Tag Archives: Georgia Vernacular Headstones

White Chapel AME Church, 1957, Round Oak

2 Replies

White Chapel AME is an historic congregation near Round Oak. The present building dates to 1957. Though I haven’t been able to locate much history, the church was likely organized by freedmen of the White Plantation in the years following the Civil War. The plantation was established between 1800-1810 by Virginia-born Thomas White, Jr. (1781-1830), and the area, near the Jasper County line, was historically known as White’s District. White’s son, Joseph Clark White (1810-1887) inherited the estate and owned over 3000 acres and 120 enslaved people.

One of those slaves was Caroline “Aunt Ca’line” White (c.1848-1948). My purpose of visiting White Chapel was to document her burial place, but I was unable to locate it. She was well-known by all the people of the Round Oak community and a local newspaper reported at her death: “She was a slave girl on the plantation of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Clark White at the “old White place,” north of Round Oak before the War Between the States. Her husband, Tillman White, died several years ago. She leaves children, Jackson, 83; Mary, 81; Tom, 80; John, 78; Henry, 72; and also seventy grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her oldest grandchild is 68.

The day before her death Aunt Ca’line threaded her needle, without the aid of glasses, and quilted; she also helped whitewash the fireplace. She always claimed to be part Indian and certainly had many of the characteristics of the Indian, and so do her children. Henry is known as “Red Man,” and although he is 72, is as agile as most men of 58. Aunt Ca’line was thrifty, and always had a garden, chickens and many quilts pieced up.

She became rather deaf in the last few years and her grandchildren persuaded her to stay off the highway, but before that she came to town every day and was as chipper as could be, liked by all, white and colored.“

Her obituary also noted that “…she was as much a “rebel” as any southerner could ever be. She always spoke of the “good old days” and says that they were well treated, had everything they needed, and they were all happy, before the Yankees came…” Such statements must be viewed with suspicion today, considering their sources in white-owned newspapers which worked overtime to promote the “happy slaves” narrative, to which few Blacks in the Jim Crow era would have ever disputed to any White person at the time.

Vernacular Headstones of White Chapel AME

Though I couldn’t locate Mrs. White’s gravestone, I did document a few vernacular memorials, all of relatively recent vintage.

Annie Hutchings (1908-1986)

A family member or someone in the community made this headstone, with a deeply incised cross.

This is one of several headstones with decorative motifs incised on the back side.

These designs may have been made with metal or plastic strips or even fencing. If I recall correctly they date mostly to the 1980s.

Most of the slabs and headstones feature stenciled names, as seen below.

Lue Ella Odom – Better known as Mrs. Doll

No birth or death dates were given on Mrs. Doll’s memorial.

Jones Creek Black Cemetery & Baptistry, Circa 1855, Long County

Leave a reply

In 1855, Sheldon Madison Chapman, Sr. (1829-1911), gave four acres of land for a burying ground for the enslaved members of Jones Creek Baptist Church, and a section along the creek for use as a baptistry for all members. Chapman was one of the most prominent citizens of Jones Creek, having served, like his father, as postmaster of the community. Though originally located in Liberty County, Jones Creek was the earliest and largest settlement in present-day Long County.

There are many unmarked burials in the Jones Creek Black Cemetery, most of them likely dating to the days of slavery, but in contrast, the existing monuments and memorials are of commercial manufacture, indicating a prosperous congregation at a time when that would have been unusual.

One can deduce that the site it is known as Jones Creek Black Cemetery because its earliest burials were the enslaved people who attended Jones Creek Baptist Church with their White enslavers. Since circa 1878, however, it has been the de facto burying ground for St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church.

Rev. March Hughes (Circa 1829-1903) + Peggy Hughes (Circa 1820-death date unknown)

March Hughes was granted a letter that he may minister to a flock of his choice in the 1870s, when many Black congregations were forming their own churches. He preached his own ordination service on 24 August 1878 and established St. Thomas Baptist Church (now known as St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church) for the freedmen of Jones Creek Baptist Church. He was licensed as a preacher on 26 January 1884. When he died in 1903, Rev. Hughes was the most influential Black man in the Jones Creek community. Those who maintain this cemetery have proposed renaming it the March Hughes Cemetery in his honor. [This history comes from plaques at the site and from Mike McCall via the late Christine Welcome, a longtime member of St. Thomas.]

F. Baker, Jr. (3 January 1897-6 September 1929)

Mr. Baker was a member of the the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The W. W. V. initials at the bottom of the headstone stand for “World War Veteran”, World War I in this case.

Martha Snider (Birth and death dates unknown)

Little is known of Martha Snider, but she was 96 years old when she died.

A. L. Baker (9 June 1895-5 June 1929)

Mr. Baker was a World War I Veteran and Mason.

Alford Watkins (1861-5 February 1911)

Watkins was a Mason.

Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. G. H. Stokes (9 March-1920-26 October 1926)

The memorials for the two young children of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Stokes are vernacular in design, unlike most of the other memorials in the Jones Creek Black Cemetery.

Son of Mr. & Mrs. G. H. Stokes (11 October 1925-27 July 1933)

It’s unusual that the Stokes children are not named, but simply listed as “daughter” and “son”.

Jasper Baggs (August 1873-15 February 1925)

Jasper Baggs was a laborer, according to his death certificate.

Patsy Baggs (15 October 1947-31 May 1931)

Patsy Baggs’s death certificate listed her occupation as “house work” and “keeping house”. This was a common form of employment for Black women in the Jim Crow era.

The Baggs family was quite prolific and many members are buried in this enclosure near the back of the cemetery.

Roy E. Baggs (4 April 1888-28 April 1911)

The initials F.L.T. (Friendship, Truth, and Love) at the top of the marker indicate that Mr. Baggs was a member of the Odd Fellows.

James E. Baggs, Sr. (22 October 1892-17 November 1963)

Mr. Baggs was one of several members of St. Thomas who served in World War I. He was a corporal in the Army. I hope to learn more about his service.

Coda L. Baggs (1852-1935)

I presume the name to be Coda.

Fraulein Baggs Smith (1905-1923)

Fraulein is an unusual name. It’s my favorite in this cemetery.

This open lane follows the bank of Jones Creek and is adjacent to the traditional site of baptisms for Black congregants. A reconstruction of the old dressing room for baptisms is visible at right. In the distance is the White cemetery and the historic Jones Creek Baptist Church.

Immersion baptism was common among churches of both races in the rural South well into the 20th century, and is still practiced by some.

According to church records, “the last time we used the water of Jones Creek was April 23, 1995…”

Dixon Cemetery, Ben Hill County

Leave a reply

Dixon Cemetery in Ben Hill County is notable, due to its large number of extant fieldstone grave markers and gravesites that incorporate commercial sculpted stone elements.

It is identified on Findagrave as Dixon Cemetery #1, to distinguish it from another Dixon Cemetery (#2) in the Queensland community. There is also a Dickson Cemetery, near Ashton.

Fieldstones and other available natural stones are among the earliest forms of grave marking throughout the world and are quite common in Georgia.

It’s less common, however, to find them in great numbers in any one cemetery and in more modern cemeteries they often get pushed over and lost among newer markers.

The markers at Dixon Cemetery are sandstone, or a similar soft stone, and therefore are most threatened by erosion. Marble and granite markers in North Georgia have a greater likelihood of long-term survival.

Since the stones lack any identifying elements of the decedents they memorialize, they present a real challenge to genealogists and family members trying to locate burials. The decedent may be associated with a particular stone from one generation to the next, but this information is usually lost to later generations.

In addition to the fieldstones, there are three other gravesites which make use of commercial sculpted stone. This stand-alone marker was probably co-opted from the coping used around the gravesite seen in the next photograph.

Rev. W. M. Bailey (1835-1903)

Though they are dependent on manufactured material, the effect is vernacular.

The “white bronze” Taylor grave marker, better known as a “zinky”, seems out of place in Dixon Cemetery, though these were sold nationally through agents of the Monumental Bronze Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut and can be found throughout America. This particular example has rusted over the years.

George W. Taylor grave marker.

Commercial markers are present, as well.

Of the identified burials in this cemetery (the earliest dating to 1900), there are a few more Walkers than Dixons, but I believe the earliest burials are those marked by fieldstones, which likely have a connection to the Dixon family. The Walker and Dixon families were also related.

Riley Family Memorial, Talbotton

1 Reply
Martha Riley; May Lue Riley; Oscar Riley; Robert Riley; and Eucie Riley. Gone But Not Forgotten.

This extraordinary vernacular memorial marks the burial place of members of the Riley family of Talbotton, in Smith Hill Cemetery. Smith Hill is perhaps the oldest municipal Black cemetery in Talbotton, a town which before the Civil War was essentially a network of plantations. As a result, the final resting places of the enslaved who toiled on those plantations are generally unknown. Smith Hill may have had origins as a plantation cemetery but it grew into the de facto burying ground for the Black community. It quickly descends into a ravine and marked graves are scattered in all directions. Varying styles, from plain to Victorian, are present. The earliest marked burial dates to the 1870s, but there are scores of unmarked graves in Smith Hill.

I chose this memorial to represent the cemetery for its obvious artistic merit, but also to illustrate the difficulty which faces genealogists and historians in documenting the lives of a population that was traditionally left out of the broader story of Southern history. The marker, with stenciled names, a marble cross, and folk art flowers, tells us someone cared about these people, but beyond that, there lives are a mystery. James Riley (1923-1955) and Rose Riley (?-1978) are represented by ledger stones nearby, so they were related. Perhaps the names on this memorial were earlier members of their family who wanted to make sure their names were not forgotten.

Powell Baptist Church & Cemetery, Talbot County

1 Reply

The Powell Baptist Church is an historic Freedmen’s congregation founded in 1879. It is located between Talbotton and Waverly Hall, north of the historic Olive Branch community. According to the church cornerstone, Rev. J. Bowell was the first pastor. Tax records indicate an 1879 construction date, but the present building was constructed much later, during the pastorate of W. W. Walker. It is possible that the original structure was incorporated into the modern version, but confirming that would require more research. The nicely maintained churchyard opens into a large cemetery containing a variety of memorials, with a few notable vernacular examples, shared below.

George Bunkley (25 December 1887-23 November 1951)

Though it has been updated with a modern marker, the original memorial for George Bunkley has been saved. It has some interesting elements, notably the scored “O” in the word “born”.

Rosa W. Bunkley (21 July 1906-6 March 1981)

Mrs. Bunkley’s memorial is also a common form. The poured rounded concrete form with stenciled data is widespread, especially in this part of the state. Most markers of this type simply feature names and dates, though some examples, like Mrs. Bunkley’s, feature crosses or other symbols.

Betty Joe Beach (6 November 1954-17 July 1966)

The marker for Betty Joe Beach is another good example of the rounded concrete variety, in the plainer style. Miss Beach’s name is misspelled on the memorial.

Cora Walker (Birth and death dates unknown)

The simple memorial for Cora Walker is a beautiful in its simplicity. Further research will likely determine her birth and death dates.

Mrs. Luella Owens (Birth and death dates unknown)

This memorial was created by the prolific artist Eldren Bailey, whose work can be found in African-American cemeteries throughout the state. This one was handled by the Haugabrooks Funeral Home in Atlanta.

Eddie F. Leonard (27 March 1950-20 December 1981)


The Leonard memorials, though somewhat recent, are among the most unique vernacular markers in the Powell cemetery.

Leon Leonard (4 March 1939-1 August 1967)

Leon Leonard’s memorial may be the most interesting in the entire cemetery. Featuring an open cross, as well as the crosses at the base and handwritten data present on the Eddie Leonard memorial, it is fine example of vernacular funerary art.

The brickwork around the front door has a more Gothic revival appearance than the rest of the church building. I believe it is a tribute to the church’s earlier design.

New Salem Church, Terrell County

2 Replies

Findagrave identifies the graveyard located at this church as the “Salem Methodist Church Cemetery”, indicating that to be the historical name of the congregation. The current sign identifies it as New Salem Church, so a change in affiliation may have taken place in recent years.

Unidentified/unreadable. Headstone appears to be the work of Eldren Bailey.

The well-maintained country church, near Muslim Farm Road on the outskirts of Bronwood, has its origins with freedmen. The earliest identified burial dates to 1885. There are doubtless many unmarked graves.

The steps of the outdoor baptismal are branded with the numbers “666”. I’m guessing it’s symbolic for leaving evil and misdeeds behind as you emerge from the ritual.

Annie Mosley Memorial, Toombs County

1 Reply
Annie Mosley (2 January 1865-16 January 1941)

Among my favorite things to document these days are vernacular headstones. This one, in White Chapel Cemetery, was created to honor Annie Mosely. Her name is spelled Mosly on the marker, but it was likely Mosley. It’s a concrete memorial with handwritten text, and an added decoration. Ms. Mosley was born just after the Civil War and died just before World War II.

Piney Green Baptist Church & Cemetery, Toombs County

1 Reply

I don’t have a history for Piney Green Baptist Church, but it’s a relatively old congregation. There are some noteworthy vernacular memorials in the adjacent cemetery.

There are a couple of wooden grave markers, of a style broadly referred to as “head-and-shoulders”. There are two lying on the ground in front of this example.

The wooden marker has been painted.

Della McLeod (12 July 1917-20 April1930) – Daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C. H. McLeod

There are also the usual concrete memorials, with stenciled and handwritten text.

Annie B. Simpkins (5 November 1909-2 May 1910)

This marker is a good example of the handwritten variety, and has a shape and form imagined by its maker. I don’t think a form was used.

As this side view illustrates, a wedge of concrete was placed at the front for support; this is an unusual modification.

Alvira or Elvira? Dixon (8 October 1935-November 194?)

The crack in this handwritten memorial is indicative of just how vulnerable these vernacular objects are.

This grave is adorned with a pot, which had some connection to the decedent. This remains a common practice in many African-American cemeteries.

The Old Cemetery, Circa 1842, Thomasville

1 Reply

Thomasville’s Old Cemetery dates to at least 1842, based on burial dates, and is a microcosm of 19th century funerary art, ranging from exceptional vernacular memorials to grand marble obelisks and monuments. It is said to be the oldest cemetery in Thomas County, incorrectly, but it may be the oldest in Thomasville proper. The deed conveying the cemetery to the city of Thomasville is dated 1858. Nearly 40 Confederate veterans, some in unmarked graves, are buried here, as well.

Isaac W. Mitchell (28 November 1795-24 May 1862) and Pvt. William C. Mitchell (1829-31 January 1868)

Isaac Mitchell was a prominent planter and large slaveholder in the area. In 1838, he sold a thousand-acre plantation with two miles of shoreline on Lake Iamonia, near Tallahassee. He died during the Civil War, and his son, who served in Co. F, 29th Georgia Regiment, died a few years later. Their monument, featuring ruined columns topped with wreaths, is one of the finest in the cemetery.

Sgt James A. McLendon (birth and death dates unknown at this time)

This beautiful Victorian monument is a bit of a mystery. I couldn’t find a name on it, but there’s an adjacent government-issued marker for Sgt. James A. McLendon, who served in Co. F., 50th Georgia Infantry.

Iron gate ornament

The gate decoration here was a common design. There’s a very similar example at the Isaac Joseph House in Columbus. The name on that gate appears to be the name of the maker, so I wonder if this is not the maker’s name, as well. I’ve only been able to discern that it’s either Branner or Brannem, neither of which I find in the burial list for the Old Cemetery. Another mystery, at least for now.

Captain John D. Henderson (birth and death dates unknown at this time)

This is one of two or three seashell graves in the Old Cemetery, this one being in the best state of preservation. In fact, it’s one of the nicest I’ve seen. There is a government-issued memorial at the foot of the grave that notes Captain Henderson served with Co. F, 29th Georgia Infantry.

Anne Frances Remington (21 February 1851-17 September 1852) and Mary Elizabeth Remington (2 October 1849-19 September 1852)

This table grave is an interesting mix of vernacular and formal funerary art. The handmade bricks, likely made by enslaved laborers, are topped by a professionally made marble slab. The girls were both very young, and since they died around the same time, were likely afflicted with the same illness.

There are numerous brick crypts and slabs in the Old Cemetery.

Most of these are unidentified, and therefore I’m just showing them for the skill and craft involved in their production.

Some of the brick in the memorials appears to be handmade, and I would guess that some were made by enslaved people.

The gravestone below is made of slate, an uncommon material in Georgia. I’ve rarely found such memorials away from the coast.

Peggy Seixas (circa 1799-24 May 1858)

The Seixas family were Thomas County pioneers. The Seixas House, circa 1835, is thought to be the oldest one-story house in Thomasville.

The gazebo is a prominent landmark in the Old Cemetery.

Flipper Cemetery, Thomasville

3 Replies

This cemetery, now commonly referred to as the Flipper Cemetery, is one of the oldest municipal burial grounds for African-Americans in Thomasville. Also known as the old Magnolia Cemetery, it’s distinguished by methodical plantings of oaks and other shade trees and is a well-maintained historical resource.

Flipper Family plot

Significantly, it’s the final resting place of Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper, the first Black graduate of West Point. Lt. Flipper died in Atlanta in 1940 and was buried in South View Cemetery. In February 1978, his remains were exhumed and he was re-interred in his hometown.

Rev. Jacob Wade (?-1873)

But it is also important for the numerous other prominent Black citizens of 19th-century Thomasville, including Rev. Jacob Wade, the first pastor of the African Baptist Church. Additionally, there are a few important vernacular monuments present, most importantly the three crosses and the Ruis obelisk. There are also quite a few typical Victorian and early-20th century memorials.

Cross monuments of Dall Mitchell, Violet Mitchell, foreground; Benetta Lowry?, right.

The birth and death dates are unknown, and with Dall Mitchell and Benetta Lowry, the names are not certain. Those two crosses have been repaired and it’s possible that information was lost. They are quite unusual and vernacular landmarks.

Benetta Lowry? cross monument

This shows the loss of part of the letters from the original monument, which was obviously taller than it is in its present configuration, and the challenge of identification.

Ruis-Wiggs obelisk

The Ruis-Wiggs obelisk is a concrete vernacular copy of other monuments common at the time, usually accomplished in marble or granite.

Marget (Margaret) Ruis (1889-1929)

Margaret and Mattie Ruis (1859 or 1869-1911) are memorialized on the obelisk, as well as Shep W. Wiggs (birth and death dates indiscernible).

There are numerous brick grave markers like the one seen above. Most do not identify the decedent and therefore present a great challenge for identification.

Kate Stewart (16 June 1885- 9 April 1886)

This is one of several damaged memorials in Flipper Cemetery that have been repaired.

Ezekiel Hambleton (19 October 1842-9 October 1892)

The presence of so many manufactured headstones in a Black cemetery of this era is an indication of a thriving and growing Black middle class.

Sophia James (4 July 1860-15 March 1883)

It appears, considering all the broken memorials, that the cemetery was once very poorly maintained, but thankfully, someone took the time and care to repair nearly all of the damaged stones.

Flipper Family plot

Also buried within the family plot, along with Lt. Henry O. Flipper, are his parents, J. Festus Flipper (1832-12 December 1918) and Isabella Buckhalter Flipper (1837-21 August 1887).