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 Racesort ascending Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Jones Robert Male African American Free Railroad Employee December 31, 1920 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker Taylor Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Collins Isaac Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1879 December 31, 1926 47 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Isaac Collins was born on February 10, 1880. Around 1905, He married Lizzie Collins and the couple had at least two children: Mary and Jeffrey. In 1910, he worked as a “Bill Poster” in the “Bulletin Boards” industry. According to the 1920 Census, he worked as a janitor and lived at 195 Billups Street. He died from unknown causes on February 10, 1927.
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.
Virgil Emma Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1879 December 31, 1943 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary and Louis Jackson, Emma Virgil was born around 1880; her parents had been enslaved to John Montgomery in Oconee County. In 1930, she worked as a cook. When interviewed by the WPA in the 1930s, she lived at 1491 W. Broad Street. According to the 1952 City Directory, she lived at 268 Parris Street. At 64 years old, she died from unknown causes on February 14, 1944.
Ector Piety Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1921 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Poole Fay Female African American Free December 31, 1913 December 31, 1918 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Jones Louisa Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1853 December 31, 1909 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Louisa Beale Jones was born sometime between 1848 and 1854 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, she lived in the household of Tena Beall and did not work. In 1880, she lived alone on Hancock Avenue and worked as a dressmaker. At some point between 1880 and 1910, she married. Jones died from unknown causes on October 11, 1910. According to her funeral notice, she lived on Newton Street at the time of her death.
Reid Mattiline Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Mattiline I. Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was only 6 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Favors Ada Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1884 December 31, 1926 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Cynthia and Thomas Favors, Ada B. Favors was born around 1885. At 16 years old, she worked as a laundress and lived with her parents at 609 Lumpkin Street. By 1920, the family had moved to Billups Street. According to the 1926 City Directory, her parents lived at 148 Pearl Street--she most likely lived with her parents at this time. She died from unknown causes in 1927.
Thomas Ethal Female African American Free December 31, 1944 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The daughter of Charles and Fannie Walker, Ethel Walker Thomas was born in May of 1884. As a teenager and young adult, she resided in Sandy Creek with her family, where she worked as a laborer on their farm. She did not attend school, but she was able to read and write. In 1910, she married Lonnie Thomas, and the couple had several children: Edward, Melvin, Azzie, Charles, Elmore, and Alfonza. According to the 1920 census, she lived on Oak Street with her husband and children and worked as a washerwoman. In 1930, she resided at the same address with her family and worked as a maid for a private family. She died from unknown causes on February 1, 1945. [Researched and written by Jake Underwood]
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.
Young Agnes Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1836 December 31, 1897 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Agnes “Aggie” Crawford Young was born in March 1837. In 1870, she was “keeping house.” She was married James Young in 1864 and they had at least six children: Edward, John, Minnie (Davis), Maria, James, and Young. As a widow in 1880, she lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street and worked as a “Washer & Ironer.” According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 438 Bridge Street and worked as a laundress. At he died from unknown causes on January 10, 1898. After her death, she bequeathed her possessions to her daughter, Minnie Davis.
Hemphill Susie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1926 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Springs Charlie Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1918 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Milner Ella Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1861 December 31, 1942 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ella L. Milner was born in 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. She married Sam Milner, a warehouse worker, and the couple had at least one child: Roberta Milner. She did not work during her married life. As a widow in 1930, she lived alone at 168 Peabody Street. She died from unknown causes in 1943.
Brydie Carrie Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1857 December 31, 1877 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Carrie E. Brydie was born (most likely enslaved) on January 8, 1858 and died on May 11, 1878. She was 20 years old at the time of her death.
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.
Hampton Amanda Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1874 December 31, 1928 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Floyd Newsome, Amanda Newsome Hampton was born on July 17, 1875. She died from a cerebral hemorrhage on December 5, 1929. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 1253 W Broad Street.
Bowmans Jack Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McClure Ida Female African American Free December 31, 1915 December 31, 1920 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Mamie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1885 December 31, 1970 85 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mamie Howell Jones was born on March 11, 1886. She married William Brown Jones and the couple had at least three children: Arthur, Thomas, and Clifford. In 1910, the family lived in Stone Mountain, Georgia. In 1940, she worked in “laundry” and they lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. According to the 1956 City Directory, she and her husband lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. She died from unknown causes on July 19, 1971.
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.
Joseph Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walker William Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1919 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Murfrey?] [??] Unknown African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1928 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, this individual was born around 1893 and died in 1929; they were 36 years old.
Collins Female African American Unknown December 31, 1917 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, this female member of the Collins family died in 1918. She was most likely married to Reverend Collins, who preceded her in death in 1894.
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.
W Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Edwards Fred Male African American Enslaved Fireman December 31, 1922 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Pope [??] Male African American Free Child December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
M. W. Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Bell Judge Male African American Free Drayman December 31, 1866 December 31, 1936 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Harriett Jones, Judge Bell was born between 1867 and 1869 in Monroe, Georgia. He worked as a drayman for most of his life. Around 1885, he married Hattie E. Hutchinson Bell, a dressmaker, and the couple had at least six children—Luther, Waterloo, Hazel, Norma, Jerome, and Lillian. According to the 1904 City Directory, he still worked as a drayman and now lived at 15 Rock Spring Street. In 1920, the couple owned their own home at 165 N Rockspring Street and he was still living at that address when he died from Chronic Nephritis on July 22, 1937. The Jackson Funeral Home managed the interment.
Reid Laura Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Laura Ella Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was 11 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Favors Tom Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1859 December 31, 1930 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Fannie Howard and Ben Favors, Tom Favors was born around 1860 and most likely spent his childhood enslaved. He married Cynthia Favors and the couple had a least four children: Lela, Ada, Lillie, and Homer. As a laborer, he spent most of his adult life as a street sweeper or road hand in Athens. In 1913, he was arrested for selling liquor. According to The Athens Banner: “Tom Favors, colored, took it into his head a few days since that he would dish out a little of the ardent, and out at his home on Broad street, he had a crowd of men around that were buying the stuff right along, when the police officials broke into his little game.” Rather than face jail time, he paid a $100 fine. According to the 1926 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 148 Pearl Street. He died from [??] and [??] on December 18, 1931. At the time of his death, he was around 71 years old and had been living at 481 Billups Street.
Thomas Bennie Male African American Free December 31, 1989 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Bennie Thomas, who resided at 230 Pauldoe Street, died from unknown causes in February 1990. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
[??] Barbara Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Barbara [M??] [??] is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
Hill [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stephens Clide Male African American Free Barber December 31, 1920 38 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.
Brydie Eugene Male African American Free December 31, 1882 December 31, 1908 25 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of E.W. and Camilla Brydie, Eugene A. Brydie was born on May 5, 1883. He most likely lived with his parents at 101 N Findley Street He died from unknown causes on Jaunry 14, 1909.
Smith Julia Female African American Unknown December 31, 1939 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julie E. Smith died on July 11, 1940. She is buried alongside Winnie Moore.
Hardeman Eugene Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1901 December 31, 1950 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mary Hardeman, Eugene Hardeman was born on September 2, 1902. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a landscaper and lived at 623 Hull Street. He was still living at the same address in 1928. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 21, 1951.
Boyd Claura Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mcclusky Julia Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1923 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones William Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1879 December 31, 1964 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked William Brown Jones was born on September 18, 1880. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a cook at the State Normal School. He married Mamie Howell Jones and the couple had at least three children: Arthur, Thomas, and Clifford. In 1940, he worked as a cook and the family lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. According to the 1956 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. At 84 years old, he died from unknown causes on January 19, 1965.
Howell Lamar Female African American Free December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in February 1968. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Joseph George Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Warren Harrett Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1918 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Neely Helen Female African American Free December 31, 1898 December 31, 1963 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Helen B. Neely was born on September 10, 1899 and died on March 26, 1964. She was 65 years old.
Cooper Pinkie Female African American Free December 31, 1865 December 31, 1907 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Pinkie Cooper was born around 1866 and married H. E. Cooper. She died at age 42 on February 28, 1908.
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.
W Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Everaton Mamie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Potts Lou Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1924 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mack Albert Male African American Free Student December 31, 1890 December 31, 1907 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Jennie Mack, Albert Mack was born on January 13, 1891. He attended school in 1900 and lived with his mother, a widowed laundress, at 19 Sapalo Street. At 17 years old, he died from unknown causes on April 3, 1908.
Bell Georgia Unknown African American Free Laundress December 31, 1885 December 31, 1904 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Dying at age 19, Georgia Bell was born on July 17, 1886. According to the 1904 City Directory, she worked as a washerwoman and lived at 1213 W Broad Street. She died from unknown causes on August 16, 1905.
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.
Favors Lillie Female African American Free December 31, 1886 December 31, 1949 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Cynthia and Thomas Favors, Lillie Favors was born between 1886 and 1888. She never married nor did she work. In 1930, she lived with her parents at 481 Billups Street and, in 1940, she lived with her sister-in-law at 170 Dublin Street. Favors died from unknown causes on August 19, 1950.
Thomas Lonnie Male African American Free December 31, 1962 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Lonnie Thomas was born on May 6, 1879. He married Ethel Thomas, who worked as a hotel maid. Lonnie and Ethe had at least six children: Edward, Melvin, Hassie (or “Azzie”), Alfonzo, Charlie, and St. Elmore. Census records show that Lonnie owned his house on 160 Water Oak Street in Athens, Georgia. In 1910, Mr. Thomas went to court and won against someone who had wrongfully disposed of his personal property. His draft card for the military in 1918 listed the same address, along with his employer, the Georgia Plow Company, where he worked for many years as a laborer in the factory. He died from unknown causes on January 20, 1963, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by McKenna Sanville]
Jackson Thomas Male African American Free Miller December 31, 1869 December 31, 1942 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Thomas N. Jackson was born on March 22, 1870. He married Sweetie Poulain and the couple had at least seven children: Farris, Thomas, Burnett, Babe, Samuel, and Lloyd. He worked as a drayman in 1900. In 1910, Jackson worked as a miller and the family rented a house on Cleveland Avenue. According to 1931 City Directory, he worked as a miller and the couple lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At 73 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 31, 1943.
Jane Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Jane is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
Hill John Female African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stokely George Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1920 58 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Moore Agnes Female African American Free Student December 31, 1910 December 31, 1927 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lola and Fenrie Moore, Agnes Moore was born on June 7, 1911. In 1920, she attended school and lived with her parents at 280 Athens Avenue. Hermother still liked at that address in 1928 and she most likely lived there as well. At 17 years old, she died peritonitis on March 24, 1928.
[Brydie?] Eugene Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Snelson A. Unknown African American Free December 31, 1896 December 31, 1899 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked A. O'Luwole Snelson was born on July 29, 1897 and died from unknown causes on March 1, 1900. This child was 2 years and 8 months old at the time of death.
Hardeman Julia Female African American Free Homemaker December 31, 1896 December 31, 1962 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julia L. Hardeman was born sometime around 1897. She married Lucas F. Hardeman, a farmer, and the couple had at least six children: Lucas, Garfield, Jerome, Willimena, Hunter, and Martin. In 1930, they lived at 139 Bailey Street. According to the 1949 City Directory, the couple lived at 230 Branch Street. She died from unknown causes on December 30, 1963.
Bradley Lena Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mcgee Andrew Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1923 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Vinnie Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1824 December 31, 1886 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Vinnie Jones was born around December 25, 1825 and most likely spent her early life enslaved. She married Willis A. Jones, a carpenter and reverend, and, in 1880, the couple lived on Broad Street. She died from unknown causes on November 7, 1887.
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.
Killian Sarah Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1901 December 31, 1926 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Washington Leo Male African American Free Student December 31, 1920 13 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.
Cotton Thomas Male African American Free Farm Laborer December 31, 1867 December 31, 1904 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mary and Jack Cotton, Thomas L. Cotton was born on December 25, 1868. In 1880, he worked as a farm laborer and lived with his parents in Athens, Georgia. He died from unknown causes on February 2, 1905.
Cox Mollie Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1872 December 31, 1934 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Mollie Cox was born around 1873. She married Richard Cox, a cotton mill laborer, and the couple had at least one child: Archie Cox. In 1900, she worked as a cook. According to the 1931 City Directory, she lived at 236 Bridge Street. At the time of her death on December 3, 1935, she worked as a laundress and lived at 237 Bridge Street in Athens.
Hill Valetta Female African American Free December 31, 1878 December 31, 1954 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rosa and Robert Smith, Valetta Smith Hill was born on January 2, 1879. In 1880, she lived with her parents in Athens, Georgia. In 1900, she was married, but still lived with her mother and siblings at 851 Cherry Lane. She died from unknown causes on April 12, 1955.
W J Unknown African American Unknown 77 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Fields Bell Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1926 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Powell Major Male African American Free Farmer December 31, 1894 December 31, 1922 28 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Billups William Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, William C. Billups died in 1972. His date of birth is unknown.
Reid Laura Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1866 December 31, 1928 63 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Alfred Richardson, Laura E. Reid was born around 1867. On October 5, 1884, she married Lorenzo W. Reid, a barber, 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 and she did not work outside the home. She worked as a laundress in 1910. In 1897, her husband worked as a barber and lived at 431 Bridge Street. At 63 years old, she died bronchial pneumonia on December 29, 1929.
Favors Cynthia Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1863 December 31, 1943 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Cynthia Favors as born in July 1864 and most likely spent her first year of life enslaved. She married Tom Favors and the couple had a least four children: Lela, Ada, Lillie, and Homer. In 1930, the couple lived at 481 Billups Street and she worked as a laundress. After the death of her husband, she lived at 170 Dublin Street with her daughter.
Thomas Arthur Male African American Free December 31, 1943 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The son of Margaret and Hamilton Thomas, Arthur Thomas was born between 1867 and 1870. Around 1906, he married Gertrude Thomas, and the couple had at least one child, Willie Mae Thomas. In 1910, he worked as a brickmason and rented a home at 288 Bridge Street. He died from unknown causes in 1944. At the time of his death, he lived in Atlanta. [Researched and written by Nic Rasool]
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.
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.
Hill Mamie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1880 December 31, 1922 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stokes Corneilus Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1920 25 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Moore Winnie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1878 December 31, 1935 57 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Ann and Ben King, Winnie King Moore was born around 1879. She married Augustus Moore, a lunmber yard worker, and the couple had at least one living child: Cassie. In 1920, she did not work and lived her husband on Cleveland Avenue. She died from [chronic interstitial nephritis?], paralysis, and hypertension on December 3, 1936. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 199 Cleveland Avenue.
Bullock Fletcher Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1914 December 31, 1957 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Fletcher Bullock was born around 1915. He married Janie Beatrice Bullock and the couple had at least two children: Fletcher Jr. and Willie. In 1940, he worked as a janitor and lived at 468 First Street. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as a construction worker and he and his wife lived at 426 First Street. He died from unknown causes on August 9, 1958.
Stach Family John Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Hardeman Harry Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1896 December 31, 1970 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Harry Hardeman born on May 23, 1897. The son of Juliette Cornelius Hardeman, a single mother and Athens washerwoman, Hardeman and his two sisters lived at 425 Pope Street. By all accounts, he appeared to be a mischievous child; he, at least once, was caught “casting pebbles” at another boy. Whereas a white child most likely escaped the attention of law enforcement, a black child in Jim Crow Georgia did not. Twelve-year-old Hardeman—for his harmless, childish antics—found himself before the local police court. As punishment for the ‘crime,’ reported The Weekly Banner, the Athens mayor “assessed the scrapper the sum of one dollar,” but remitted the fine after “one of the older darkeys in the court volunteered to administer the necessary chastisement, in the place of the absent parent.” During the First World War, he served stateside as a sergeant in the 157th Depot Brigade. Retuning to Athens after the war, he worked as a laborer and lived at 171 Church Street in 1920. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 405 Benning Street. He died on April 10, 1971 from an unknown aliment.
Brewer [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1904 December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Mcgreggy Cinrella Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1918 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.

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