=======>>> PAGE 1 HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA EVERGREEN CEMETERY TOMBSTONE TRANSCRIPTS 1827 - 1997 Compiled by: William A. Mills =======>>> PAGE 2 To purchase this book, please contact: William A. Mills 232 Langston Road Perry, Georgia 31069-9322 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website URL: http://www.geocities.com/wma_mills Copyright 1997 by WILLIAM A. MILLS Published by William A. Mills Perry, Georgia Printed on acid free paper =======>>> Page 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Poem: The Spirit of Evergreen Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Plat of Evergreen Cemetery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Section A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Section B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Section C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Section D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Section E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Section F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Section G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Section H. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Section I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Section J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Section K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Section L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Section M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Section N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Section O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Section P. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Section Q. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Section R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Section S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Section T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Section U. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Section V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Section W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Section 1 thru 80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Section TOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Index, Full Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 =======>>> Page 4 INTRODUCTION Evergreen Cemetery is located in Houston County, within the city of Perry, Georgia. The entrance to the cemetery is located on Main Street, not far from the bridge that crosses Big Indian Creek. This book is comprised of transcripts from tombstones at Evergreen Cemetery, dating from 1827 until 1 January 1997, a period of 170 years. In 1827, only a few years after Perry, Georgia was incorporated (1824), a Methodist Church was built on the current site of Evergreen Cemetery. The land around the church became the burial grounds. About twenty years later, a new church was built a few blocks northeast of the growing cemetery. As of 1 January 1997, there are 1,892 marked, and 290 unmarked gravesites at Evergreen Cemetery. These almost 2,200 gravesites now occupy 12.3 acres of land. Currently, the City of Perry, Georgia maintains the cemetery. Evergreen Cemetery is divided into more than 575 family burial plots which vary in size. Some of these plots have more than a dozen graves, while others have only one or none. The majority of the plots are arranged alphabetically in sections. Many of the plots at the rear of the cemetery are arranged numerically. The arrangement of the graves in this book, corresponds with a survey plat of the cemetery, which is at the City of Perry municipal building. Many of the tombstones, especially from the 1800s, contain important genealogical information about those buried at Evergreen Cemetery. The names of the parents, places of birth and death, and often, biographical information are inscribed on the various monuments. The Houston Home Journal newspaper contains many obituary notices about deaths that occurred in distant parts of the country, and how the body was transported by train, back to Perry, Georgia to be buried at Evergreen Cemetery. These places included California, Washington, Texas, Florida, Maine, New York, etc. A beautiful stone archway at the entrance to Evergreen Cemetery, which was erected in 1928, is inscribed with the following information: =======>>> Page 5 "Evergreen Cemetery 1928. This arch was erected and presented to the City of Perry as a gift from Dr. Charles R. Mann, who requested that a certain sum of money from his estate be given to the city. His heirs chose this as an appropriate way of carrying out his request, and at the same time, of commemorating one who dearly loved his city, county, and fellow citizens, and whose faithful and skillful ministrations to the sick, enshrined him in the hearts of multitudes." The inside portion of the archway is inscribed with a poem about Evergreen Cemetery, which was written by Edwin Martin in 1886. Throughout the years, other nice additions have been made to the cemetery, such as benches, a gazebo, and a beautiful sundial. Evergreen Cemetery has a serene elegance in the way that the natural beauty combines with the man-made monuments. Huge evergreen and oak trees, some towering over ninety feet tall, have trails of Spanish moss draping from them. On a breezy day, the moss dances gracefully in the wind. A view of the cemetery during autumn usually yields bright hues of color from the changing leaves. There are many family plots that are bordered with beautiful ornamental fences constructed of iron. The gates of these fences often bear the name of the owner of the plot. There are also many burial plots that are enclosed with brick and stone borders. Many of the hundreds of stone monuments at Evergreen Cemetery have extensive artwork on them. Usually, the name of the manufacturer is engraved on the stone. Many of these early monuments came from Macon, Georgia, and others from Americus. Even though the natural elements have taken their toll on the very early monuments, most of them are still reasonably legible. A large number of the early pioneer families of Houston County, Georgia have chosen Evergreen Cemetery as their final resting place. There are many prominent judges, lawyers, politicians, businessmen, and war veterans buried at the cemetery, now spanning a period of 170 years. Also, there are at least 130 Confederate veterans buried throughout many sections of the cemetery. Some of these graves are marked with only a small stone inscribed with "C.V." and the name of the veteran. Often, the first name is marked with an initial, and there are no birth or death dates listed. =======>>> Page 6 The format of this book corresponds with a plat of the cemetery, which is included herein. Starting with section "A", the family burial plots are listed in alphabetical, and then numerical order. The various graves listed in each family plot, start with the upper left-hand corner of the plot, and then proceed from left to right. The name of the deceased is printed in bold lettering, and followed by the year of birth and death (in parentheses). Various other information is listed, as well as epitaphs. Many of the epitaphs are Biblical verses, but some are eloquent poems and testimonials about the deceased. These epitaphs are printed in italics. If a question mark (?) follows a name or date, this indicates that this is how the inscription was interpreted by this compiler. Please remember, many of the older tombstones have been very weathered by the elements. The following abbreviations are utilized in this book: b - born. d - died. CSA - Confederate States Army veteran. All dates are arranged in a genealogical format, such as: January l, 1997 is 1 Jan 1997. A full name index is listed at the end of the book. It is hopeful that this book will prove to be useful to those who are researching their ancestors from Houston County, Georgia, as well as those trying to find a particular gravesite. Evergreen Cemetery is a huge cemetery, and it would take a person several days just to read all of the information inscribed on the tombstones there. This compiler expended over 400 hours transcribing and organizing the information for this book. Now, with the use of this book, it is possible for you to take an imaginary tour of Evergreen Cemetery from anywhere in the world. Even though perpetual care is performed at Evergreen Cemetery, a cemetery's existence depends on the descendants of those who are buried there. They are the ones who bring the flowers and the flags to place on the graves of their ancestors. And, they are the ones who also bring their children and grandchildren so that they will know who came before them. After spending several days at Evergreen Cemetery, I was inspired to write a poem entitled, The Spirit of Evergreen Cemetery. This historic cemetery is a tangible link to Houston County and Perry's past. I would like to thank the trustees of the R.J. Taylor, Jr. Foundation, who awarded me a grant to assist in the non-labor costs of compiling this publication, and the printing expenses. William A. Mills =======>>> Page 7 The Spirit of Evergreen Cemetery I am the spirit of Evergreen, the cemetery draped with Spanish moss. Come sit for a while, I'll tell you what I've seen, though much of it deals with loss. I've been here since the early days, just after Perry, Georgia was founded. The funerals I've seen, you'd be amazed; the sermons, the songs, the cries that have sounded. Some of my occupants' names you'll recall; they were Perry's earliest pioneers. Now streets bear their names, but saddest of all, their flowers have decreased, after all these years. A stroll through my grounds can often evoke the peaceful sound of my spirit; but mostly a child or older of folk are the only ones able to hear it. A squirrel running up a cedar tree, the moss dancing in the gentle breeze. These are things of utter beauty; the magnificent colors of autumn leaves. Some of the trees reach ninety feet tall, and have been here for longer than I. Now a stone archway, a sundial and all, add class to this place by the creek where it lies. The towering monuments now numbering many, have gathered their share of scars and mildew. But among all the sights, I'm as grand as any; my winding roads circle this spectacular view. William A. Mills =======>>> Page 8 [This page contains a detailed plat of Evergreen Cemetery, Perry, Georgia. I will need to have this page scanned and post it later.] =======>>> Page 9 SECTION "A" A-1 1. Charles Franklin Cooper (b 23 Dec 1850, d 7 Jan 1918). "Father". Truly unselfish. He lived for others with not a duty left undone. 2. Cinderella Faulk Cooper (b 25 Sep 1853, d 21 Sep 1919). "Mother". Truly unselfish. She lived for others with not a duty left undone. 3. Cinderella Cooper (b Nov 1867, d Aug 1887). Daughter of C.F. & C.S. Cooper. 4. C.F. Cooper (b 14 Mar 1876, d 24 Jan 1963). Doctor. 5. Lutie Laidler (b 14 Dec 1882, d 2 Aug 1929). Wife of Dr. C.F. Cooper. 6. C.F. Cooper, Jr. (b 23 Sep 1915, d 19 Feb 1980). Doctor. A-2 1. W. Frank McLendon (No dates). 2. John Will McLendon (b 29 May 1896, d 1 Oct 1951). 3. Cement slab. No information. 4. Cement slab. No information. A-3 1. William E. Davis (b 28 Aug 1876, d 21 Mar 1948). 2. Julia Joyner Davis (b 30 Mar 1881, d 24 May 1953). 3. William S. Davis (b 8 Apr 1900, d 3 Jul 1918). A treasure in Heaven to beckon us all to a higher life. 4. Roy L. Davis (b 5 May 1915, d 25 Jul 1995). U.S. Navy, World War II. 5. Fannie Pearl S. Davis (9 Sep 1920). "Beloved wife and mother". A-4 1. Female Wilder (1918). Infant daughter of H.T. & Ammie Wilder. 2. Male Wilder (1921). Infant son of H.T. & Ammie Wilder. 3. Augustus T. Smith (b 3 May 1890, d 1 Jul 1942). Gone, but not forgotten. 4. Esther T. Smith (b 7 Mar 1896, d 21 Dec 1972). 5. Mack Ellis Thompson (b 3 Mar 1908, d 12 Apr 1982). 6. Laura Ida Etheridge (b 20 Apr 1874, d 22 Jul 1954). Wife of Robert L. Thompson. 7. Robert L. Thompson (b 14 May 1864, d 22 Nov 1943). 8. Amanda Thompson (b 25 Dec 1835, d 10 Jun 1934). =======>>> Page 10 A-5 1. John P. Westbrook (b 12 Sep 1870, d 13 Jul 1920). 2. Caroline King Westbrook (b 12 Apr 1865, d 24 Nov 1953). 3. Reba Westbrook (d 16 Apr 1966). 4. Eric A. Johnson (b 4 Nov 1897, d 18 Jun 1950). 5. Claudia Westbrook (d 17 Apr 1974). Wife of Eric Johnson. A-6 1. Edward L. Woodruff (b 1 Oct 1876, d 13 Jul 1962). But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 2. Emmaline C. Woodruff (b 20 Jan 1880, d 18 Jun 1957). For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 3. Male Woodruff (b 9 Dec 1918, d 11 Feb 1919). Infant son of Mr. & Mrs. E.L. Woodruff. A-7 1. William G. Edwards (b 14 Feb 1849, d 11 Aug 1921). 2. Maggie F. Houser (b 26 May 1858, d 9 Apr 1928). Wife of W.G. Edwards. 3. Miller Gordon Edwards (b 28 Nov 1885, d 4 Dec 1962). 4. Lenora Cooper (b 11 Dec 1887, d 24 Jul 1956). Wife of Miller G. Edwards. 5. Pearle Edwards (b 8 Jul 1901, d 13 Feb 1991). A-8 1. Mary D. Gilbert (b 7 Sep 1850, d 19 Jul 1925). "Mother". 2. N.W.H. Gilbert, Sr. (b 2 May 1818, d 8 Feb 1897). 3. N.W.H. Gilbert (b 24 Jun 1875, d 18 Oct 1941). 4. Mamie Edwards Gilbert (b 23 Nov 1880, d 2 Jul 1961). 5. Margaret Gilbert Morgan (b 12 Aug 1910, d 2 Jan 1967). 6. Robert Shelly Morgan (b 17 Jan 1892, d 27 Jul 1942). 7. Male Morgan (1924). Infant son of Robert & Margaret Morgan. A-9 1. Madge F. Yates (b 7 Jul 1906, d 29 Jun 1943). 2. William W. Yates (b 11 Jul 1872, d 11 Aug 1947). 3. Willie Catherine Brooks (b 6 Sep 1872, d 16 Aug 1928). Wife of W.W. Yates. 4. William C. Yates (b 7 Jul 1900, d 12 Jul 1968). =======>>> Page 11 5. Sudie Connell Yates (b 29 Oct 1902, d 22 Jul 1985). A-10 1. Thomas L. Parker (b 30 Oct 1937, d 6 Oct 1986). "Larry". God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. 2. Ira A. Parker, Sr. (b 10 Jan 1899, d 3 Jul 1949). 3. Daisy E. Douglas (b 5 Oct 1906, d 25 Dec 1983). Wife of Ira A. Parker, Sr. 4. William W. Douglas (b 17 Sep 1862, d 1 May 1929). "Papa". 5. Nellie M. Wright (b 23 Jan 1872, d 23 Sep 1966). Wife of William W. Douglas. "Mama". A-11 1. Nellie Louise Earnest (b 4 Jun 1914, d 29 Sep 1976). 2. Betty Sue McIntosh (b 19 Oct 1932, d 3 Jul 1945). A beautiful life gone, leaving precious memories. 3. Cement slab. No information. ****************************** SECTION "B" B-1 1. William Frank Powell (b 1 Apr 1903, d 11 Dec 1965). 2. Cinderella T. Cooper Powell Slaton (b 18 Nov 1901, d 18 Oct 1992). 3. Lucile Kezar Cooper (b 20 Nov 1884, d 18 Apr 1951). The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 4. Clinton Duncan Cooper (b 31 Oct 1880, d 8 Oct 1907). Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 5. Willie Cooper Etheridge (b 25 Oct 1882, d 2 May 1964). 6. James Palmer Etheridge (b 17 May 1883, d 27 Mar 1954). B-2 1. William Albert Skellie (b 24 Nov 1904, d 27 Dec 1986). 2. Mary Pauline McLendon (b 9 Oct 1902, d 1 Apr 1989). 3. Walter Eugene McLendon (b 28 Apr 1876, d 30 Mar 1928). 4. Sallie Amanda Mitchell (b 18 Feb 1881, d 1 Feb 1966). Wife of Walter Eugene McLendon. 5. Cement slab. No information. 6. Lee Smith McLendon (b 27 Aug 1878, d 18 Mar 1923). 7. Small cement slab. No information. =======>>> Page 12 B-3 1. William Cooper Jones (b 15 Jun 1887, d 6 Feb 1971). 2. Elizabeth Riley (b 29 Aug 1886, d 2 Dec 1983). Wife of William Cooper Jones. 3. Frederick Riley Jones (b 18 Sep 1912, d 17 May 1923). Son of Elizabeth Riley & William Cooper Jones. 4. Walter Burie Jones (b 22 Jan 1915, d 17 May 1923). Son of Elizabeth Riley & William Cooper Jones. 5. William Cooper Jones (b 6 Oct 1909, d 28 Oct 1918). Son of Elizabeth Riley & William Cooper Jones. 6. Fred Ayers (b 11 Jan 1903, d 27 Mar 1969). B-4 1. Lila Gurr (b 7 Dec 1857, d 1 Feb 1914). Wife of T.D. Gurr. Sleep on dear Lila, take thy rest. God called thee home, He thought best. 2. Charles Eugene Kernaghan (b 19 Jan 1882, d 12 Jun 1971). 3. Thomas Derrille Gurr (b 1 Dec 1849, d 25 Sep 1936). 4. Clyde S. Gurr (b 20 Feb 1885, d 29 Sep 1954). 5. Mary B. Gurr (b 3 Nov 1889, d 27 Dec 1975). B-5 1. Francis M. Greene (b 6 Aug 1882, d 27 Dec 1960). I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2. Mabel Gurr Greene (b 26 Mar 1888, d 6 Sep 1976). "Nama". Her children arise up, and call her blessed. 3. Marvin L. Greene, M.D. (b 27 Feb 1924, d 4 Feb 1960). Beloved physician. 4. Francis Marion Greene, Jr. (b 23 Dec 1908, d 8 Jul 1966). And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 5. Dorothy Slappey Greene (4 Nov 1911). B-6 1. Horace Bonner, M.D. (b 1851, d 1924). Dayton, Ohio. 2. Carrie P. Bonner (b 1857, d 1944). Dayton, Ohio. 3. Cement slab. No information. 4. Cement slab. No information. 5. Cement slab. No information. B-7 1. Cement slab. No information. 2. Cement slab. No information. =======>>> Page 13 3. W.A. Pearce (b 27 Feb 1882, d 25 Dec 1926). 4. Robert Aubrey Anderson (b 16 Aug 1900, d 22 Dec 1959). 5. Martha Skellie Anderson (b 14 Jun 1900, d 11 Jul 1977). B-8 1. Small cement slab. No information. B-9 1. Cement slab. No information. 2. Cement slab. No information. 3. Francis Marion King (b 19 May 1897, d 2 Feb 1964). Georgia, Private, U.S. Army, World War I. B-10 1. James Jordan (b 1906, d 1937). 2. Cement slab. No information. 3. Cement slab. No information. B-11 1. Charles Archibald Thurmond (b 5 Oct 1854, d 16 Feb 1949). 2. Elizabeth Minter Thurmond (b 16 Feb 1858, d 15 Nov 1943). 3. Olga Frances Thurmond (b 2 May 1889, d 4 Jan 1974). ****************************** SECTION "C" C-1 1. M.B. Riley (b 12 Mar 1859, d 7 Mar 1924). At rest. 2. Mattie Hose (b 15 Apr 1890, d 26 Mar 1984). Wife of M.B. Riley. At rest. 3. J. Lewis Riley (b 15 Apr 1890, d 26 Mar 1984). At rest. 4. Sadie Wellons (b 8 Dec 1890, d 3 Jun 1975). Wife of J. Lewis Riley. 5. E. Baxter Hose (b 20 Jan 1856, d 18 Nov 1918). 6. Laura P. Hose (b 1 Aug 1839, d 12 Apr 1911). Wife of J.H. Hose. 7. John H. Hose (b 20 Dec 1825, d 4 Oct 1888). 8. Walter G. Riley (b 29 Aug 1897, d 30 Sep 1959). At rest. 9. Katherine Ellis Riley (b 12 Oct 1903, d 20 Aug 1983). At rest. 10. Leila Mae Bennett (b 18 Nov 1861, d 25 Apr 1945). Wife of S.J. Hose. 11. Stonewall J. Hose (b 16 Feb 1862, d 21 Jan 1909). =======>>> Page 14 C-2 1. John Vernon Wallace (b 13 Jul 1865, d 17 Jun 1917). 2. Annie Wellons (b 6 Jun 1873, d 29 May 1957). Wife of John Vernon Wallace. C-3 1. Nell C. Rogers (b 14 Jan 1879, d 19 Jun 1967). 2. Samuel D. Rogers (b 29 Jul 1855, d 18 Aug 1939). 3. Ida Cater (b 10 Apr 1858, d 17 Jan 1926). Wife of S.D. Rogers. 4. Amelia Wimberly Rogers (b 1881, d 1913). 5. Possible grave? 6. Thomas Cater Rogers (b 31 Jul 1893, d 10 Oct 1971). 7. Ruth Gossett Rogers (b 8 Jan 1900, d 13 May 1985). C-4 1. Male Andrew (4 Nov 1912). Infant son of Mae T. & Carey B. Andrew. 2. Carey Baxter Andrew (b 15 Jul 1886, d 2 Mar 1954). 3. Mae Thurmond Andrew (b 12 Jul 1885, d 9 Jul 1966). 4. Carey Baxter Andrew, Jr. (b 22 Mar 1914, d 10 Feb 1981). 5. Charles Harbin Andrew, Sr. (b 27 Mar 1918, d 1 Feb 1996). C-5 1. Claude Edge Andrew (b 17 Aug 1898, d 4 Feb 1976). 2. Laura Riley Andrew (b 7 Jan 1900, d 18 Jan 1976). 3. Male Andrew (9 Nov 1923). Infant son of Laura R. & Claude E. Andrew. 4. Benjamin Harbin Andrew (b 22 Oct 1861, d 9 Nov 1929). 5. Addie C. Andrew (b 4 Feb 1868, d 30 May 1957). C-6 1. Nell Heard (b 27 Jul 1924, d 6 Jul 1925). 2. Pearle D. Heard (b 30 Dec 1880, d 15 Sep 1969). 3. V.E. Heard (b 1868, d 1920). 4. Walter M. Sharp (b 1889, d 1922). 5. Small cement slab. No information. C-7 1. Nathan B. Griggs (b 12 Nov 1887, d 3 Aug 1923). 2. Frederick Stanford Griggs (b 1 Apr 1919, d 6 Apr 1996). "Fred". U.S. Army, World War II. =======>>> Page 15 3. Rue Griggs? (No dates). 4. Harry F. Griggs (b 24 Oct 1911, d 2 Oct 1989). C-8 1. Cement slab. No information. 2. Possible grave? 3. Cement slab. No information. 4. Harry M. Bonner (b 1861, d 1937). 5. Anna L. Bonner (No dates). 6. Mary Bonner (No dates). C-9 1. C.B. White (b Mar 1876, d 19 Feb 1930). 2. Mrs. M.E. White (b Sep 1894, d 1 Oct 1928). C-10 1. Floyd F. Woodruff (b 15 Mar 1902, d 23 Jun 1956). At rest. 2. Eula Woodruff (b 18 Jul 1900, d 7 Mar 1931). At rest. C-11 1. Mrs. L. Fisher (b 20 Feb 1886, d 26 Dec 1941). 2. Cement slab. No information. C-12 1. Possible grave? ****************************** SECTION "D" D-1 1. Lillian Grace (b 1 Jan 1892, d 29 May 1921). Wife of M.G. Marshall. Gone, but not forgotten. 2. Maribel Grace (b 5 Dec 1883, d 30 Dec 1908). Wife of M.G. Marshall. Gone, but not forgotten. 3. Charles P. Marshall, Jr. (b 15 Jan 1916, d 29 Nov 1975). "Grandson". 4. Susie Wood Marshall (b 16 Mar 1918, d 31 Oct 1995). 5. Charles P. Marshall (b 7 Feb 1856, d 29 Jul 1919). Gone, but not forgotten. 6. Florence Marshall (b 15 Jan 1857, d 26 Mar 1906). Wife of C.P. Marshall. Gone, but not forgotten. D-2 1. Leonidas McLester (b 1853, d 1907). 2. Lula Persons McLester (b 24 Feb 1862, d 18 Jan 1941). 3. James P. McLester (b 4 Apr 1890, d 3 Jun 1912). =======>>> ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.