Union Cemetery, Ben Hill County

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This monument of a young woman marks a grave, but there is no readable information that would identify the decedent.

I first published the above photo, of a monument at Union Cemetery, on 11 November 2008. This new post replaces and expands that. Even before I became fascinated by historic Black cemeteries, Union Cemetery was a favorite location in my home county. The cemetery is associated with the nearby Union Baptist Church, a Freedmen’s congregation. These images are presented in no particular order, but are rather meant to illustrate the variety of memorials.

Joe Conner (Unknown-12 January 1940)

This memorial was the work of the prolific Eldren Bailey, whose headstones can be found throughout the state. It was purchased through the Murdaugh Funeral Home.

Bessie Durham (3 Feb 1895-July 1896)

Bessie was the daughter of Harry Durham and Mollie Durham. They are buried elsewhere.

Robert McDuffie (3 May 1866-19 February 1906)

Robert was the son of Robert McDuffie, Sr. (1835-unknown) and Annie Dixon McDuffie Walker (1874-1952).

Elsie L. Walker (24 January 1934-13 June 1947)

This statue has been in bad condition for many years, and lost its head at some point. Still, it’s a poignant memorial.

Pauline McDuffie Walker (Birth and death dates unknown)

Mrs. Walker was the wife of George Walker, and was 24 at the time of her death. A barely readable lodge association is also noted on the memorial: Love of Honor Court No. 484, O. O. C., Dorminy’s Mill, Georgia.

George Walker (15 August 1861-27 July 1944)

Unfortunately, this nice vernacular headstone has been damaged. There are at least two, perhaps three, men named George Walker buried at Union Cemetery.

Ella F. Mitchell (1857-3 October 1917)

Mrs. Mitchell was the wife of Neazer N. Mitchell.

Lewis E. Mitchell (15 March 1879-7 November 1903)

Mr. Mitchell was the son of Neazer N. and Ella F. Mitchell. He was a Mason.

Nellie Hunter (1871-1902)

Mrs. Hunter was the wife of H. E. Hunter.

Washington Hammons (1883-5 November 1904)

Mr. Hammons was the son of Susan Campbell.

Floyd Walker (5 February 1895-22 December 1955)

Mr. Walker was a Private in Co. K., 810th Pioneer Infantry in World War I.

Lynwood Shavers (1921-1982)

Mr. Shavers was a Technician 5th Grade (TEC 5) in the Army during World War II.

Rev. John Arthur Simmons (8 May 1877-23 September 196?)

Rev. Simmons was a pastor of Union Baptist Church, I believe.

James T. Thomas (7 January 1920-22 October 2011) and Mary V. Thomas (13 February 1927-25 June 2016)

I believe James T. Thomas was the pastor at Union Baptist Church for many years. If so, I remember him fondly from his job at Wal-Mart, where he was well-loved by all. He worked well into his eighties, if my recollection is correct.

As with most rural cemeteries, Union gets overgrown from time to time, but is generally well maintained.

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