Decedent

Gospel Pilgrim Decedents has a comprehensive list of men, women, and children interred in the cemetery. Using grave markers, obituaries, and death certificates, we have complied a list of individuals buried within the cemetery and, to the extent possible with archival silences, developed short biographies of each persons' life. Some decedents have marked graves, while others do not.

In part, this data is based on an early 2000s GIS survey of the cemetery, which was completed by David Berle, Gail Tarver, Taylor Ladd from the University of Georgia's Horticulture Department. The Athens-Clarke County Death Certificate data was, likewise, transcribed by Leah Richier, an graduate alumni of the University of Georgia's Department of History.

Last Name First Name Gendersort descending Race Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
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.
Varnell Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 55 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.
McCleskey Edward Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1864 December 31, 1931 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Julia and William McCleskey, Edward McCleskey was born in March 1865. In 1930, he was widowed and owned a home at 220 Harris Street. He worked as a carpenter for much of his life. At age 67, he died from cardiovascular renal disease on September 19, 1932.
Derricotte Mathew Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1899 December 31, 1943 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mathew “Booby” Derricotte was born around 1890. In 1909, he worked as a laborer and lived at 46 Hull Street. He married Lucy Derricotte and, according to the 1942 City Directory, they lived at 270 Fifth Street. He still worked as laborer. At 54 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 28, 1944.
Brown Hamilton Male African American Free Printer December 31, 1903 December 31, 1970 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mamie E. and Anderson Brown, Hamilton J. Brown was born on May 3, 1904. As a child, he lived on Reese Street with his parents. In 1947, he worked as a printer and, according to the 1947 and 1949 City Directories, he lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes on January 25, 1971.
Lumpkin Dan Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1926 45 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.
Pledger William Male African American Enslaved Lawyer December 31, 1849 December 31, 1903 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William A. Pledger was born in 1850 and enslaved as a child. Along with William Henry (Harrison) Heard, he was the co-owner and editor of the Athens Blade, a leading African-American newspaper that was distributed throughout Georgia and in several northeastern cities. As one of the first African-American lawyers in Atlanta, he was active in republican politics and a delegate to each republican convention from 1876 to 1900. According to the 1898 City Directory, he worked as a lawyer and lived at 209 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on January 8, 1904.
Wagner George Male African American Enslaved Plasterer December 31, 1918 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Foster Lorenza Male African American Free Child December 31, 1926 December 31, 1926 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hunter Richard Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1868 December 31, 1928 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Carolina and Richard Hunter, Richard Hunter was born sometime between 1857 and 1869 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked as a laborer on the city streets in 1910 and as a “general worker” in 1920. He married Rachel Hunter and the couple had at least three children: Anna Bell, Nellie Bell, and Christine. He died from pneumonia on March 16, 1929. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a mechanic and lived at 487 Madison Avenue.
Austin Henry Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1895 December 31, 1939 44 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Henry L. Austin was born on February 28, 1896 in Washington, Georgia. During the First World War, he served as a private in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. At the start of the war, he lived at 528 Strong Street. After the war, he married Ada Austin, a cook, and in 1930 the couple lived in the rear of 574 Pulaski Street. It is unknown if they had children. In 1930, he worked as a laborer for the University of Georgia and, in 1935, he was a janitor, most likely for the university. In 1935, he and Ada lived at 150 N. Harris Street. He died from unknown causes on June 29, 1940. His wife, still living at 150 N Harris Street, ordered a military tombstone marker in1941.
Wilder Charlie Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Rachel Wilder and James Wilder, Charlie Wilder was born around 1860. In 1870, the family lived in Madison, Georgia; this is most likely his last known address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Shaw Willie Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1879 December 31, 1926 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Elizabeth Shaw, Willie A. Shaw was born in October 1888. In 1900, he attended school and lived with his mother and grandmother in Athens. In 1915 and 1916, he was arrested and charged with violating prohibition. During the First World War, he served as a cook in the 157th Deport Brigade. After the war, he married Eliza Shaw. He died from [??] on April 5, 1927. At the time of his death, he worked as a chauffeur and, after his death, his wife lived at 330 N. Pope Street.
Johnson Emanuel Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1896 December 31, 1939 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Lulu and George Johnson, Emanuel Johnson was born in May 1897. In 1900, the family lived at 8 Oconee Street. He married Lonie Johnson and, in 1929, they lived at 260 Vine Street. At that time, he worked as a janitor. According to the 1931 City Directory, he worekd as a janitor at the First Baptist Church and lived at 260 Vine Street. He remained at that address, according to the 1940 City Directory. He died from unknown causes on October 2, 1940. He was only 43.
Mullins William Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1882 December 31, 1954 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William J. Mullins was born around 1883. In 1910, he lived on Reese Street and worked as an ice wagon driver. According to the 1928 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Nancy, at 223 N Church Street. In 1930, he drove truck for the ice company and still worked as a driver in 1940. In 1952, he lived with his wife at 223 N Church Street and worked as a truck driver at Atlantic Company. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 26, 1955.
Hawkins Daviet Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Thomas Marion Male African American Free December 31, 1903 December 31, 1936 33 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Marion Clemons Thomas was born around 1904. At 33 years old, he died on December 16, 1937.
Johnson Reese Male African American Free December 31, 1957 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Reese Johnson, who resided at 130 Water Street, died from unknown causes in June 1958. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Hunter Ed Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 December 31, 1957 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Annie Hunter, Ed Willie Hunter was born around 1919. In 1930, he attended school and lived with his mother on Finley Street. In 1940, he worked as a butler. He married Juanita Gross on January 25, 1943. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as yardman and lived at 540 S Finley Street. He died from unknown causes on June 5, 1958. According to his obituary published in The Atlanta Constitution, he lived at 548 Finley Street.
Aycock Homer Male African American Free Decorator December 31, 1901 December 31, 1959 58 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Homer Aycock Sr. was born around 1902. He married Rosa Aycock, a laundress, and the couple had at least five children: Percy, Eva Lee, Anna C., and Homer Jr., Christine. He worked as an “Interior house Dectorator” in 1930 and 1940. In those same years, the family rented at home at 183 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1949 City Directory, he still lived at 183 Lyndon Avenue. He died from unknown causes on November 16, 1960.
Parrott Henry Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Howard Aurodite Male African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1907 December 31, 1935 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Alice Johnson and N. Derricotte, Will Henry Johnson was born on September 10, 1936. He died from “labor pneumonia” and “pleural effusion” on May 21, 1936. He was living in Atlanta, Georgia at the time of his death.
Brown Anderson Male African American Free Barber December 31, 1868 December 31, 1938 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Anderson S. Brown was born in 1869. In 1900, he was widowed and worked as a post office clerk. He remarried before 1910; he and Mamie E. Brown at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. They were active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He worked as a “Special Deputy” for the “City Odd Teller” in 1910 and aa barber in 1920 and 1930. In 1910, 1920, and 1930, the family lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1939. She remained in the house after his death.
Mullins Henry Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1869 December 31, 1930 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Henry A. Mullins was born around 1870. He married Georgia Mullins and the couple had at least four children: Owen, Samson, Lumpkins, and Mary. In 1910, he worked as a city cook and owned a house at 236 S Collins Street. He died from unknown causes in 1931.
Smith Betney Male African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1922 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cheney Alex Male African American Free December 31, 1922 34 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Hamilton Male African American Free December 31, 1909 December 31, 1939 30 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Hamilton Thomas was born around 1910. At 30 years old, he died from unknown causes on December 26, 1940.
Lee Henry Male African American Free Farm Laborer December 31, 1878 December 31, 1934 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ella and John Menifee, Henry L. Lee was born on March 14, 1879. He married Maggie Lee around 1900 and the couple rented a home in Oconee County in 1910. He worked as farm laborer. In 1930, he lived at 45 Rocky Branch Road in Oconee County. He died from unknown causes on December 15, 1935.
Johnson Seaborn Male African American Unknown December 31, 1946 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Seaborn Johnson, who resided in Monroe, Georgia, died from unknown causes in August 1947. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
McCree Guy Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1883 December 31, 1950 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Guy W. McCree was born on October 10, 1884. He was arrested for gambling in 1914. According to the 1940 Census, he had been married but lived with a boarder at 143 Fourth Street. He worked as a laborer in 1940. According to the 1949 City Directory, he lived at 923 Water Street. He died from unknown causes on October 3, 1951.
Simmons Mitchell Male African American Free Church Employee December 31, 1905 December 31, 1964 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Anna B. Simmons, Mitchell Simmons was born on November 2, 1906. In 1910, he lived with his mother and grandmother in Madison, Georgia. In 1920, he worked as a theatre porter in Atlanta and lived with his mother in the city. By 1930, he had moved to South Carolina and was married to Thelma Simmons. The couple had at least one child: Mitchell J. Simmons. According to his Second World War draft registration, he worked for Reverend Frank Gantt and lived at 814 Hampton Street in Columbia, South Carolina. He died from unknown causes on February 12, 1965.
Huff J. Male African American Free December 31, 1923 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson William Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1877 December 31, 1957 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William Johnson was born on January 3, 1878. In 1910, he was divorced, worked as a street laborer, and lived in his mother’s (Laura Johnson) household in Warsaw Alley. He died from unknown causes on January 11, 1956.
Geter Otis Male African American Free Unemployed December 31, 1899 December 31, 1967 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ida and Dink Geter, Otis Geter (or Jeter) was born around 1900. As a child, he attended school and lived on Fourth Street with his parents. He married Alice Brown on May 17, 1937. At the time of the Second World War, he was unemployed and living at 630 Madison Avenue. On February 12, 1959, he was arrested for liquor possession and spent twelve months in jail. He died from unknown causes on May 6, 1969.
Clarke Joseph Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 13 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas Tommie Male African American Enslaved Labroer December 31, 1863 December 31, 1939 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son or Margaret and Hampton Thomas, Tommie Thomas was born on May 15, 1864 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he lived in Athens with his parents. He still lived with them in 1880, but also worked as butcher in that year. In 1930, he worked as a foreman for the transfer company. He died from chronic nephritis on March 11, 1940. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a laborer and lived at 168 Warsaw Street.
Lee Albert Male African American Free Butler December 31, 1912 December 31, 1940 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Susie B. and Albert Lee, Albert Thomas Lee was born around 1914. In 1930, he worked as a butler and lived at 424 Reese Street. In 1922, he was arrested for stealing goods and jailed. At 28 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 8, 1941.
Jones Charlie Male African American Free December 31, 1959 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Charlie Grant Jones, who resided at 462 Reese Street, died from unknown causes in January 1960. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Pope Simon Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1869 December 31, 1939 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Washington Pope, Simon G Pope was born on July 4, 1870. He married Ida Pope and the couple had at least four children: Edwin, Leroy, Edmund, Celastine, and Simmie. He worked as a day laborer in 1900, gas worker in 1910, oil mill laborer in 1920, and janitor in 1940. He owned a house at 524 Vine Street in 1940. He died at home from a spontaneous hemorrhage and chronic myocarditis on October 31, 1940. At the time of his death, he worked as a janitor for the University of Georgia.
Walker Charlie Male African American Enslaved Reverend December 31, 1919 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hurley Langston Male African American Free December 31, 1884 December 31, 1904 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Langston Hurley was born on March 9, 1885 and, at 20 years old, he died from unknown causes on November 5, 1905. According to his will, he bequeathed his possessions to Lizzie Hamilton, his mother.
Derricotte Edward Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1856 December 31, 1939 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Edward J. Derricotte was born on March 12, 1858 and most likely enslaved as an infant. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and as a “Sexton To Church” in 1880. In 1882, he married Charlotte L. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. He worked as a laborer at “odd jobs” while living in Everett, Massachusetts in 1920. Upon returning to Athens, he worked as carpenter in 1920. After the death of his wife, he moved back to Everett, Massachusetts where he worked as a janitor and lived with extended family. He died from unknown causes on June 4, 1940.
Payne Jesse Male African American Free Child December 31, 1926 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Huff John Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1884 December 31, 1926 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Flanigan Albert Male African American Free December 31, 1880 December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Albert Capp Flanigan, who resided at 87 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in June 1968. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked
Cleveland J. Male African American Free Student December 31, 1925 18 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Jones Walter Male African American Free December 31, 1954 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Walter Jones died from unknown causes in April 1955. He married Annie Jones, and the couple had at least two children—Melease Jones Winston and Walter Jones Jr. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Porter Walter Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1889 December 31, 1960 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Walter Porter was born around 1890. He married Susie Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. He worked as an insurance agent in 1910, a tailor in 1920, a hotel servant in 1930, and a porter in 1940. At that time, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 554 E Strong Street. At 71 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 6, 1961.
Hurt James Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1914 December 31, 1956 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Nancy Demeritt Hurt, James T. Hurt was born in 1915. At the start of the Second World War, he worked as a farm hand in Athens, Georgia and lived at 1734 E Broad Street. He served as a private Branch Immaterial Warrant Officers at Fort Benning, Georgia. In the middle of the war, he married Emma Lou Campbell on August 15, 1942. According to the 1949 City Directory, he worked at Western Markets and lived at 948 Reese Street. He remained at that address, but worked as a “hlpr Bradley Provision Co.” in 1956. At 42 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 30, 1957.
Bacon Robert Male African American Enslaved Porter December 31, 1818 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Robert Bacon was born around 1819 and most likely enslaved for much of his life. He married Minerva Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least three children: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. He worked as a La laborer in 1870 and porter in 1880. In 1880, he lived with his wife, children, daughter-in-law, and grand children at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. According to the 1889 City Directory, his wife lived at 414 N Foundry Street and this is most likely his last address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Williams Willie Male African American Free December 31, 1914 December 31, 1965 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Willie Asa Williams was born around 1915. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1966.
McCree Edward Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1859 December 31, 1954 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Louisa and Squire H. McCree, Edward McCree was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings on a farm in Watkinsville, Georgia. By 1880, the family had moved to Throne Street. Instead of attending school, 13 year-old McCree worked as a laborer. He married Nettie McCree, a laundress, and the couple had at least one child: Maggie. In 1910, he worked as a city street laborer and rented a home at Green Street. According to the 1938 City Directory, the coupled lived at 543 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1955.
Dillard Hansel Male African American Enslaved Barber December 31, 1792 December 31, 1852 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Hansel Dillard was born enslaved around 1793. Trained as a barber, Dillard advertised his services to white Athenians in The Southern Whig: “Barbering and Hair-dressing. Hansel Dillard, Respectfully informs the citizens of Athens and the public generally, that he will, at all times, be found at his Shop, happy to accommodate those who favor him with their patronage.” In an era that barred almost all free and enslaved men from skilled employment, barbers enjoyed steady, profitable work. Indeed, this profession paid well; Dillard’s earning bought him freedom. As a free man of color, Dillard carved out a respectable space for himself in the slaveholding South. Dillard, according to The Weekly Banner, “made a great deal of money.” In addition to his barbershop, Dillard owned a bakery, operated a confectionery, kept a stable, and ran a delivery service. For him, and many other African-American men, barbering was a path to freedom and middle-class prosperity. It allowed him to procure not only his own freedom, but purchase his wife’s freedom for $1000 as well. She, then, took in student’s washing for additional income. In 1851, Dillard owned property; he paid taxes. Sixty-year-old Dillard died of unknown causes on Sept. 5, 1853. He was buried in Athens. Exactly where, however, is unknown. At some point, years after Hansel Dillard’s death, friends from Charleston, South Carolina erected a tombstone in his memory. While damaged by age and neglect, the stone, inscribed “I know that my Redeemer livith,” still stands in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery today.
Payne Jessie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 22 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Small Howard Male African American Free December 31, 1908 December 31, 1972 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Howard Small was born April 9, 1909. According to his Second World War Draft Card, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia and his next of kin was Louvenia Guinn, a friend. By 1951, he was living in Seattle, Washington. He died from unknown causes on April 5, 1973.
Hunter Sebe Male African American Free Merchant December 31, 1921 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Flanigan Melvin Male African American Free December 31, 1914 December 31, 1976 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Melvin Coot Flanigan, who resided at 190 Cleveland Avenue, died from unknown causes in December 1977. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Smith Peter Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Colbert Guy Male African American Free Student December 31, 1922 18 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heard William Male African American Free Blacksmith December 31, 1864 December 31, 1938 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Manerva and Thomas Heard, William Heard was born on February 12,1865 in Elberton, Georgia. Sometime before 1880, the family moved to Athens and he lived with his parents on Market Street. He worked as a “horseler” in 1880 and as a blacksmith in 1900, 1910, and 1920. He married Mattie Heard, a teacher, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. He died from acute mitral regurgitation on September 26, 1939. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a blacksmith and lived at 475 Reese Street.
Livingston Richard Male African American Free Mail Carrier December 31, 1877 December 31, 1950 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Richard Livingston was born in 1878. In 1900, he worked as a mail carrier and boarded at 819 Hill Street. Sometime before 1910, he married Laura Livingston and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue. According to the 1949 City Directory, he reamined at that address. He died from unknown causes in 1951. He was 73 years old.
Cleveland John Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1868 December 31, 1930 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked John Cleveland was born between 1865 and 1875. He married Liza Cleveland, a laundress, and the couple had a least one child: Johnnie, Magnolia, and Manda. Unable to read or write, he worked as an oil mill laborer in 1920 and was working as a laborer in 1929. He was not working in 1930 and lived at 168 John Street in Athens. He died from unknown causes on November 27, 1931; he was around 62 years of age at the time of his death.
Killian W. Male African American Free December 31, 1951 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, W. H. Killian Sr. died from unknown causes in March 1952. He married Ruth Moon Killian, and the couple had at least three children, William Herty Killian Jr., Archibald Killian, Alfred Killian, and Clarence Killian. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Walker Macauloy Male African American Free Child December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Grant Render Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1922 23 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Iverson Edward Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1827 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Edward Iverson was born around 1828 and most likely enslaved. He married Amanda Iverson, a cook, sometime before 1870. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and they lived at 268 10th Street. She died of unknown causes at an unknown date.
Williams Willie Male African American Free December 31, 1940 December 31, 1962 22 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Willie James Williams was born around 1941. He died from unknown causes on 1963.
Dillard William Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1907 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William Dillard was born around 1844 and most likely enslaved. According to the 1870 Census, he worked as Day Laborer. She married Racheal Dillard and they had at least two children: Nannie and Annie. In 1904, he worked as a laborer and lived at 640 Fourth Street. He was one of the founding members of the Gospel Pilgrim Society.
Johnson Howard Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1899 December 31, 1967 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Howard F. Johnson was born on January 24, 1900. According to the 1856 City Directory, he worked as a janitor in Howell Clark Hall and lived in Hull, Georgia. At 68 years old, he died on February 21, 1968.
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.
Greene Marcus Male African American Free December 31, 1901 December 31, 1934 32 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Salemma Greene, Marcus James Greene was born on September 18, 1902. As a child he lived with family on Foundry Street in 1910. He died from unknown causes on August 4, 1935. He was 32 years old at the time of his death.
Cole Loucious Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1904 December 31, 1924 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heard Benjamin Male African American Enslaved Mason December 31, 1863 December 31, 1907 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Benjamin Scribben Heard was born around May 10, 1864 and was enslaved as a child. He married Emma F. Heard, a teacher, and the couple had at least one child: Selma G. Heard. In 1889, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 832 Cherry. According to the 1900 Census, he had changed professions and now worked as a merchant, but this is most likely an error, since, according to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 830 Cherry. He died from unknown causes on May 28, 1908.
[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.
Livingston William Male African American Free Reverend December 31, 1888 December 31, 1956 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, William Livingston was born in 1889. According to the 1949 City Directory, he worked as reverend and lived at 120 Flint Street. He died from unknown causes in 1957.
Maxwell Charlie Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Charlie Joe Maxwell, who resided at 253 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes on June 12, 1972. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Walker Taylor Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Green Rudell Male African American Unknown December 31, 1924 December 31, 1924 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Downer G. Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1860 December 31, 1914 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, G. T. Dower was born around 1861 and most likely enslaved as a child. At 54 years old, this person died from unknown causes on February 2, 1915. Most likely this person is Gaines Downer, who, according to the 1904 City Directory, worked as a laborer and lived at 658 Morris [St. Av. or Way?].
Johnson Lewis Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1911 December 31, 1961 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lewis Johnson was born on December 25, 1912. In 1930, he worked as a hat shop deliveryman and lived with his sister, Minnie Johnson, at 340 Lyndon Avenue. He died from unknown causes on October 21, 1962.
Springs Charlie Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1918 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heard Bartlett Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1831 December 31, 1889 58 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Bartlett Heard was born on August 15, 1832 and was most likely enslaved as a child. He married Mary Heard and, in 1880, the couple lived in Buck Branch, Clarke County, Georgia. He died from unknown causes on July 26, 1890. He was 58 years old at the time of his death.
Cole William Male African American Enslaved Janitor December 31, 1851 December 31, 1931 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Betsey Derricotte and Lucius C. Cole, William Cole was born around 1852 and was most likely enslaved as a child. He worked various jobs, including day laborer (1870), farmer (1880), and janitor (1932). He married Mary Cole and, in 1900, the couple had two living children: Hansel Cole and another unnamed child. 80 year-old Cole died from [??] on September 30, 1932. At the time of his death, he lived at 186 John Street.
Walker William Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1919 36 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.
Bacon Edward Male African American Enslaved Shoemaker December 31, 1853 December 31, 1905 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Minerva and Robert Bacon, Edward Bacon was born on December 25, 1854 and, given this date, most likely spent his childhood enslaved. He married Mary Bacon and the couple may or may not have had children. During the 1870s and 1880s, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens. According to the 1897-98 City Directory, he lived at 416 E. Strong Street and remained at this address in 1904 while working as a shoemaker. He died from unknown causes on December 13, 1906; he was 49 years old.
McQueen W. Male African American Enslaved Driver December 31, 1849 December 31, 1904 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked W. M. McQueen was born on November 15,1850 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Nettie McQueen and the couple had at least one child: Mamie. In 1880, he worked as an express porter and lived on Hull Street. According to the 1897 City Directory, he worked as a driver for Southern Express Company and lived at 630 Hull Street. At 54 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 19, 1905.
Pope [??] Male African American Free Child December 31, 1918 0 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.
Greene Augustus Male African American Free Soldier December 31, 1894 December 31, 1940 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Salemma Greene and brother of Ellen Greene, Augustus C. Greene was born on August 4, 1895. As a child, he lived with his grandmother, Harriett Stroud, at 508 Foundry Street. He attended school. He served as a Sergeant Major in the 11th Triangle Battalion during the First World War. He died from unknown causes on December 22, 1941. He was only 46 years old at the time of his death.
Stephens Clide Male African American Free Barber December 31, 1920 38 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.
Long Georgie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1907 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Georgie Long was born in June 1908. He married Thelma Long and they lived at 237 Billups Street. In 1940, he worked as a yard laborer for the University of Georgia. He died at an unknown date from unknown causes.
Cole Robt. Male African American Free Hackman December 31, 1868 December 31, 1915 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Robert C. Cole was born on December 18, 1869. He married Nona Cole and, in 1910, he worked on the Transfer Line as a hackman. According to the 1909 City Directory, he lived at 343 Hull Street, He died from unknown causes on December 10, 1916.
McCree Sam Male African American Free December 31, 1955 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Sam McCree, the son of Ella Kelly and the husband of Rowena McCree, died from unknown causes on October 1956. The funeral was handled by McWhorter Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.

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    University of Georgia
    Athens, GA 30602-1602
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  • history@uga.edu

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