Also known as the Groover-Akins House, this was likely built as a Plantation Plain in the 1850s and later modified. Joe Akins was a later owner of the house. Thanks to Kenneth Dixon for the identification.
S. E. Groover House, 1850s, Bulloch County
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown
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i would love to see the inside of the house. I found out my family lived there a long time ago. And would love to know more about it
Today I have to report that the house continues to deteriorate. The plants and vines are completely overgrown and spreading to the upper floor. This is another landmark in the Akins Community that will be lost for future generations. It is sad when family members move away, no longer active in farming, develop other interest and unable to maintain the original home place. These old homes are expensive to operate, maintain and upgrade, so most are left to the elements and deteriorate over the years. So sad to see this one in its present condition, as the John B. Akins home on Arcola Road was recently demolished. Years earlier, the Brooks Futch old home place was razed where the present home of Dennis Akins (G Grandson) is located. On Arcola Road, the Jasper Williams old home is fast disappearing and deteriorating due to being vacant for many years. So many changes.
The widow of Uncle Joe Akins died Thursday, March 18, 2021. Mrs. Jewel Edith (Stewart) Waters Akins was buried along side her husband, Joe, at the Upper Black Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery located on Mud Road near Denmark, Bulloch County, GA.
I am well familiar with this house as I was born and raised in the next house west on Mud Road. Uncle Joe lived there during that time and I spent many happy days there with Uncle Joe and Aunt Loraine, his first wife. They had no children so I was somewhat special. This is a grand old house that has been remodeled with the long back porch, and the kitchen/dining rooms removed. The entire Akins families spent many hours on the long back porch shelling corn and peanut seeds for planting. Later in the fall, we all enjoyed the first peanut boiling with sweet, iced tea. The house is vacant (2021) and owned by Uncle Joe’s daughter, my first cousin. With so many memories, I hate to see this house continue to deteriorate without the needed care and upkeep. For info, the Groover Cemetery was located in front across Mud Road in a present day field before the grave contents were relocated to Old Fellowship Baptist Church on US 80 at the intersection of Mud Road, East, in 1950, near Stilson GA.
Hey Edwin, im the 5th great granddaughter of rev william marion Groover. I recently found out they use to live in that house. I always want to know more about it. If possible email me katylindekle@gmail.com. i would love to learn more about my family history.
Hi Edwin,
This home is amazing. We’re considering moving to Bulloch Co., and would love to save a historic home. Could you give us any additional information? Would the family consider selling? My email address is sbrowningmullis@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Shannon
This home was purchased by my grandfather in 1908 when he purchased 1,200 acres from the Groover family. His youngest son, Josiah Brinson Akins,”Joe” lived there until his death in 1987. His widow continued there until she moved into a mobile home next door. The house is now vacant.