Eureka Church Cemetery: A Landmark of The Level, A Lost Community of Evans County

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Gravestones in a grassy area with a dilapidated building in the background surrounded by trees.
Eureka Church seen from the cemetery, 18 August 2013.

The cemetery associated with historic Eureka Church is the last remaining public landmark of The Level, a Black community near Hagan. The church collapsed circa 2018. A nice collection of vernacular memorials set Eureka Cemetery apart as a historic resource for Evans County. I am sharing random shots, including commercial markers, but focusing on the vernacular pieces.

A weathered gravestone in a cemetery, engraved with the name 'A.J. Collins' along with dates and age information, surrounded by dry grass.
A. J. Collin(s) (1886-1952)

I believe the name was misspelled on this memorial, as there are others buried here whose name is Collins.

A weathered gravestone marking the burial site of Leasan Ray, who died on June 29, 1915, at the age of 75 years.
Leasan Ray (1850?-29 June 1915)

Like many in this Freedmen’s congregation, Leasan Ray was likely born enslaved.

A weathered gravestone engraved with the name 'Mary Wright,' the inscription 'Died Mar. 22, 1911,' and 'Aged 79.' The stone is surrounded by dry leaves and grass.
Mary Wright (1858?-25 March 1911)

The fallen marker notes that Mary Wright was aged 59 years at the time of her death.

A gravestone marking the burial of Mary Rease, with her birth date of March 10, 1868, and death date of June 27, 1926, inscribed along with a message about grace.
Mary Rease (10 March 1868-27 June 1926)

This is one of the earlier commercially made memorials in the cemetery, featuring a dove.

A weathered gravestone in a cemetery, surrounded by dry grass and a blurred background of other tombstones and trees.
Unfinished

This marker has no information, but was likely meant for a family.

Close-up of an old gravestone partially covered with grass, displaying the engraved name 'Sarah Davis', with the words 'Bob Small Sister' visible.
Sarah Davis (Birth and death dates unknown)

The only information, other than the decedent’s name, notes that she was Bob Small’s sister.

A weathered gravestone in a cemetery, inscribed in memory of Venus Bacon, with dates of birth and death visible, surrounded by dry grass.
Venus Bacon (2 January 1820-9 October 1889)

Venus Bacon’s marker is an early commercial form with stenciled lettering.

A weathered gravestone marked 'In Memory of O.F. Kennedy, Born July 19, 1877, Died September 15, 1892, with an inscription about the blessed dead.
O. F. Kennedy (19 July 1877-15 September 1892)

The hearts were a nice addition on this handmade memorial.

Gravestone of Sammie Wright, a private in the 157th Depot Brigade during World War I, located in Georgia. The stone displays his birth date of May 23, 1895, and death date of August 19, 1958.
Sammie Wright (23 May 1895-15 August 1958)

Mr. Wright was a Private, 52 Co, 157 Depot Brigade, World War I.

Weathered grave marker in a grassy area covered with fallen leaves, featuring faded inscriptions.
Illegible

I have tried to interpret the words on this memorial to no avail.

A weathered hexagonal stone marked with a faded red star, surrounded by dry grass and fallen leaves.
Unidentified

The red star likely denotes a Masonic affiliation.

Weathered grave marker partially obscured by dry leaves and grass in a natural setting.
York Jones (Birth date unknown-1935?)

All the Jones family memorials have a similar shape and were likely the work of the same maker. This small stone has faded badly.

Old gravestone partially obscured by dry leaves and grass, featuring engraved text and weathered surface.
Jim Jones (dates illegible)

I will try to add birth and death dates if I am able to interpret them. I believe they all may be children.

An old, weathered gravestone with inscriptions partially visible, situated in a wooded area covered with fallen leaves.
Mary Jones (1937-1938)

Like the memorial for Jim Jones, Mary Jones’s features the name in cursive.

An unusual geometric carving on a headstone, featuring a right angle and a triangular point.

The memorial for D. V. Richardson is perhaps the most notable work in the cemetery. It features hand lettering and an unusual symbol, seen in detail above. It appears to have something to do with carpentry or, perhaps, Masonry.

A weathered grave marker in a cemetery, partially covered in moss, with inscriptions indicating the name, birth date, and death date of the individual it commemorates.
D. V. Richardson (11 August 1892-16 July 1930)

2 thoughts on “Eureka Church Cemetery: A Landmark of The Level, A Lost Community of Evans County”

  1. Marguertie Abbadusky's avatarMarguertie Abbadusky

    I loved all the pictures showing the history of Darien, GA but was disappointed you didn’t have a picture of the First Presbyterian Church which was founded by the Scottish Highlanders.

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