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 Racesort ascending Status Occupation DOB DOD Age Grave Location Grave Marker Biography
Brydie Camilla Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1850 December 31, 1924 74 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Loueisa Brown and Jack Jackson, Camilla Jackson Brydie was born on December 12, 1851 and most likely enslaved as a child. In 1871, she married Eugene Brydie and the couple had at least six children: George, Carrie, Eugene, Eddie, Mary, and Mattie. She worked as a laundress in 1900. After become a widow, she worked as a “Cake Baker” in 1910 and a “Baker” in 1920. She died from cerebral apoplexy on November 16, 1925. According to her Death Index, she worked as a cook and lived at 168 Finley Street.
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.
Stricklyn Pearl Female African American Free Teacher December 31, 1919 21 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.
Hampton Amanda Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1874 December 31, 1928 51 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Floyd Newsome, Amanda Newsome Hampton was born on July 17, 1875. She died from a cerebral hemorrhage on December 5, 1929. At the time of her death, she worked as a domestic and lived at 1253 W Broad Street.
Livingston Laura Female African American Free Seamstress December 31, 1880 December 31, 1991 111 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Laura Livingston was born in 1881. Sometime before 1910, she married Richard Livingston, a mail carrier, and the couple rented a home at 540 Hancock Avenue. In 1940, the couple owned the home at 540 Hancock Avenue and she worked as a seamstress. She died from unknown causes in 1992. She was around 100 years old.
Peek Sallie Female African American Free December 31, 1942 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Sallie Peek was born around 1885. She died from unknown causes in Fulton, Georgia on November 6, 1943. Her death was reported in the Atlanta Constitution, where it mentioned her funeral was to be held at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atlanta on November 11, 1943, after which her remains would be taken to Athens for interment in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Her obituary stated that she had many friends and family. [Researched and written by Roshni Hariharan]
Merriweather Carrie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1921 27 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Mattiline Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Mattiline I. Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was only 6 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Hawkins Dave Male African American Enslaved Construction December 31, 1919 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Collins Female African American Unknown December 31, 1917 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, this female member of the Collins family died in 1918. She was most likely married to Reverend Collins, who preceded her in death in 1894.
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.
Williams Jim Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1921 64 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Young Agnes Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1836 December 31, 1897 60 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Agnes “Aggie” Crawford Young was born in March 1837. In 1870, she was “keeping house.” She was married James Young in 1864 and they had at least six children: Edward, John, Minnie (Davis), Maria, James, and Young. As a widow in 1880, she lived at the corner of Foundry Street and Connecticut Street and worked as a “Washer & Ironer.” According to the 1889 City Directory, she lived at 438 Bridge Street and worked as a laundress. At he died from unknown causes on January 10, 1898. After her death, she bequeathed her possessions to her daughter, Minnie Davis.
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.
Bayne Annia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1918 50 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Ray Seymour Male African American Free Cook December 31, 1881 December 31, 1923 41 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Robert Male African American Free Carpenter December 31, 1888 December 31, 1924 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Nellie Thomas and Scott Smith, Robert Smith was born around 1889. He married Pearl Smith and served in the 313 Service Battalion during the First World War. He died from being “shot by police in self defense” on December 25, 1925. According to his Death Certificate, he worked as carpenter and lived at 387 Flint Street.
Johnson La Fayette Male African American Enslaved Drayman December 31, 1855 December 31, 1920 65 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Favors Ada Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1884 December 31, 1926 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Cynthia and Thomas Favors, Ada B. Favors was born around 1885. At 16 years old, she worked as a laundress and lived with her parents at 609 Lumpkin Street. By 1920, the family had moved to Billups Street. According to the 1926 City Directory, her parents lived at 148 Pearl Street--she most likely lived with her parents at this time. She died from unknown causes in 1927.
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.
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.
[Murfrey?] [??] Unknown African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1928 36 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, this individual was born around 1893 and died in 1929; they were 36 years old.
Derricott Mariah Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1925 95 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Brydie Carrie Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1857 December 31, 1877 20 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Carrie E. Brydie was born (most likely enslaved) on January 8, 1858 and died on May 11, 1878. She was 20 years old at the time of her death.
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.
Strong Husey Male African American Free December 31, 1925 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stroud Harriet Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1920 90 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
W Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
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.
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.
Riley Lillie Female African American Free December 31, 1972 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mattie H. Hawkins, who resided at 650 W Hancock Avenue, died from unknown causes in December 1953. She had at least four, married daughters Mrs. Willie C. Erwin, Mrs. Otis E. Johnson, Mrs. William Cooks, and Mrs. Robert T. Owens. The funeral was handled by Mutual Funeral Home. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
Merriweather Johnnie Male African American Free December 31, 1921 5 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Laura Female African American Free December 31, 1892 December 31, 1893 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The daughter of Laura and Lorenza Reid, Laura Ella Reid was born on August 14, 1893 and died on July 30, 1894. She was 11 months old. In 1897, her father lived at 431 Bridge Street; this is most likely her last known address.
Hawkins Julia Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1924 37 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Cooper Pinkie Female African American Free December 31, 1865 December 31, 1907 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Pinkie Cooper was born around 1866 and married H. E. Cooper. She died at age 42 on February 28, 1908.
J. S. Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Williams Susie Female African American Free Housewife December 31, 1899 December 31, 1919 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[??] Barbara Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Barbara [M??] [??] is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
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.
Bayne Richard Male African American Enslaved Farmer December 31, 1920 75 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Redding Bertha Female African American Free Laundress December 31, 1919 17 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Smith Julia Female African American Unknown December 31, 1939 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julie E. Smith died on July 11, 1940. She is buried alongside Winnie Moore.
Johnson Will Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1924 54 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Johnson Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1887 December 31, 1970 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, she was born on January 2, 1888 and died from unknown causes on January 18, 1971.
Howell Lamar Female African American Free December 31, 1967 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to her obituary, Mrs. Leonard Howell, who resided in Atlanta, died from unknown causes in February 1968. She was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; her grave may be unmarked.
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.
Dorsey Crock Male African American Enslaved December 31, 1923 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Heard Mary Female African American Free Cook December 31, 1844 December 31, 1927 83 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Born around 1845, Mary Heard was most likely enslaved as a child. In 1870, she worked as a domestic servant for Stevens Thomas and his white family. Sometime before 1880, she married Bartlett Heard a farmer and the couple lived in Buck Branch, Clarke County, Georgia. After his death in June 1890, she worked as a farm laborer. In 1909, she worked as a cook and lived 185 Valley [Road or Street]. She died from unknown causes in 1928.
Sullivan Mary Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1919 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
W Unknown African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Hardeman Julia Female African American Free Homemaker December 31, 1896 December 31, 1962 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Julia L. Hardeman was born sometime around 1897. She married Lucas F. Hardeman, a farmer, and the couple had at least six children: Lucas, Garfield, Jerome, Willimena, Hunter, and Martin. In 1930, they lived at 139 Bailey Street. According to the 1949 City Directory, the couple lived at 230 Branch Street. She died from unknown causes on December 30, 1963.
Lovingood J. Unknown African American Free Laborer December 31, 1874 December 31, 1919 45 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, J. H. Lovingood was born on February 9, 1875 and died on March 31, 1920. This individual was 45 years old at the time of their death. This person is most likely Edward Lovingood who, according to the 1914 City Directory, worked as a painter and lived at 1327 W Hancock Avenue.
Sims Mary Female African American Free December 31, 1945 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Mary E. Sims was born around 1903. She married M.C. Sims Sr. In 1930, she worked as a laundress and lived on Fifth Street with her husband and their son Sam. The 1940 US Census lists her as a widow, employed as a cook and living on Hull Street with her sister, Sara Hill, and two of Hill’s grandchildren. At the time of her death Mary Sims lived at 853 West Weddell Street. At 43 years old, she died from unknown causes on October 18, 1946. [Researched and written by Ainsley Stephens]
Miller Lucy Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1922 52 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Reid Lorenzo Male African American Enslaved Barber December 31, 1862 December 31, 1946 84 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lorenzo W. Reid was born around 1863 and most likely enslaved as a child. On October 5, 1884, he married Laura Richardson Reid, a laundress, and the couple had at least ten children: Beulah, L. W., Charlie, Addie, Fannie, Louisa, Ruth, Etta, Mattiline, and Laura Ella. In 1900, the family lived at 431 Bridge Street. He worked as a barber in 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1940. In 1940, he lived at 431 Bridge Street. At 83 years old, he died from unknown causes on June 14, 1947.
Hawkins Peter Male African American Free Construction December 31, 1921 36 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.
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.
Wilson Jeorge Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1921 46 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Jane Female African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Jane is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about her life.
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.
Benford Henry Male African American Free Fireman December 31, 1922 49 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Bell Georgia Unknown African American Free Laundress December 31, 1885 December 31, 1904 19 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Dying at age 19, Georgia Bell was born on July 17, 1886. According to the 1904 City Directory, she worked as a washerwoman and lived at 1213 W Broad Street. She died from unknown causes on August 16, 1905.
Reeves John Male African American Enslaved Gardener December 31, 1920 86 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Snelson A. Unknown African American Free December 31, 1896 December 31, 1899 2 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked A. O'Luwole Snelson was born on July 29, 1897 and died from unknown causes on March 1, 1900. This child was 2 years and 8 months old at the time of death.
Johnson William Male African American Free Laborer December 31, 1919 26 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.
Jones Lula Female African American Enslaved Cook December 31, 1858 December 31, 1929 71 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Lula Jones was born on March 18, 1859 and most likely enslaved. She married and had three children. In 1910, she was a widow who worked as a cook and rented a house at 160 Lyndon Avenue. According to the 1928 City Directory, she worked as a cook and lived at 157 Warsaw Street. She died from unknown cause on April 3, 1930.
Johnson Curtis Male African American Free December 31, 1983 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, Curtis Johnson, who resided at 97 Broad Acres, died from unknown causes in September 1984. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Nesbit John Male African American Enslaved Mason December 31, 1853 December 31, 1895 42 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked The son of Sarah and Charles Nesbit, John Nesbit was born around 1854. In 1870, he lived with his parents and siblings in Athens. He married Ella Virginia Richardson on February 3, 1884 and the couple had six living children, including John, Fannie, Sarah, Julia, and Laura. According to a 1889 editorial on East Athens, “Mr. John Nesbitt has a pretty house that can vie with many of our handsome ones on this side.” According to the 1894 City Directory, he worked as a brickmason and lived at 310 Pearl Street. He died from unknown causes on October 13, 1896.
Dunfoy Male African American Free December 31, 1920 0 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
[Brydie?] Eugene Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Heard J. Unknown African American Enslaved December 31, 1854 December 31, 1907 53 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to the tombstone, this individual was born on June 6, 1855 and most likely was enslaved as a child. They died from unknown causes on December 30, 1908.
Taylor Samul Male African American Free Chauffer December 31, 1923 31 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
W J Unknown African American Unknown 77 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hawkins Rebecca Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1848 December 31, 1926 78 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
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.
Jackson Cora Female African American Free December 31, 1886 December 31, 1887 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Cora Jackson was born on July 15, 1887 and died on February 7, 1888. The infant was only 7 months old at the time of her death.
Wingfield Bertha Female African American Free Housework December 31, 1920 24 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Walter Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Walter is believed to be buried in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery. Little is known about his life.
McQueen Carrie Female African American Free December 31, 1883 December 31, 1883 1 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked According to her tombstone, Carrie McQueen died in 1885; she was 1 year, 3 months, and 11 days old. She most likely was the infant daughter of Nettie and W. M. McQueen, who, according to the 1897 City Directory, lived at 630 Hull Street. She was the sibling of Mamie N. McQueen and William McQueen.
Bimett Mary Female African American Enslaved Laborer December 31, 1921 70 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.
Reid Sallie Female African American Enslaved Housework December 31, 1919 66 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Stach Family John Male African American Unknown Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked [biographical information unknown]
Jones Callie Female African American Free Domestic December 31, 1925 39 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked Data collected from death certificate.
Favors Cynthia Female African American Enslaved Laundress December 31, 1863 December 31, 1943 80 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Cynthia Favors as born in July 1864 and most likely spent her first year of life enslaved. She married Tom Favors and the couple had a least four children: Lela, Ada, Lillie, and Homer. In 1930, the couple lived at 481 Billups Street and she worked as a laundress. After the death of her husband, she lived at 170 Dublin Street with her daughter.
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.
Johnson James Male African American Free December 31, 1971 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Unmarked According to his obituary, James Johnson, who resided at 151 Lyndon Avenue, died from unknown causes in October 1972. He was married to Ethel Johnson and they had at least one child, Blanche Johnson Jones. The funeral was handled by Hurley’s Funeral Home. He was interred in Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery; his grave may be unmarked.
Nesbit Ella Female African American Enslaved December 31, 1859 December 31, 1947 88 Gospel Pilgrim Cemetery Marked Ella Virginia Richardson Nesbit was born on August 23, 1860 and most likely enslaved as a child. She married John Nesbit on February 3, 1884 and the couple had six living children, including John, Fannie, Sarah, Julia, and Laura. As a widow in 1900, she worked as a laundress and lived with five of her children at 310 Pearl Street. She died from unknown causes on December 6, 1948.

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