His father, who was from Ireland according to the 1900 Census, may have been a white slaveholder. Davis married Ella Davis and the couple had at least six children: Willie, Annie, Lizzie, Mattie, Mana, and James. During Reconstruction he served as a Republican in the Georgia House of Representatives. Later in life, he worked as a merchant, postmaster, and a real estate agent. In 1900, he was living at 27 Newton Street and just two years later, on August 20, 1902, he died from unknown causes.
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.
Strong Husey Male African American Free December 31, 1925 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw Charles Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Blont [Gary?] 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.
Hawkins Dave Male African American Enslaved Construction December 31, 1919 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams Jim Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1921 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Campbell John Male African American Free Porter December 31, 1876 December 31, 1943 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ann Harden, John B. Campbell was born on March 18, 1877 in Athens, Georgia. In 1900, he was serving as a sergeant in the 48th Volunteer Infantry and stationed at Naquilian, Philippine Islands. Rather than return to Athens following his tour of duty, he moved to Chicago and, according to the 1910 Census, worked as a railroad porter. He died from unknown causes on July 4, 1944. He may or may not have returned to Athens, Georgia before his death. Mrs. Katie Thomas, of 748 Hull Street, applied for a military tombstone for his grave in 1944.
Ray Seymour Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1923 41 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.
Johnson La Fayette Male African American Enslaved Drayman December 31, 1855 December 31, 1920 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
Dorsey Crock Male African American Enslaved December 31, 1923 80 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.
Merriweather Johnnie Male African American Free December 31, 1921 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Campbell Miller Male African American Free Soldier December 31, 1880 December 31, 1935 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Miller L. Campbell was born around 1881. He enlisted as a private in the 1Cl. Hospital Corps in 1905; his military records described him as a man of dark complexion, with brown eyes, standing 5 foot 5 ½ inches tall. He most likely married Jane Campbell and lived at 748 Hull Street. He died from unknown causes on July 13, 1936 and was around 55 years old at the time of his death.
Bayne Richard Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 75 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.
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.
[Re?]id Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Johnson Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Dunfoy Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 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.
Boyd William Male African American Enslaved Shoemaker December 31, 1859 December 31, 1918 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Thad Boyd, William H. Boyd was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1883, he married Rosa S. Boyd (most likely his second wife) and had at least eight children: Barlien, Rosa, Willie, Lucy, Racheal, Lydia, Thelma, and Constance. In 1900 and 1910, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens and owned a house at 307 Pope Street. According to the 1915 City Directory, he still worked as shoemaker but had moved to 437 Pope Street. He died from unknown causes in 1919 and was around 59 years old around at the time of his death.
Foster John Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1903 December 31, 1930 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Emma Shropshire and Robert H. Foster, John Albert Foster was born around 1904. On June 23, 1931, he died from acute endocarditis. At the time of his death, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife at 1683 South Milledge Avenue.
Hawkins Peter Male African American Free Construction December 31, 1921 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wilson Jeorge Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
[Campbell?] Charles Male African American Unknown Janitor Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Charles Campbell most likely worked as a janitor and was married to Marzella Campbell. According to the 1937 City Directory, they lived at 660 W Hancock Avenue.
Benford Henry Male African American Free Fireman December 31, 1922 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reeves John Male African American Enslaved Gardener December 31, 1920 86 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson William Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Davis G.H. Male African American Enslaved December 31, 1844 December 31, 1894 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, G. H. Davis was born on July 3, 1845 and most likely enslaved as a child. According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked at Harris & Davis and lived at 319 Reese Street. At 49 years old, he died on June 11, 1895.
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.”
Taylor Samul Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1923 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stanton John Male African American Free December 31, 1947 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked John R. Stanton was an Athens resident who was born around 1899. He was married and had multiple siblings. He died from unknown causes on October 25, 1948 and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 31, 1948. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach]
Milner Sam Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 51 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.
Adams Obadiah Male African American Enslaved Reverend December 31, 1825 December 31, 1891 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Reverend Obadiah Adams was born on February 13, 1826 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He died of unknown causes in Jacksonville, Florida on November 19, 1892. He was 66 years old at the time of his death.
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.
Echols Hiram Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Teasly Walter Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 34 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
Strickland Willie Male African American Free December 31, 1973 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The son of Edward Strickland and Jennie (Wagner or Wagoner) Strickland, Willie Strickland was born in Athens, GA around 1898. He grew up on First Street, and after marrying Bertha Mae Harvey in 1937, the couple moved down the street to another residence on First Street. Throughout his life, Strickland had many different jobs including working in a saw mill according to the 1920 census, a cotton mill according to the 1930 census, and as a maid according to a 1931 Athens directory. During the Second World War, Strickland registered for the draft, but was not drafted into service, most likely because he was already married and 43 years old at the time. He died from unknown causes on April 6, 1974 in Athens, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Casey Serrano]
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.
Miner J. T. Male African American Free December 31, 1920 December 31, 1922 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wise L. Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
[Campbell?] Andrew Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Most likely a member of the Campbell family.
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.
Rhodes Joe Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Jones John Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1919 40 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.
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.
Ector Benjiman Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Terrell George Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 37 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.
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
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.
Mongumory Tom Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Richards J. Male African American Free Reverend December 31, 1920 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kenney Charlie Male African American Unknown December 31, 1964 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Charlie Kenney died on August 16, 1965.
Moore Robert Male African American Free Child December 31, 1925 1 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.
Booke Ben Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1926 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
Harris Robert Mae African American Enslaved December 31, 1835 December 31, 1913 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Robert Harris was born around 1836 and most likely enslaved as a young man. At 76 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 6, 1914. According to the 1909 City Directory, Robert Harris and Robert Harris Jr. both lived at 226 Flint Street. Robert Harris—a one-legged criminal mastermind with a perchance for jail breaking—appears regularly within the local newspapers; this could be the same man or his son.
Williams Maria Female African American Free December 31, 1877 December 31, 1890 8 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jane and Isaac Williams, Marie Williams was born on January 26, 1878. In 1880, she lived with her parents at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street. At 8 years old, she died from unknown causes on March 30, 1886.
Derricotte Charlotte Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1862 December 31, 1926 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lucy Dodson and Andrew Jackson, Charlotte L. Derricotte was born on May 12, 1863 and most likely enslaved as an infant. In 1882, she married Edward J. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. She worked as a house maid in Athens in 1900 and as a laundress in Massachusetts in 1910. At 64 years old, she died from arteriosclerosis and myocarditis on November 5, 1927. According to the Death Index, she had been living in Everett, Massachusetts and employed as a caterer.
Johnson Alice Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1856 December 31, 1917 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Thomas Jones and Mary E. Jones, Alice V. Johnson was born on August 27, 1857 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1879, she married William D. Johnson, a Athens clergyman originally hailing from Maryland. Over the course of her life she had six children, but only five of those children survived into adulthood. In 1900, the couple owned a home at 529 Lumpkin Street. Sometime after the death of her husband on April 10, 1909, she moved to 681 W. Lumpkin St. She died of unknown causes on April 4, 1918.
Smith Ada Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1916 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ada D. Smith was born on April 29, 1882. She married Tom Smith and the couple had at least five children: Minnie, Agnus, Violet, Wyatt, and Robert. She worked as a washerwoman in 1900 and as a cook in 1910. According to the 1914 City Directory, she lived with her husband at 367 Athens Avenue. At 35 years old, she died from unknown June 16, 1917.
Matthews Margaret Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1877 December 31, 1977 101 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Margaret “Maggie” Matthews born around 1878.She married John T. Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. She worked as a rural school teacher and public school teacher. According to the 1956 City Directory, she stilled lived at that address. At 101 years old, she died from unknown causes on March 6, 1978.
Robinson Vainiga Female African American Free Student December 31, 1921 6 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Powers?] Harriet Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1838 December 31, 1909 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Harriet C. Powers was born around 1837-1839 and, as a young woman, enslaved on the plantation of John and Nancy Lester in Madison County, Georgia. At around 18 years old, she married Armstead Powers in 1855. The couple had at least nine children, including Amanda, Leon Joe (Alonzo), Nancy, Lizzie, and Marshall. In 1870 and 1880, she was “Keeping House” and lived with her family near Sandy Creek, Georgia. As skilled seamstress and folk artist, her intricate quilts were displayed at the Clarke County Cotton Fair and were highly sought after. Today, only two of her quilts survive; one hangs American History Museum of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and the other hangs in the Museum of Fine Art in Boston. According to the 1889 City Directory, her husband lived at 27 Angle [St? Rd?]; she most likely lived at this address as well. She died from unknown causes on January 1, 1910.
Williams Jane Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1836 December 31, 1890 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Jane Williams was born around 1837 and most likely enslaved. She married Isaac Williams and the couple had at least one child: Marie Williams. In 1800, she worked as a servant and lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street. At 54 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 13, 1891.
Ector Piety Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1921 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Alice Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1922 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Rosa Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1862 December 31, 1934 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lottie and Mr. Jones, Rosa Jones Smith was born around July 4, 1863 and most likely enslaved as a child. She worked as a laborer in 1880 and a private family nurse in 1910. As a widow, in 1910, she lived 293 Cherry Street. She died from [??] and pneumonia on January 17, 1935. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 389 Dubose Avenue.
Brown Martha Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1831 December 31, 1858 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Martha M. Brown was born on September 27, 1832 and died on November 4, 1859; she was most likely enslaved. Her body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882, when the cemetery opened.
Hawkins Ida Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1860 December 31, 1908 47 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida Hawkins was born on May 12, 1861 and most likely spent her early years enslaved. She married Perry Hawkins around 1907. She gave birth to seven children, but only five were living in 1910. On March 11, 1909, she died from unknown causes.
Freeman Bessie Female African American Unknown December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Bessie Samuel Freeman died in October 1946. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Thomas Ethal Female African American Free December 31, 1944 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The daughter of Charles and Fannie Walker, Ethel Walker Thomas was born in May of 1884. As a teenager and young adult, she resided in Sandy Creek with her family, where she worked as a laborer on their farm. She did not attend school, but she was able to read and write. In 1910, she married Lonnie Thomas, and the couple had several children: Edward, Melvin, Azzie, Charles, Elmore, and Alfonza. According to the 1920 census, she lived on Oak Street with her husband and children and worked as a washerwoman. In 1930, she resided at the same address with her family and worked as a maid for a private family. She died from unknown causes on February 1, 1945. [Researched and written by Jake Underwood]
Freeman Fannie Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1963 December 31, 1930 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Fannie Martin Freeman was born between 1860 and 1864 and was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1883, she married R. S. Freeman. According to the 1910 Census, she was a widow working as a seamstress and living at 564 Fourth Street. In 1930, she lived with a son in Spalding, Georgia. She died from a cerebral hemorrhage on January 10, 1931. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a cook and lived at 50 Madison Street.
Lawrence Carrie Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1849 December 31, 1923 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Wiley and Asbury Lawrance, Carrie Lawrence was born in August 1850 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she worked as a “Washer & Ironer” and lived on Jackson Street. She was a founding member of the Gospel Pilgrim Society. As a widow in 1900, she worked as a “Janitress” and lived at 129 Alley Street. She no longer worked in 1920 and lived in a boarding house on Berry Street. At age 74, she died on December 15, 1924. According to her Death Certificate, she did “housework” and lived at 112 Berry Street.
Murden Dora Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1868 December 31, 1925 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hemphill Susie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1926 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thompson Florence Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1861 December 31, 1961 100 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Maria Derricotti, Florence Thompson was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1900 and 1910, she worked as a washerwoman and, as a widow, lived with her mother at 148 Strong Street. She died from unknown causes in 1962.
Hunt Doll Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1898 December 31, 1946 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Doll Hunt was born in 1899. In 1930, she lived with her sister, Mollie Clark, on Crawford Avenue and worked as a laundress. She married Dozier Hunt and, according to the 1931 City Directory, the couple lived at 67 Crawford Avenue. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 350 Barber Street and worked as a cook. She died from unknown causes on September 28, 1947.

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