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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyons | Joseph | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1892 | December 31, 1940 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Joseph R. Lyons was born between 1892 and 1893. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on September 12, 1941. | |
| Ray | Seymour | Male | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1881 | December 31, 1923 | 41 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Jackson | Albon | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1900 | December 31, 1940 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poulain Jackson and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Albon Louis Jackson was born on February 17, 1901. As a 17 year old, he attended school and lived with his parents at 133 Cleveland Avenue. In 1917, he graduated from Knox Institute and then attended Dartmouth College, Meharry Medical College, and the University of Illinois School of Medicine. For a time, he lived and practiced medicine in Albion, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois. “He returned to Athens, his hometown, where he was able to take up much of the practice of his two brothers, the late Doctors Thomas N. and Farris L. Jackson.” In 1937, he and his wife, Katie, lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. According to Atlanta Daily World (Apr 23, 1941), “Dr. Jackson was active in civic and fraternal groups. A member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, he bears the distinction of fostering many of the Alpha projects in cities where he has lived. His friendly smile and cheerful disposition won for him many friends. He is survived by a wife, father, three brother, Dr. Samuel Jackson, dentist, Athens; Dr. B. L. Jackson, dentist, Tuskegee Institute, Lloyd Jackson undertaker of Athens; cousin and a host of friends to mourn his passing.” He died from unknown causes on April 21, 1941. |
| Johnson | Will | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1924 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Minniefield | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Porter | December 31, 1888 | December 31, 1937 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ella Lee and John Minniefield, Henry L. Minniefield was born around 1889. In 1930, he worked as a porter at a pool room and was married Effie L. Minnifield, a seamstress. At 49 years old, he died from bulbar paralysis on April 2, 1938. He worked as porter and lived at 346 Reese Street at the time of his death. |
| Hardeman | Eugene | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1901 | December 31, 1950 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Mary Hardeman, Eugene Hardeman was born on September 2, 1902. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a landscaper and lived at 623 Hull Street. He was still living at the same address in 1928. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 21, 1951. |
| Dorsey | Crock | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1923 | 80 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| [Tiller?] | William | Male | African American | Enslaved | Metal Worker | December 31, 1854 | December 31, 1935 | 81 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Eliza and Charles Tiller, William Tiller was born around 1855 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1880, he was married to Ella Teller and they lived with extended family on River Street. He worked in a “in a Gin Shop” in 1880, as a “Tinner” in 1910, 1920, and 1930. He died from cerebral apoplexy and chronic nephritis on November 9, 1936. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a Sheet Metal Worker and lived at 190 Fifth Street. |
| Jones | William | Male | African American | Free | Cook | December 31, 1879 | December 31, 1964 | 84 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William Brown Jones was born on September 18, 1880. According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a cook at the State Normal School. He married Mamie Howell Jones and the couple had at least three children: Arthur, Thomas, and Clifford. In 1940, he worked as a cook and the family lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. According to the 1956 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 1063 W Hancock Avenue. At 84 years old, he died from unknown causes on January 19, 1965. |
| Poyner | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1895 | December 31, 1966 | 69 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thomas Poyner was born on October 15, 1896 (or around 1898). From his residence in Tignall, Georgia, he served in the 342 Labor Battalion during the First World War. According to the 1952 City Directory, he lived with Eddie F. (most likely his wife) lived at 115 Trail Creek Street. He died from unknow causes on April 25, 1967. | |
| Merriweather | Johnnie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1921 | 5 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Hill | Harrison | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1930 | December 31, 1930 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Harrison Hill was an infant who died on December 4, 1931. | |
| Bell | Judge | Male | African American | Free | Drayman | December 31, 1866 | December 31, 1936 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Harriett Jones, Judge Bell was born between 1867 and 1869 in Monroe, Georgia. He worked as a drayman for most of his life. Around 1885, he married Hattie E. Hutchinson Bell, a dressmaker, and the couple had at least six children—Luther, Waterloo, Hazel, Norma, Jerome, and Lillian. According to the 1904 City Directory, he still worked as a drayman and now lived at 15 Rock Spring Street. In 1920, the couple owned their own home at 165 N Rockspring Street and he was still living at that address when he died from Chronic Nephritis on July 22, 1937. The Jackson Funeral Home managed the interment. |
| Willingham | Clifford | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1881 | December 31, 1930 | 48 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Anne and Oliver Willingham, Clifford Willingham was born on March 15, 1882. In 1900, he lived with his parents in Oglethorpe, Georgia and worked as farm laborer. He married Mamie Wellingham and, in 1910, the couple lived in Wilkes, Georgia. According to his First World War Draft Card, he lived at 337 Flint Street and worked as a “section hand” at the S.A.R. Railroad. They remained at that address in 1920 and he worked as a laborer at “Moss Maine Co.” In 1930, he worked as a “Coal Yard” laborer and lived with his family at 337 Flint Street. At 48 years old, he died from unknown causes on February 19, 1931. |
| Favors | Tom | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1859 | December 31, 1930 | 71 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Fannie Howard and Ben Favors, Tom Favors was born around 1860 and most likely spent his childhood enslaved. He married Cynthia Favors and the couple had a least four children: Lela, Ada, Lillie, and Homer. As a laborer, he spent most of his adult life as a street sweeper or road hand in Athens. In 1913, he was arrested for selling liquor. According to The Athens Banner: “Tom Favors, colored, took it into his head a few days since that he would dish out a little of the ardent, and out at his home on Broad street, he had a crowd of men around that were buying the stuff right along, when the police officials broke into his little game.” Rather than face jail time, he paid a $100 fine. According to the 1926 City Directory, he and his wife lived at 148 Pearl Street. He died from [??] and [??] on December 18, 1931. At the time of his death, he was around 71 years old and had been living at 481 Billups Street. |
| Bayne | Richard | Male | African American | Enslaved | Farmer | December 31, 1920 | 75 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Jackson | Samuel | Male | African American | Free | Dentist | December 31, 1905 | December 31, 1945 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poulain Jackson and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Samuel S. Jackson was born in 1906. In 1910, he lived with his parents and siblings at 133 Cleveland Avenue. In 1920, he attended school in Athens. While still living with his parents in 1930, he now worked as a dentist. On December 29, 1934, he married Mayme L. Sapp, but is listed as “single” in the 1940 Census. At that time, he worked as a dentist and lived with his brother, Albon Louis Jackson, at 133 Cleveland Avenue. He died from unknown causes on April 21, 1941. |
| Brydie | Eugene | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1882 | December 31, 1908 | 25 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of E.W. and Camilla Brydie, Eugene A. Brydie was born on May 5, 1883. He most likely lived with his parents at 101 N Findley Street He died from unknown causes on Jaunry 14, 1909. | |
| [Brydie?] | Eugene | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | ||||
| Johnson | William | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1919 | 26 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Gilbert | Robert | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1952 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Robert Gilbert, who resided at 346 Bowie Street SW in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in January 1953. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| Dunfoy | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |||
| Cotton | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Farm Laborer | December 31, 1867 | December 31, 1904 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Mary and Jack Cotton, Thomas L. Cotton was born on December 25, 1868. In 1880, he worked as a farm laborer and lived with his parents in Athens, Georgia. He died from unknown causes on February 2, 1905. |
| Hill | Whitman | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1882 | December 31, 1960 | 78 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Whitman Hill was born on September 17, 1883. In 1949, he worked as a janitor and lived with his wife, Sara H., at 157 Church Street, According to the 1958 City Directory, he still lived at 157 Church Street. He died on October 1, 1961. He may have worked as a reverend; this title is listed on his tombstone. |
| Hawkins | Peter | Male | African American | Free | Construction | December 31, 1921 | 36 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Wilson | Jeorge | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 46 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Mack | Albert | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1890 | December 31, 1907 | 17 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Jennie Mack, Albert Mack was born on January 13, 1891. He attended school in 1900 and lived with his mother, a widowed laundress, at 19 Sapalo Street. At 17 years old, he died from unknown causes on April 3, 1908. |
| Benford | Henry | Male | African American | Free | Fireman | December 31, 1922 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Reeves | John | Male | African American | Enslaved | Gardener | December 31, 1920 | 86 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Jackson | Thomas | Male | African American | Free | Miller | December 31, 1869 | December 31, 1942 | 73 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Thomas N. Jackson was born on March 22, 1870. He married Sweetie Poulain and the couple had at least seven children: Farris, Thomas, Burnett, Babe, Samuel, and Lloyd. He worked as a drayman in 1900. In 1910, Jackson worked as a miller and the family rented a house on Cleveland Avenue. According to 1931 City Directory, he worked as a miller and the couple lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At 73 years old, he died from unknown causes on August 31, 1943. |
| Jackson | Farris | Male | African American | Free | Doctor | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1933 | 39 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Sweetie Poulain Jackson and Thomas Nathaniel Jackson, Farris L. Jackson was born on September 30, 1894. In 1900, he lived with his parents and siblings at 456 Barber Street. In 1910, he attended school and lived at 133 Cleveland Avenue. At the start of the First World War, he worked as a physician in town and was exempted from the draft as a result. In 1930, he lived with his wife, Ruby, at 526 Hancock Avenue. He died from unknown causes on March 26, 1934. |
| Bullock | Fletcher | Male | African American | Free | Janitor | December 31, 1914 | December 31, 1957 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Fletcher Bullock was born around 1915. He married Janie Beatrice Bullock and the couple had at least two children: Fletcher Jr. and Willie. In 1940, he worked as a janitor and lived at 468 First Street. According to the 1956 City Directory, he worked as a construction worker and he and his wife lived at 426 First Street. He died from unknown causes on August 9, 1958. |
| Hardeman | Harry | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1970 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Harry Hardeman born on May 23, 1897. The son of Juliette Cornelius Hardeman, a single mother and Athens washerwoman, Hardeman and his two sisters lived at 425 Pope Street. By all accounts, he appeared to be a mischievous child; he, at least once, was caught “casting pebbles” at another boy. Whereas a white child most likely escaped the attention of law enforcement, a black child in Jim Crow Georgia did not. Twelve-year-old Hardeman—for his harmless, childish antics—found himself before the local police court. As punishment for the ‘crime,’ reported The Weekly Banner, the Athens mayor “assessed the scrapper the sum of one dollar,” but remitted the fine after “one of the older darkeys in the court volunteered to administer the necessary chastisement, in the place of the absent parent.” During the First World War, he served stateside as a sergeant in the 157th Depot Brigade. Retuning to Athens after the war, he worked as a laborer and lived at 171 Church Street in 1920. According to the 1958 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 405 Benning Street. He died on April 10, 1971 from an unknown aliment. | |
| Taylor | Samul | Male | African American | Free | Chauffer | December 31, 1923 | 31 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Jones | Willis | Male | African American | Enslaved | Carpenter | December 31, 1813 | December 31, 1912 | 99 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Willis A. Jones was born around February 28, 1814 and most likely spent his early life enslaved. He married Vinnie Jones and, in 1880, the couple lived on Broad Street. He worked as a carpenter in 1880, but is referred to as “Reverend” on his tombstone. According to the 1897 City Directory, he worked as a Carpenter and lived at 31 S Poplar Street. He died from unknown causes on March 3, 1913. |
| Stanton | John | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1947 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | John R. Stanton was an Athens resident who was born around 1899. He was married and had multiple siblings. He died from unknown causes on October 25, 1948 and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery on October 31, 1948. [Researched and written by Abby Lauterbach] | |||
| Milner | Sam | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1925 | 51 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Billups | William | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1971 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, William C. Billups died in 1972. His date of birth is unknown. | |||
| Mack | Abram | Male | African American | Free | Student | December 31, 1886 | December 31, 1906 | 20 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Charlotte and John Mac, Abram T. Mack was born in 1887. He attended school in 1900 and lived with his parents at 915 Reese Street. At 20 years old, he died from unknown causes in 1907. According to the 1913 City Directory, the family lived at 853 Reese Street; this is most likely his last known address. |
| Bunkley | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Pressing Club Proprietor | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1938 | 45 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Luna Strickland and Frank Bunkley, Robert L. Bunkley was born on December 12, 1895. As a youth, he was a hack driver (1910) and worked as a pressing club proprietor for much of his adult life. He married Mildred Bunkley sometime after 1920. According to the 1937 City Directory, he owned a billards saloon at the corner of Hull and Washington Streets and lived at 449 Reese Street. On August 7, 1939, he died at St. Mary’s Hospital from a post-operative cerebral embolism, after his right leg had been amputated. He was only 45 years old and had been living at 449 Reese Street at the time of his death. |
| Jones | John | Male | African American | Free | Drayman | December 31, 1919 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Griggs | Joe | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1949 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | According to his obituary, Joe Henry Griggs, who resided at 280 Cain St NE in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in May 1950. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked. | |||
| 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. | |
| Echols | Hiram | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 53 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Teasly | Walter | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1921 | 34 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Crowder | George | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1896 | December 31, 1932 | 35 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Chatie T. and George Crowder, George Crowder was born between 1897 and 1898 in Warren, Georgia. He married Lizzie Mae Powers on February 28, 1915 and they had at least one child. He worked various jobs, including a public laborer (1920 Census), laborer (1926 City Directory), and a porter (1931 City Directory). In 1931, he lived at "50 Brays Al[ley]. He died from a “sudden natural cause” on August 21, 1933. According to his Death Index, he lived at 50 Madison Avenue and worked as a common laborer. |
| Strickland | Willie | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1973 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | The son of Edward Strickland and Jennie (Wagner or Wagoner) Strickland, Willie Strickland was born in Athens, GA around 1898. He grew up on First Street, and after marrying Bertha Mae Harvey in 1937, the couple moved down the street to another residence on First Street. Throughout his life, Strickland had many different jobs including working in a saw mill according to the 1920 census, a cotton mill according to the 1930 census, and as a maid according to a 1931 Athens directory. During the Second World War, Strickland registered for the draft, but was not drafted into service, most likely because he was already married and 43 years old at the time. He died from unknown causes on April 6, 1974 in Athens, and was buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. [Researched and written by Casey Serrano] | |||
| Miner | J. T. | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | December 31, 1922 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Winkfield | Walter | Male | African American | Free | Mail Carrier | December 31, 1887 | December 31, 1931 | 43 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Ellen and William Wingfield, Walter P. Winkfield (or Wingfield) was born around 1888. In 1910, he lived with his parents on Bridge Street and worked as a barber. In 1920, he worked as a “US City Carrier.” He died from “[cancer?] of face” on March 14, 1932. According to his Death Certificate, he was a “postman” and lived at 221 Bridge Street. |
| Wise | L. | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1922 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Rhodes | Joe | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Ector | Benjiman | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1920 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Turner | Luther | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1884 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Luther Turner was born around 1885. He married Frances Turner and the couple had at least seven children: John, Dorthey, Walter, Fannis, Charles, Joseph, and Crawford. In 1920, the couple lived on Water Street and he worked as a laborer for the Southern Railroad. In 1940, they lived at 970 Hobson Street and he worked as a watchman. He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
| Terrell | George | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 37 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Reid | Dina | Male | African American | Free | Seamstress | December 31, 1885 | December 31, 1917 | 32 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Dina Reid was born around 1886. She married Lorenza W. Reed Jr. and, in 1910, the couple lived on Pearl Street. She worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes on April 17, 1918. |
| Mongumory | Tom | Male | African American | Enslaved | Laborer | December 31, 1923 | 60 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Hiram | Hary | Male | African American | Unknown | Farmer | December 31, 1927 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Harry Hiram most likely lived at 164 Herring Street and worked as a farmer in 1912. According to his tombstone, he died from unknown causes on October 30, 1928. | ||
| 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. |
| Richards | J. | Male | African American | Free | Reverend | December 31, 1920 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | ||
| Morton | Frank | Male | African American | Free | Tailor | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1933 | 40 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of William and Clara H. Morton, Frank B. Morton was born around 1894. In 1910, he lived with his mother and siblings on Chase Street. He worked as a butcher in 1910 and as a waiter in 1917. During the First World War, he served in the 157 Depot Brigade and was stationed at Camp Gordon. On November 8, 1924, he married Mary Gray. In 1930, he worked as a laborer. He died from myocardial weakness and nephritis on December 27, 1934. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a tailor and lived at 784 Chase Street. |
| 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. | |
| Upson | Neal | Male | African American | Enslaved | December 31, 1860 | December 31, 1941 | 74 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Jane and Harold Upson, Neal Upson was born around 1861. According to a 1930s WPA interview, he was enslaved on Frank Upson’s plantation in Oglethorpe County. He married Brynie Upson. According to the 1942 City Directory, he lived at 450 Fourth Street. At 74 years old, he died from unknown causes on July 22, 1942. | |
| 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. | |
| Reid | Willie | Male | African American | Free | Butcher | December 31, 1893 | December 31, 1937 | 42 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | The son of Nora Smith and Willie Reid, Willie Reid was born on August 16, 1894. In 1910, he lived with his grandmother (Della Batiste) and worked as a brick yard laborer. During the First World War he served in the 315th Labor Battalion. At 43 years old, He died from rheumatic heart disease on April 15, 1938. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as a butcher and lived at 462 Madison Avenue. |
| Moore | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1925 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Booke | Ben | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1926 | 50 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Jameson | Shores | Male | African American | Free | Driver | December 31, 1871 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Shoals Jamison was born around 1872 in Alabama. According to the 1904 City Directory, he worked as a butler and lived at 23 N Findley Street. In 1910, he worked as a coachman and lived with his wife, Ella Jamison, at 193 Pendley Street (193 Finley Street). He died from unknown causes on an unknown date. | ||
| 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. |
| Jones | Robert | Male | African American | Free | Railroad Employee | December 31, 1920 | 54 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Morton | William | Male | African American | Free | 10 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | William Morton died when he was 10 years old. He was the brother of Lizzy C. Morton. | |||
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| 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. | |
| Holbrook | Marion | Male | African American | Free | Post Office Clerk | December 31, 1879 | December 31, 1928 | 49 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Marion J. Holbrook was born on April 14, 1879 or 1880. He married Carrie Jones Holbrook and the couple had at least two children: Marion and Georgia. He worked various jobs in his early years; he was barber in 1900 and a laborer at “Odd Jobs” in 1910. He started working as a post office clerk in 1911, and remained at that position for the remainder of his life. He intentional shot himself and died from two gunshot wounds on May 6, 1929. At the time of his death, he had been living with his wife at 130 Harris Street. |
| Hearel | Eddie | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1922 | 37 | 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. |
| 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. |
| Booth | Richard | Male | African American | Free | Laborer | December 31, 1920 | 38 | 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. | ||
| 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. |
| 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. | |||
| Morton | Charlie | Male | African American | Free | Soldier | December 31, 1894 | December 31, 1947 | 52 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Charlie L. Morton was born on November 17, 1895. At the start of the First World War, he lived at 784 Chase Street. He died from unknown causes on March 12, 1948. After his death, Mrs. Clara Morton applied for a military headstone on his behalf. She lived at 784 Chase Street, which was most likely his last known address as well. |
| 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. |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| Jarrell | Robet | Male | African American | Free | Driver | December 31, 1883 | December 31, 1959 | 70 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | Robert Jarrell was born around 1883. In 1904, he married Mearly Taylor, who worked as “servant at Moss-Side, 497 Cobb Street, for forty-three years.” According to his First World War Draft Card, he worked as a driver and lived at 190 Cohen Street. According to the 1956 City Directory, he still lived at that address in 1956. At 77 years old, he died from unknown causes on May 13, 1960. |
| 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. |
| Joseph | George | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1922 | December 31, 1922 | 0 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| Morton | Chester | Male | African American | Free | December 31, 1884 | December 31, 1884 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | According to his tombstone, Chester Morton was born in March 1885 and died from unknown causes in July 1885. He was 4 or 5 months old at the time of his death. He is buried in the Morton plot in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery and most likely lived at 823 Prince Avenue with the other members of the Morton family. | ||
| [Re?]id | Male | African American | Unknown | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Marked | [biographical information unknown] | |||||
| Edwards | Fred | Male | African American | Enslaved | Fireman | December 31, 1922 | 62 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. | |
| Thomas | Eluice | Male | African American | Free | Child | December 31, 1923 | December 31, 1924 | 1 | Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery | Unmarked | Data collected from death certificate. |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
