This congregation, located near the Ocmulgee River, was established in 1846. The congregation has greatly dwindled in numbers but I think it still meets. Clarence Bush writes: I was Christened in that little church in 1968. I’m related to most of the departed in the cemetery. I have so many fond childhood memories at Oak Grove. I love that little country church. The historic cemetery is located across the road.
This is the Fussell family plot. Anderson & Lucretia Fussell were Coffee County pioneers.
Anderson, son of William (b1798 in Duplin Co. NC, d. 1861 and is buried in the Fussell Cemetery in Coffee Co.) and Tobitha, married his first cousin, Lucretia Fussell. She was the daughter of my 3x Grandfather Jacob Fussell and his 2nd wife, Lucretia Cummings. Jacob had 19 children.
Joy, do you mean the Fussell Cemetery on the Coffee-Ben Hill line? That’s where my ancestors are buried.
Benjamin Fussell (b 1708) first immigrated to Philadelphia then to Wilmington, and on to Duplin Co., NC. He had two sons: John (b 1775) and Benjamin. They were Quakers. Benjamin II removed to Telfair Co., GA with his family 1822 or thereabouts. Jacob, Benjamin’s son, m. Esther Williams in Duplin Co., NC. My father was Samuel Fussell , Dale Co., AL, grandson of John Fussell (b 1818), gr grandson of Jacob. John (b 1775) remained in Duplin Co , NC. Does that answer your question, we’re probably related? Joy
Thanks, Joy! Yes, we are distant cousins.
Anderson son of William (b. 1798) and Tobitha, married his first cousin, Lucretia. She was the daughter of my 3x grandfather Jacob Fussell and his second wife Lucretia . Joy Fussell Cavin
Jean Head is my cousin and I used to baby-sit her. Her grandmother Ella Head was my Mother’s oldest sister. My great- grandparents are Anderson and Lucretia Fussell. My grandmother was their daughter. Her name was Mary Lucretis McLean–her husband was Duncan McLean. My mother and father are buried at OakGrove cemetary–Bernard and Lora
Lucretia Drew. Thanks for the pictures–it brings back many memories. I too, was several “dinner on the ground” at Thanksgiving! Thanks for the memories!
Sandra — I am so glad to have found you. Little Honey has asked about you several time. Will you please email me at csbbhb@bellsouth.net? Thank you. Cindy Smith Brown (Mary Ella’s daughter).
These were my great great grandparents also, my grandmother was Mary Ella McLean Head. Her mother was Mary Lucretia Fussell (dua. of anderson and Lucretia). In the 1950’s, I used to go to “dinner on the grounds” at the Oak grove Church. Does anyone know what happened to the web site “Articles of Old Jacksonville Georgia” — or know anyone who copied it or is connected to it? This was the best.. had stories, journals, articles, photos — all about this area… lots about the Fussells ,the McLeans, Genreal Coffee and Andrew Jackson (all the early pioneers)… I’ve been searching my notes for a contact and just stumbled on this web page…
Thank you for the photo!
Julian Williams published the stories in his book–the Old Jacksonsville stories. It’s available in stores in Coffee County in various stores in town
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These were my great great grandparents, can’t believe I found this, much appreciation, as without I would not of seen. thank you
I’m so glad you found this, Marylee. Glad I could share it with you!
I was able to visit oak grove, many ancestors of mine, the mcleans, the fussells, wouldn’t it be nice if we could go back in time so we could have a talk!
I am so in awe of what you do, Brian. I hope you’ll come to speak at Wiregrass again one day. I’m a friend/colleague of Michael Williams, and he speaks so highly of you.