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
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.
Pledger	William	Male	African American	Enslaved	Lawyer	December 31, 1849	December 31, 1903	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	William A. Pledger was born in 1850 and enslaved as a child. Along with William Henry (Harrison) Heard, he was the co-owner and editor of the Athens Blade, a leading African-American newspaper that was distributed throughout Georgia and in several northeastern cities. As one of the first African-American lawyers in Atlanta, he was active in republican politics and a delegate to each republican convention from 1876 to 1900. According to the 1898 City Directory, he worked as a lawyer and lived at 209 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on January 8, 1904.
Johnson	Flora	Female	African American	Free	Domestic		December 31, 1922	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
McQueen	W.	Male	African American	Enslaved	Driver	December 31, 1849	December 31, 1904	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	W. M. McQueen was born on November 15,1850 and most likely enslaved as a child. He married Nettie McQueen and the couple had at least one child: Mamie. In 1880, he worked as an express porter and lived on Hull Street. According to the 1897 City Directory, he worked as a driver for Southern Express Company and lived at 630 Hull Street. At 54 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 19, 1905.
Bunkley	Lula	Female	African American	Free			December 31, 1925	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
White	Nettie	Female	African American	Free	Housewife		December 31, 1926	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Johnson	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	54	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?].
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.
Jones	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Railroad Employee		December 31, 1920	54	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Gaiy	Harriet	Female	African American	Free				55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Harriet C. Gaiy died during the 1940s at 55 years old.
Ford	Malinda	Female	African American	Free	Farmer		December 31, 1920	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hirams	Rubin	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1922	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Lewis	Ellen	Female	African American	Free	Housework		December 31, 1920	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Lyles	Mattie	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1880	December 31, 1934	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Isabel Owens and Coloumbus Hardman, Mattie Owens Lyles was born on March 12, 1881. She married Eugene Lyles sometime before 1910. In 1910, she worked as a washer woman and, in 1930, she was a housewife. She died from diabetes mellitus and candidiasis disease on August 25, 1935. According to her Death Certificate, she was a housewife living at 147 Plum Street.
Walker	Benjamin	Male	African American	Free	Farm Laborer	December 31, 1878	December 31, 1959	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Manda and Taylor Walker, Benjamin F. Walker was born around 1879. In 1880, he lived with his parents in Athens. He married Susie Walker and the couple had at least seven children: Asa, Violet, Jenever, Bulah, Watkins, Ned, and Henry. In 1910, the family lived on Newtons Bridge Road and he worked as a laborer at the planning mill. He worked as a farm laborer and lived at White Hall Road in 1930. At 55 years old, he died from unknow causes on August 21, 1939.
Varnell	Will	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1925	55	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
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.
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.
Jones	Louisa	Female	African American	Enslaved	Seamstress	December 31, 1853	December 31, 1909	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Louisa Beale Jones was born sometime between 1848 and 1854 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, she lived in the household of Tena Beall and did not work. In 1880, she lived alone on Hancock Avenue and worked as a dressmaker. At some point between 1880 and 1910, she married. Jones died from unknown causes on October 11, 1910. According to her funeral notice, she lived on Newton Street at the time of her death.
Murden	Dora	Female	African American	Free	Housewife	December 31, 1868	December 31, 1925	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Hiram	Ellen	Female	African American	Free	Cook		December 31, 1919	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Sims	Minnie	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1874	December 31, 1930	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Caroline and D. Charlie Whales, Minnie Whales Sims was born around 1875. She married John H. Sims and the couple had at least four children: Robert, M. C, Susie, and George. She worked as a Laundress in 1910 and a cook in 1930. At 56 years old, she died from [??] on November 4, 1931. At the time of her death, she lived at 499 Madison Avenue and worked as a domestic.
Thomas	Orrie	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1867	December 31, 1923	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Lyons	Hannah	Female	African American	Free	Housework		December 31, 1922	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Lyons	John	Male	African American	Free	Mason		December 31, 1920	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Boyd	Thad	Male	African American	Enslaved	Shoemaker	December 31, 1847	December 31, 1903	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Thaddeus "Thad" Boyd was born sometime between 1842 and 1848 and most likely spent his childhood and youth enslaved. As a freeman, he worked as a shoemaker in Athens. He married Araminta Boyd and had at least six children: William, Carrie, Thad Jr., Nannie, Eulessis [Ulysses?], and Mary Lou. By 1900, he was widowed and living at 1019 W Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on November 15, 1904.
Lee	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Farm Laborer	December 31, 1878	December 31, 1934	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Ella and John Menifee, Henry L. Lee was born on March 14, 1879. He married Maggie Lee around 1900 and the couple rented a home in Oconee County in 1910. He worked as farm laborer. In 1930, he lived at 45 Rocky Branch Road in Oconee County. He died from unknown causes on December 15, 1935.
Smith	Rencie	Female	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1923	56	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Matthews	John	Male	African American	Free	Merchant	December 31, 1883	December 31, 1940	57	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John T. Matthews was born between 1874 and 1884. He married Margaret “Maggie” Matthews, and the couple rented a home at 1095 W Hancock Avenue in 1920 and 1930. He worked as farmer in 1920 and was a dry goods store merchant in 1930. He died from unknown causes on March 27, 1941.
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?].
Moore	Winnie	Female	African American	Free	Domestic	December 31, 1878	December 31, 1935	57	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Ann and Ben King, Winnie King Moore was born around 1879. She married Augustus Moore, a lunmber yard worker, and the couple had at least one living child: Cassie. In 1920, she did not work and lived her husband on Cleveland Avenue. She died from [chronic interstitial nephritis?], paralysis, and hypertension on December 3, 1936. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 199 Cleveland Avenue.
Crane	Thomas	Male	African American	Free	Gardener	December 31, 1867	December 31, 1924	57	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Wilder	Rachel	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1830	December 31, 1888	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Rachel Wilder was born around 1831. She married James Wilder, a farm laborer, and they could had at least five children: Dennis, Samuel, Charles, William, and Berry. In 1870, they lived in Madison, Georgia. At 58 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 19, 1889.
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.
Stokely	George	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1920	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Heard	Bartlett	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer	December 31, 1831	December 31, 1889	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Bartlett Heard was born on August 15, 1832 and was most likely enslaved as a child. He married Mary Heard and, in 1880, the couple lived in Buck Branch, Clarke County, Georgia. He died from unknown causes on July 26, 1890. He was 58 years old at the time of his death.
Bell	Andrew	Male	African American	Free	Reverend	December 31, 1896	December 31, 1958	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	The son of John J. Bell and Idea Bell, Andrew Bell was born on June 10, 1897 in Oglethorpe, Georgia. In 1910, the family lived on College Ave in Athens; Andrew did not attend school was unable to read or write at that time. Sometime before 1920, he married Mary B. Bell and moved to Atlanta, where he lived much of his adult life. He worked as a “Overseer” at the Country Club in 1920 and, according to his obituary, he was a “Reverend.” At 58 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 23, 1959 in Fulton County, GA. His funeral was held at the Dorsey Tabernacle Baptist Church in Athens on September 29, 1959.
McQueen	Amanda	Female	African American	Enslaved	Seamstress	December 31, 1857	December 31, 1915	58	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Amanda McQueen was born on March 26, 1858 and most likely spent her childhood enslaved. She married James McQueen, a laborer, and the couple had at least three children: Gerdine, Nelley, and Janie. In 1880, she worked as a laundress and lived with her family on Hull Street. As a widow in 1900, she lived alone and worked as a seamstress. According to the 1904 City Directory, she lived at 626 N Hull Street. At 58 years old, she died from unknown causes on December 31, 1916.
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.
Simmons	Mitchell	Male	African American	Free	Church Employee	December 31, 1905	December 31, 1964	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Anna B. Simmons, Mitchell Simmons was born on November 2, 1906. In 1910, he lived with his mother and grandmother in Madison, Georgia. In 1920, he worked as a theatre porter in Atlanta and lived with his mother in the city. By 1930, he had moved to South Carolina and was married to Thelma Simmons. The couple had at least one child: Mitchell J. Simmons. According to his Second World War draft registration, he worked for Reverend Frank Gantt and lived at 814 Hampton Street in Columbia, South Carolina. He died from unknown causes on February 12, 1965.
Billups	Willie	Male	African American	Free	Teacher	December 31, 1903	December 31, 1962	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary Billups, Willie Lewis Billups was born on either March 1, 1904 or May 15, 1903. As a child he lived on Reese Street. At the time of Second World War, he lived at 123 Pope Street and was self-employed. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a teacher Athens High and Industrial School and lived at 1820 W Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on Feburary 27, 1963.
Johnson	Tom	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1894	December 31, 1953	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Eveline Howard, Tom Johnson was born around 1895 or 1896. He most likely served in the 341 Service Battalion during the First World War. In 1920, he worked as a laborer at a cotton press and he and his mother rented a place at the rear of 789 Thomas Street. He died from unknown causes on April 7, 1954. At the time of his death, he lived at Apt. 188 803 Play Lane.
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.
Jackson	Sweetie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1874	December 31, 1934	59	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Sweetie Poulain Jackson was born on November 15, 1875. She married Thomas Jackson, a miller, and the couple had at least seven children: Farris, Thomas, Burnett, Babe, Samuel, and Lloyd. In 1910, the family rented a house on Cleveland Avenue. According to 1931 City Directory, she and her husband lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At 59 years old, she died from unknown causes on July 17, 1935.
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.
Hawkins	Dave	Male	African American	Enslaved	Construction		December 31, 1919	60	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.
Clark	Julia	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1880	December 31, 1940	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to her tombstone, Julia Shaw Clark was born in 1881. She most likely married William W. Clark, a laborer, and the couple lived at 144 Warsaw Street, according to the 1929 City Directory. At 84 years old, she died in 1941.
Dillard	Hansel	Male	African American	Enslaved	Barber	December 31, 1792	December 31, 1852	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Hansel Dillard was born enslaved around 1793. Trained as a barber, Dillard advertised his services to white Athenians in The Southern Whig: “Barbering and Hair-dressing. Hansel Dillard, Respectfully informs the citizens of Athens and the public generally, that he will, at all times, be found at his Shop, happy to accommodate those who favor him with their patronage.” In an era that barred almost all free and enslaved men from skilled employment, barbers enjoyed steady, profitable work. Indeed, this profession paid well; Dillard’s earning bought him freedom. As a free man of color, Dillard carved out a respectable space for himself in the slaveholding South. Dillard, according to The Weekly Banner, “made a great deal of money.” In addition to his barbershop, Dillard owned a bakery, operated a confectionery, kept a stable, and ran a delivery service. For him, and many other African-American men, barbering was a path to freedom and middle-class prosperity. It allowed him to procure not only his own freedom, but purchase his wife’s freedom for $1000 as well. She, then, took in student’s washing for additional income. In 1851, Dillard owned property; he paid taxes. Sixty-year-old Dillard died of unknown causes on Sept. 5, 1853. He was buried in Athens. Exactly where, however, is unknown. At some point, years after Hansel Dillard’s death, friends from Charleston, South Carolina erected a tombstone in his memory. While damaged by age and neglect, the stone, inscribed “I know that my Redeemer livith,” still stands in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery today.
Wade	John	Male	African American	Free	Grocer	December 31, 1886	December 31, 1947	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Orange Wade, John Wade was born around 1887 (or on February 2, 1886). In 1910, he worked as a “Bartender” at the “Bear Saloon.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a market business man and lived on Washington Street. According to the 1947 City Directory, he worked at Wade’s Market and lived with his wife, Leona, at 872 W Broad Street. He died from unknown causes on May 28, 1948.
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.
Jones	Robert	Male	African American	Free	Mason	December 31, 1876	December 31, 1936	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Susan Harris and Robert Jones, Robert L. Jones was born on July 9, 1872 (or 1877). Around 1908, he married Effie Jones and the couple appears not to have had children. He worked as a brick mason in 1910 and as a “Tiel Setter” in 1930. He died from apoplexy on February 12,1937. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a brick mason and lived at 167 Paris Street
Sanders-McGee	Sarah	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1873	December 31, 1933	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Lou McCree, Sarah Sanders McGee (or McCree) was born around 1874. In 1880, she lived with her mother and siblings on Throne Street. She most likely married William Sanders and, in 1910, lived at 370 Hull Street.
Bowmans	Jack	Male	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1924	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Cook	Mary	Female	African American	Free	Laborer		December 31, 1925	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Mongumory	Tom	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer		December 31, 1923	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Anderson	J.	Male	African American	Enslaved	Painter		December 31, 1919	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Whitlock	John	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1856	December 31, 1916	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	John Whitelock (or Whittlock) was born around 1857. According to the 1894 City Directory, worked as a laborer and lived at 805 Athens Avenue. He may have been married to Martha Whitelock. At 60 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 3, 1917.
Walker	Taylor	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer		December 31, 1920	60	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Harden	Edgar	Male	African American	Free		December 31, 1891	December 31, 1953	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of Mary Harden, Edgard Harden was born on November 2, 1892. As a 16 year old in 1910, he worked as a “poster” and did not attend school. During the First World War, he served as a corporal in Company D, 346 Service Battalion. He married Cora Harden and, according to the 1952 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 658 Hull Street. He died from unknown causes on June 26, 1954.
Martin	George	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1819	December 31, 1880	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	George Martin was born around 1820 and most likely spend the majority of his life enslaved. He married Mary Martin and the couple had at least one child: Essen Martin. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and the family lived on an “unnamed street near River Street.” He died from unknown causes in 1881. According to the 1897 City Directory, his wife lived at 648 Odd Street, East Athens; this is most likely his last address as well.
Billups	Burrell	Male	African American	Free	Restaurant Owner	December 31, 1873	December 31, 1937	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Isabelle and John Billups, Burrell W. Billups was born on July 4,1874. In 1911, he was a registered voter living in Athens. He married Janie Billups and the couple had at least two children: Katie and Arabella. He worked as a restaurant owner in 1920 and the family lived at 367 Chase Street. They still resided at that address in 1931 and 1938. He died from P. O. suppurative peritonitis on June 28, 1938.
Taylor	Ida	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1898	December 31, 1959	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Ida M. Taylor was born around 1899. In 1920, she was married to S. D. Taylor and the couple lived at the corner of Athens and Lula Road. In 1920, she was apparently shot during an altercation at the Morton Theatre. According to the newspaper report, she had been with a man who was not her husband when the shooting occurred. She recovered from the minor flesh wound. In 1930, she lived alone in Patrick Alley and worked as a hotel cook. In 1940, she worked as a cook and lived at 360 Madison Avenue. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a maid The Webb-Crawford Company and lived at 634 N Foundry Street. She died from unknown causes on March 25, 1960.
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.
Brydie	E.	Unknown	African American	Enslaved	Barber	December 31, 1847	December 31, 1908	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	According to the tombstone, E. W. Brydie was born on August 12, 1848 and most likely enslaved. He mosy likely married Camilla Jackson Brydie and the couple had at least three children: Carolyn, Eugene, and Edward. According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked as a barber and lived at 601 Plum Street. In 1904, he still worked as a barber, but noq lived at 101 N Findley Street. At around 61 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 3, 1909.
Mullins	Henry	Male	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1869	December 31, 1930	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Henry A. Mullins was born around 1870. He married Georgia Mullins and the couple had at least four children: Owen, Samson, Lumpkins, and Mary. In 1910, he worked as a city cook and owned a house at 236 S Collins Street. He died from unknown causes in 1931.
Mathews	Oliva	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laundress		December 31, 1919	61	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Morgan	Elizabeth	Female	African American	Free	Cook	December 31, 1901	December 31, 1963	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Elizabeth Morgan was born between 1902 and 1904. According to the 1958 City Directory, she worked as a cook at "Co-Ed Restr" and lived at 1347 W Broad Street. At that times, she was a single householder and unmarried or widowed. She died from unknown causes on August 25, 1964.
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.
Cox	Mollie	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1872	December 31, 1934	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Mollie Cox was born around 1873. She married Richard Cox, a cotton mill laborer, and the couple had at least one child: Archie Cox. In 1900, she worked as a cook. According to the 1931 City Directory, she lived at 236 Bridge Street. At the time of her death on December 3, 1935, she worked as a laundress and lived at 237 Bridge Street in Athens.
Holt	Caroline	Female	African American	Enslaved	Cook	December 31, 1838	December 31, 1901	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Caroline Holt was born on December 2, 1839 and enslaved. In the 1880s, she worked as a cook for Mrs. Martha Wilson Lumpkin Compton, and was accused of possibly poisoning a member of this white family. The accusation was most likely false, but the lurid story appeared in the local news reports. She died from unknown causes on October 8, 1902.
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.
Walker	Joe	Male	African American	Free	Laborer	December 31, 1864	December 31, 1926	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Joe Walker was born around 1865. He may have been arrested and jailed in Texas from 1883 to 1885. According to the 1924 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Mary, at 464 N Foundry Street. At 62 years old, he died from unknown causes on December 10, 1927.
Jefferson	Ella	Female	African American	Enslaved	Seamstress	December 31, 1841	December 31, 1903	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Salley and Robert Holsey, Ella Baker Jefferson was around 1842 and most likely enslaved as a young woman. She married Edgar Jefferson and the couple had at least two children: Minta and Jackson. In 1870, she was keeping house. In 1880, she worked as a dressmaker and lived with her close and extended family at 81 Broad Street. As a widow in 1900, she lived at 22 E Valley and still worked as a dressmaker. She died from unknown causes on September 4, 1904.
Jackson	Alfred	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1821	December 31, 1883	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Alfred Jackson was born around 1822 in Virginia and most likely spent most of his life enslaved. He married Louisa Jackson and the couple had at least six children: Camilla, Edward, Albin, Bettie, Mary, and Judy. He worked as a day laborer in 1870 and a white washer in 1880. He lived on River Street. He died from unknown causes on February 14, 1884.
Mathews	Henry	Male	African American	Enslaved	Laborer	December 31, 1854	December 31, 1916	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Henry Mathews was born between 1855 and 1861 and most likely spent his childhood enslaved. In 1900, he worked as Rail Road Laborer and lived as a single, male boarder at 772 Georgia Railroad Street. He married Lizzie Mathews and, in 1910, the couple lived at 144 Summey. At that time, he worked as a city streets laborer. According to the 1914 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at Summey, which intersected Lumpkin Street near Cedar Street. On February 7, 1917, he died from unknown causes.
Edwards	Fred	Male	African American	Enslaved	Fireman		December 31, 1922	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Jones	Vinnie	Female	African American	Enslaved		December 31, 1824	December 31, 1886	62	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Vinnie Jones was born around December 25, 1825 and most likely spent her early life enslaved. She married Willis A. Jones, a carpenter and reverend, and, in 1880, the couple lived on Broad Street. She died from unknown causes on November 7, 1887.
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.
Thomas	Ada	Female	African American	Free	Domestic	December 31, 1902	December 31, 1965	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Mary A. Thomas, Ada Kate Thomas was born on September 12, 1903 in Mississippi. In 1910, she attended school and lived with her mother on Water Street. In 1940, she worked as a maid and lived at 187 Third Street. She was still living at that address in 1958. She died from unknown causes on November 4, 1966.
Harris	Lizzie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Cook		December 31, 1919	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Favors	Lillie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1886	December 31, 1949	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Cynthia and Thomas Favors, Lillie Favors was born between 1886 and 1888. She never married nor did she work. In 1930, she lived with her parents at 481 Billups Street and, in 1940, she lived with her sister-in-law at 170 Dublin Street. Favors died from unknown causes on August 19, 1950.
Browner	Richard	Male	African American	Enslaved	City Employee		December 31, 1921	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Reid	Laura	Female	African American	Free	Laundress	December 31, 1866	December 31, 1928	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Alfred Richardson, Laura E. Reid was born around 1867. On October 5, 1884, she married Lorenzo W. Reid, a barber, and the couple had at least ten children: Beulah, L. W., Charlie, Addie, Fannie, Louisa, Ruth, Etta, Mattiline, and Laura Ella. In 1900, the family lived at 431 Bridge Street and she did not work outside the home. She worked as a laundress in 1910. In 1897, her husband worked as a barber and lived at 431 Bridge Street. At 63 years old, she died bronchial pneumonia on December 29, 1929.
Davis	Wm	Male	African American	Enslaved	Cotton Worker		December 31, 1922	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Lewis	Fannie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Teacher		December 31, 1923	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Heard	Lizzie	Female	African American	Free		December 31, 1894	December 31, 1957	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	Lizzie Dorsey Heard was born around December 25, 1880 or 1895 (according to the Death Index). She most likely married Hill Heard, a farmer, and, according to the 1926 City Directory, they lived at 275 Field [Rd? St? Av?]. She died from unknown causes July 31, 1958. She was around 63 years old.
Morton	Monroe	Male	African American	Enslaved	Businessman	December 31, 1855	December 31, 1918	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The son of a white man and Elizabeth Morton, Monroe “Pink” Bowers Morton was born enslaved around 1856. He most likely lived on plantation of John Phinizy. In 1870, he lived with his mother, “Lizzie,” and his siblings in Athens. He worked a number of jobs. According to the census, he worked at a retail grocery in 1880, post master in 1900, and a contractor in 1910. He was also a republican party leader, the owner and publisher of The Progressive Era (a black newspaper), a business leader, and a real estate owner, who built the Morton Theatre and facilitated the development of Athens’s “Hot Corner.” According to the Atlanta Independent (Jan. 30, 1904), “Mr. Morton is a self-made man, and has won his way to the front in business, politics, society by sheer force of character, distinct individuality, rare precocity and strict application to business.” In his personal life, he first married Amanda Morton, who died in 1885 He, then, married Tallulah Morton, his second wife, and the couple had several children, including Monroe, Maude, Ida, and Charlie. He died from cirrhosis of the liver and chronic myocarditis on February 12, 1919. He was, according to his Death Certificate, a “Retired Capitalist” who lived at 823 Prince Avenue. His obituary in The Athens Banner described him as “one of the wealthiest negros in the South.” The paper continued: “‘Pink’ Morton was well known not only in Athens, but throughout the state. He was one of the leaders of the republican party in Georgia, and at one time under the administration of President McKinley was postmaster of Athens. His career has been a most unusual one. Starting life as a slave in 1853 on the plantation of Phinizy’s near Athens, he became a leader of his race, and a most successful business man.”
Garfield	Carrie	Female	African American	Enslaved	Housewife		December 31, 1924	63	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Williams	Jim	Male	African American	Enslaved	Farmer		December 31, 1921	64	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Owens	Isabella	Female	African American	Enslaved	Laundress	December 31, 1853	December 31, 1918	64	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Rhodes and Tom Owens, Isabella Owens was born around 1854 and most likely enslaved. In 1894, she was jailed for receiving stolen goods. In 1900, she was a widow with three children: Pearl, Susie, and Alphonso. She worked as a day laborer. She died from cystitis nephritis and uremia on November 8, 1919. At the time of her death she was around 64 years old, worked as a wash woman, and lived at 147 Plum Street.
Cox	Dick	Male	African American	Enslaved	Mill Employee		December 31, 1922	64	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Unmarked	Data collected from death certificate.
Derricotte	Charlotte	Female	African American	Enslaved	Domestic	December 31, 1862	December 31, 1926	64	Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery	Marked	The daughter of Lucy Dodson and Andrew Jackson, Charlotte L. Derricotte was born on May 12, 1863 and most likely enslaved as an infant. In 1882, she married Edward J. Derricotte and the couple had at least four children: Ophelia, Edward Jr., Tom, and Andrew. She worked as a house maid in Athens in 1900 and as a laundress in Massachusetts in 1910. At 64 years old, she died from arteriosclerosis and myocarditis on November 5, 1927. According to the Death Index, she had been living in Everett, Massachusetts and employed as a caterer.
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.

Decedent

Get in touch