Chickee is the Seminole word for house, and these iconic shelters are still scattered throughout Florida. To my knowledge, this chickee in the Carter Cemetery is the only such grave shelter in Georgia.
In addition to the construction, the shells marking the graves of George Washington Carter (25 October 1862-4 July 1934) and Millie Louvine Thrift Carter (18 January 1860-30 December 1947) honor a Native American ancestry. Mr. Carter, who was born on Cow House Island, was one of the pioneer settlers of the Okefenokee Swamp. The Thrifts were also early residents of the swamp.
Where is Carter Cemetery in Ware County. Thank you.
My great grandparents William Samuel Martin and Liza Jane Thrift are buried there too. I never knew why those shells were there. I learned something new.
I always enjoy the photos, but even more when you insert a bit of history I’ll bet most of us didn’t know about. Thanks, Brian