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
Stovall	Will	Male	African American	Free	Blacksmith		December 31, 1921	42	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hawkins	Perry	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1848	December 31, 1917	69	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Perry F. Hawkins was born around 1849 and most likely enslaved as a young adult. In 1871, he married Katie B. Hawkins, a servant, and the couple had at least five children: Julia, Fred, Will, Robert, and Clifford. In 1881, he was a registered voter. He worked as a blaster in 1880 and a “rock breaker” in 1900. According to the 1909 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at 143 Pearl Street. In 1911, at the Mayor’s orders, “the old negro, Perry Hawkins, went to the city hall according to promise and there gave his boy the licking on his life.” He died from unknown causes o October 25, 1918.
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.
Wilburn	Boyd	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1921	21	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.
Iverson	Edward	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1827			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Edward Iverson was born around 1828 and most likely enslaved. He married Amanda Iverson, a cook, sometime before 1870. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and they lived at 268 10th Street. She died of unknown causes at an unknown date.
Barnett	William	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1887	December 31, 1919	38	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Ramey	Geo.	Male	African American	Free	Farmer		December 31, 1923	51	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Allen	Owen	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1828	December 31, 1899	71	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Owen Allen was born in December 1829 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He married Margaret Allen and the couple had at least five children—Hopy, Albert, Henry, Nancy, and Margaret. In 1870, he worked as a “Day Laborer” and, in 1880, as a "farmer." According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith at 907 S Lumpkin Street and lived in Allensville. He died, at 71 years of age, on December 28, 1900.
Heard	William	Male	African American	Free	Blacksmith	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1938	74	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Manerva and Thomas Heard, William Heard was born on February 12,1865 in Elberton, Georgia. Sometime before 1880, the family moved to Athens and he lived with his parents on Market Street. He worked as a “horseler” in 1880 and as a blacksmith in 1900, 1910, and 1920. He married Mattie Heard, a teacher, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. He died from acute mitral regurgitation on September 26, 1939. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a blacksmith and lived at 475 Reese Street.
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.
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.
Merritt	J. P.	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	51	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Livingston	Richard	Male	African American	Free	Mail Carrier	December 31, 1877	December 31, 1950	73	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Richard Livingston was born in 1878. In 1900, he worked as a mail carrier and boarded at 819 Hill Street. Sometime before 1910, he married Laura Livingston and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue. According to the 1949 City Directory, he reamined at that address. He died from unknown causes in 1951. He was 73 years old.
Harris	Will	Male	African American	Free	Shoemaker		December 31, 1925	41	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Brittain	Will	Male	African American	Free	City Worker	December 31, 1866	December 31, 1925	57	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Gabriel Brittain, Will Brittain was born in November 1867 in Georgia. He married Brayne Brittin and the couple may or may not have had children. He died from apoplexy on March 21, 1926 and, at the time of his death, he “worked for the city” at lived at 140 [Glyn?].
Barrett	Luther	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1918	5	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.
Johnson	Herbert	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1922	51	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	Howard	Male	African American	Free	Janitor	December 31, 1899	December 31, 1967	68	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Howard F. Johnson was born on January 24, 1900. According to the 1856 City Directory, he worked as a janitor in Howell Clark Hall and lived in Hull, Georgia. At 68 years old, he died on February 21, 1968.
Davis	Wm	Male	African American	Enslaved	Cotton Worker		December 31, 1922	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Au[??]	Ned	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Heard	Benjamin	Male	African American	Enslaved	Mason	December 31, 1863	December 31, 1907		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Benjamin Scribben Heard was born around May 10, 1864 and was enslaved as a child. He married Emma F. Heard, a teacher, and the couple had at least one child: Selma G. Heard. In 1889, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 832 Cherry. According to the 1900 Census, he had changed professions and now worked as a merchant, but this is most likely an error, since, according to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 830 Cherry. He died from unknown causes on May 28, 1908.
Merritte	Claud	Male	African American	Free	Child	December 31, 1922	December 31, 1922	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Livingston	William	Male	African American	Free	Reverend	December 31, 1888	December 31, 1956	68	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, William Livingston was born in 1889. According to the 1949 City Directory, he worked as reverend and lived at 120 Flint Street. He died from unknown causes in 1957.
Williams	J.	Male	African American	Free	Child	December 31, 1918	December 31, 1918	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Williams	Jim	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer		December 31, 1921	64	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Ray	Seymour	Male	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1881	December 31, 1923	41	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
McQueen	W.	Male	African American	Enslaved	Driver	December 31, 1849	December 31, 1904	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	W. M. McQueen was born on November 15,1850 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Nettie McQueen and the couple had at least one child: Mamie. In 1880, he worked as an express porter and lived on Hull Street. According to the 1897 City Directory, he worked as a driver for Southern Express Company and lived at 630 Hull Street. At 54 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 19, 1905.
Johnson	La Fayette	Male	African American	Enslaved	Drayman	December 31, 1855	December 31, 1920	65	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
[Carey?]	Eddie	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
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.
Johnson	Lewis	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1911	December 31, 1961	50	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Lewis Johnson was born on December 25, 1912. In 1930, he worked as a hat shop deliveryman and lived with his sister, Minnie Johnson, at 340 Lyndon Avenue. He died from unknown causes on October 21, 1962.
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.
Strong	Husey	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1925		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Heard	Bartlett	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer	December 31, 1831	December 31, 1889	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Bartlett Heard was born on August 15, 1832 and was most likely enslaved as a child. He married Mary Heard and, in 1880, the couple lived in Buck Branch, Clarke County, Georgia. He died from unknown causes on July 26, 1890. He was 58 years old at the time of his death.
Derricotte	Mathew	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1899	December 31, 1943	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Mathew “Booby” Derricotte was born around 1890. In 1909, he worked as a laborer and lived at 46 Hull Street. He married Lucy Derricotte and, according to the 1942 City Directory, they lived at 270 Fifth Street. He still worked as laborer. At 54 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 28, 1944.
Hawkins	Dave	Male	African American	Enslaved	Construction		December 31, 1919	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Brown	Hamilton	Male	African American	Free	Printer	December 31, 1903	December 31, 1970	66	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mamie E. and Anderson Brown, Hamilton J. Brown was born on May 3, 1904. As a child, he lived on Reese Street with his parents. In 1947, he worked as a printer and, according to the 1947 and 1949 City Directories, he lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes on January 25, 1971.
Bayne	Richard	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer		December 31, 1920	75	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
McQueen	William	Male	African American	Unknown			December 31, 1887		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, William McQueen died in 1888. He most likely was the infant son of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. He was the sibling of Carrie McQueen and Mamie N. McQueen.
Johnson	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Dorsey	Crock	Male	African American	Enslaved			December 31, 1923	80	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Austin	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1895	December 31, 1939	44	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Henry L. Austin was born on February 28, 1896 in Washington, Georgia. During the First World War, he served as a private in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. At the start of the war, he lived at 528 Strong Street. After the war, he married Ada Austin, a cook, and in 1930 the couple lived in the rear of 574 Pulaski Street. It is unknown if they had children. In 1930, he worked as a laborer for the University of Georgia and, in 1935, he was a janitor, most likely for the university. In 1935, he and Ada lived at 150 N. Harris Street. He died from unknown causes on June 29, 1940. His wife, still living at 150 N Harris Street, ordered a military tombstone marker in1941.
Merriweather	Johnnie	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1921	5	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Long	Georgie	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1907			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Georgie Long was born in June 1908. He married Thelma Long and they lived at 237 Billups Street. In 1940, he worked as a yard laborer for the University of Georgia. He died at an unknown date from unknown causes.
Wilson	Jeorge	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1921	46	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Jackson	Edward	Male	African American	Enslaved			December 31, 1852	6	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Edward Jackson died on October 3, 1853 and was most likely enslaved. He died at 6 years old. Her body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882, when the cemetery opened, or a marker was simply erected for a lost loved one.
Benford	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Fireman		December 31, 1922	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Reeves	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Gardener		December 31, 1920	86	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	William	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1919	26	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Dunfoy		Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1920	0	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.
Aycock	Homer	Male	African American	Free	Decorator	December 31, 1901	December 31, 1959	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Homer Aycock Sr. was born around 1902. He married Rosa Aycock, a laundress, and the couple had at least five children: Percy, Eva Lee, Anna C., and Homer Jr., Christine. He worked as an “Interior house Dectorator” in 1930 and 1940. In those same years, the family rented at home at 183 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1949 City Directory, he still lived at 183 Lyndon Avenue. He died from unknown causes on November 16, 1960.
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.
Hawkins	Peter	Male	African American	Free	Construction		December 31, 1921	36	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Brown	Anderson	Male	African American	Free	Barber	December 31, 1868	December 31, 1938	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Anderson S. Brown was born in 1869. In 1900, he was widowed and worked as a post office clerk. He remarried before 1910; he and Mamie E. Brown at had least three children: Hamilton, Fedrick, and Julius. They were active in the Odd Fellows and, during a 1915 convention, she “welcomed the visitors to the colored households of Athens.” He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He worked as a “Special Deputy” for the “City Odd Teller” in 1910 and aa barber in 1920 and 1930. In 1910, 1920, and 1930, the family lived at 987 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1939. She remained in the house after his death.
	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.
Stach Family	John	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
Jones	Thomas	Male	African American	Enslaved	Driver	December 31, 1829	December 31, 1899	70	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Thomas Jones was born around 1830 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he worked as a domestic servant and in 1880 he worked as a street car driver. He married Mary Jones in 1863 and the couple most likely did not have living children. In 1900, he lived at 529 Lumpkin Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1900.
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.
Taylor	Samul	Male	African American	Free	Chauffer		December 31, 1923	31	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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]
Milner	Sam	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1925	51	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Lyles	Eugene	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1972			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Eugene Lyles was born around 1870. He married Mattie Owens Lyles and, in 1930, they lived at 147 Plum Street. He worked as a plasterer in both 1910 and 1930. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at 147 Plum Street. According to his tombstone, he died on November 25, 1973.
Wise	L.	Male	African American	Free	Child		December 31, 1922	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Jackson	Alfred	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1821	December 31, 1883	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Alfred Jackson was born around 1822 in Virginia and most likely spent most of his life enslaved. He married Louisa Jackson and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and a white washer in 1880. He lived on River Street. He died from unknown causes on February 14, 1884.
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.
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.
Rhodes	Joe	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1920	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
Echols	Hiram	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1923	53	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Teasly	Walter	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1921	34	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.
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]
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.
Miner	J. T.	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1920	December 31, 1922	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Richards	J.	Male	African American	Free	Reverend		December 31, 1920		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.
Ector	Benjiman	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1920	0	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.
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.
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.
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.
Wade	John	Male	African American	Free	Grocer	December 31, 1886	December 31, 1947	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Orange Wade, John Wade was born around 1887 (or on February 2, 1886). In 1910, he worked as a “Bartender” at the “Bear Saloon.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a market business man and lived on Washington Street. According to the 1947 City Directory, he worked at Wade’s Market and lived with his wife, Leona, at 872 W Broad Street. He died from unknown causes on May 28, 1948.
Mongumory	Tom	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1923	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
Booke	Ben	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1926	50	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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
Newsome	Harry	Male	African American	Free	Porter	December 31, 1902	December 31, 1954	52	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Harry C. Newsome was born on September 3, 1903 in Monroe, Georgia. He most likely married Bessie Newsome and, in 1942, they lived at 153 Lyndon Avenue. He worked for Krowe & Knowles, a local furniture store. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as porter for "Patrick's Pharm" and lived at 153 Lyndon Avenue. At 52 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 30, 1955.
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.
Walker	Joe	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1926	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Joe Walker was born around 1865. He may have been arrested and jailed in Texas from 1883 to 1885. According to the 1924 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Mary, at 464 N Foundry Street. At 62 years old, he died from unknown causes on December 10, 1927.
Moore	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Child		December 31, 1925	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hearel	Eddie	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	37	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.

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