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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davis | Ida | Female | African American | Free | Domestic | December 31, 1925 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Fields | Lillie | Female | African American | Free | Nurse | December 31, 1888 | December 31, 1956 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Lillie Fields was born around June 2, 1889. She married Henry C. Fields, a Cotton Sampler, and she worked as laundress in 1910. She sold her milk cow in 1915 and lost ownership of her property on Fourth Street to sheriff’s sale in 1916. In 1920, the couple lived at the same property at 226 Fourth Street and she worked as cook. In 1940, she worked as a nurse. She died from unknown causes on May 2, 1957. |
| Meriweather | Senie | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | December 31, 1876 | December 31, 1905 | 29 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Maria and James Meriwether. Senie or Sena Meriwether was born on April 5, 1877. In 1880, she lived with her parents and siblings at 295 Thomas Street. According to the 1904 City Directory, she worked as a washerwoman and lived at 26 Rock Spring Street. At 29 years old, she died from unknown causes on April 8, 1906. |
| Neal | Amy | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1950 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to her obituary, Amy Terrell Neal died from unknown causes in January 1951. The funeral was handled by McWhorter Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Bunkley | Mildred | Female | African American | Free | Pressing Club Worker | December 31, 1891 | December 31, 1940 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Mildred Bunkley was born around 1886 and competed the first year of high school. Sometime after 1920, she married Robert L. Bunkley, a pressing club proprietor, and worked alongside her husband at the pressing club. For most of their life, the couple lived at 449 Reese Street. According to the 1937 City Directory, they lived at 449 Reese Street. On August 21, 1941, she died from unknown causes. She was in her late 40s at the time of her death. |
| Jones | Ida | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1888 | December 31, 1948 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Ida Jones was born in 1889. In 1920, she lived with her husband, John Jones, a drayman, and their four children: William, Suise, Bernadett, and David. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 425 Cleveland Avenue. At age 61, she died on June 29, 1949. | |
| 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. | ||
| Heard | Mattie | Female | African American | Enslaved | Teacher | December 31, 1862 | December 31, 1942 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Mattie I. Heard was born around 1863 and most likely enslaved. She married William Heard, a blacksmith, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. She worked as a teacher in 1900, 1910, and 1920 At the time of her husband’s death in 1939, they lived at 475 Reese Street. She died from unknown causes on November 13, 1943. |
| Lyons | Lottie | Female | African American | Free | Academic | December 31, 1911 | December 31, 1956 | 45 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The granddaughter of Charlotte and Edward Derricotte and the daughter of Ophelia M. and Charles Lyons, Lottie M. Lyons was born around 1912. In 1920, she lived with her parents at 427 Baxter Street. She was the Dean of Woman at Ft. Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University). She died from unknown causes on May 19, 1957. |
| Robinson | Charity | Female | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1833 | December 31, 1920 | 87 | 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. | |
| Davis | Mary | Female | African American | Enslaved | Housewife | December 31, 1926 | 79 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Thomas | Susie | Female | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1872 | December 31, 1969 | 97 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Hannah and G. Thomas, Susie Lee Thomas was born around 1873. In 1880, she lived with her parents on Richardson Street and attended school. She married Anderson Thomas and the couple had at least two children. She worked as a laundress in 1910, a farm laborer in 1920, and a cook in 1940. She died from unknown causes in July 1970. According to her funeral notice, she lived at 130 Hickman Drive. |
| Fields | Susie | Female | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1858 | December 31, 1926 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The daughter of Alice Tomas and Jack Shaw, Susie Shaw Fields was born around August 1859 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she worked as a servant. She married Eldon Fields, a teamster, and she worked as a washerwoman in 1900. In 1920, she worked cook and lived at 144 Warsaw Street. She died from [myoclonia?] and nephritis on September 29, 1927. |
| Terrell | Mannie | Female | African American | Free | Housework | December 31, 1922 | 23 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Porter | Susie | Female | African American | Free | Laundress | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Susie Bason Porter was born around 1886. She married Walter Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. In 1930, she worked as a laundress. In 1940, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street, according to the 1958 City Directory, they remained at 554 E Strong Street. At 82 years old, she died from unknown causes in 1968. | |||
| Bush | Annie | Female | African American | Free | December 31, 1895 | December 31, 1961 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Annie B. Bush was born around 1897. Before 1920, she married Clarence Bush, a grocery store wagon driver. She, herself, worked as a laundress during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1930, she lived with her husband at 850 Broad Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, they remained at that address. Little is known about her adult life and she died from unknown causes on April 14, 1962. | |
| 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. | |
| Bush | Clarence | Male | African American | Free | Deliveryman | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1964 | 66 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Lula Bush, Clarence Bush was born on January 25, 1897. In 1900, he lived with his grandfather and mother on Broad Street. Sometime before 1920, he married Annie Bush and the couple most likely did not have living children. He worked various jobs during his lifetime, included “poster” (1910), a “grocery store wagon driver,” (1920) and “grocery store deliveryman” (1930). According to the 1958 City Directory, they lived at 850 Broad Street and he worked as “firman” at “Holmain Hotel.” In addition to those jobs, he served in the First World War as a private. He died from unknown causes on November 28, 1965. |
| Jones | Arthur | Male | African American | Free | Waiter | December 31, 1907 | December 31, 1927 | 19 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Mamie Howell Jones and Brown Jones, Arthur B. Jones was born on May 12, 1908. In 1910, he lived with his parents in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He, then, lived in Fulton, Georgia with his grandparents in 1920. In 1940, his parents lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue; this may be his last known address as well. He died from myocelitis on February 8, 1928. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a waiter and was living in Athens, Georgia. |
| Morton | Ebb | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 50 | 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. | |
| 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. |
| Lyons | Collins | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1913 | December 31, 1915 | 2 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Collins T. Lyons was born on June 17, 1914 and died on August 7, 1916. He was 2 years and 1 month old. | |
| Johnson | Herbert | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1922 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Freeman | Edward | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1965 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Edward M. Freeman, who resided at 237 North Church Street, died from unknown causes in May 1966. He was married to Julia A. Freeman. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Davis | Wm | Male | African American | Enslaved | Cotton Worker | December 31, 1922 | 63 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| [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. | ||
| Fields | Eldon | Male | African American | Enslaved | Janitor | December 31, 1848 | December 31, 1924 | 76 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Eldon Fields was born on September 12, 1849 and most likely spend his childhood enslaved. In 1880, he worked as a carriage driver and lived at 440 Jackson Street. He married Susie Shaw Fields around that time. By 1900, he lived with his wife at 144 Warsaw Street and worked as teamster. He, then, worked as an janitor in an office building in 1920. He died from “paralysis following apoplexy” on January 29, 1925. |
| Thomas | Alfred | Male | African American | Free | Mechanic | December 31, 1918 | 27 | 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. |
| Hawkins | Dave | Male | African American | Enslaved | Construction | December 31, 1919 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Hicks | Charles | Male | African American | Enslaved | Cook | December 31, 1840 | December 31, 1915 | 75 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Charles Hicks was born around 1841 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. In 1904, he worked as a cook and lived at 21 N Findley Street. He was married to Mary A. Hicks and, according to the 1915 City Directory, they lived at 169 N Findley Street. According to a 1914 newspaper report, he was a contributing member of the Methodist Church. He died from unknown causes on December 8, 1916. |
| 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. |
| Lyons | Joseph | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1892 | December 31, 1940 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Joseph R. Lyons was born between 1892 and 1893. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 12, 1941. | |
| Scott | Emmett | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1925 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Johnson | La Fayette | Male | African American | Enslaved | Drayman | December 31, 1855 | December 31, 1920 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Blont | [Gary?] | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
| Jackson | Albon | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1900 | December 31, 1940 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poulain Jackson and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Albon Louis Jackson was born on February 17, 1901. As a 17 year old, he attended school and lived with his parents at 133 Cleveland Avenue. In 1917, he graduated from Knox Institute and then attended Dartmouth College, Meharry Medical College, and the University of Illinois School of Medicine. For a time, he lived and practiced medicine in Albion, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. “He returned to Athens, his hometown, where he was able to take up much of the practice of his two brothers, the late Doctors Thomas N. and Farris L. Jackson.” In 1937, he and his wife, Katie, lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. According to Atlanta Daily World (Apr 23, 1941), “Dr. Jackson was active in civic and fraternal groups. A member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, he bears the distinction of fostering many of the Alpha projects in cities where he has lived. His friendly smile and cheerful disposition won for him many friends. He is survived by a wife, father, three brother, Dr. Samuel Jackson, dentist, Athens; Dr. B. L. Jackson, dentist, Tuskegee Institute, Lloyd Jackson undertaker of Athens; cousin and a host of friends to mourn his passing.” He died from unknown causes on April 21, 1941. |
| 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. |
| Jones | William | Male | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1879 | December 31, 1964 | 84 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William Brown Jones was born on September 18, 1880. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a cook at the State Normal School. He married Mamie Howell Jones and the couple had at least three children: Arthur, Thomas, and Clifford. In 1940, he worked as a cook and the family lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. According to the 1956 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. At 84 years old, he died from unknown causes on January 19, 1965. |
| Neelia | Peter | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1925 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Willingham | Clifford | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1881 | December 31, 1930 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Anne and Oliver Willingham, Clifford Willingham was born on March 15, 1882. In 1900, he lived with his parents in Oglethorpe, Georgia and worked as farm laborer. He married Mamie Wellingham and, in 1910, the couple lived in Wilkes, Georgia. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 337 Flint Street and worked as a “section hand” at the S.A.R. Railroad. They remained at that address in 1920 and he worked as a laborer at “Moss Maine Co.” In 1930, he worked as a “Coal Yard” laborer and lived with his family at 337 Flint Street. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on February 19, 1931. |
| [Re?]id | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | |||||
| Hill | Harrison | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1930 | December 31, 1930 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Harrison Hill was an infant who died on December 4, 1931. | |
| Bayne | Richard | Male | African American | Enslaved | Farmer | December 31, 1920 | 75 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Johnson | Will | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Jackson | Samuel | Male | African American | Free | Dentist | December 31, 1905 | December 31, 1945 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poulain Jackson and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Samuel S. Jackson was born in 1906. In 1910, he lived with his parents and siblings at 133 Cleveland Avenue. In 1920, he attended school in Athens. While still living with his parents in 1930, he now worked as a dentist. On December 29, 1934, he married Mayme L. Sapp, but is listed as “single” in the 1940 Census. At that time, he worked as a dentist and lived with his brother, Albon Louis Jackson, at 133 Cleveland Avenue. He died from unknown causes on April 21, 1941. |
| Dorsey | Crock | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1923 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| [Tiller?] | William | Male | African American | Enslaved | Metal Worker | December 31, 1854 | December 31, 1935 | 81 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Eliza and Charles Tiller, William Tiller was born around 1855 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, he was married to Ella Teller and they lived with extended family on River Street. He worked in a “in a Gin Shop” in 1880, as a “Tinner” in 1910, 1920, and 1930. He died from cerebral apoplexy and chronic nephritis on November 9, 1936. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a Sheet Metal Worker and lived at 190 Fifth Street. |
| Minniefield | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Porter | December 31, 1888 | December 31, 1937 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ella Lee and John Minniefield, Henry L. Minniefield was born around 1889. In 1930, he worked as a porter at a pool room and was married Effie L. Minnifield, a seamstress. At 49 years old, he died from bulbar paralysis on April 2, 1938. He worked as porter and lived at 346 Reese Street at the time of his death. |
| Thomas | Eluice | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1923 | December 31, 1924 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Poyner | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1895 | December 31, 1966 | 69 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thomas Poyner was born on October 15, 1896 (or around 1898). From his residence in Tignall, Georgia, he served in the 342 Labor Battalion during the First World War. According to the 1952 City Directory, he lived with Eddie F. (most likely his wife) lived at 115 Trail Creek Street. He died from unknow causes on April 25, 1967. | |
| [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. | |||
| Hawkins | Peter | Male | African American | Free | Construction | December 31, 1921 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Hill | Whitman | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1882 | December 31, 1960 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Whitman Hill was born on September 17, 1883. In 1949, he worked as a janitor and lived with his wife, Sara H., at 157 Church Street, According to the 1958 City Directory, he still lived at 157 Church Street. He died on October 1, 1961. He may have worked as a reverend; this title is listed on his tombstone. |
| Benford | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Fireman | December 31, 1922 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Mack | Albert | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1890 | December 31, 1907 | 17 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Jennie Mack, Albert Mack was born on January 13, 1891. He attended school in 1900 and lived with his mother, a widowed laundress, at 19 Sapalo Street. At 17 years old, he died from unknown causes on April 3, 1908. |
| Johnson | William | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1919 | 26 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Gilbert | Robert | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1952 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Robert Gilbert, who resided at 346 Bowie Street SW in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in January 1953. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| 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. |
| Jackson | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Miller | December 31, 1869 | December 31, 1942 | 73 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thomas N. Jackson was born on March 22, 1870. He married Sweetie Poulain and the couple had at least seven children: Farris, Thomas, Burnett, Babe, Samuel, and Lloyd. He worked as a drayman in 1900. In 1910, Jackson worked as a miller and the family rented a house on Cleveland Avenue. According to 1931 City Directory, he worked as a miller and the couple lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At 73 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 31, 1943. |
| Dunfoy | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |||
| 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. |
| 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] | |||
| Jones | Willis | Male | African American | Enslaved | Carpenter | December 31, 1813 | December 31, 1912 | 99 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Willis A. Jones was born around February 28, 1814 and most likely spent his early life enslaved. He married Vinnie Jones and, in 1880, the couple lived on Broad Street. He worked as a carpenter in 1880, but is referred to as “Reverend” on his tombstone. According to the 1897 City Directory, he worked as a Carpenter and lived at 31 S Poplar Street. He died from unknown causes on March 3, 1913. |
| 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. |
| 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. | |
| Mack | Abram | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1886 | December 31, 1906 | 20 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Charlotte and John Mac, Abram T. Mack was born in 1887. He attended school in 1900 and lived with his parents at 915 Reese Street. At 20 years old, he died from unknown causes in 1907. According to the 1913 City Directory, the family lived at 853 Reese Street; this is most likely his last known address. |
| Jackson | Farris | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1933 | 39 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poulain Jackson and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Farris L. Jackson was born on September 30, 1894. In 1900, he lived with his parents and siblings at 456 Barber Street. In 1910, he attended school and lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At the start of the First World War, he worked as a physician in town and was exempted from the draft as a result. In 1930, he lived with his wife, Ruby, at 526 Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on March 26, 1934. |
| 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] | |||
| [Campbell?] | Andrew | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Most likely a member of the Campbell family. | ||||
| Winkfield | Walter | Male | African American | Free | Mail Carrier | December 31, 1887 | December 31, 1931 | 43 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ellen and William Wingfield, Walter P. Winkfield (or Wingfield) was born around 1888. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Bridge Street and worked as a barber. In 1920, he worked as a “US City Carrier.” He died from “[cancer?] of face” on March 14, 1932. According to his Death Certificate, he was a “postman” and lived at 221 Bridge Street. |
| 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 | Free | Drayman | December 31, 1919 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Griggs | Joe | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1949 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Joe Henry Griggs, who resided at 280 Cain St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in May 1950. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| 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. |
| Echols | Hiram | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 53 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Thomas | Matt | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. |
| Norman | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 68 | 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. | ||
| Shaw | Warren | Male | African American | Free | Presser | December 31, 1922 | 33 | 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. |
| Ector | Benjiman | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Turner | Luther | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1884 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Luther Turner was born around 1885. He married Frances Turner and the couple had at least seven children: John, Dorthey, Walter, Fannis, Charles, Joseph, and Crawford. In 1920, the couple lived on Water Street and he worked as a laborer for the Southern Railroad. In 1940, they lived at 970 Hobson Street and he worked as a watchman. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
| 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 | Willie | Male | African American | Free | Butcher | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1937 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Nora Smith and Willie Reid, Willie Reid was born on August 16, 1894. In 1910, he lived with his grandmother (Della Batiste) and worked as a brick yard laborer. During the First World War he served in the 315th Labor Battalion. At 43 years old, He died from rheumatic heart disease on April 15, 1938. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 462 Madison Avenue. |
| Allen | Owen | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1828 | December 31, 1899 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Owen Allen was born in December 1829 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He married Margaret Allen and the couple had at least five children—Hopy, Albert, Henry, Nancy, and Margaret. In 1870, he worked as a “Day Laborer” and, in 1880, as a "farmer." According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith at 907 S Lumpkin Street and lived in Allensville. He died, at 71 years of age, on December 28, 1900. |
| Booke | Ben | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1926 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. |
| Shaw | Will | Male | African American | Free | Chauffer | December 31, 1926 | 38 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Upson | Neal | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1860 | December 31, 1941 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Jane and Harold Upson, Neal Upson was born around 1861. According to a 1930s WPA interview, he was enslaved on Frank Upson’s plantation in Oglethorpe County. He married Brynie Upson. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 22, 1942. | |
| 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. |
| Terrell | Charles | Male | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1933 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Charles Terrell Jr. was born around 1916. His parents, Charles Terrell and Julia Stuts, were both Athens natives. His father, “Chas” Terrell was noted to be a carpenter before his son was born, being listed along with his wife Julia in a 1912 Athens, GA directory living at 347 First Street. In the 1931 directory, however, “Chas” Terrell is said to be a cook, living on 389 Meigs St. On October 6, 1934, Terrell Jr.’s life was cut short after passing away at a tender age of 18 while he was still a schoolboy. The place of death is recorded to be 376 Odd Street. The cause of death was noted to be an acute dilatation of the heart, or nowadays known as dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), with contributary causes of importance being listed as fever and overexertion. He was buried five days later in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 11, 1934 with his family in attendance. [Researched and written by Bita Jadali] | |||
| Hearel | Eddie | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Wymbs | J. | Male | African American | Free | Minister | December 31, 1890 | December 31, 1935 | 45 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Janette and Lewis Wymbs, J. H. Wymbs was born around 1891. He died from an acute infection on August 15, 1936. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a minister and lived at 175 Second Street. |
| Au[??] | Ned | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
| 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. |
| Booth | Richard | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1920 | 38 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
