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 DODsort descending Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Bacon Mary Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1848 December 31, 1916 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Mary Bacon was born on October 17, 1849 and, given her date of birth, sge likely spent her childhood enslaved. According to the 1909 City Directory, she worked as a laundress and lived at 554 E Strong Street. at 68 years old, she died from uknown causes on November 27, 1917. She is most likely either the mother, sister, or wife of Edward Bacon, who was also buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Powers Amanda Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1917 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Daughter of Harriett Powers. According to her obituary, she died at 73 years of age in May 1918. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Collins Female African American Unknown December 31, 1917 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, this female member of the Collins family died in 1918. She was most likely married to Reverend Collins, who preceded her in death in 1894.
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.
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.
Horton Emily Female African American Free December 31, 1916 December 31, 1917 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Emily Horton was the infant of Susie Lovinggood Horton, a music teacher, and William J. Horton, a mail carrier. She was born in 1917 and died in 1918.
Horton Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1916 December 31, 1918 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mary Horton was the infant of Susie Lovinggood Horton, a music teacher, and William J. Horton, a mail carrier. She was born in 1917 and died in 1919.
Owens Isibella Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wagner George Male African American Enslaved Plasterer December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Owens Isabella Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1853 December 31, 1918 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rhodes and Tom Owens, Isabella Owens was born around 1854 and most likely enslaved. In 1894, she was jailed for receiving stolen goods. In 1900, she was a widow with three children: Pearl, Susie, and Alphonso. She worked as a day laborer. She died from cystitis nephritis and uremia on November 8, 1919. At the time of her death she was around 64 years old, worked as a wash woman, and lived at 147 Plum Street.
Ector Carrie Female African American Free December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Parrott Henry Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Owens Pearl Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1884 December 31, 1918 34 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Isabelle Owens, Pearl Owens was born around March 25, 1885. In 1900, she worked as a day laborer and, in 1910, she was a waste picker at the cotton mill. She was arrested with her mother, sister, and two other women for “creating a disturbance” in 1915. She lived at 228 Cleveland Avenue in 1910 and obtained a piece of property on Flynt Street in 1915. According to the 1916 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 228 Cleveland Avenue. She died from unknown causes on January 10, 1919.
Hill [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bradley Lena Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hill John Female African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jerby Minor Male African American Free Farmer December 31, 1918 49 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.
Thomas Alfred Male African American Free Mechanic December 31, 1918 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bakin Edward Male African American Free December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Fields Jno. Male African American Free Cotton Worker December 31, 1918 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Poole Fay Female African American Free December 31, 1913 December 31, 1918 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Springs Charlie Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1918 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Pope [??] Male African American Free Child December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Warren Harrett Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1918 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson Harrett Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Barrett Luther Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mcgreggy Cinrella Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bayne Annia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Foster Jos. Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Strickland John Male African American Free Butcher December 31, 1894 December 31, 1918 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Jennie Wagner and Ed Strickland, John Strickland was born around 1895. In 1910, he lvied with his parents at 475 First Street and worked as a laborer in a cotton mill. During the First World War, he served in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. He died from pulmonary tuberculosis on April 22, 1919. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 475 First Street.
Lumpkin Rosa Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1918 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.”
Eberhart Martha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams J. Male African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Gleen Albirdie Female African American Free December 31, 1919 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones John Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1919 40 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Grady Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1919 22 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Louvenia Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Redding Bertha Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Williams Susie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1899 December 31, 1919 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Sloan Lucinda Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Sullivan Mary Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hurt Francis Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Sallie Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Collins Eva Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Griffen Thomas Male African American Free December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Joseph Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker Charlie Male African American Enslaved Reverend December 31, 1919 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Adams Clarence Male African American Free December 31, 1919 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Marshall Nannie Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Lula Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Anderson J. Male African American Enslaved Painter December 31, 1919 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Martin Amandia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Peter Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mathews Oliva Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1919 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Pitman Carrie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 30 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Harris Lizzie Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker William Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1919 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Barnett Joe Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1919 18 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Harris Rosa Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1919 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hiram Ellen Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1919 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Barnett William Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1887 December 31, 1919 38 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Fortson Jim Male African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Holbrooks Rosa Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Nesbrit Hellen Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Margret Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hawkins Dave Male African American Enslaved Construction December 31, 1919 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Pulliam Lucy May Female African American Free December 31, 1919 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lovingood J. Unknown African American Free Laborer December 31, 1874 December 31, 1919 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, J. H. Lovingood was born on February 9, 1875 and died on March 31, 1920. This individual was 45 years old at the time of their death. This person is most likely Edward Lovingood who, according to the 1914 City Directory, worked as a painter and lived at 1327 W Hancock Avenue.
Carter Lillie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Gant Ellen Female African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1919 110 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 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.
Howard Aurodite Male African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Osborne Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Shenault Carrie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stricklyn Pearl Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1919 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Sanders Edward Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1896 December 31, 1920 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Sarah Coleman and Will Sanders, Edward O. Sanders was born around 1897. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Hull Street and worked as an Ice Cream “Padder.” According to the 1914 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at 270 Arch Street. During the First World War, he served as a private in the 530th Service Battalion. After the war, he married Susie Sanders. He died from heart disease on June 2, 1921. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a laborer and lived at 149 Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard Sanders, most likely his brother, applied for a military headstone after his death.
Ector Benjiman Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lyons John Male African American Free Mason December 31, 1920 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stroud Harriet Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1920 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Haynes Rachel Female African American Free Student December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 15 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Margaret Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1920 87 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.
Booth Richard Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1920 38 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Robert Male African American Free Railroad Employee December 31, 1920 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Wingfield Bertha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Rhodes Joe Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 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.
Walker Fannie Female African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Witcher Nolia Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1920 29 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Everaton Mamie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Robinson Charity Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1833 December 31, 1920 87 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.

Get in touch

  • Department of History
    220 LeConte Hall, Baldwin Street
    University of Georgia
    Athens, GA 30602-1602
  • 706-542-2053
  • 706-542-2455
  • history@uga.edu

eHistory was founded at the University of Georgia in 2011 by historians Claudio Saunt and Stephen Berry

Learn More about eHistory