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
Jones	Ida	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1888	December 31, 1948	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Ida Jones was born in 1889. In 1920, she lived with her husband, John Jones, a drayman, and their four children: William, Suise, Bernadett, and David. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 425 Cleveland Avenue. At age 61, she died on June 29, 1949.
Alexander	Minnie	Female	African American	Free	Insurance Agent	December 31, 1892	December 31, 1947	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Minnie L. Alexander was born in Florida sometime between 1892 and 1895. She completed three years of high school. She married George Alexander, a local postman, and they had at least one daughter, Selma Alexander. According to the 1930 Census, the couple owned their own home at 239 Finely Street valued at $2,000. She was active in the Athens community as a member of the “Colored Missionary Workers.” Over the course of her lifetime, she worked as “Life Insurance Agent” and “Proprietor.” Alexander, in her mid-fifties, died from unknown causes on December 6, 1948.
Deadwyler	Mary	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1892	December 31, 1962	69	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Mattie Deadwyler, Mary Deadwyler was born in 1893. In 1900, she lived with her mother, sister (Martha), and a niece (Gertrude) at 410 Reese Street. She worked as a house maid in 1900, a maid at a hotel in 1910 and as a cook in 1920 and 1930. In 1930, she was a widow living with her mother, sister, and brother-in-law at 600 W Broad Street. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 817 Waddell Street. She died from unknown causes on February 12, 1963.
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.
Teasley	Dottie	Female	African American	Free			December 31, 1973		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to her obituary, Dottie Susie Teasley, who resided at 275 Fourth Street, died from unknown causes in March 1974. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Lyons	Lottie	Female	African American	Free	Academic	December 31, 1911	December 31, 1956	45	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The granddaughter of Charlotte and Edward Derricotte and the daughter of Ophelia M. and Charles Lyons, Lottie M. Lyons was born around 1912. In 1920, she lived with her parents at 427 Baxter Street. She was the Dean of Woman at Ft. Valley State College (now Fort Valley State University). She died from unknown causes on May 19, 1957.
Brewer	Gladys	Female	African American	Free	Teacher	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1971	75	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Gladys H. Brewer was born around 1897. She graduate college and worked as a teacher in Athens. She married Manis Brewer, a chauffeur, and the couple rented a home at 270 Chase Street in 1940. She died from unknown causes in 1972. At the time of her death, she lived at 223 North Billups Street in Athens.
Haynes	Rachel	Female	African American	Free	Student	December 31, 1904	December 31, 1920	15	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
Robinson	Charity	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1833	December 31, 1920	87	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Carey	Fannie	Female	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1853	December 31, 1937	84	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Fannie L. Carey was born on July 6, 1854 and most likely Enslaved as a child. She married Lucius Carey, a laborer, and the couple lived at 385 Arch Street in 1935. She diedfrom unknown causes on December 9, 1939. She was 84 years old at the time of her death.
Jones	Margaret	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1920	87	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Ector	Carrie	Female	African American	Free			December 31, 1918	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Terrell	Mannie	Female	African American	Free	Housework		December 31, 1922	23	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte	Annie	Female	African American	Free	Domestic	December 31, 1883	December 31, 1928	44	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Lula Lee and Charlie Shaw, Annie Bell Derricotte was born on August 28, 1884. She died from lung pneumonia on December 14, 1929. According to her tombstone, she was the “wife of J.W. Derricotte.” She worked as a domestic and lived at 157 Warsaw Street, according to her Death Certificate.
Heard	Mattie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Teacher	December 31, 1862	December 31, 1942	78	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Mattie I. Heard was born around 1863 and most likely enslaved. She married William Heard, a blacksmith, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. She worked as a teacher in 1900, 1910, and 1920 At the time of her husband’s death in 1939, they lived at 475 Reese Street. She died from unknown causes on November 13, 1943.
Harris	Robert	Mae	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1835	December 31, 1913	76	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Robert Harris was born around 1836 and most likely enslaved as a young man. At 76 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 6, 1914. According to the 1909 City Directory, Robert Harris and Robert Harris Jr. both lived at 226 Flint Street. Robert Harris—a one-legged criminal mastermind with a perchance for jail breaking—appears regularly within the local newspapers; this could be the same man or his son.
[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.
Terrell	Charles	Male	African American	Unknown			December 31, 1933		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Charles Terrell Jr. was born around 1916. His parents, Charles Terrell and Julia Stuts, were both Athens natives. His father, “Chas” Terrell was noted to be a carpenter before his son was born, being listed along with his wife Julia in a 1912 Athens, GA directory living at 347 First Street. In the 1931 directory, however, “Chas” Terrell is said to be a cook, living on 389 Meigs St. On October 6, 1934, Terrell Jr.’s life was cut short after passing away at a tender age of 18 while he was still a schoolboy. The place of death is recorded to be 376 Odd Street. The cause of death was noted to be an acute dilatation of the heart, or nowadays known as dilated cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), with contributary causes of importance being listed as fever and overexertion. He was buried five days later in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 11, 1934 with his family in attendance. [Researched and written by Bita Jadali]
Lyons	Collins	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1913	December 31, 1915	2	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to his tombstone, Collins T. Lyons was born on June 17, 1914 and died on August 7, 1916. He was 2 years and 1 month old.
Morton	Ebb	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1918	50	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?].
Hearel	Eddie	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	37	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Booth	Richard	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1920	38	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Jones	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Railroad Employee		December 31, 1920	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Jones	Arthur	Male	African American	Free	Waiter	December 31, 1907	December 31, 1927	19	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mamie Howell Jones and Brown Jones, Arthur B. Jones was born on May 12, 1908. In 1910, he lived with his parents in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He, then, lived in Fulton, Georgia with his grandparents in 1920. In 1940, his parents lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue; this may be his last known address as well. He died from myocelitis on February 8, 1928. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a waiter and was living in Athens, Georgia.
Au[??]	Ned	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
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.
Ector	M.	Male	African American	Free	Janitor		December 31, 1925	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas	Alfred	Male	African American	Free	Mechanic		December 31, 1918	27	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.
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.
Bowmans	Jack	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Scott	Emmett	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1925	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
[Carey?]	Eddie	Male	African American	Unknown					Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	[biographical information unknown]
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.
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.
[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.
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.
Neelia	Peter	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1925	78	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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joseph	George	Male	African American	Free	Child	December 31, 1922	December 31, 1922	0	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.
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.
Edwards	Fred	Male	African American	Enslaved	Fireman		December 31, 1922	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas	Eluice	Male	African American	Free	Child	December 31, 1923	December 31, 1924	1	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
Gilbert	Robert	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1952		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Robert Gilbert, who resided at 346 Bowie Street SW in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in January 1953. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winkfield	Walter	Male	African American	Free	Mail Carrier	December 31, 1887	December 31, 1931	43	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Ellen and William Wingfield, Walter P. Winkfield (or Wingfield) was born around 1888. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Bridge Street and worked as a barber. In 1920, he worked as a “US City Carrier.” He died from “[cancer?] of face” on March 14, 1932. According to his Death Certificate, he was a “postman” and lived at 221 Bridge Street.
Shaw	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Mason		December 31, 1922	36	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Lawrence	Orrin	Male	African American	Enslaved			December 31, 1920	82	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Griggs	Joe	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1949		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	According to his obituary, Joe Henry Griggs, who resided at 280 Cain St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in May 1950. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Fields	Jno.	Male	African American	Free	Cotton Worker		December 31, 1918	35	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Thomas	Matt	Male	African American	Enslaved	Driver		December 31, 1923	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte	Edward	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1856	December 31, 1939	83	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Edward J. Derricotte was born on March 12, 1858 and most likely enslaved as an infant. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and as a “Sexton To Church” in 1880. In 1882, he married Charlotte L. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. He worked as a laborer at “odd jobs” while living in Everett, Massachusetts in 1920. Upon returning to Athens, he worked as carpenter in 1920. After the death of his wife, he moved back to Everett, Massachusetts where he worked as a janitor and lived with extended family. He died from unknown causes on June 4, 1940.
Hiram	Hary	Male	African American	Unknown	Farmer		December 31, 1927		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Harry Hiram most likely lived at 164 Herring Street and worked as a farmer in 1912. According to his tombstone, he died from unknown causes on October 30, 1928.
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.
Walker	Jessie	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1954		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Jessie Walker was born in 1890 in Athens, GA. According to the Athens Daily Herald, he was still living in Athens in 1917 and listed among the Clarke County men registered for the First World War draft. He moved to Michigan sometime after this and married Evie Walker with whom he had a daughter named Ora Lee Walker, later Ora Lee Gardner. According to the 1930 US Census, Walker lived with his family and two men who rented rooms in their home at 518 Beaver St. in Lansing, MI. His obituary of September 10, 1955, placed his residence at 131S Case Street in Lansing, and stated that he would be returned to Athens, GA to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Avery Scott]
Norman	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1923	68	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Reid	Dina	Male	African American	Free	Seamstress	December 31, 1885	December 31, 1917	32	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Dina Reid was born around 1886. She married Lorenza W. Reed Jr. and, in 1910, the couple lived on Pearl Street. She worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes on April 17, 1918.
Brittin	George	Male	African American	Free	Carpenter		December 31, 1925	50	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Shaw	Warren	Male	African American	Free	Presser		December 31, 1922	33	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Bacon	Robert	Male	African American	Enslaved	Porter	December 31, 1818			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Robert Bacon was born around 1819 and most likely enslaved for much of his life. He married Minerva Bacon sometime before 1870 and the couple had at least three children: Robert Jr., Edward, and Mary. He worked as a La laborer in 1870 and porter in 1880. In 1880, he lived with his wife, children, daughter-in-law, and grand children at 353 Foundry Street in Athens. According to the 1889 City Directory, his wife lived at 414 N Foundry Street and this is most likely his last address. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
Dillard	Hansel	Male	African American	Enslaved	Barber	December 31, 1792	December 31, 1852	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Hansel Dillard was born enslaved around 1793. Trained as a barber, Dillard advertised his services to white Athenians in The Southern Whig: “Barbering and Hair-dressing. Hansel Dillard, Respectfully informs the citizens of Athens and the public generally, that he will, at all times, be found at his Shop, happy to accommodate those who favor him with their patronage.” In an era that barred almost all free and enslaved men from skilled employment, barbers enjoyed steady, profitable work. Indeed, this profession paid well; Dillard’s earning bought him freedom. As a free man of color, Dillard carved out a respectable space for himself in the slaveholding South. Dillard, according to The Weekly Banner, “made a great deal of money.” In addition to his barbershop, Dillard owned a bakery, operated a confectionery, kept a stable, and ran a delivery service. For him, and many other African-American men, barbering was a path to freedom and middle-class prosperity. It allowed him to procure not only his own freedom, but purchase his wife’s freedom for $1000 as well. She, then, took in student’s washing for additional income. In 1851, Dillard owned property; he paid taxes. Sixty-year-old Dillard died of unknown causes on Sept. 5, 1853. He was buried in Athens. Exactly where, however, is unknown. At some point, years after Hansel Dillard’s death, friends from Charleston, South Carolina erected a tombstone in his memory. While damaged by age and neglect, the stone, inscribed “I know that my Redeemer livith,” still stands in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery today.
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.
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.
Walker	Nathaniel	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1954		Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	A lifelong Athens resident, Reverend Nathaniel Thomas Walker was born on February 22, 1887. He was drafted for the First World War in 1917, and according to the Athens Daily Herald, he was part of a group of men sent to France. Walker had requested a military exemption, but it was rejected: as the newspaper noted, “two young men who are in the ministry failed to exempt [from military service] – on account of the fact that they did not file proof to their claim in the prescribed manner.” After his return from the war, he married Susie B. Walker, with whom he took care of a stepdaughter, Christine B. Barnette. He worked as a preacher, and between 1931 and 1944 he was the reverend of Union Missionary Baptist Church. He lived at 160 Water Street in 1917, and resided on Finley Street in 1920. In August 1955, he passed away from unknown causes and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach]
Mack	John	Male	African American	Enslaved	Post Office Clerk	December 31, 1855	December 31, 1917	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John R. Mack was born around 1856 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Charlotte H. Mack in 1882 and the couple had at least eight children: Annie, Abram, Mattie, Fannie, Lucile, Richard, Milledge, and Walter. In 1900 and 1910, he worked as a post office clerk and owned a house at 853 Reese Street. According to the 1913 City Directory, he and his family lived at 853 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1918.
Hirams	Rubin	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	55	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.
Browner	Richard	Male	African American	Enslaved	City Employee		December 31, 1921	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Morton	Frank	Male	African American	Free	Tailor	December 31, 1893	December 31, 1933	40	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of William and Clara H. Morton, Frank B. Morton was born around 1894. In 1910, he lived with his mother and siblings on Chase Street. He worked as a butcher in 1910 and as a waiter in 1917. During the First World War, he served in the 157 Depot Brigade and was stationed at Camp Gordon. On November 8, 1924, he married Mary Gray. In 1930, he worked as a laborer. He died from myocardial weakness and nephritis on December 27, 1934. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a tailor and lived at 784 Chase Street.
Shaw	Will	Male	African American	Free	Chauffer		December 31, 1926	38	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.
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?].
Holbrook	Marion	Male	African American	Free	Post Office Clerk	December 31, 1879	December 31, 1928	49	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Marion J. Holbrook was born on April 14, 1879 or 1880. He married Carrie Jones Holbrook and the couple had at least two children: Marion and Georgia. He worked various jobs in his early years; he was barber in 1900 and a laborer at “Odd Jobs” in 1910. He started working as a post office clerk in 1911, and remained at that position for the remainder of his life. He intentional shot himself and died from two gunshot wounds on May 6, 1929. At the time of his death, he had been living with his wife at 130 Harris Street.
Greene	Marcus	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1901	December 31, 1934	32	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Salemma Greene, Marcus James Greene was born on September 18, 1902. As a child he lived with family on Foundry Street in 1910. He died from unknown causes on August 4, 1935. He was 32 years old at the time of his death.
Jameson	Shores	Male	African American	Free	Driver	December 31, 1871			Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Shoals Jamison was born around 1872 in Alabama. According to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 23 N Findley Street. In 1910, he worked as a coachman and lived with his wife, Ella Jamison, at 193 Pendley Street (193 Finley Street). He died from unknown causes on an unknown date.
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.
Buedon	Ora	Male	African American	Free	Gardener	December 31, 1920	December 31, 1920	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Morton	William	Male	African American	Free				10	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William Morton died when he was 10 years old. He was the brother of Lizzy C. Morton.
Fortson	Jim	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1919	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Varnell	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1925	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Holmes	Geo.	Male	African American	Free			December 31, 1923	0	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.

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