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
Ector Carrie Female African American Free December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hawkins Mattie Female African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mattie M. Hawkins, who resided at 650 Hancock Avenue, died on December 31, 1953. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Terrell Mannie Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 23 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Maude Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1896 December 31, 1986 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of and Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and Tallulah Morton, Maude Muller Morton was born on January 5, 1897. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her parents on Prince Avenue. She graduated college and worked as a public school leveler in 1930 and as an elementary school teacher in 1940. According to the 1958 City Directory, she lived at 823 Prince Avenue. At 90 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 15, 1987.
Harris Marion Male African American Free December 31, 1899 December 31, 1911 11 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Marion O. Harris was born on September 18, 1900 and died on April 16, 1912. He was only 11 years old at the time of his death.
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]
Upson Brinie Female African American Free December 31, 1952 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Brynie Upson was born around 1880. She married Neal Upson, a farmer, and the couple lived outside of town on Hull Road. She died from unknown causes on December 21, 1953. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street; this was most likely her last known address.
Morton Ebb Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
L. C. Unknown African American Unknown December 31, 1888 December 31, 1890 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the child’s tombstone, C. H. L. died on October 14, 1891. The child only lived 2 years, 4 months, and 7 days.
Davis Clifford Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1893 December 31, 1919 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Jennie L. and Will Davis, Clifford L. Davis was born on February 13, 1894. As a child, he attended school and lived with his family at 425 Bridge Street. In 1910, he worked as a tagger in a warehouse. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 237 Bridge Street. During the war, he served stateside as a private in the 157 Depot Brig. He died from unknown causes on December 6, 1920.
Hearel Eddie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1922 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Fannie Female African American Free Secretary December 31, 1889 December 31, 1983 93 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Fannie J. Reid was born on October 5, 1890. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her parents at 431 Bridge Street. In 1910, she remained at the same address. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a secretary at the Athens High and Industrial School and lived at 243 Bridge Street. She died from unknown causes on February 19, 1984.
Huff Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1894 December 31, 1934 40 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Alois Howard and Gib Huff, Will Huff was born on March 12, 1893 in Crawford, Georgia. He died from [??] of heart and nephritis on February 11, 1935. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as laborer and lived at 264 Bridge Street.
Blont [J or G?] Unknown African American Unknown December 31, 1942 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Booth Richard Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1920 38 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.
Robinson Vainiga Female African American Free Student December 31, 1921 6 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Matthews Margaret Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1877 December 31, 1977 101 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Margaret “Maggie” Matthews born around 1878.She married John T. Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. She worked as a rural school teacher and public school teacher. According to the 1956 City Directory, she stilled lived at that address. At 101 years old, she died from unknown causes on March 6, 1978.
Fields Eldon Male African American Enslaved Janitor December 31, 1848 December 31, 1924 76 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Eldon Fields was born on September 12, 1849 and most likely spend his childhood enslaved. In 1880, he worked as a carriage driver and lived at 440 Jackson Street. He married Susie Shaw Fields around that time. By 1900, he lived with his wife at 144 Warsaw Street and worked as teamster. He, then, worked as an janitor in an office building in 1920. He died from “paralysis following apoplexy” on January 29, 1925.
Jones Robert Male African American Free Railroad Employee December 31, 1920 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Martha Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1859 December 31, 1921 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Jim Nealy, Martha Smith was born around 1860 in Alabama and most likely enslaved as a child. She married Seboon (or “Siabam”) Smith around 1870 and the couple had at least six children: Inez, Willie, and Samuel. In 1910, she worked as a “sick nurse” and lived with her family on Bertin Street. She died from “cancer return” on May 30, 1922. According to her Death Certificate, she worked as a domestic and lived at 181 Lyndon Avenue.
Johnson Alice Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1856 December 31, 1917 61 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Thomas Jones and Mary E. Jones, Alice V. Johnson was born on August 27, 1857 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1879, she married William D. Johnson, a Athens clergyman originally hailing from Maryland. Over the course of her life she had six children, but only five of those children survived into adulthood. In 1900, the couple owned a home at 529 Lumpkin Street. Sometime after the death of her husband on April 10, 1909, she moved to 681 W. Lumpkin St. She died of unknown causes on April 4, 1918.
Bush Clarence Male African American Free Deliveryman December 31, 1896 December 31, 1964 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Lula Bush, Clarence Bush was born on January 25, 1897. In 1900, he lived with his grandfather and mother on Broad Street. Sometime before 1920, he married Annie Bush and the couple most likely did not have living children. He worked various jobs during his lifetime, included “poster” (1910), a “grocery store wagon driver,” (1920) and “grocery store deliveryman” (1930). According to the 1958 City Directory, they lived at 850 Broad Street and he worked as “firman” at “Holmain Hotel.” In addition to those jobs, he served in the First World War as a private. He died from unknown causes on November 28, 1965.
Ector M. Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1925 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Hill Emerline Female African American Free December 31, 1950 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Emerline Hill, who resided at 654 North Avenue NW in Atlanta, died in May 1951. The funeral was handled by Hanley’s Ashby Street Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Thomas Alfred Male African American Free Mechanic December 31, 1918 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Charles Male African American Free Entertainment Industry December 31, 1902 December 31, 1969 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton and Tallulah Morton, Charles Morton was born on February 27, 1903. In 1910 and 1920, he attended school and lived with his parents and siblings on Prince Avenue. In 1930, he worked as a “Machine operator” at the “picture show,” most likely at the Morton Theatre. According to his Second World War draft card, he worked for his family and lived at 823 Prince Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked at Twentieth Century Billiards and lived, with Goldiee W., at 659 W Hancock Avenue. At 67 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 20, 1970.
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.
Hawkins Ida Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1860 December 31, 1908 47 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida Hawkins was born on May 12, 1861 and most likely spent her early years enslaved. She married Perry Hawkins around 1907. She gave birth to seven children, but only five were living in 1910. On March 11, 1909, she died from unknown causes.
[??]ll Se[??] Unknown African American Free 34 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Thomas Ethal Female African American Free December 31, 1944 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked The daughter of Charles and Fannie Walker, Ethel Walker Thomas was born in May of 1884. As a teenager and young adult, she resided in Sandy Creek with her family, where she worked as a laborer on their farm. She did not attend school, but she was able to read and write. In 1910, she married Lonnie Thomas, and the couple had several children: Edward, Melvin, Azzie, Charles, Elmore, and Alfonza. According to the 1920 census, she lived on Oak Street with her husband and children and worked as a washerwoman. In 1930, she resided at the same address with her family and worked as a maid for a private family. She died from unknown causes on February 1, 1945. [Researched and written by Jake Underwood]
Virgil Emma Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1879 December 31, 1943 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Mary and Louis Jackson, Emma Virgil was born around 1880; her parents had been enslaved to John Montgomery in Oconee County. In 1930, she worked as a cook. When interviewed by the WPA in the 1930s, she lived at 1491 W. Broad Street. According to the 1952 City Directory, she lived at 268 Parris Street. At 64 years old, she died from unknown causes on February 14, 1944.
Murden Dora Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1868 December 31, 1925 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lawrence Carrie Female African American Enslaved Domestic December 31, 1849 December 31, 1923 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Wiley and Asbury Lawrance, Carrie Lawrence was born in August 1850 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, she worked as a “Washer & Ironer” and lived on Jackson Street. She was a founding member of the Gospel Pilgrim Society. As a widow in 1900, she worked as a “Janitress” and lived at 129 Alley Street. She no longer worked in 1920 and lived in a boarding house on Berry Street. At age 74, she died on December 15, 1924. According to her Death Certificate, she did “housework” and lived at 112 Berry Street.
Davis Madison Male African American Enslaved Legislator December 31, 1832 December 31, 1901 68 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Madison Davis was born around September 27, 1833 and spent his youth and young adulthood enslaved to a carriage maker. His father, who was from Ireland according to the 1900 Census, may have been a white slaveholder. Davis married Ella Davis and the couple had at least six children: Willie, Annie, Lizzie, Mattie, Mana, and James. During Reconstruction he served as a Republican in the Georgia House of Representatives. Later in life, he worked as a merchant, postmaster, and a real estate agent. In 1900, he was living at 27 Newton Street and just two years later, on August 20, 1902, he died from unknown causes.
Hemphill Susie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1926 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Mattiline Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Mattiline I. Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was only 6 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Hunt Doll Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1898 December 31, 1946 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Doll Hunt was born in 1899. In 1930, she lived with her sister, Mollie Clark, on Crawford Avenue and worked as a laundress. She married Dozier Hunt and, according to the 1931 City Directory, the couple lived at 67 Crawford Avenue. According to the 1942 City Directory, she lived at 350 Barber Street and worked as a cook. She died from unknown causes on September 28, 1947.
Blont [Gary?] Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Bowmans Jack Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Young Agnes Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1836 December 31, 1897 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Agnes “Aggie” Crawford Young was born in March 1837. In 1870, she was “keeping house.” She was married James Young in 1864 and they had at least six children: Edward, John, Minnie (Davis), Maria, James, and Young. As a widow in 1880, she lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street and worked as a “Washer & Ironer.” According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 438 Bridge Street and worked as a laundress. At he died from unknown causes on January 10, 1898. After her death, she bequeathed her possessions to her daughter, Minnie Davis.
Scott Emmett Male African American Free December 31, 1925 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCleskey Edward Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1864 December 31, 1931 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Julia and William McCleskey, Edward McCleskey was born in March 1865. In 1930, he was widowed and owned a home at 220 Harris Street. He worked as a carpenter for much of his life. At age 67, he died from cardiovascular renal disease on September 19, 1932.
Flag Ida Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1899 December 31, 1945 56 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ida J. Flag was born around 1900. Sometime before 1930, she gained and lost a husband. As a widow, in 1930, she worked as laundress and lived with her sister, Emma Virgil, at 1490 W Broad Street. In 1940, her and her sister lived at 268 Parris Street. She died from unknown causes on July 28, 1946. At the time of her death, she was 56 years old.
Joseph Anna Female African American Free December 31, 1919 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Robert Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1888 December 31, 1924 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Nellie Thomas and Scott Smith, Robert Smith was born around 1889. He married Pearl Smith and served in the 313 Service Battalion during the First World War. He died from being “shot by police in self defense” on December 25, 1925. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as carpenter and lived at 387 Flint Street.
Johnson Eddie Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1919 December 31, 1946 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Mattie Franklin and Eddie Ted Johnson, Eddie Johnson was born on May 9, 1920. He never married. In 1941, he lived in Chicago and worked on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Still living in the city, he was working as a “Bumper Factory Worker” when he died from unknown causes on November 13, 1947. The body was returned to Athens for burial in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery.
Campbell John Male African American Free Porter December 31, 1876 December 31, 1943 67 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Ann Harden, John B. Campbell was born on March 18, 1877 in Athens, Georgia. In 1900, he was serving as a sergeant in the 48th Volunteer Infantry and stationed at Naquilian, Philippine Islands. Rather than return to Athens following his tour of duty, he moved to Chicago and, according to the 1910 Census, worked as a railroad porter. He died from unknown causes on July 4, 1944. He may or may not have returned to Athens, Georgia before his death. Mrs. Katie Thomas, of 748 Hull Street, applied for a military tombstone for his grave in 1944.
Ector Piety Female African American Free December 31, 1879 December 31, 1921 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Thomas Alice Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1922 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Claud Male African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1892 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to his tombstone, Claud Morton was born in February 1893 and died in June; he was just over 3 months old. He most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Harris R Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
[Murfrey?] [??] Unknown African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1928 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, this individual was born around 1893 and died in 1929; they were 36 years old.
Hawkins S. Unknown African American Enslaved December 31, 1858 December 31, 1936 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, S. H. Hawkins was born (most likely enslaved) in 1859 and died in 1937.
[Re?]id Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
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.
W Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Neelia Peter Male African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1925 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lawrence Odessia Female African American Free December 31, 1902 December 31, 1903 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Odessia Lawrence was a 15 month old infant who died from unknown causes on October 6, 1904.
Davis Minnie Female African American Free December 31, 1939 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Minnie [H?] Davis died in February 1940. According to the 1904 City Directory, J. W. Daivs worked as a mail carrier and lived at 24 Strong Street. In 1909, he was married to Minnie Davis and they lived at 178 Strong Street.
Hill [??] Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Laura Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Laura Ella Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was 11 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Hunter Richard Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1868 December 31, 1928 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Carolina and Richard Hunter, Richard Hunter was born sometime between 1857 and 1869 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He worked as a laborer on the city streets in 1910 and as a “general worker” in 1920. He married Rachel Hunter and the couple had at least three children: Anna Bell, Nellie Bell, and Christine. He died from pneumonia on March 16, 1929. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a mechanic and lived at 487 Madison Avenue.
Boyd Rosa Female African American Free Wife December 31, 1871 December 31, 1915 44 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Rosa S. Boyd was born on July 1872 in Florida. In 1883, she married Willie Boyd, a shoemaker, and was either the mother or step-mother of at least eight children: Barlien, Rosa, Willie, Lucy, Racheal, Lydia, Thelma, and Constance. In 1900 and 1910, the family owned a house at 307 Pope Street. According to the 1915 City Directory, he worked as shoemaker and they lived at 437 Pope Street. She died from unknown causes in 1916 and was 44 years old around at the time of her death.
Boyd Claura Female African American Free Laborer December 31, 1923 26 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[??] Barbara Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Barbara [M??] [??] is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
Scott Jane Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1924 98 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCombs Sarah Female African American Free Student December 31, 1884 December 31, 1906 21 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Serena and Cisero McCombs, Sarah R. McCombs was born on October 22, 1885. In 1900, she attended school and lived with her parents at 901 Reese Street. At 21 years old, she died from unknown causes.
Foster Ethel Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1893 December 31, 1958 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around 1894, Ethel Foster was the daughter of Charlotte and Lorenzo Foster, a City Hall Janitor. In 1920, she worked as a cook and lived with her brother, Henry Foster, on Flint Street.According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid and lived at 373 Flint Street. She died from unknown causes in 1959.
Joseph George Male African American Free Child December 31, 1922 December 31, 1922 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Julia Female African American Unknown December 31, 1939 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julie E. Smith died on July 11, 1940. She is buried alongside Winnie Moore.
Johnson Rhoda Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1875 December 31, 1931 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Rhoda Ann Johnson was born around 1876. In 1920, she was a widow and worked as a washerwoman. In 1920, she lived with her two daughters (Minnie and Lula) and her mother-in-law (Emma Lee Johnson) at 882 Water Street. According to the 1931 City Directory, she still lived at that same address. At 55 years old, she died from unknown causes on May 29, 1932.
Campbell Miller Male African American Free Soldier December 31, 1880 December 31, 1935 55 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Miller L. Campbell was born around 1881. He enlisted as a private in the 1Cl. Hospital Corps in 1905; his military records described him as a man of dark complexion, with brown eyes, standing 5 foot 5 ½ inches tall. He most likely married Jane Campbell and lived at 748 Hull Street. He died from unknown causes on July 13, 1936 and was around 55 years old at the time of his death.
Edwards Fred Male African American Enslaved Fireman December 31, 1922 62 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Howell Lamar Female African American Free December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in February 1968. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Thomas Eluice Male African American Free Child December 31, 1923 December 31, 1924 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Morton Lizzy Female African American Free Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lizzy C. Morton died around 10 months old. She was the sister of William Morton, who died when he was 10 years old. She most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family.
Harris Mary Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Neely Helen Female African American Free December 31, 1898 December 31, 1963 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Helen B. Neely was born on September 10, 1899 and died on March 26, 1964. She was 65 years old.
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 Daviet Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
[??] Mattie Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
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]
W Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Nesbitt Sibyl Female African American Free December 31, 1918 December 31, 1921 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Lay Hattie Female African American Free December 31, 1899 December 31, 1965 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Hattie Christopher Lay was born on October 4, 1900 and died from unknown causes on May 3, 1966.
Davis Minnie Female African American Enslaved Teacher December 31, 1858 December 31, 1939 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Aggie Crawford and James Young, Minnie Davis was born on December 13, 1859 near Penfield, Georgia. Enslaved to John Crawford, Davis spent her childhood in Athens, Georgia. Denied a formal education in slavery, Davis took full advantage of freedom’s offerings. She enrolled at Knox Institution, a school for black children that had been established by the Freedmen’s Bureau in the spring of 1868. She then graduated from Atlanta University before returning to Athens to teach school for over forty years. Her husband, Samuel B. Davis, published the Athens Clipper, a newspaper catering to Athens's emerging black, middle-class community. After his death, she ran the newspaper for a few years, before selling it. She died as a result of a dislocated hip on February 13, 1940.
Hill John Female African American Free Child December 31, 1918 December 31, 1918 0 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.
Hunter Ed Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1918 December 31, 1957 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Annie Hunter, Ed Willie Hunter was born around 1919. In 1930, he attended school and lived with his mother on Finley Street. In 1940, he worked as a butler. He married Juanita Gross on January 25, 1943. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as yardman and lived at 540 S Finley Street. He died from unknown causes on June 5, 1958. According to his obituary published in The Atlanta Constitution, he lived at 548 Finley Street.
Boyd William Male African American Enslaved Shoemaker December 31, 1859 December 31, 1918 59 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Thad Boyd, William H. Boyd was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1883, he married Rosa S. Boyd (most likely his second wife) and had at least eight children: Barlien, Rosa, Willie, Lucy, Racheal, Lydia, Thelma, and Constance. In 1900 and 1910, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens and owned a house at 307 Pope Street. According to the 1915 City Directory, he still worked as shoemaker but had moved to 437 Pope Street. He died from unknown causes in 1919 and was around 59 years old around at the time of his death.
Bradley Lena Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 48 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jane Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Jane is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
Scott Magnolia Female African American Free Student December 31, 1921 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
McCray Laura Female African American Enslaved Baker December 31, 1817 December 31, 1912 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Dolly Billops, Laura McCray was born on June 7, 1818 and enslaved for much of her live. While a slave, she received a letter in 1841. In 1870, she was “keeping house” in Athens. In 1880, she worked at “Confectionery Baking” and lived on Prince Avenue. According to the 1897 City Directory, she worked at a cake shop and lived at 819 Prince Avenue. In 1910, she lived on Prince Avenue and worked as a baker. Indeed, she was famous for her cakes. She died from unknown causes on December 5, 1913.
Foster John Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1903 December 31, 1930 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Emma Shropshire and Robert H. Foster, John Albert Foster was born around 1904. On June 23, 1931, he died from acute endocarditis. At the time of his death, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife at 1683 South Milledge Avenue.
Killian Sarah Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1901 December 31, 1926 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Snelson A. Unknown African American Free December 31, 1896 December 31, 1899 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked A. O'Luwole Snelson was born on July 29, 1897 and died from unknown causes on March 1, 1900. This child was 2 years and 8 months old at the time of death.
Johnson Emanuel Male African American Free Janitor December 31, 1896 December 31, 1939 43 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Lulu and George Johnson, Emanuel Johnson was born in May 1897. In 1900, the family lived at 8 Oconee Street. He married Lonie Johnson and, in 1929, they lived at 260 Vine Street. At that time, he worked as a janitor. According to the 1931 City Directory, he worekd as a janitor at the First Baptist Church and lived at 260 Vine Street. He remained at that address, according to the 1940 City Directory. He died from unknown causes on October 2, 1940. He was only 43.

Get in touch

  • Department of History
    220 LeConte Hall, Baldwin Street
    University of Georgia
    Athens, GA 30602-1602
  • 706-542-2053
  • 706-542-2455
  • history@uga.edu

eHistory was founded at the University of Georgia in 2011 by historians Claudio Saunt and Stephen Berry

Learn More about eHistory