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
Mathews	Henry	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1854	December 31, 1916	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Henry Mathews was born between 1855 and 1861 and most likely spent his childhood enslaved. In 1900, he worked as Rail Road Laborer and lived as a single, male boarder at 772 Georgia Railroad Street. He married Lizzie Mathews and, in 1910, the couple lived at 144 Summey. At that time, he worked as a city streets laborer. According to the 1914 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at Summey, which intersected Lumpkin Street near Cedar Street. On February 7, 1917, he died from unknown causes.
McGinthy	Harmon	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1956		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Harmon McGinthey, who resided in Madison, Georgia, died from unknown causes in April 1957. He was the husband of Leila Mae McGinthey and the father of Gussie Mae McGinthey. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
Johnson	Tom	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1953	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Eveline Howard, Tom Johnson was born around 1895 or 1896. He most likely served in the 341 Service Battalion during the First World War. In 1920, he worked as a laborer at a cotton press and he and his mother rented a place at the rear of 789 Thomas Street. He died from unknown causes on April 7, 1954. At the time of his death, he lived at Apt. 188 803 Play Lane.
Terrell	George	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	37	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Barnett	Joe	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1919	18	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Mongumory	Tom	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1923	60	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.
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.
Richards	J.	Male	African American	Free	Reverend		December 31, 1920		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.
Matthews	Anderson	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1887	December 31, 1917	29	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Jennie Mathews, Anderson Matthews was born on July 15, 1888. He married Julia Cheney in November 1914. During First World War, he lived on W Hancock Avenue and worked as a chauffeur. According to the 1914 City Directory, he lived at 1423 W Broad Street. At 29 years old, he died from unknown on May 17, 1918.
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.
Johnson	William	Male	African American	Unknown	Reverend	December 31, 1841	December 31, 1908	67	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William D. Johnson was born in Maryland on March 19, 1842. In 1879, he married Alice V. Johnson of Georgia. The couple had at least five children. As a clergyman, Johnson could read, write, and owned his own house at 529 Lumpkin Street. He died from unknown causes on April 10, 1909.
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.
Barnett	William	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1887	December 31, 1919	38	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Moore	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Child		December 31, 1925	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Kenney	Charlie	Male	African American	Unknown			December 31, 1964		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Charlie Kenney died on August 16, 1965.
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.
Hudson	Charlie	Male	African American	Enslaved	Merchant	December 31, 1857	December 31, 1941	84	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Charlie Hudson was born around 1858 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Maggie Hutson, a laundress, around 1904 and the couple lived at 387 Odd Street in 1910. He worked as a retail grocery merchant in 1910 and 1920. He died from unknown causes on October 29, 1942.
Upson	Neal	Male	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1860	December 31, 1941	74	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Jane and Harold Upson, Neal Upson was born around 1861. According to a 1930s WPA interview, he was enslaved on Frank Upson’s plantation in Oglethorpe County. He married Brynie Upson. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 22, 1942.
Matthews	John	Male	African American	Free	Merchant	December 31, 1883	December 31, 1940	57	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John T. Matthews was born between 1874 and 1884. He married Margaret “Maggie” Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. He worked as farmer in 1920 and was a dry goods store merchant in 1930. He died from unknown causes on March 27, 1941.
Nesbit	Ernest	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1945		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Ernest Nesbit, who resided in Augusta, died from unknown causes December 15, 1946. He married Mollie Nesbit, and the couple had at least one child, Leroy Nesbit. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Harris	Will	Male	African American	Free	Shoemaker		December 31, 1925	41	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Reid	Willie	Male	African American	Free	Butcher	December 31, 1893	December 31, 1937	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Nora Smith and Willie Reid, Willie Reid was born on August 16, 1894. In 1910, he lived with his grandmother (Della Batiste) and worked as a brick yard laborer. During the First World War he served in the 315th Labor Battalion. At 43 years old, He died from rheumatic heart disease on April 15, 1938. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 462 Madison Avenue.
Thomas	Alfred	Male	African American	Free	Mechanic		December 31, 1918	27	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Wymbs	J.	Male	African American	Free	Minister	December 31, 1890	December 31, 1935	45	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Janette and Lewis Wymbs, J. H. Wymbs was born around 1891. He died from an acute infection on August 15, 1936. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a minister and lived at 175 Second Street.
Morton	Charles	Male	African American	Free	Entertainment Industry	December 31, 1902	December 31, 1969	67	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and Tallulah Morton, Charles Morton was born on February 27, 1903. In 1910 and 1920, he attended school and lived with his parents and siblings on Prince Avenue. In 1930, he worked as a “Machine operator” at the “picture show,” most likely at the Morton Theatre. According to his Second World War draft card, he worked for his family and lived at 823 Prince Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked at Twentieth Century Billiards and lived, with Goldiee W., at 659 W Hancock Avenue. At 67 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 20, 1970.
Barrett	Luther	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1918	5	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Morton	Ebb	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1918	50	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	Herbert	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1922	51	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?].
Davis	Wm	Male	African American	Enslaved	Cotton Worker		December 31, 1922	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Huff	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1934	40	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Alois Howard and Gib Huff, Will Huff was born on March 12, 1893 in Crawford, Georgia. He died from [??] of heart and nephritis on February 11, 1935. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as laborer and lived at 264 Bridge Street.
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.
Johnson	Eddie	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1919	December 31, 1946	27	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mattie Franklin and Eddie Ted Johnson, Eddie Johnson was born on May 9, 1920. He never married. In 1941, he lived in Chicago and worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Still living in the city, he was working as a “Bumper Factory Worker” when he died from unknown causes on November 13, 1947. The body was returned to Athens for burial in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery.
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.
Morton	Claud	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1892	December 31, 1892		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Claud Morton was born in February 1893 and died in June; he was just over 3 months old. He most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Johnson	La Fayette	Male	African American	Enslaved	Drayman	December 31, 1855	December 31, 1920	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Smith	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Carpenter	December 31, 1888	December 31, 1924	36	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Nellie Thomas and Scott Smith, Robert Smith was born around 1889. He married Pearl Smith and served in the 313 Service Battalion during the First World War. He died from being “shot by police in self defense” on December 25, 1925. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as carpenter and lived at 387 Flint Street.
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.
Howell	Leonard	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1954		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in November 1955. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Scott	Emmett	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1925	0	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.
Hawkins	Dave	Male	African American	Enslaved	Construction		December 31, 1919	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas	Eluice	Male	African American	Free	Child	December 31, 1923	December 31, 1924	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Bayne	Richard	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer		December 31, 1920	75	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Neelia	Peter	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1925	78	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
	Marcellus	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
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.
Dorsey	Crock	Male	African American	Enslaved			December 31, 1923	80	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.
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.
Reid	Lorenzo	Male	African American	Enslaved	Barber	December 31, 1862	December 31, 1946	84	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Lorenzo W. Reid was born around 1863 and most likely enslaved as a child. On October 5, 1884, he married Laura Richardson Reid, a laundress, and the couple had at least ten children: Beulah, L. W., Charlie, Addie, Fannie, Louisa, Ruth, Etta, Mattiline, and Laura Ella. In 1900, the family lived at 431 Bridge Street. He worked as a barber in 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1940. In 1940, he lived at 431 Bridge Street. At 83 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 14, 1947.
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.
Benford	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Fireman		December 31, 1922	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hawkins	Daviet	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Johnson	William	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1919	26	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	Curtis	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1983		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Curtis Johnson, who resided at 97 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in September 1984. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
Dunfoy		Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1920	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Nesbit	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Mason	December 31, 1853	December 31, 1895	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Sarah and Charles Nesbit, John Nesbit was born around 1854. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings in Athens. He married Ella Virginia Richardson on February 3, 1884 and the couple had six living children, including John, Fannie, Sarah, Julia, and Laura. According to a 1889 editorial on East Athens, “Mr. John Nesbitt has a pretty house that can vie with many of our handsome ones on this side.” According to the 1894 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 310 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1896.
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.
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.
Hawkins	Peter	Male	African American	Free	Construction		December 31, 1921	36	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.
	Walter	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Walter is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about his life.
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.
Stach Family	John	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
[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.
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	James	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1971		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, James Johnson, who resided at 151 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes in October 1972. He was married to Ethel Johnson and they had at least one child, Blanche Johnson Jones. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
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.
Stanton	John	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1947		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	John R. Stanton was an Athens resident who was born around 1899. He was married and had multiple siblings. He died from unknown causes on October 25, 1948 and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 31, 1948. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach]
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.
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.
Thomas	Matt	Male	African American	Enslaved	Driver		December 31, 1923	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Bell	Andrew	Male	African American	Free	Reverend	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1958	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	The son of John J. Bell and Idea Bell, Andrew Bell was born on June 10, 1897 in Oglethorpe, Georgia. In 1910, the family lived on College Ave in Athens; Andrew did not attend school was unable to read or write at that time. Sometime before 1920, he married Mary B. Bell and moved to Atlanta, where he lived much of his adult life. He worked as a “Overseer” at the Country Club in 1920 and, according to his obituary, he was a “Reverend.” At 58 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 23, 1959 in Fulton County, GA. His funeral was held at the Dorsey Tabernacle Baptist Church in Athens on September 29, 1959.
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.
Jones	John	Male	African American	Free	Drayman		December 31, 1919	40	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Stephens	Oliver	Male	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1848	December 31, 1879	31	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Oliver Stephens was born on August 21, 1849 and most likely enslaved. At 31 years old, he died on September 6, 1880.
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.
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.
Echols	Hiram	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1923	53	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Nesbitt	Charlie	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1889	December 31, 1889		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Charlie Nesbitt was born on January 8, 1890. At 9 months old, he died from unknown causes on October 22, 1890. He was most likely the infant of Ella and John Nesbit, who lived at 310 Pearl Street.
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.
Shaw	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Mason		December 31, 1922	36	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Strickland	Willie	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1973		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	The son of Edward Strickland and Jennie (Wagner or Wagoner) Strickland, Willie Strickland was born in Athens, GA around 1898. He grew up on First Street, and after marrying Bertha Mae Harvey in 1937, the couple moved down the street to another residence on First Street. Throughout his life, Strickland had many different jobs including working in a saw mill according to the 1920 census, a cotton mill according to the 1930 census, and as a maid according to a 1931 Athens directory. During the Second World War, Strickland registered for the draft, but was not drafted into service, most likely because he was already married and 43 years old at the time. He died from unknown causes on April 6, 1974 in Athens, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Casey Serrano]
Roebuck	[??]	Male	African American	Free	Porter	December 31, 1899	December 31, 1951	52	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Roger Roebuck was born on March 15, 1900. He married Katie Roebuck prior to 1918. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 328 Atlanta Street and worked as a laborer. He worked as a laborer for a Fertilizer Company in 1920 and a porter in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as a deliveryman at Beussee's Flowers and he and his wife lived at 770 Bray Street. He died from unknown causes in 1952.
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.
Norman	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1923	68	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Strickland	John	Male	African American	Free	Butcher	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1918	24	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Jennie Wagner and Ed Strickland, John Strickland was born around 1895. In 1910, he lvied with his parents at 475 First Street and worked as a laborer in a cotton mill. During the First World War, he served in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. He died from pulmonary tuberculosis on April 22, 1919. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 475 First Street.
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.
Ector	Benjiman	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1920	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Newings	John	Male	African American	Free	Soldier	December 31, 1931	December 31, 1955	24	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mae Katie and Pierce Newing, John Evin Newings was born on July 19, 1932. In 1940, he lived with his parents in Bucks Branch Georgia. He served in the 360th Ord Ammo Company during the Koran War. He died from unknown causes on December 23, 1956. At the time of his death, he most likely lived at 355 Arch Street, which was the offical address of his father, Newings Pierce, in 1958.
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.

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