Tag Archives: Georgia Vernacular Headstones

Dixon Cemetery, Ben Hill County

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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).

Vernacular Headstones of Providence Methodist Cemetery, Stephens County

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It’s not unusual to find old cemeteries stretched beyond the boundaries of their more formal current configurations, and in the woods around historic Providence Methodist Church near Traveler’s Rest there are many vernacular headstones scattered along the fringes.

It’s safe to presume that these are among the oldest memorials in the cemetery, which dates to 1857. Local stone, be it granite, gneiss, or something similar, was readily available in the creeks and valleys near Providence, and as such was the logical material for marking the final resting places of some of its earliest members.

The marker pictured above is a great example of such a stone. Many were placed “as-is” but this one appears to have had a bit of finishing.

Robinson family plot

The Robinson family plot contains the most significant vernacular marker at Providence. Two of the three gravestones are slightly stylized, as as seen in this view, and contain text on the back side, although it’s nearly unreadable now.

M. B. Robinson (27 February 1908-1 December 1908)

The most important Robinson marker is this “Tree of Life” marking the grave of a toddler, M. B. Robinson. Findagrave identifies it by the name on the stone, which is Robson, but I believe this to be a phonetic spelling, since the more modern gravestone in the plot spells the name “Robinson”. We may never know much about these people, but they left behind a beautiful work of art with this enduring piece of folk art.

Dan Tucker’s Grave, Elbert County

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Sign marking the trail leading to Dan Tucker’s grave

Elbert County has always promoted Dan Tucker’s gravesite to visitors based on the assumption that the Daniel Tucker buried here is the “Old Dan Tucker” of 19th-century American folklore. There is no academic or even incidental agreement on this assertion, but it’s a great story, and the public access trail to the historic Tucker Cemetery is one of the nicest walks around. And as a big fan of vernacular gravestones, I’d suggest a visit to others who appreciate this underappreciated art form. Kudos to Elbert County for maintaining it so nicely. It’s a low rise path surrounded for most of its short distance by wooded slopes descending into Richard B. Russell Lake. The small cemetery has several other markers, three of which are identified.

Path to Dan Tucker’s grave

Since the origins of the standard folk song “Old Dan Tucker” are unclear and may never be confirmed, there is no way of proving the identity of its namesake. Some credit the song to Dan Emmett, who popularized blackface minstrel shows and composed the song “Dixie”, but it has also been credited to J. R. Jenkins, and Henry Russell. Dan Emmett told his biographer that he wrote the song circa 1830-1821 when he was 15 years old. “Old Dan Tucker” was first published as sheet music in 1843. The earliest versions (there are many) employed Black Vernacular English, portrayed Dan Tucker as a drunken troublemaker, and breaks with many social conventions. He was a Black man in these iterations. At least four versions with different lyrics and identities for Tucker were published in the 19th century. Some suggest it’s based on a notorious sea captain and widely despised colonist named Daniel Tucker. This seems a bit far-fetched to me. More likely, as has been suggested, it’s derived from earlier minstrel tunes.

General view of Tucker Cemetery

Elbert County’s Dan Tucker was Daniel Tucker (14 February 1740-7 April 1818), a Virginia native who served as a captain of the Amelia County Militia during the Revolutionary War. For his service, he was awarded a land grant on the Georgia frontier. He developed a successful plantation, Point Lookout, with an enslaved workforce, ran a ferry on the Savannah River, and served as a minister, particularly known, through oral tradition, “…to bring Christianity to those he enslaved.” He was a neighbor and good friend of Governor Stephen Heard.

Frances Tucker (25 April 1790-19 May 1818). The nice vernacular headstone, of local material, reads: Sacred to the memory of Frances Tucker W of Rev Eppes Tucker – Born April 25 1790 – dp this life May the 19 1818 -Age 28 years.

A 1957 Georgia Historical Marker, which is no longer standing, claimed this about Daniel Tucker: “…Esteemed by his fellow planters, he was loved by the Negroes who composed the many verses of the famous ditty, “Old Dan Tucker,” a favorite song at corn shuckings and other social gatherings.” There is no evidence whatsoever to support this claim, other than local tradition. While I never dismiss it outright, oral history is spotty at best. I mean no ill will in pointing this out, and I enjoyed my visit to Dan Tucker’s grave. I never gave it much thought when I first heard it on The Andy Griffith Show and Little House on the Prairie as a boy.

Decedent unknown. I’m working on translating the name but haven’t gotten it yet.

There are several unidentified stones in the cemetery, all relatives or in-laws of Daniel Tucker as best I can discern.

Frances Epps Tucker (4 April 1750-6 August 1823). The stone reads: In Memory of Frances Tucker W. O. Daniel Tucker-who was born April the 4th 1750-dp this life Aug the 6th 1823-Age 73 Yr. [The maker of this marker used a backward capital D for the letter R, and for the number 5 in the birthdate, quite an unusual characteristic.]

Daniel Tucker’s grave is also quite primitive.

Rev. Daniel Tucker (14 February 1740-7 April 1818)

A newer military-issued marker has been placed in recent years, and it’s a good thing, as these memorials are all fading fast.