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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roebuck | [??] | Male | African American | Free | Porter | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1951 | 52 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Roger Roebuck was born on March 15, 1900. He married Katie Roebuck prior to 1918. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 328 Atlanta Street and worked as a laborer. He worked as a laborer for a Fertilizer Company in 1920 and a porter in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as a deliveryman at Beussee's Flowers and he and his wife lived at 770 Bray Street. He died from unknown causes in 1952. |
| McCree | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1859 | December 31, 1954 | 95 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Louisa and Squire H. McCree, Edward McCree was born around 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings on a farm in Watkinsville, Georgia. By 1880, the family had moved to Throne Street. Instead of attending school, 13 year-old McCree worked as a laborer. He married Nettie McCree, a laundress, and the couple had at least one child: Maggie. In 1910, he worked as a city street laborer and rented a home at Green Street. According to the 1938 City Directory, the coupled lived at 543 Reese Street. He died from unknown causes in 1955. |
| Richards | J. | Male | African American | Free | Reverend | December 31, 1920 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Strickland | John | Male | African American | Free | Butcher | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1918 | 24 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Jennie Wagner and Ed Strickland, John Strickland was born around 1895. In 1910, he lvied with his parents at 475 First Street and worked as a laborer in a cotton mill. During the First World War, he served in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. He died from pulmonary tuberculosis on April 22, 1919. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 475 First Street. |
| 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. |
| Heard | William | Male | African American | Free | Blacksmith | December 31, 1864 | December 31, 1938 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Manerva and Thomas Heard, William Heard was born on February 12,1865 in Elberton, Georgia. Sometime before 1880, the family moved to Athens and he lived with his parents on Market Street. He worked as a “horseler” in 1880 and as a blacksmith in 1900, 1910, and 1920. He married Mattie Heard, a teacher, in 1897 and the couple does not appear to have had living children. He died from acute mitral regurgitation on September 26, 1939. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a blacksmith and lived at 475 Reese Street. |
| Newsome | Harry | Male | African American | Free | Porter | December 31, 1902 | December 31, 1954 | 52 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Harry C. Newsome was born on September 3, 1903 in Monroe, Georgia. He most likely married Bessie Newsome and, in 1942, they lived at 153 Lyndon Avenue. He worked for Krowe & Knowles, a local furniture store. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as porter for "Patrick's Pharm" and lived at 153 Lyndon Avenue. At 52 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 30, 1955. |
| Livingston | Richard | Male | African American | Free | Mail Carrier | December 31, 1877 | December 31, 1950 | 73 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Richard Livingston was born in 1878. In 1900, he worked as a mail carrier and boarded at 819 Hill Street. Sometime before 1910, he married Laura Livingston and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue. According to the 1949 City Directory, he reamined at that address. He died from unknown causes in 1951. He was 73 years old. |
| Walker | Joe | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1864 | December 31, 1926 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Joe Walker was born around 1865. He may have been arrested and jailed in Texas from 1883 to 1885. According to the 1924 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived with his wife, Mary, at 464 N Foundry Street. At 62 years old, he died from unknown causes on December 10, 1927. |
| Moore | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1925 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Iverson | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1827 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Edward Iverson was born around 1828 and most likely enslaved. He married Amanda Iverson, a cook, sometime before 1870. In 1880, he worked as a laborer and they lived at 268 10th Street. She died of unknown causes at an unknown date. | ||
| 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. | |
| Booke | Ben | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1926 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Davis | J. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1905 | December 31, 1906 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | J. W. Davis was the twin son of J. W. and M. C. Davis. He was born on December 5, 1906 and died nine months later, on September 8, 1907. 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. This is most likely their child. | |
| Heard | Benjamin | Male | African American | Enslaved | Mason | December 31, 1863 | December 31, 1907 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Benjamin Scribben Heard was born around May 10, 1864 and was enslaved as a child. He married Emma F. Heard, a teacher, and the couple had at least one child: Selma G. Heard. In 1889, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 832 Cherry. According to the 1900 Census, he had changed professions and now worked as a merchant, but this is most likely an error, since, according to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 830 Cherry. He died from unknown causes on May 28, 1908. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| Livingston | William | Male | African American | Free | Reverend | December 31, 1888 | December 31, 1956 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, William Livingston was born in 1889. According to the 1949 City Directory, he worked as reverend and lived at 120 Flint Street. He died from unknown causes in 1957. |
| 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] | |||
| Morton | Ebb | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. |
| Hearel | Eddie | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Bugg | Edd | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1953 | December 31, 1986 | 32 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Edd W. Bugg was born around 1954. He attended Clarke Junior High School and his photo appears in the 1970 Yearbook. At 32 years old, he died from unknown causes on March 7, 1987. His funeral was held at Springfield Baptist Church. | |
| Booth | Richard | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1920 | 38 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. |
| Johnson | Howard | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1967 | 68 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Howard F. Johnson was born on January 24, 1900. According to the 1856 City Directory, he worked as a janitor in Howell Clark Hall and lived in Hull, Georgia. At 68 years old, he died on February 21, 1968. |
| Jones | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Railroad Employee | December 31, 1920 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Stroud | Baby Ezekiel | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1972 | December 31, 1972 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Baby Ezekiel L. Stroud was born and died in 1973. | |
| Blont | [Gary?] | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
| 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. |
| Nolan | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1870 | December 31, 1935 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Eliza Harris Nolan and Peter Nolan, Robert Nolan was born around 1871 in Walton County, Georgia. He married Mary “May” Jackson on December 28, 1895 and the couple had at least three children: Edward, Robert, and Eva. In 1930, she worked as a cook and he worked as a “yard man.” The family lived at 434 Peabody Street. In 1931, they lived at 167 Peabody Street. At 65 years old, he died from “Nephritis [relation?] of the heart” on October 14, 1936. At the time of his death, he worked as a laborer and lived at 167 Peabody 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. |
| 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. |
| Sanders | Edward | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1920 | 24 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sarah Coleman and Will Sanders, Edward O. Sanders was born around 1897. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Hull Street and worked as an Ice Cream “Padder.” According to the 1914 City Directory, he worked as a laborer and lived at 270 Arch Street. During the First World War, he served as a private in the 530th Service Battalion. After the war, he married Susie Sanders. He died from heart disease on June 2, 1921. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a laborer and lived at 149 Piedmont Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. Richard Sanders, most likely his brother, applied for a military headstone after his death. |
| 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. |
| 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. | ||
| 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. |
| Johnson | Lewis | Male | African American | Free | Driver | December 31, 1911 | December 31, 1961 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Lewis Johnson was born on December 25, 1912. In 1930, he worked as a hat shop deliveryman and lived with his sister, Minnie Johnson, at 340 Lyndon Avenue. He died from unknown causes on October 21, 1962. |
| Edwards | Fred | Male | African American | Enslaved | Fireman | December 31, 1922 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Owens | Alphonso | Male | African American | Free | Porter | December 31, 1899 | December 31, 1929 | 30 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Isabella Owens, Alphonso A. Owens was born on February 5, 1900. In 1910, he lived with his mother and siblings at 228 Cleveland Avenue. He served in the First World War and applied for Victory Metal in 1921. At that time, he was living 147 Plum Street in Athens and attended school. Sometime prior to 1930, he moved to Chicago and worked as porter. He died from unknown causes on August 8, 1930. At the time of his death, he lived at 5321 Calumet Avenue in Chicago. |
| Thomas | Eluice | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1923 | December 31, 1924 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Long | Georgie | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1907 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Georgie Long was born in June 1908. He married Thelma Long and they lived at 237 Billups Street. In 1940, he worked as a yard laborer for the University of Georgia. He died at an unknown date from unknown causes. | ||
| White | Joseph | Male | African American | Free | Porter | December 31, 1873 | December 31, 1959 | 86 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Joseph C. White was born around 1874. In 1930, he was married to Flora Gresham White and lived with his mother-in-law (Mary Elder Gresham) at 623 Vine Street. He worked as a hotel porter in 1930. At 86 years old, he died from unknown causes on October 4, 1960. |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| Sanders | Richard | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1901 | December 31, 1944 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Richard Sanders was born on December 26, 1902. According to the 1916 City Directory, he worked as a "wks [at] Costa's" and lived at 240 Newton Street. In 1917, he worked as a porter and lived at 241 Newton Street. He served in the stationed at 327 Service Battalion and was stationed at Camp Gordon during the First World War. In 1940, he worked as a butler and lived in the rear of 724 Prince Avenue. He died from unknown causes on September 25, 1945. | |
| McQueen | William | Male | African American | Unknown | December 31, 1887 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, William McQueen died in 1888. He most likely was the infant son of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. He was the sibling of Carrie McQueen and Mamie N. McQueen. | |||
| [Re?]id | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | |||||
| Joseph | George | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1922 | December 31, 1922 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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] | |||
| [Campbell?] | Charles | Male | African American | Unknown | Janitor | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Charles Campbell most likely worked as a janitor and was married to Marzella Campbell. According to the 1937 City Directory, they lived at 660 W Hancock Avenue. | |||
| Jackson | Edward | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1852 | 6 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Edward Jackson died on October 3, 1853 and was most likely enslaved. He died at 6 years old. Her body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882, when the cemetery opened, or a marker was simply erected for a lost loved one. | ||
| Clemons | Clifford | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1945 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Clifford T. Clemons died from unknown causes in July 1946. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked. | |||
| Lyles | Eugene | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1972 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Eugene Lyles was born around 1870. He married Mattie Owens Lyles and, in 1930, they lived at 147 Plum Street. He worked as a plasterer in both 1910 and 1930. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at 147 Plum Street. According to his tombstone, he died on November 25, 1973. | ||
| 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] | |||
| Scott | Samuel | Male | African American | Enslaved | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Samuel S. Scott died in 1862; he was most likely enslaved. His body was most likely moved to Gospel Pilgrim sometime after 1882 when the cemetery opened. | ||||
| Adams | Obadiah | Male | African American | Enslaved | Reverend | December 31, 1825 | December 31, 1891 | 66 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Reverend Obadiah Adams was born on February 13, 1826 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He died of unknown causes in Jacksonville, Florida on November 19, 1892. He was 66 years old at the time of his death. |
| Davis | G.H. | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1844 | December 31, 1894 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, G. H. Davis was born on July 3, 1845 and most likely enslaved as a child. According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked at Harris & Davis and lived at 319 Reese Street. At 49 years old, he died on June 11, 1895. | |
| Jones | Thomas | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1829 | December 31, 1899 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thomas Jones was born around 1830 and most likely enslaved. In 1870, he worked as a domestic servant and in 1880 he worked as a street car driver. He married Mary Jones in 1863 and the couple most likely did not have living children. In 1900, he lived at 529 Lumpkin Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1900. |
| Terrell | Burnett | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1913 | December 31, 1943 | 30 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Burnett Terrell was born on August 2, 1914. He died from unknown causes on November 8, 1944. | |
| 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. |
| Fields | Jno. | Male | African American | Free | Cotton Worker | December 31, 1918 | 35 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Owens | Jesse | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1929 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Jesse Owens served as a private in the 403 Labor Battalion during the First World War. In 1926, he worked as a laborer and lived on Water Street. He most likely married Flora Owens, who lived at 240 Newton Street. According to the 1928 City Directory, the couple lived at 2402 Newton Street and he worked as a laborer. He died from unknown causes on August 23, 1930. | ||
| Thomas | Matt | Male | African American | Enslaved | Driver | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| [Campbell?] | Andrew | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Most likely a member of the Campbell family. | ||||
| 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. |
| Shaw | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Mason | December 31, 1922 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Jones | Julius | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1907 | December 31, 1941 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Julius C. Jones was born in 1908 and died in 1942. | |
| Lawrence | Orrin | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1920 | 82 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Brewer | Dennis | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1898 | December 31, 1927 | 29 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Georgia and Albert Brewer, Dennis Brewer was born on April 28, 1899. In 1920, he lived with his parents and worked as a laborer. According to the 1921 City Directory, he still worked as a laborer and lived at 1018 Pope Street. By 1924, he lived at 986 Water Street. He died at 29 years old on October 25, 1928. |
| Foster | Robert | Male | African American | Enslaved | Farmer | December 31, 1852 | December 31, 1917 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Nice and Lee Foster, Robert H. Foster was born around 1853 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, he worked as a farm laborer and lived with his parents. He married Emma Foster and the couple had at least three children: Ella, William, Robert, and John. He worked as a farmer in 1880 and 1910; he lived outside of town near “Allensville and Wherele Hall Road” In 1918, he and his son were accused of “desecrating the United States Flag,” but were both acquitted of the crime. He died from unknown causes on September 3, 1918. |
| Lyons | C.H.S. | Male | African American | Free | Academic | December 31, 1880 | December 31, 1954 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | C. H. S. (or C. M. S.) Lyons Sr. was born on July 25, 1881. He may have worked as a professor or teacher. According to the 1952 City Directory, he was president of the Union Baptist Institute (known Jeruel Academy) and lived at 427 Baxter Street. He died on June 26, 1955. |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| Whitfield | W. | Male | African American | Free | Blacksmith | December 31, 1864 | December 31, 1938 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | W. M. Whitfield was born on April 18, 1865. According to the 1938 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith and lived with his wife, Mittie, at 495 Reese Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 13, 1939. |
| 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] | |||
| Jackson | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1930 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poline and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Thomas N. Jackson was born on June 12, 1897. As a child in 1900, he lived on Barber Street with his family. He graduated from Knox Institute in 1915. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue and worked as a grist mill operator. During the war, he was a student at the Army Training Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1930, he worked as a physician in Athens. He died from [??] on November 8, 1931. According to the Death Certificate, he worked as a physician and lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. |
| Hirams | Rubin | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 55 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Shanks | Otis | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1891 | December 31, 1956 | 65 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Otis Shanks was born around 1892 in Thompson, Georgia. In 1916, he “was arraigned on a charge of disorderly conduct and his cash bond was forfeited.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a truck hand for Southern Railroad and lived at 499 River Street. During the war, he served stateside in the 157 Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon. After the war, he married Christine C. Shanks. He worked as a laborer at the gas plant in 1930 and a “helper” in 1940. According to the 1952 City Directory, he worked as plant operator at Atlanta Gas Light and lived at 139 N Newton Street. At 65 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 19, 1957. After his death, his wife applied for a military headstone. |
| Davis | James | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1948 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, James W. Davis, who resided at 178 Strong Street, died from unknown causes on June 28, 1949. He married Mrs. Minnie Reid and had at least five children. The funeral was handled by Mack & Payne Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave is unmarked. | |||
| Allen | Owen | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1828 | December 31, 1899 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Owen Allen was born in December 1829 and most likely enslaved as a child and young adult. He married Margaret Allen and the couple had at least five children—Hopy, Albert, Henry, Nancy, and Margaret. In 1870, he worked as a “Day Laborer” and, in 1880, as a "farmer." According to the 1889 City Directory, he worked as a blacksmith at 907 S Lumpkin Street and lived in Allensville. He died, at 71 years of age, on December 28, 1900. |
| Browner | Richard | Male | African American | Enslaved | City Employee | December 31, 1921 | 63 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Shaw | Will | Male | African American | Free | Chauffer | December 31, 1926 | 38 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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 |
| 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?]. |
| Fortson | Jim | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1919 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| Au[??] | Ned | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
| Buedon | Ora | Male | African American | Free | Gardener | December 31, 1920 | December 31, 1920 | 0 | 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. |
| 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. |
| Foster | Jos. | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1918 | 19 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
