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
Collins	Isaac	Male	African American	Free	Janitor	December 31, 1879	December 31, 1926	47	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Isaac Collins was born on February 10, 1880. Around 1905, He married Lizzie Collins and the couple had at least two children: Mary and Jeffrey. In 1910, he worked as a “Bill Poster” in the “Bulletin Boards” industry. According to the 1920 Census, he worked as a janitor and lived at 195 Billups Street. He died from unknown causes on February 10, 1927.
Ector	M.	Male	African American	Free	Janitor		December 31, 1925	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Bates	William	Male	African American	Free	Farmer	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1941	77	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Kissey Bates, William Bates was born around 1865. His first wife, Marie Bates, died sometime before 1920. In the 1920s and 1930s, he worked as a farmer near the Princeton Factory in Clarke County, Georgia. By 1940, he had remarried 44 year-old Alice Bates and they lived at 1537 W Broad Street. At that time, he did not work and she worked as a laundress. He died on March 6, 1942; he was around 77 years of age.
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.
Evans	Will	Male	African American	Free	Rail Road Worker	December 31, 1885	December 31, 1925	39	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of William Evans, Will Evans was born around June 25, 1886. He married Julia Evans and, according to his First World War draft card, he supported four children. After the war, he worked on the railroad. On June 8, 1926, he died from [??] and acute endocarditis. The couple had been living at 488 Strong 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.
Bugg	Edd	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1953	December 31, 1986	32	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Edd W. Bugg was born around 1954. He attended Clarke Junior High School and his photo appears in the 1970 Yearbook. At 32 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 7, 1987. His funeral was held at Springfield Baptist Church.
Booth	Richard	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1920	38	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Stroud	Baby Ezekiel	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1972	December 31, 1972	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Baby Ezekiel L. Stroud was born and died in 1973.
Varnell	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1925	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Nolan	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1870	December 31, 1935	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Eliza Harris Nolan and Peter Nolan, Robert Nolan was born around 1871 in Walton County, Georgia. He married Mary “May” Jackson on December 28, 1895 and the couple had at least three children: Edward, Robert, and Eva. In 1930, she worked as a cook and he worked as a “yard man.” The family lived at 434 Peabody Street. In 1931, they lived at 167 Peabody Street. At 65 years old, he died from “Nephritis [relation?] of the heart” on October 14, 1936. At the time of his death, he worked as a laborer and lived at 167 Peabody Street.
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.
Walker	Benjamin	Male	African American	Free	Farm Laborer	December 31, 1878	December 31, 1959	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Manda and Taylor Walker, Benjamin F. Walker was born around 1879. In 1880, he lived with his parents in Athens. He married Susie Walker and the couple had at least seven children: Asa, Violet, Jenever, Bulah, Watkins, Ned, and Henry. In 1910, the family lived on Newtons Bridge Road and he worked as a laborer at the planning mill. He worked as a farm laborer and lived at White Hall Road in 1930. At 55 years old, he died from unknow causes on August 21, 1939.
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.
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.
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.
Bowmans	Jack	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Joseph	George	Male	African American	Free	Child	December 31, 1922	December 31, 1922	0	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.
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.
Owens	Alphonso	Male	African American	Free	Porter	December 31, 1899	December 31, 1929	30	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Isabella Owens, Alphonso A. Owens was born on February 5, 1900. In 1910, he lived with his mother and siblings at 228 Cleveland Avenue. He served in the First World War and applied for Victory Metal in 1921. At that time, he was living 147 Plum Street in Athens and attended school. Sometime prior to 1930, he moved to Chicago and worked as porter. He died from unknown causes on August 8, 1930. At the time of his death, he lived at 5321 Calumet Avenue in Chicago.
Edwards	Fred	Male	African American	Enslaved	Fireman		December 31, 1922	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Bell	Judge	Male	African American	Free	Drayman	December 31, 1866	December 31, 1936	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Harriett Jones, Judge Bell was born between 1867 and 1869 in Monroe, Georgia. He worked as a drayman for most of his life. Around 1885, he married Hattie E. Hutchinson Bell, a dressmaker, and the couple had at least six children—Luther, Waterloo, Hazel, Norma, Jerome, and Lillian. According to the 1904 City Directory, he still worked as a drayman and now lived at 15 Rock Spring Street. In 1920, the couple owned their own home at 165 N Rockspring Street and he was still living at that address when he died from Chronic Nephritis on July 22, 1937. The Jackson Funeral Home managed the interment.
White	Joseph	Male	African American	Free	Porter	December 31, 1873	December 31, 1959	86	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Joseph C. White was born around 1874. In 1930, he was married to Flora Gresham White and lived with his mother-in-law (Mary Elder Gresham) at 623 Vine Street. He worked as a hotel porter in 1930. At 86 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 4, 1960.
Favors	Tom	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1859	December 31, 1930	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Fannie Howard and Ben Favors, Tom Favors was born around 1860 and most likely spent his childhood enslaved. He married Cynthia Favors and the couple had a least four children: Lela, Ada, Lillie, and Homer. As a laborer, he spent most of his adult life as a street sweeper or road hand in Athens. In 1913, he was arrested for selling liquor. According to The Athens Banner: “Tom Favors, colored, took it into his head a few days since that he would dish out a little of the ardent, and out at his home on Broad street, he had a crowd of men around that were buying the stuff right along, when the police officials broke into his little game.” Rather than face jail time, he paid a $100 fine. According to the 1926 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 148 Pearl Street. He died from [??] and [??] on December 18, 1931. At the time of his death, he was around 71 years old and had been living at 481 Billups Street.
Thomas	Bennie	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1989		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Bennie Thomas, who resided at 230 Pauldoe Street, died from unknown causes in February 1990. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Sanders	Richard	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1901	December 31, 1944	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Richard Sanders was born on December 26, 1902. According to the 1916 City Directory, he worked as a "wks [at] Costa's" and lived at 240 Newton Street. In 1917, he worked as a porter and lived at 241 Newton Street. He served in the stationed at 327 Service Battalion and was stationed at Camp Gordon during the First World War. In 1940, he worked as a butler and lived in the rear of 724 Prince Avenue. He died from unknown causes on September 25, 1945.
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.
Brydie	Eugene	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1882	December 31, 1908	25	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of E.W. and Camilla Brydie, Eugene A. Brydie was born on May 5, 1883. He most likely lived with his parents at 101 N Findley Street He died from unknown causes on Jaunry 14, 1909.
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.
Hardeman	Eugene	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1901	December 31, 1950	48	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary Hardeman, Eugene Hardeman was born on September 2, 1902. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a landscaper and lived at 623 Hull Street. He was still living at the same address in 1928. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 21, 1951.
Lyons	John	Male	African American	Free	Mason		December 31, 1920	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Cotton	Thomas	Male	African American	Free	Farm Laborer	December 31, 1867	December 31, 1904	36	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary and Jack Cotton, Thomas L. Cotton was born on December 25, 1868. In 1880, he worked as a farm laborer and lived with his parents in Athens, Georgia. He died from unknown causes on February 2, 1905.
Parrott	Henry	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1918	70	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.
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.
Thomas	Lonnie	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1962		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Lonnie Thomas was born on May 6, 1879. He married Ethel Thomas, who worked as a hotel maid. Lonnie and Ethe had at least six children: Edward, Melvin, Hassie (or “Azzie”), Alfonzo, Charlie, and St. Elmore. Census records show that Lonnie owned his house on 160 Water Oak Street in Athens, Georgia. In 1910, Mr. Thomas went to court and won against someone who had wrongfully disposed of his personal property. His draft card for the military in 1918 listed the same address, along with his employer, the Georgia Plow Company, where he worked for many years as a laborer in the factory. He died from unknown causes on January 20, 1963, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by McKenna Sanville]
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.
[Brydie?]	Eugene	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Clemons	Clifford	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1945		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Clifford T. Clemons died from unknown causes in July 1946. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked.
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.
Billups	William	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1971		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, William C. Billups died in 1972. His date of birth is unknown.
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.
Thomas	Arthur	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1943		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	The son of Margaret and Hamilton Thomas, Arthur Thomas was born between 1867 and 1870. Around 1906, he married Gertrude Thomas, and the couple had at least one child, Willie Mae Thomas. In 1910, he worked as a brickmason and rented a home at 288 Bridge Street. He died from unknown causes in 1944. At the time of his death, he lived in Atlanta. [Researched and written by Nic Rasool]
Scott	Samuel	Male	African American	Enslaved					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Samuel S. Scott died in 1862; he was most likely enslaved. His body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882 when the cemetery opened.
Smith	Betney	Male	African American	Enslaved	Cook		December 31, 1922	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Bullock	Fletcher	Male	African American	Free	Janitor	December 31, 1914	December 31, 1957	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Fletcher Bullock was born around 1915. He married Janie Beatrice Bullock and the couple had at least two children: Fletcher Jr. and Willie. In 1940, he worked as a janitor and lived at 468 First Street. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as a construction worker and he and his wife lived at 426 First Street. He died from unknown causes on August 9, 1958.
Hardeman	Harry	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1970		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Harry Hardeman born on May 23, 1897. The son of Juliette Cornelius Hardeman, a single mother and Athens washerwoman, Hardeman and his two sisters lived at 425 Pope Street. By all accounts, he appeared to be a mischievous child; he, at least once, was caught “casting pebbles” at another boy. Whereas a white child most likely escaped the attention of law enforcement, a black child in Jim Crow Georgia did not. Twelve-year-old Hardeman—for his harmless, childish antics—found himself before the local police court. As punishment for the ‘crime,’ reported The Weekly Banner, the Athens mayor “assessed the scrapper the sum of one dollar,” but remitted the fine after “one of the older darkeys in the court volunteered to administer the necessary chastisement, in the place of the absent parent.” During the First World War, he served stateside as a sergeant in the 157th Depot Brigade. Retuning to Athens after the war, he worked as a laborer and lived at 171 Church Street in 1920. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 405 Benning Street. He died on April 10, 1971 from an unknown aliment.
Terrell	Burnett	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1913	December 31, 1943	30	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Burnett Terrell was born on August 2, 1914. He died from unknown causes on November 8, 1944.
Lawrence	Orrin	Male	African American	Enslaved			December 31, 1920	82	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.
Crowder	George	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1932	35	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Chatie T. and George Crowder, George Crowder was born between 1897 and 1898 in Warren, Georgia. He married Lizzie Mae Powers on February 28, 1915 and they had at least one child. He worked various jobs, including a public laborer (1920 Census), laborer (1926 City Directory), and a porter (1931 City Directory). In 1931, he lived at "50 Brays Al[ley]. He died from a “sudden natural cause” on August 21, 1933. According to his Death Index, he lived at 50 Madison Avenue and worked as a common laborer.
Owens	Jesse	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1929		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Jesse Owens served as a private in the 403 Labor Battalion during the First World War. In 1926, he worked as a laborer and lived on Water Street. He most likely married Flora Owens, who lived at 240 Newton Street. According to the 1928 City Directory, the couple lived at 2402 Newton Street and he worked as a laborer. He died from unknown causes on August 23, 1930.
Fields	Jno.	Male	African American	Free	Cotton Worker		December 31, 1918	35	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Payne	Jesse	Male	African American	Free	Child		December 31, 1926	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Bunkley	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Pressing Club Proprietor	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1938	45	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Luna Strickland and Frank Bunkley, Robert L. Bunkley was born on December 12, 1895. As a youth, he was a hack driver (1910) and worked as a pressing club proprietor for much of his adult life. He married Mildred Bunkley sometime after 1920. According to the 1937 City Directory, he owned a billards saloon at the corner of Hull and Washington Streets and lived at 449 Reese Street. On August 7, 1939, he died at St. Mary’s Hospital from a post-operative cerebral embolism, after his right leg had been amputated. He was only 45 years old and had been living at 449 Reese Street at the time of his death.
Harden	Edgar	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1891	December 31, 1953	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary Harden, Edgard Harden was born on November 2, 1892. As a 16 year old in 1910, he worked as a “poster” and did not attend school. During the First World War, he served as a corporal in Company D, 346 Service Battalion. He married Cora Harden and, according to the 1952 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 658 Hull Street. He died from unknown causes on June 26, 1954.
Payne	Jessie	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	22	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.
Billups	Willie	Male	African American	Free	Teacher	December 31, 1903	December 31, 1962	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary Billups, Willie Lewis Billups was born on either March 1, 1904 or May 15, 1903. As a child he lived on Reese Street. At the time of Second World War, he lived at 123 Pope Street and was self-employed. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a teacher Athens High and Industrial School and lived at 1820 W Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on Feburary 27, 1963.
Walker	Jessie	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1954		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Jessie Walker was born in 1890 in Athens, GA. According to the Athens Daily Herald, he was still living in Athens in 1917 and listed among the Clarke County men registered for the First World War draft. He moved to Michigan sometime after this and married Evie Walker with whom he had a daughter named Ora Lee Walker, later Ora Lee Gardner. According to the 1930 US Census, Walker lived with his family and two men who rented rooms in their home at 518 Beaver St. in Lansing, MI. His obituary of September 10, 1955, placed his residence at 131S Case Street in Lansing, and stated that he would be returned to Athens, GA to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Avery Scott]
Brittin	George	Male	African American	Free	Carpenter		December 31, 1925	50	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Walker	Macauloy	Male	African American	Free	Child		December 31, 1920	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Davis	J.	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1905	December 31, 1906	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	J. W. Davis was the twin son of J. W. and M. C. Davis. He was born on December 5, 1906 and died nine months later, on September 8, 1907. According to the 1904 City Directory, J. W. Daivs worked as a mail carrier and lived at 24 Strong Street. In 1909, he was married to Minnie Davis and they lived at 178 Strong Street. This is most likely their child.
Billups	Burrell	Male	African American	Free	Restaurant Owner	December 31, 1873	December 31, 1937	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Isabelle and John Billups, Burrell W. Billups was born on July 4,1874. In 1911, he was a registered voter living in Athens. He married Janie Billups and the couple had at least two children: Katie and Arabella. He worked as a restaurant owner in 1920 and the family lived at 367 Chase Street. They still resided at that address in 1931 and 1938. He died from P. O. suppurative peritonitis on June 28, 1938.
Whitfield	W.	Male	African American	Free	Blacksmith	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1938	74	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	W. M. Whitfield was born on April 18, 1865. According to the 1938 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith and lived with his wife, Mittie, at 495 Reese Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 13, 1939.
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.
Walker	Nathaniel	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1954		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	A lifelong Athens resident, Reverend Nathaniel Thomas Walker was born on February 22, 1887. He was drafted for the First World War in 1917, and according to the Athens Daily Herald, he was part of a group of men sent to France. Walker had requested a military exemption, but it was rejected: as the newspaper noted, “two young men who are in the ministry failed to exempt [from military service] – on account of the fact that they did not file proof to their claim in the prescribed manner.” After his return from the war, he married Susie B. Walker, with whom he took care of a stepdaughter, Christine B. Barnette. He worked as a preacher, and between 1931 and 1944 he was the reverend of Union Missionary Baptist Church. He lived at 160 Water Street in 1917, and resided on Finley Street in 1920. In August 1955, he passed away from unknown causes and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach]
Shanks	Otis	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1891	December 31, 1956	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Otis Shanks was born around 1892 in Thompson, Georgia. In 1916, he “was arraigned on a charge of disorderly conduct and his cash bond was forfeited.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a truck hand for Southern Railroad and lived at 499 River Street. During the war, he served stateside in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. After the war, he married Christine C. Shanks. He worked as a laborer at the gas plant in 1930 and a “helper” in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as plant operator at Atlanta Gas Light and lived at 139 N Newton Street. At 65 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 19, 1957. After his death, his wife applied for a military headstone.
Hirams	Rubin	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	55	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.
Davis	James	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1948		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, James W. Davis, who resided at 178 Strong Street, died from unknown causes on June 28, 1949. He married Mrs. Minnie Reid and had at least five children. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked.
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.
Harris	Marion	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1899	December 31, 1911	11	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Marion O. Harris was born on September 18, 1900 and died on April 16, 1912. He was only 11 years old at the time of his death.
Browner	Richard	Male	African American	Enslaved	City Employee		December 31, 1921	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Walker	Taylor	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer		December 31, 1920	60	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.
Fortson	Jim	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1919	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Holbrook	Marion	Male	African American	Free	Post Office Clerk	December 31, 1879	December 31, 1928	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Marion J. Holbrook was born on April 14, 1879 or 1880. He married Carrie Jones Holbrook and the couple had at least two children: Marion and Georgia. He worked various jobs in his early years; he was barber in 1900 and a laborer at “Odd Jobs” in 1910. He started working as a post office clerk in 1911, and remained at that position for the remainder of his life. He intentional shot himself and died from two gunshot wounds on May 6, 1929. At the time of his death, he had been living with his wife at 130 Harris Street.
Whitlock	John	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1856	December 31, 1916	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John Whitelock (or Whittlock) was born around 1857. According to the 1894 City Directory, worked as a laborer and lived at 805 Athens Avenue. He may have been married to Martha Whitelock. At 60 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 3, 1917.
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.
Jameson	Shores	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1871			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Shoals Jamison was born around 1872 in Alabama. According to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 23 N Findley Street. In 1910, he worked as a coachman and lived with his wife, Ella Jamison, at 193 Pendley Street (193 Finley Street). He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
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.
Morton	William	Male	African American	Free				10	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William Morton died when he was 10 years old. He was the brother of Lizzy C. Morton.
Buedon	Ora	Male	African American	Free	Gardener	December 31, 1920	December 31, 1920	0	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.
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.
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.
Foster	Jos.	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1918	19	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Blont	[Gary?]	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Shaw	Charles	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Holmes	Geo.	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1923	0	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.
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.
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.
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.
[Re?]id		Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]

Decedent

Get in touch