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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Miner | J. T. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | December 31, 1922 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Thomas | Tommie | Male | African American | Enslaved | Labroer | December 31, 1863 | December 31, 1939 | 76 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son or Margaret and Hampton Thomas, Tommie Thomas was born on May 15, 1864 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he lived in Athens with his parents. He still lived with them in 1880, but also worked as butcher in that year. In 1930, he worked as a foreman for the transfer company. He died from chronic nephritis on March 11, 1940. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a laborer and lived at 168 Warsaw Street. |
| Jones | Julius | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1907 | December 31, 1941 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Julius C. Jones was born in 1908 and died in 1942. | |
| Wise | L. | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1922 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Pope | Simon | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1869 | December 31, 1939 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Washington Pope, Simon G Pope was born on July 4, 1870. He married Ida Pope and the couple had at least four children: Edwin, Leroy, Edmund, Celastine, and Simmie. He worked as a day laborer in 1900, gas worker in 1910, oil mill laborer in 1920, and janitor in 1940. He owned a house at 524 Vine Street in 1940. He died at home from a spontaneous hemorrhage and chronic myocarditis on October 31, 1940. At the time of his death, he worked as a janitor for the University of Georgia. |
| Rhodes | Joe | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| 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. |
| Lawrence | Orrin | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1920 | 82 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Terrell | George | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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 | ||
| Mongumory | Tom | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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] | |||
| 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. |
| Richards | J. | Male | African American | Free | Reverend | December 31, 1920 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| 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. | ||
| Brittin | George | Male | African American | Free | Carpenter | December 31, 1925 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Williams | Willie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1914 | December 31, 1965 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Willie Asa Williams was born around 1915. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1966. | |
| Lyons | C.H.S. | Male | African American | Free | Academic | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1954 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | C. H. S. (or C. M. S.) Lyons Sr. was born on July 25, 1881. He may have worked as a professor or teacher. According to the 1952 City Directory, he was president of the Union Baptist Institute (known Jeruel Academy) and lived at 427 Baxter Street. He died on June 26, 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. |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| Jackson | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1930 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poline and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Thomas N. Jackson was born on June 12, 1897. As a child in 1900, he lived on Barber Street with his family. He graduated from Knox Institute in 1915. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue and worked as a grist mill operator. During the war, he was a student at the Army Training Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1930, he worked as a physician in Athens. He died from [??] on November 8, 1931. According to the Death Certificate, he worked as a physician and lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. |
| 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. | ||
| Moore | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1925 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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] | |||
| Jones | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1876 | December 31, 1936 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Susan Harris and Robert Jones, Robert L. Jones was born on July 9, 1872 (or 1877). Around 1908, he married Effie Jones and the couple appears not to have had children. He worked as a brick mason in 1910 and as a “Tiel Setter” in 1930. He died from apoplexy on February 12,1937. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a brick mason and lived at 167 Paris Street |
| 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. |
| Hirams | Rubin | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 55 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Browner | Richard | Male | African American | Enslaved | City Employee | December 31, 1921 | 63 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. | |
| 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?]. |
| Thomas | Alfred | Male | African American | Free | Mechanic | December 31, 1918 | 27 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Fortson | Jim | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| 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. | |
| Morton | Ebb | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 50 | 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. | ||
| 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. |
| Buedon | Ora | Male | African American | Free | Gardener | December 31, 1920 | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| Foster | Jos. | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 19 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. |
| Holmes | Geo. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1923 | 0 | 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. |
| Scott | Emmett | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1925 | 0 | 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. |
| Drake | Cornelius | Male | African American | Free | Insurance Agent | December 31, 1870 | December 31, 1945 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Cornelius Drake was born on November 25,1871. According to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a janitor at the State Normal School and lived at 111 Billups Street. He married Virgie C. sometime between 1904 and 1942. According to the 1942 City Directory, he was an agent at the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company and he lived at 986 Reese Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 17, 1946. |
| Lumpkin | Dan | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1926 | 45 | 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. |
| Thomas | Eluice | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1923 | December 31, 1924 | 1 | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Neelia | Peter | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1925 | 78 | 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| Marcellus | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | |||||
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Drake | Franklin | Male | African American | Free | Business | December 31, 1891 | December 31, 1914 | 24 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Laura and Cornelius Drake, Franklin B. Drake was born on October 24, 1892. In 1900, he lived in Athens and attended school. He graduated from Knox Institute and then worked “in business.” In 1910, he lived with his grandmother and parents at 853 Prince Avenue. He died from unknown causes on July 5, 1915. |
| 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. | |||
| 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. |
| Brown | Malcolm | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1858 | December 31, 1886 | 27 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Gabriella and George Brown, Malcolm Brown was born on March 1, 1859 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he attended school. He died at 27 years old from unknown causes on January 9, 1887. | |
| 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. | |||
| 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 | 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. |
| 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. | |||
| 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. |
| Brunt | Wakefield | Male | African American | Free | Post Office | December 31, 1892 | December 31, 1926 | 33 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Wakefield C. Brunt was born around November 14, 1893 in Salisbury, North Carolina and lived at 660 Hancock Avenue in 1917. During the First World War, he served oversees as a private in the Company M, 304th Stevedore Regiment. He returned to Athens following the war and worked as postman. In 1922, he won a “friendly competition between the Athens [mail] carriers.” According to the 1923 City Directory, he most likely lived at 640 W Hancock Avenue. He died of unknown causes on February 1, 1927. |
| Grimes | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1951 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Robert Grimes was born around 1890. He served in the First World War and, at its onset, he lived at 285 Fairview Street. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as a yardman and lived with his wife (Mattie) at 148 Chase Street. He died from unknown causes in 1952. | ||
| 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. |
| Howard | Aurodite | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| [Barker?] | [Sam?] | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1846 | December 31, 1926 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Sam Barker was born, most likely enslaved, around 1847, and died on January 28, 1927. He was eighty years old at the time of his death. | |
| Cheney | Alex | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1922 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| 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. |
| 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. | |||
| Thomas | Matt | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1923 | 60 | 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. | |||
| Cole | John | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1924 | December 31, 1924 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Neomie Cole gave birth to a stillborn infant, John Cole, on May 2, 1925. His mother, Nonie, worked as a farm laborer and lived at 349 Hull Street in 1921. According to the Death Index, the infant died at 186 John Street. | |
| Huff | J. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1923 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Shaw | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1922 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Barksdale | Andrew | Male | African American | Free | Waiter | December 31, 1890 | December 31, 1932 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Janie and Charlie Barksdale, Andrew Daniel Barksdale was born in November 1891 or 1892. As an 8 year-old child, he lived on Chase Street with his parents. In 1917, he lived in Lynwood Park in Clarke County, Georgia. He worked as a waiter before he was drafted into the army in 1918 and sent to Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kansas. He died from unknown causes on June 17, 1933. After his death, Nancy Jane Timmons—who lived at 232 Gleen Avenue—applied for a military headstone for the grave. |
| Clarke | Joseph | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 13 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. | |||
| Brydie | Edward | Male | African American | Free | Insurance Agent | December 31, 1885 | December 31, 1914 | 28 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Camilla and Eugene W. Brydie, Edward W. Brydie was born on December 26, 1886. In 1900, he attended school. By 1910, he was working as an insurance agent in Athens and still living with his parents at 101 Finley Street. He died from unknown causes on August 12, 1915. |
| Norman | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 68 | 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. | ||
| Huff | John | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1884 | December 31, 1926 | 42 | 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. |
| 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. | |
| Bass | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | Barber | December 31, 1859 | December 31, 1902 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Martha and William Bass, Edward W. Bass was born on August 23, 1860 and most likely spent his early years enslaved. As a youth in 1880, he worked as porter and eventually became a barber. He married Martha Caldwell on June 9, 1889. According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked as a barber and lived at 1024 Reese Street. At 42 years-old, Bass died from unknown causes on June 20, 1903. According to the 1904 City Directory, his widow, Martha Bass, lived at 1127 Reese Street--this is most likely his last known address as well. |
| Cleveland | J. | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1925 | 18 | 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. |

