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 Locationsort descending Grave Marker Biography
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.
Powers Amanda Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1917 73 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Daughter of Harriett Powers. According to her obituary, she died at 73 years of age in May 1918. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Infant of A. S. Brown Unknown African American Unknown December 31, 1912 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to the obituary, the infant of A.S. Brown and his wife died from pneumonia in February 1913. The baby was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; its grave may be unmarked.
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.
Small Howard Male African American Free December 31, 1908 December 31, 1972 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Howard Small was born April 9, 1909. According to his Second World War Draft Card, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia and his next of kin was Louvenia Guinn, a friend. By 1951, he was living in Seattle, Washington. He died from unknown causes on April 5, 1973.
Hunter Sebe Male African American Free Merchant December 31, 1921 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bacon Marenia Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1823 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Minerva Bacon was born around 1824 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. She married Robert Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least threechildren: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. In 1880, she lived with her husband, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. She worked as a “Washer & Ironer” in 1880 and as a “cook” in 1889. According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 414 N Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
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.
Flanigan Melvin Male African American Free December 31, 1914 December 31, 1976 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Melvin Coot Flanigan, who resided at 190 Cleveland Avenue, died from unknown causes in December 1977. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Robinson Charity Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1833 December 31, 1920 87 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Colbert Guy Male African American Free Student December 31, 1922 18 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Iverson Edward Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1827 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Edward Iverson was born around 1828 and most likely enslaved. He married Amanda Iverson, a cook, sometime before 1870. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and they lived at 268 10th Street. She died of unknown causes at an unknown date.
Thomas Susie Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1872 December 31, 1969 97 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Hannah and G. Thomas, Susie Lee Thomas was born around 1873. In 1880, she lived with her parents on Richardson Street and attended school. She married Anderson Thomas and the couple had at least two children. She worked as a laundress in 1910, a farm laborer in 1920, and a cook in 1940. She died from unknown causes in July 1970. According to her funeral notice, she lived at 130 Hickman Drive.
Brown Ella Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1928 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Ella Smith Brown was born on 1880 ans died from unknown causes on 1929. At the time of her death, she was around 49 years old.
McIntosh Susan Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1849 December 31, 1939 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of May Jane Stroud and Christopher “Kitt” Harris, Susan McIntosh was born around 1850 and enslaved as a child According to the WPA interviews, she was owned by the Stroud family. She married George McIntosh and the couple had one child: Andrew Jones. She worked as a domestic servant in 1870, a servant in 1880, and a laundress in 1900. As a widow in 1910 and 1920, she lived at 170 Paris Street. She died from on February 10, 1940. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived at 1203 W. Hancock Street.
Terrell Mannie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 23 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Killian W. Male African American Free December 31, 1951 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, W. H. Killian Sr. died from unknown causes in March 1952. He married Ruth Moon Killian, and the couple had at least three children, William Herty Killian Jr., Archibald Killian, Alfred Killian, and Clarence Killian. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Green Unknown African American Unknown December 31, 1934 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, [??] Green died on [August?] 4, 1935.
Porter Susie Female African American Free Laundress Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Susie Bason Porter was born around 1886. She married Walter Porter and the couple appears not to have had living children. In 1930, she worked as a laundress. In 1940, the couple owned a house at 554 Strong Street, according to the 1958 City Directory, they remained at 554 E Strong Street. At 82 years old, she died from unknown causes in 1968.
Grant Render Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1922 23 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Green Rudell Male African American Unknown December 31, 1924 December 31, 1924 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Williams Maria Female African American Free December 31, 1877 December 31, 1890 8 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jane and Isaac Williams, Marie Williams was born on January 26, 1878. In 1880, she lived with her parents at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street. At 8 years old, she died from unknown causes on March 30, 1886.
Morton Ebb Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cobb Minnie Female African American Free Wife December 31, 1891 December 31, 1943 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around July 14, 1890, Minnie Johnson Cobb married Crawford Cobb, a tailor. According to the 1938 City Directory, he worked as a tailor and they lived at 874 Water Street. In 1940, she did not work and lived with her husband at 874 Hobson Avenue. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived once again at 874 Water Street. She died from unknown causes on February 12, 1944.
Davis Rebekah Female African American Unknown December 31, 1921 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Rebekah Davis was born in 1832 in Georgia. She was enslaved to Dr. and Mrs. Edward Ware. As a young woman, she married Ned Davis (also enslaved) and the couple had 7 children. Later, at least one of her sons moved to Chicago as a grown man. Three of her sons remained in Athens, and James A. Davis worked as a mail carrier. After the Civil War, she worked as a seamstress. She appears to have learned to read and write in the later years of her life and she was an active member of the First A.M.E. Church. She lived at 179 Strong Street in Athens, Georgia until her death from unknown causes on January 19, 1922. Her obituary, published in the Athens Daily Herald, described her as “one of the oldest citizens of Athens and was the oldest member of the First A. M. E. church.” She was 90 years old. But even after death, the white newspaper remembered her as a ‘faithful slave,’ an element of Lost Cause ideology. “‘Aunt Rebekah’ . . . as a family servant of Dr. and Mrs. Edward Ware, who lived on Hoyt street, during the ante bellum days, and her husband Ned Davis, belonged to Captain John Thomas, and was her personal servant. Ned died many years ago. These darkies were servants in the homes of two of the best known and most aristocratic families of the day, and were well known to many of the white people of the time,” stated the obituary. [Researched and written by Trey Smith]
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.
Smith Ada Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1916 35 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ada D. Smith was born on April 29, 1882. She married Tom Smith and the couple had at least five children: Minnie, Agnus, Violet, Wyatt, and Robert. She worked as a washerwoman in 1900 and as a cook in 1910. According to the 1914 City Directory, she lived with her husband at 367 Athens Avenue. At 35 years old, she died from unknown June 16, 1917.
Hurt Francis Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1919 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bacon Mary Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1848 December 31, 1916 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Mary Bacon was born on October 17, 1849 and, given her date of birth, sge likely spent her childhood enslaved. According to the 1909 City Directory, she worked as a laundress and lived at 554 E Strong Street. at 68 years old, she died from uknown causes on November 27, 1917. She is most likely either the mother, sister, or wife of Edward Bacon, who was also buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery.
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.
Freeman Edward Male African American Free December 31, 1965 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Edward M. Freeman, who resided at 237 North Church Street, died from unknown causes in May 1966. He was married to Julia A. Freeman. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Robinson Vainiga Female African American Free Student December 31, 1921 6 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?].
Cole Loucious Male African American Free Driver December 31, 1904 December 31, 1924 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Iverson Amanda Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1824 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Amanda Iverson was born around 1825 and most likely enslaved. She married Edward Iverson, a day laborer, and in 1870 she was “keeping house.” In 1880, she lived at 268 10th Street and worked as a cook. She died of unknown causes at an unknown date.
[Thomas?] Lucius Male African American Free Printer December 31, 1866 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Randal Thomas, Lucius Thomas was born around 1867. In 1880, he lived with his father and siblings in Athens. He married Julia Collins Thomas and the couple had at least five children: Mary L., Walter, Sylvester, Violet, Charley, and Eugene. In 1900, they lived at 21 Washington Street and he worked as a printer. According to the 1910 Census, he worked as a “Type Setter.” In 1920, he worked as a printer and lived at 588 Hancock Avenue. He died from an unknown cause on an unknown date.
Brown Eliza Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
McMichael Amanda Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1871 December 31, 1937 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Amanda McMichael was born on 1872. According to the 1935 City Directory, she worked as a domestic and lived at 540 Odd Street. She died from unknown causes on 1938.
Thomas Alfred Male African American Free Mechanic December 31, 1918 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Maxwell Charlie Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Charlie Joe Maxwell, who resided at 253 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes on June 12, 1972. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
[Powers?] Harriet Female African American Enslaved Seamstress December 31, 1838 December 31, 1909 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Harriet C. Powers was born around 1837-1839 and, as a young woman, enslaved on the plantation of John and Nancy Lester in Madison County, Georgia. At around 18 years old, she married Armstead Powers in 1855. The couple had at least nine children, including Amanda, Leon Joe (Alonzo), Nancy, Lizzie, and Marshall. In 1870 and 1880, she was “Keeping House” and lived with her family near Sandy Creek, Georgia. As skilled seamstress and folk artist, her intricate quilts were displayed at the Clarke County Cotton Fair and were highly sought after. Today, only two of her quilts survive; one hangs American History Museum of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and the other hangs in the Museum of Fine Art in Boston. According to the 1889 City Directory, her husband lived at 27 Angle [St? Rd?]; she most likely lived at this address as well. She died from unknown causes on January 1, 1910.
Griffen Thomas Male African American Free December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Williams Jane Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1836 December 31, 1890 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Jane Williams was born around 1837 and most likely enslaved. She married Isaac Williams and the couple had at least one child: Marie Williams. In 1800, she worked as a servant and lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street. At 54 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 13, 1891.
Murden Dora Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1868 December 31, 1925 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cole William Male African American Enslaved Janitor December 31, 1851 December 31, 1931 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Betsey Derricotte and Lucius C. Cole, William Cole was born around 1852 and was most likely enslaved as a child. He worked various jobs, including day laborer (1870), farmer (1880), and janitor (1932). He married Mary Cole and, in 1900, the couple had two living children: Hansel Cole and another unnamed child. 80 year-old Cole died from [??] on September 30, 1932. At the time of his death, he lived at 186 John Street.
McQueen Mahala Female African American Unknown December 31, 1909 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Mahala Wooden McQueen survived four wars throughout her lifetime, including the War of 1812 at the time of her birth. She later sewed and mended clothes for soldiers in the Mexican American War, Civil War, and the Spanish American War. Born at Cherokee Corners in Oglethorpe County, and was enslaved to the Hill family. Her obituary notes her labor for the Barrow family in raising David Crenshaw Barrow, former University of Georgia Chancellor from 1906 to 1925. At the time of her death, she birthed twelve children with only two surviving, Sam McQueen and a daughter, Julia Witheld. She passed away at 98 years old in her cottage home at 658 Hull Street on March 22nd, 1910.
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.
Smith Rosa Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1862 December 31, 1934 72 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Lottie and Mr. Jones, Rosa Jones Smith was born around July 4, 1863 and most likely enslaved as a child. She worked as a laborer in 1880 and a private family nurse in 1910. As a widow, in 1910, she lived 293 Cherry Street. She died from [??] and pneumonia on January 17, 1935. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 389 Dubose Avenue.
Jacks Mary Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1923 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bacon Edward Male African American Enslaved Shoemaker December 31, 1853 December 31, 1905 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Minerva and Robert Bacon, Edward Bacon was born on December 25, 1854 and, given this date, most likely spent his childhood enslaved. He married Mary Bacon and the couple may or may not have had children. During the 1870s and 1880s, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens. According to the 1897-98 City Directory, he lived at 416 E. Strong Street and remained at this address in 1904 while working as a shoemaker. He died from unknown causes on December 13, 1906; he was 49 years old.
Livingston Laura Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1880 December 31, 1991 111 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Laura Livingston was born in 1881. Sometime before 1910, she married Richard Livingston, a mail carrier, and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue and she worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes in 1992. She was around 100 years old.
Freeman Bessie Female African American Unknown December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Bessie Samuel Freeman died in October 1946. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Scott Emmett Male African American Free December 31, 1925 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Drake Laura Female African American Enslaved Cake Embosser December 31, 1861 December 31, 1904 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Laura L. T. Drake was born in May 1862 and was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1900, she was married and had four children: Franklin, Laura, Ruby, and Gipsy. She worked as a cake embosser and lived at 11 Billups Street. On May 24, 1905, she died from unknown causes; she was around 43 years old.
Collins Eva Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1919 70 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jarrell Savannah Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1879 December 31, 1939 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Irene Pass and Wesley Deadwyler, Savannah Deadwyler Jarrell was born on August 28, 1880. She died from cerebral apoplexy and [??] hypertension on January 31, 1940. At the time of her death, she was 59 years old, worked as a domestic, and lived at 247 Chase Street.
Thompson Florence Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1861 December 31, 1961 100 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Maria Derricotti, Florence Thompson was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1900 and 1910, she worked as a washerwoman and, as a widow, lived with her mother at 148 Strong Street. She died from unknown causes in 1962.
Brown [Susie?] Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1883 December 31, 1936 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Susian Mcintosh and Robert L. Jones, Susie C. Jones Brown was born around 1884 in Oconee County. She worked as laundress during the 1910s and 1920s. She married J. Wilson Brown, a grocery store merchant, and the couple had at least five children: Georgia, Mamie, Caleb, Lila, and Susie. After the death of her husband, she lived at 1353 W Hancock Avenue and worked as a domestic. At 53 years old, she died from apoplexy on December 13, 1937.
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.
Thomas Alice Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1922 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Maxwell Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1969 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mary Brooks Maxwell, who resided at 258 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes on February 21, 1970. She was the mother of Charlie J. Maxwell, Mary T. Maxwell, V. Blanche Moore, Ann S. Teasly, Frederica N. Maxwell, and Lucy V. Johnson. The funeral was handled by McWhorter Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Greene Ellen Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1892 December 31, 1976 79 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ellen F. Greene was born around December 1, 1893. In 1910, she attended school and lived on Foundry Street. She graduated from college and moved to Nashville to take a deanship at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. After leaving Athens, she instructed Leo Barnett, an Athens-area resident known for performing cemetery maintenance, “to keep the family plot cleaned and maintained.” In 1977, Ellen died in Nashville. She was interred, in Athens, near her mother, Salemma, and two brothers: Marcus and Augustus, a Sergeant Major who had preceded her in death in 1941.
Powers Viola Female African American Free December 31, 1890 December 31, 1967 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Rosa and Peter Powers, Viola Powers was born on December 27, 1891. In 1900, she lived with her parents in Eddins, Georgia. According to the 1952 City Directory, she lived at 257 N Finley Street. She died from unknown causes on June 25, 1968.
Griffieth Mayfield Female African American Free Student December 31, 1925 16 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1887 December 31, 1970 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, she was born on January 2, 1888 and died from unknown causes on January 18, 1971.
Willingham Clifford Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1881 December 31, 1930 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Anne and Oliver Willingham, Clifford Willingham was born on March 15, 1882. In 1900, he lived with his parents in Oglethorpe, Georgia and worked as farm laborer. He married Mamie Wellingham and, in 1910, the couple lived in Wilkes, Georgia. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 337 Flint Street and worked as a “section hand” at the S.A.R. Railroad. They remained at that address in 1920 and he worked as a laborer at “Moss Maine Co.” In 1930, he worked as a “Coal Yard” laborer and lived with his family at 337 Flint Street. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on February 19, 1931.
Neelia Peter Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1925 78 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.
Adams Clarence Male African American Free December 31, 1919 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heard Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1844 December 31, 1927 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around 1845, Mary Heard was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she worked as a domestic servant for Stevens Thomas and his white family. Sometime before 1880, she married Bartlett Heard a farmer and the couple lived in Buck Branch, Clarke County, Georgia. After his death in June 1890, she worked as a farm laborer. In 1909, she worked as a cook and lived 185 Valley [Road or Street]. She died from unknown causes in 1928.
Smith D Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Jackson Hattie Female African American Free Child December 31, 1923 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Marcellus Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
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.
Freeman Julia Female African American Free December 31, 1963 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary Julia A. Freeman, who resided at 237 North Church Street, died from unknown causes in June 1964. She was married to Edward M. Freeman. The funeral was handled by Hurley Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Scott Jane Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 98 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Cook Mary Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1925 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
J. S. Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
[Tiller?] William Male African American Enslaved Metal Worker December 31, 1854 December 31, 1935 81 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Eliza and Charles Tiller, William Tiller was born around 1855 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, he was married to Ella Teller and they lived with extended family on River Street. He worked in a “in a Gin Shop” in 1880, as a “Tinner” in 1910, 1920, and 1930. He died from cerebral apoplexy and chronic nephritis on November 9, 1936. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a Sheet Metal Worker and lived at 190 Fifth Street.
Brown Grapell Female African American Free December 31, 1933 December 31, 1935 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Ola Mae and Caleb L. Brown, Grapell O. Brown was born in 1934. The family lived at 1353 W Hancock Avenue. She died from influenza on January 6, 1936, when she was just 2 years and 4 months old.
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.
Thomas Eluice Male African American Free Child December 31, 1923 December 31, 1924 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCree Sam Male African American Free December 31, 1955 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Sam McCree, the son of Ella Kelly and the husband of Rowena McCree, died from unknown causes on October 1956. The funeral was handled by McWhorter Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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.
Poyner Thomas Male African American Free December 31, 1895 December 31, 1966 69 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Thomas Poyner was born on October 15, 1896 (or around 1898). From his residence in Tignall, Georgia, he served in the 342 Labor Battalion during the First World War. According to the 1952 City Directory, he lived with Eddie F. (most likely his wife) lived at 115 Trail Creek Street. He died from unknow causes on April 25, 1967.
Poynter Eddie Female African American Free December 31, 1897 December 31, 1953 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, Eddie Mae Crowder Poynter was born on January 5, 1898. According to the 1952 City Directory, he lived with Thomas Poynter (most likely her husband) at 115 Trail Creek Street. She died from unknown causes on March 10, 1954.
Griffin Carrie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1926 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jones Lula Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1858 December 31, 1929 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lula Jones was born on March 18, 1859 and most likely enslaved. She married and had three children. In 1910, she was a widow who worked as a cook and rented a house at 160 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1928 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 157 Warsaw Street. She died from unknown cause on April 3, 1930.
Wilson Annie Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Annie Wilson died sometime in April.
Nesbitt Sibyl Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cole Victoria Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1878 December 31, 1960 82 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Victoria J. Cole was born in 1879. She married Lucius C. Cole, a university janitor, and worked as a laundress. In 1930, the couple lived at 169 Newton Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 160 Hendrix Street. At 82 years old, she died from unknown causes on August 22, 1961. She was 82 years old.
Anderson J. Male African American Enslaved Painter December 31, 1919 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Heard J. Unknown African American Enslaved December 31, 1854 December 31, 1907 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, this individual was born on June 6, 1855 and most likely was enslaved as a child. They died from unknown causes on December 30, 1908.
Smith Georgia Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1861 December 31, 1940 79 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Georgia Smith was born around 1862 and most likely enslaved as a child. Sometime before 1910, she was married and widowed. She worked as seamstress in a Shirt Factory in 1910 and a laundress in 1920. In 1940, she lived alone at 420 Athens Avenue. At 79 years old, she died from unknown causes on January 1, 1941.
Jackson Sallie Female African American Free Farmer December 31, 1924 23 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.

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