After the Civil War, the enslaved people of nearby Midway Congregational Church formed their own congregations throughout the county. The African-American community chose names based on the South Carolina locations where they came from, including Dorchester and Beech Hill. At some point, the spelling of Beech Hill was changed to Beach Hill. I haven’t been able to find a date for the organization of this congregation, but it would likely be circa 1865-1870, a common establishment date for the Freedmen churches of the area. In fact, Beach Hill is very close to the historic Freedman Grove community. The present church, originally a wood-framed structure, features the iconic “wedding cake” steeple often found in historic Black churches.
Dixon Branch Missionary Baptist church is a historic Black congregation near Rocky Ford, organized by freedmen on 27 June 1871. The name refers to Dixon Branch, a nearby tributary of the Ogeechee River. There were many plantations in this area, and after emancipation, formerly enslaved people who had once been forced to worship with their enslavers desired their own places of worship. They likely met in a brush arbor for their earliest services but eventually built a formal church (circa 1900), which was a typical white clapboard structure, with a “wedding cake” steeple to the left. That structure was replace by the current building, but I haven’t been able to confirm a date.
The small historic cemetery features a variety of memorials, ranging from vernacular to commercial, and many of the early families still have ties to the congregation. The examples presented here are completely random.
F. J. Nelson (birth and death dates unknown)
This simple marker memorializes someone who is now lost to history. I am always hopeful that someone will know these forgotten souls.
Maud Singleton (21 May 1888-March 1897)
This memorial is of a typical vernacular style, featuring stenciled letters with a floral design. Maud Singleton was the young daughter of M. H. and G. A. Singleton.
R. Rease (15 March 1842-22 August 1907)
This commercial monument contains the sentiment: “A kind wife mourns in thee, a husband lost. The poor, a friend who felt, what friendship cost.”
Johnson Bradley (8 February 1868-9 March 1925)
Mr. Bradley, a Prince Hall Mason, was born in South Carolina to Joe and Nancy Bradley. His wife’s name was Lydia. His memorial contains the sentiment “There is rest in heaven”.
Deacon Arthur Oldredge Burke (27 December 1889-22 July 1964)
Deacon Burke was obviously an important member of Dixon Branch Missionary Baptist Church. His memorial may be the nicest in the cemetery. It features a Sacred Heart of Jesus relief, which is most often associated with the Catholic faith, though it has been adopted by Christians of all affiliations.
Rev. James Cail (7 October 1931-30 November 2017) and Ruby Cail (28 July 1933-3 December 2015)
Rev. James and Ruby Cail led Dixon Branch Missionary Baptist Church for many years. A rosary adorns Mrs. Cail’s memorial.
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. J. Collin(s) (1886-1952)
I believe the name was misspelled on this memorial, as there are others buried here whose name is Collins.
Leasan Ray (1850?-29 June 1915)
Like many in this Freedmen’s congregation, Leasan Ray was likely born enslaved.
Mary Wright (1858?-25 March 1911)
The fallen marker notes that Mary Wright was aged 59 years at the time of her death.
Mary Rease (10 March 1868-27 June 1926)
This is one of the earlier commercially made memorials in the cemetery, featuring a dove.
Unfinished
This marker has no information, but was likely meant for a family.
Sarah Davis (Birth and death dates unknown)
The only information, other than the decedent’s name, notes that she was Bob Small’s sister.
Venus Bacon (2 January 1820-9 October 1889)
Venus Bacon’s marker is an early commercial form with stenciled lettering.
O. F. Kennedy (19 July 1877-15 September 1892)
The hearts were a nice addition on this handmade memorial.
Sammie Wright (23 May 1895-15 August 1958)
Mr. Wright was a Private, 52 Co, 157 Depot Brigade, World War I.
Illegible
I have tried to interpret the words on this memorial to no avail.
Unidentified
The red star likely denotes a Masonic affiliation.
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.
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.
Mary Jones (1937-1938)
Like the memorial for Jim Jones, Mary Jones’s features the name in cursive.
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.
Elder Abraham Jackson was the patriarch of Jackson Town, a historically Black neighborhood near Collins, Georgia, and he and his family were among the earliest burials in what would become the Jackson Cemetery, still dominated by his descendants and cousins today. The cemetery is very well-maintained.
Elder Abraham Jackson (1837-17 April 1915) and Rilla Collins Jackson (1840-17 March 1915)
Born enslaved in Barnwell, South Carolina, Elder Jackson later served (1865-1866) in Co. C, 1st Regiment South Carolina Volunteer Infantry (Colored), which was redesignated Co. C, 33rd Regiment, United States Colored Troops. He married Rilla, whose last name remains unknown, in the 1850s.
Anna Collins, (Circa 11 October 1888-8 June 1904)
This memorial for Anna Collins, the very wife of Henry Collins, is the earliest grave I found in Jackson Cemetery. She may have been Elder Jackson’s sister-in-law.
Nellie Jackson (28 January 1862-23 June 1904)
Nellie was the wife of George Jackson. Her vernacular memorial, which has been repaired, is very similar to that of Anna Collins. It reads: Dear husbad (sic) and children. as you is now, once was I, and as I am now you must be. Remember death and follow me.
Westwood Cemetery is perhaps the oldest and largest Black cemetery in Fitzgerald.
Though the earliest burial I could locate was in 1918, the cemetery may have been established earlier, in the heyday of the Westwood community and the AB&A Railroad shops, circa 1900-1910.
The usual variety of memorials is present, ranging from handmade vernacular headstones to stenciled and commercial examples. As always, I’m sharing only a representative sampling of what I found and was able to photograph.
Edger Allen (25 April 1902-14 October 1918)
Interestingly, some of the earliest memorials in the cemetery are commercially made marble headstones.
Hattie Allen (November 1888-14 December 1925)
Hattie Allen’s memorial is one of the finest in Westwood Cemetery. It notes that she was born in Houston County, Georgia, and that she was a member of Bethel AME Church, one of Fitzgerald’s oldest Black congregations.
Braxton or Brayton King (18 Dec 19?-9 February 1919)
The gravestone of Mr. King illustrates the difficulty in the identification of some burials, especially those using hand writing. Some of the inscription has eroded over time. As a result, the photographic documentation of such memorials is an important step in recording their lives.
Emma Martin (5 or 15 March 1885-4 or 14 January 1958)
The vernacular memorials are always my favorites. Ms. Jones’s was difficult to read.
Fannie Blair (1886-1958)
This simple vernacular memorial was painted white, as were a good number in Westwood Cemetery at one time.
Walter Anderson (1876-1947)
The marker for Mr. Anderson was cracked, a common issue with handmade memorials.
Walter T. Anderson (1905-1937)
I presume this was the son of Walter Anderson. If so, his father outlived him by a decade. Both of their memorials were likely made by the same person.
Mathis Family boundary post
This is one of four handmade posts marking the plot of the Mathis Family. This one bears the name K. C. Mathis, who died in 1952.
Mathis Family
A broader view of the Mathis Family plot, with the handmade boundary posts visible at the corners.
Mrs. Lula Kendrick (June 1860?-196?)
This headstone is handmade, but of a shape commonly found in commercial memorials of the Victorian era.
Rev. Nebraska Owens (8 January 1906-17 July 1984)
I love unusual names and am always happy to find them when rambling around old cemeteries. Rev. Owens may have been associated with one of the local congregations in Westwood, but I have been unable to located anything about him.
Tynie McDuffie (12 March 1888-4 December 1962)
The lamb is a common symbol in cemeteries.
J. C. Medler (?=1995)
The government supplies headstones to all veterans who choose to be remembered for their service. This memorial indicates that Mr. Medler served in the army in World War II.
John Medler (8 Dec 1923-2 June 1993)
John Medler was likely the brother of J. C. Medler (previous photograph). Both served the United States in the army in World War II.
William D. Brown (26 June 1951-30 May 2013)
This memorial is of a vernacular style common in the last century.
Samuel Chester (28 October 1896-29 March 1964)
This small cross is one of the finer commercial memorials in Westwood Cemetery.
Mr. William Stephens (18 November 1903-17 June 1975)
Though not fully visible in this photograph, the name at the bottom of this memorial is ‘Cummings’. Cummings was one of the two leading Black funeral homes in Fitzgerald for the latter half of the 20th century.
Leonard Stewart (10 September 1877-14 April 1961? ) and Lolia Stewart (15 December 1887-20 August 1968)
The graves of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are decorated with flower pots.
Unknown decedent
This marker has no identification.
Lyons family plot
The Lyons family plot is interesting for its placement of small Christmas trees near each grave.
The cemetery is not neglected but rather in a more natural state, with native grasses and wildflowers abundant throughout.
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.
Bone Cemetery was established by Russel G. Bone in the 1940s, in one of Milledgeville’s historic Black neighborhoods. The most notable memorials are these moving tributes to the Oden family. They are part of the larger Collier-Oden plot, and are located at the feet of commercially manufactured granite slabs. William T. Collier, was an Army veteran of World War I, the organizer and first commander of American Legion Post 523, and a prominent brick mason.
This 6-foot anchor may be the most impressive of the three concrete memorials.
Ralph Oden (1951-1969)
It identifies Ralph and Ruth Oden.
Ruth Oden (1908-1955)
I’m not sure what the “S” indicates.
“Son”, on this point of the anchor, may be another reference to Ruth’s son, Ralph.
This is one of two five-pointed stars. The lower points of both are buried slightly into the concrete within the plot. Considering that family members were brick masons, one of them was likely the maker of these memorials. The inscription reads: Memory – Marguerite – Ruth – Builder – Bro. Lo. Ruth’s name appears again, but I can’t connect the others.
Lorenzo William Oden (1909-1988)
The stars are about 3 or 4 feet tall, much larger than any others I’ve encountered. This one bears the inscription: 1981 – Warren Honor Clyde – Grant General – Lorenzo. I believe 1981 is the year that these were made. Lorenzo Oden was married to Gladys Collier, daughter of William T. Collier. He was a Carpenter’s Mate Third Class in World War II, and was also a master brick mason. He was a life member of Bricklayers Union #3 and American Legion Post 523.
I’m posting the Sandy Grove AME Cemetery separate from the church and schoolhouse, due to the number of images. Like many rural cemeteries, it is kept up as best it can be. Small rural congregations of all races have dwindled greatly in the last generation, presenting a major challenge to the upkeep and survival of these landmarks. Cemeteries are avoided by many people. I consider them not only sacred spaces for obvious reasons, but works of art that invite quite contemplation.
Wilmon Shurley (1905-1983)
The memorials in Sandy Grove represent a variety of styles, from vernacular to commercial. These are presented in no particular order.
Wesley Rogers (1858-1924)
It’s highly likely that Mr. Rogers was born into slavery. Simple memorials like his are the most vulnerable to the elements and should all be documented.
William H. Brown (?-1945) and Fannie H. Brown (?-1943)
There are a number of commercial memorials in Sandy Grove, as well. This example notes when Mr. and Mrs. Brown passed, but I didn’t locate either of their birth dates.
Dawson Rivers (1838-1924) and Francis “Fannie” Aldridge Rivers (1849-1932)
Dawson and Fannie Rivers were both from mixed racial backgrounds and were prominent members of Sandy Grove. They had 14 children.
Nancy Francis Neely (1889-1918)
Memorials of this type are commonly found in rural cemeteries, and I enjoy documenting them. They add symbolic images to otherwise simple stenciled markers and are thus surrogates for the more costly commercial markers.
Lovie Ruff (1886-1917)
Sometimes, the names of those honored are their most fascinating legacy.
Benjamin Walker (1918-1918)
The lamb is often used on children’s gravestones.
D. C. Rogers (1915-1975) – Memorial by Eldren Bailey
I always document the work of Eldren Bailey when I find it. This and the next example were acquired through the Dawson Funeral Home.
Henry C. Murray (1916-1973) – Memorial by Eldren Bailey
Funeral homes acted as agents for Mr. Bailey’s work, I understand, and as a result various names appear on these iconic memorials.
Louise Howard (1876-1942)
The concrete markers with stenciled text are among the most commonly found types in many rural cemeteries. A sentiment is often added. On Mrs. Howard’s, it is: “Death is the Crown of Life”.
Willie Howard (1874-1953)
Mr. Howard’s epitaph is informative: “Servant of God 38 Years”.
Mary D. Rivers (1882-1947)
Mrs. Rivers’s memorial is quite typical, in contrast to her husband’s (below).
John Rivers (1871-1939)
Mr. Rivers’s headstone incorporates a triangle enclosing a mosaic of green and brown glass shards. Triangles can represent the Trinity in Christianity but also have Masonic connections. It’s impossible to discern from this photograph, but there is a small circle inside the triangle with rays radiating from its center. This may represent the Eye of God.
Mt. Zion’s historic cemetery is quite large and situated on hilly terrain. There is a nice variety of memorials, including many modern commercial types, but mixed among them are quite a few vernacular types, including these local granite stones. The names of the decedents are long lost.
Jeff Mapp (1900-1973)
This is one of several markers by Eldren Bailey found in Mt. Zion. This one has been painted white and was purchased through the Houston Funeral Home.
Willis James
I believe this is a child’s grave, since it identifies the decedent as “Master”. This term is commonly used with children. Like many memorials by Eldren Bailey, this one has been “buried” a few inches into the ground.
Louise Hillman
This Elden Bailey-produced memorial was sold through Atlanta’s Haugabrooks Funeral Home.
Deacon Lueagon Elbert Moss (1873-1958) and Mariah Moss (1872-1959) + Arthur Moss
The memorial for Deacon & Mrs. Moss is typical of the stenciled concrete markers found in the older sections of the cemetery. Arthur Moss may have been one of their children. His memorial is hand made.
Caroline Barrow ((1850?-1901)
This one of several older commercial marble memorials in the cemetery.
Robert Lee Bennett (1950-1970)
This handmade memorial is bordered with small rocks or pebbles. I believe there was something attached where the hole is now.
Cyrus Howell (1878-1956) Findagrave lists 1874 as the birthdate, but I think that is an error.
Mr. Howell was the oldest deacon at Mt. Zion at the time of his death.
Addie Lawrence (Dates undetermined; Findagrave records it as 1874-1961)
This is another nice example of a vernacular memorial using stencils that adds an extra touch with the impression of a dove. Mrs. Lawrence was a well-loved member of the Mt. Zion community and worked as a midwife for many years. In 1930, with M. C. Lawrence, Mattie Lawrence, M. F. Hillman, A. F. Tucker, R. B. Glover, Cyrus Howell and Lucy Kendrick, she formed a benevolent institution known as the “Band of Faithful Workers”. According to their legal petition filed with the county, the purpose of their institution was “caring for the sick and burial of the dead”.
A wooden schoolhouse served the Black community that remained in the Blountsville community, near Haddock, long after the village disappeared in the wake of the Civil War. The school was first known as Stewart Place, and later, Damascus. Damascus was also the name of the church. It is now known as New Damascus Baptist Church and is a large congregation. The large cemetery beside the church is the final resting place of numerous freedmen and their descendants. There are some fieldstone markers scattered about, and otherwise typical gravestones, but the memorials of Isaac R. and Clara Reid Ammons are of particular interest as vernacular landmarks. Isaac and Clara were born in the first generation after slavery at a time when Blountsville had all but disappeared. They lived well into the 20th century.
Clara Reid Ammons (1877-1950)
Clara’s grave was damaged at some point, as can be seen here, but luckily, someone has repaired it as best they could.
Isaac R. Ammons (1872-1961)
Considering their similarity, it’s likely that the two headstones were created by the same maker.
