176 Year Old Cemetery Found! 5 ACRES OF GRAVES! Forgotten African American and Plantation Cemetery

Join me on an incredible journey to the Tabernacle Cemetery, a hidden gem enveloped in history and secrets. In this episode, Cecil Young, a dedicated historian, guides us through this forgotten site, which he uncovered while aiding Joseph Allen in tracing his ancestral roots. Joseph's great grandfather, Ephraim Hightower, born into slavery and died a free man in 1921, rests here beneath the most distinguished monument in the cemetery.
What makes Tabernacle Cemetery truly unique is its historical overlay-surrounding an old, separate white cemetery dating back to 1848, revealing a poignant blend of narratives and eras. Today, these cemeteries have merged into one, but the juxtaposition of mid-20th-century graves next to those from the plantation era offers a stark visual and emotional contrast.
Cecil's exploration and documentation bring to light the stories of those who lived through profound societal changes, marking this site not just as a place of rest but as a silent witness to history's relentless march. Join us as we uncover these tales, preserving the dignity and legacy of those who came before us.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

So much history here! (And I think I read a date or two wrong… sorry about that) Tip Jar For Gas: www.paypal.me/rwrightphotography Follow me on my old farm: kzbin.info/door/56vh2L-M0czmoTRLhSMaxg eBay Shop: www.ebay.com/usr/oldbyrdfarm Join The Official Sidestep Adventures Fan Group: facebook.com/groups/561758371276581/?ref=share_group_link My flashlight link: www.olightstore.com/s/UPTJSG Save 10 percent: SAIH10 (not valid on sales items and X9R) Mail: Sidestep Adventures PO BOX 206 Waverly Hall, Georgia 31831

[@SondraD7676]

No reason to be sorry about the dates, we get it. I don't see a problem looks correct to me.

[@jeremyburton9038]

Hey Robert thanks for finding some unknown family graves for me .

[@cindys.9688]

You read them perfectly, sir. No apologies necessary.😊

[@karenwright8556]

That hand written one looked like Bloomin Linsey. Very intriguing. Great visit,may they all be resting in peace.❤

[@luanneschaper8155]

The name on the hand inscribed stone was Normin Linzy

[@alanmoberly64]

Amazing how such a large cemetery is mostly forgotten. History can be strange on what is remembered and forgotten.

[@jeanwhite6693]

It's so pathetic that these cemeteries are forgotten and not kept up, so sad. This is history. Thanks to Cecil to find these cemeteries. 😢

[@MissNCGirl]

I read a few years ago that in some African-American communities, it was tradition to bury their loved one but to never visit the grave again. Nature was allowed to reclaim the cemeteries. I have been trying to find the article that explained the tradition so I can share the link.

[@tonygriffin6049]

H. E. Perkins appears to be Henry E. Perkins, Sgt. Co. B. 51st Georgia Infantry, CSA. Captured near Knoxville, Tn and died 5 June 1864 at Rock Island, Ill. Grave on Find a Grave.

[@sherrilee230]

It means a lot to have a photo of a headstone of your family. Thank you for sharing

[@decembergem4598]

Excellent job once again Cecil. Thank you Robert and Cecil for all you do.🙏

[@lisaragle2956]

Thank you Cecil and Robert for helping people find their relatives

[@Mari-B]

Thank you, Cecil, for all of your work in documenting these graves. May God bless you! Thanks, Robert, for sharing with us.

[@cclyon]

Amazing how quickly they can be forgotten.

[@patbrown463]

It's really not in the grand scheme of things.

[@Lorriann63]

I'm so glad that you and Cecil and Dan are doing your best to track these cemeteries and the people who are buried there. It's sad that you can't see all the names, but you are recording the names when you can. Thank you for all these things you are doing for Georgia's history, and maybe other places too because you don't know where future generations moved to.

[@nadineveitch5837]

Gosh 5 acres is a lot of land, hard to imagine it could disappear back into the woods like that. You're both doing such a good job at recording these, hats off to Cecil, 3 days to record is a lot of work!

[@barbaraharshman9460]

Thank you Cecil for finding these cemetery's and going with Robert

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching them. May the lord bless and protect you Robert and Cecil and bringing out the past history

[@SondraD7676]

After all these years of watching you here on YT, I am still amazed at the amount of graves and the never before seen cemeteries and graveyards that continue to be discovered. Between you, Robert and Cecil, I have to wonder at the total number thus far. I also wonder at the why no longer used cemeteries. Did the decendants move away, or just lost the family connection, or the history is still too raw to continue? So good of Cecil to seek this out! You, he and Dan need to go in search of lost graves in Cuthbert - you know what I mean! Good hearing the names of these souls, as to bring them to present day if only for a moment. It is said you die twice once you breathe no more and again when your name is no longer spoken. Enjoyed!! 👍👍❣️❣️

[@JonathanSparks-ht4vq]

Don’t forget. This is just barely the tip of the iceberg the number of cemeteries lost to time.

[@shellydehart8217]

Well said comment Sondra. I’ve never heard of that saying you mentioned. I’m going to remember it as I like very much. ♥️😊👍

[@patbrown463]

People die everywhere everyday, it's the only thing you have to do. Do you visit you families graves from four generations ago or older?

[@David_barnes55]

You really think they are lost lol you do know these are staged right

[@SondraD7676]

@@David_barnes55 exactly how do you stage an old cemetery? There is no staging, discovery yes, by various means. Staging, no.

[@reneehadfield5248]

Yasmin is the unreadable name…Thank you for all you do to acknowledge the forgotten departed.

[@naenae796]

Looks so peaceful . Thanks Cecil and Robert , for all you do .

[@darlenegood4101]

So cool you found a couple of Byrd plots and one was Willie. I hope you research that. Wow what a cemetery. Great job you guys.

[@debrafricano1486]

It always amazed me at the amount of lost cemeteries you guys find and so sad they are neglected.

[@lisaragle2956]

Famili s stop caring. Today's generation just does not have time.

[@dolothegreat2019]

Interesting find. To say their name is to have them live again. Question: How common is the Byrd name?

[@lynncanada1915]

Glad the cemetery and graves are found again, and FAG updated.👍👍

[@trudychartrand3585]

What a big place. Lot of work for Cecil. Thank you for share this with us Robert and Cecil. You are amazing Cecil for find these place for people. I enjoy watching.

[@debraroberts1496]

MM means Machinist Mate for the Navy 🌻

[@maryhamric]

What an amazing find. Just love your videos. Now my husband and I go visit cemeteries for fun and education. It's a great experience!

[@kenbyers8036]

I blanch every time you deal with the segregation of people in death. Segregation in Life was bad enough. I have ancestors that were slave holders and find slavery disgusting. However, I don’t believe we should erase history. It needs to be know to prevent repeating it.

[@jimplummer4879]

Thank yo Sir, you are so right in your thinking.

[@sherronbell4961]

Amazing graveyard and cemetery and video. Great history.

[@cindys.9688]

Love the name "Cola". Actually surprised it's not more common. It's always sad to see the children's graves. Them losing two sons, buried together.😔 The handwritten stone, where the writing is in cursive, is sure unique. Their penmanship is very nice but the cement didn't stand the test of time too well. You guys gave it your best shot.🤷🏼‍♀️ Seriously, 1991 and 1993 don't seem that long ago, especially seeing how much growth and weathering has gone on.😕 Thank you for reading each name out loud, as you always do. Their names are being spoken aloud for the first time in years, I'd suppose. Especially if they're a descendant no one in the family knows about. Once again, it's amazing how many graves you discovered! Thanks to Cecil for his time and efforts to make this place known. It'd be nice if it offers someone a chance to find a descendant of theirs. Maybe knowing the name, birth and death date and finding them here.❤️

[@user-gz2qh1ie8d]

So interesting! We found some old cemetaries in Wash. State that still have unmarked wooden crosses on some graves.

[@richardgrumpywelsh2485]

Great video of the forgoten past residents.

[@davidcarroll1883]

1991 seems like yesterday, Robert. My Dad passed in 1992. Seems like yesterday.

[@shellydehart8217]

I think Sondra’s comment said it well. I too was blown away of how many people were buried there. Everywhere you seem step was a grave. Fascinating cemetery. To think 5 acre’s of land filled with headstones n markers wherever you turn. Many thanks to Cecil n the time he put into this cemetery n thank you Robert for sharing. ♥️😊👍

[@raymonasorrow]

You guys are just ❤️❤️❤️❤️💜💜💜 I am just beside myself ! Cecil is just amazing ! 🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️Thank you!

[@lawandaclayton8888]

Cecil you are a gem.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I wonder if they named that one man Seaborn because he was born at sea! This was a HUGE cemetery. Too bad nobody is restoring it 😢

[@cindys.9688]

It's a thought! Definitely a possibility.

[@cchaffincc]

Maybe the first Seaborn. I lived in SW Georgia for several decades (moved to the NC mountains 12 years ago) and came in contact with many men, mostly older, named Seaborn. Most named for ancestors long gone.

[@monikameza4107]

Thank you both for showing this beautiful forest cemetery

[@elizabethspain960]

Bloomin Lindsey? That's what I was seeing!

[@daleyounts3426]

Glad to see the irises are still marking the graves

[@joyfisher2128]

Wow! Just documenting this alone is so impressive. It's such an amazing thing both Robert and Cecil have undertaken to tackle the documentation of lost and forgotten cemeteries like this. It is so meaningful to descendants like Mr. Allen, especially the ones who are not able to physically come and do the kind of legwork that y'all can do. You make it accessible worldwide and it is such gift. Such an inspiration y'all are! It's really hard to put into words properly how meaningful it is.

[@lynnmacleod1879]

What an amazing discovery. Thanks Cecil and Robert.

[@Rose_P_D]

MM 3C = Machinist mate 3rd class. That was my father’s rank as well during WWII.

[@grayhatjen5924]

My grandpa's as well! Your father wasn't in the Pacific Theater or Hawaii was he?

[@Rose_P_D]

@@grayhatjen5924 USS Aaron Ward and the battle of Okinawa. My Dad was one of the lucky ones.

[@StevenJeNova]

Thank you, both, for all your hard work. The forgotten (at least some) are now not forgotten.

[@sunnydayo6847]

wtg! Cecil has a real knack for finding old cemeteries.

[@jeremyburton9038]

Cant wait till the next video

[@marypettitt9150]

Thank you, Cecil, for the heads-up to Robert. I hope some descendants will see this and make their connections. Yay Find-a-Grave for compiling all that graveyard data.

[@benniebarrow348]

Amazing how big and beautiful the trees(and the natural surroundings) are when left alone by the loggers over the years.

[@glennyork6800]

WTG Awesome job Cecil.

[@sylviamiller9047]

Thanks for the video and story!

[@green_cloud4147]

MM is Machinist's mate in USN. This is very interesting thank you.

[@OvertheGarage-wv1wn]

Nothing can tear up a cemetery like trees. I grew up in Columbus, went to CHS. Live in Ohio now where my ancestors are from. Glad your still making videos Robert!

[@dixie3086]

I can remember either Robert or Dan speaking to an elderly man saying that once the African Americans buried their dead, they never returned to visit the grave. Superstition I think. That would make sense why so many were forgotten.

[@LauraKayeAuthor]

Always appreciate your adventures. Was the cursive Linsey name Yasmin? The part that looks like a P might have been a looping flourish on a Y.

[@marcbrunson6986]

Wow, Cecil is just an expert at finding hidden gems.

[@davidgraham8658]

MM is machinist mate

[@bensutherland6871]

This is so interesting thanks for sharing

[@karenshepler7128]

Thank you for sharing another wonderful part of history.

[@DavesEmpire1981]

When a cemetery is rediscovered, does it get marked upon modern survey maps to prevent redevelopment?

[@jeansalutz8422]

Yay for Cecil!

[@charlieboy2630]

Thanks for documenting all of these old cemeteries so that these people will not be forgotten. Also my dad grew up in Smith’s Station, Alabama, not to far from you, in the 1950s and 60s on Lee County Road 243. The old Central of Georgia/Southern/Norfolk Southern mainline runs in front of where his house used to be. I got my love for trains there while visiting my grandparents as a kid in the 1980s. We now live in Mobile County, Alabama. Keep up the good work you are doing!

[@sarahmoller9716]

Thank you and Cecil for the work you do in caring enough to do this. Stay safe. 🙏💜

[@southernmama9362]

Your videos make my day, ty for recognizing these people who are forgotten, i love exploring with u and friends 💗

[@deniseoftedahl8937]

Wow...More trips needed for sure!

[@darter216]

Love all the Sidestep videos

[@celleduffel1533]

what a great old cemetery, ty Cecil Young for showing Robert and sharing with us.

[@MillerMeteor74]

So cool. I really enjoyed that. I still can't get over how big some of your cemeteries are that are hidden in the woods.

[@madgekilbourn5256]

Robert and Cecil, thank you so much for at least attempting to read very difficult tombstones to see. I love watching your videos. I've learned so much from watching you and your friends. God bless all of you and I'll be looking for you all in your next video.

[@carolynnalvord6082]

What a find!

[@jamey48]

Thank you Cecil. Your work to help restore history will be such a great thing for your community and others. We need more people like you in this world. Thanks for another great video recording history !

[@kepperMN]

Thanks!

[@lsarlls3049]

Another great video, thanks to you and Cecil (my Dad's name was Cecil!).

[@debrastanford8761]

THANK YOU BOTH!!!AMAZING.....

[@FireRae366]

A guess on the name of the written headstone you found (PLOOMAN) possibly. It's how it looked to me. But, only a guess on my part.

[@racheallewis2437]

Me too.

[@amandiepannell786]

Thank goodness for find a grave! Because of it, I was able to find out that my 2 time great grandfather was a ferry driver on Fontana lake way back in the day.. like late 1800's and that he was also the sheriff until he retired.. never knew that I had law enforcement in the family 😊😊

[@DeeDee-dl7sl]

Thanks Cecil and Robert! I have a snake pole just like Cecil's, comes in handy!

[@judithburdine4910]

I saw red while Cecil went ahead I thought oh a flower. But I quickly realized it was cecial's hat. 😮

[@user-fo2jv8td1v]

Your videos are fascinating. Thank you for what you do ❤

[@tomhirons7475]

what a wonderfull find.

[@kerrygilchrist62]

Fascinating !!!

[@GailVaught]

Amazing dates on some of those graves. I love it when you all find and visit old cemeteries. It a walk through time and you sometimes try to imagine what the area was like during their lifetime. I am with you on the graves that are unmarked as they are lost to time. The only hope is an obsure records is found that maps out who was buried. However, with all the burning of plantations or courthouses during the civil war period many historical records are lost forever.

[@LucyMorningstar999]

The stone that looks like it starts with PL could also be the name Floorian perhaps? Awesome video, thanks for doing what you do!

[@lorysutherland5464]

I was right there with you trying to figure out that name !! Hope u solve it. Love the hand written inscription. Have to commend Cecil for his excellent work. We had to do a bit of work to find a relatives farm. The town renamed the roads !!

[@frankweatherford6848]

You would be suprised how fast time passes us by. Alot of times generations of families wind up dieing out thus old cemetaries being over taken by time.

[@jackward-vb7ew]

Great job 👍

[@tompena7487]

Amazing vlog . I love history . Thanks

[@tonyahaley6900]

Thank you.

[@johnnyboyvan]

Have you ever felt any spirits around you?? So curious.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

No

[@DD-th2bd]

Robert I just seen your video this evening on that show paranormal caught on camera, when you and Dan were exploring an old house and you were under the house looking at the foundation and you and Dan heard those heavy footsteps above you! You and Dan moved so fast to get out from underneath that house!😂👻that was crazy!

[@willemvdspek]

so love your video,s!

[@mygrammieis]

thanks Soo much guys for interesting 🧐Video and Walk around

[@mikeberesford4955]

Thanks for your work,you do very respectful investigation. Couldn't help notice how many were in a row that all died in 1962-65 in a row,any idea ?

[@johnbastien3872]

I wonder if it's still used?

[@charlescorris3469]

Good one..

[@patkendricks187]

I love watching you

[@kimberly1273]

Such a shame when things like this happen. Honestly, it really makes me mad. The people of the church, towns near by, and deceased knew where these places where and did nothing to keep up with things and make sure future generations knew and kept up with the care of it.

[@leekorten1791]

💞

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

It is a shame that the state does not take responsibility for these forgotten cemeteries. The earliest graves come from a historic & significant time in this country's history. At least fence it in. Sad to see so many cemeteries in this condition

[@andregould-287]

So sad..appreciate with you do Robert ❤ Really that one cemetery is not that old! Also ty to Cecil for finding the cemetery.

[@TheShazaam07]

Wow 5 acres

[@frankster1477]

The handwritten headstone may read Bloomin as a first name.

[@adampaul6468]

I'd love to know some of the names found! Doing a project im Sumter trying to restore black history sites!?

[@adampaul6468]

Thinking on it... we'd really love to have you come record our cemetery id you'd be interested

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I’d love to, email me at [e-mail]

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

www.findagrave.com/cemetery/37281/tabernacle-cemetery

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I posted the link where Cecil added many names to the FindAGrave listing for this cemetery

[@julianneavery6995]

So sad to see them go back to nature.

[@katherineyanagihara2909]

Aloha 🌺🥰

[@johnlaforte700]

Robert what happened to that Cemetery from 1993 till today that it is so negó?