178-Year-Old Cemetery: Family Found! Railroad and Georgia's History Revealed! - Geneva, GA

Join us on a profound journey through the 178-year-old Geneva City Cemetery in Georgia, where history whispers from every corner. This exploration is deeply personal for Dan, whose father was born and raised in Geneva. His father, who knew countless tales of the town's past, used to bring Dan to this cemetery when he was young, sharing stories that breathed life into history.
In this video, we don't just walk among the graves; we connect with the soul of Geneva through Dan's intimate tales, linking us to the railroad era of the 1850s and weaving his family's narrative into the town's history. From the connections to the Hollis Cemetery's Edge family to the poignant story of how Dan found his calling as a funeral director in this very cemetery, every moment is a testament to life, loss, and legacy.
We uncover graves of Dan's relatives and the son of Reason Edge, buried in the Hollis Cemetery, revealing the profound impact these stories have on our understanding of history and family. This exploration is a tribute to Geneva, to the stories etched in stone, and to the deep connections that tie us to our ancestors and to each other.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

We’re taking a break from fixing up the vandalized Mahone Cemetery and on this one we’re jumping into the history of Geneva, Georgia with amazing family connections and much history! 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

[@mygrammieis]

Awesome local history shared thank you guys👏✊💯🕊️💐🙏

[@exploringisraelshistory-dv2tb]

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[@exploringisraelshistory-dv2tb]

@sidestepinohistory I was wondering if it's okay by you that I'd promot my channel in your comment section? You may know me as @exploringisraelshistory

[@karenwright8556]

Most interesting.

[@pauljones8135]

How long was u there for

[@markdavidanthony]

My parents and other relatives are buried here. The dirt road on the other side used to cut through to our house on 80/96. I used to play in the cemetery as a child. My father, Harris Anthony, owned the Shell Service Station in Geneva.

[@debbiecox152]

Dan, being a funeral director explains your sense of history and compassion ! Listening to your stories is so interesting because you bring a communities history back to life. I am sure you have met and dealt with all walks of life and heard all kinds of stories ! Thank you and Robert for sharing with a fellow history buff that hasn't met a cemetary I didn't like.

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

I didn’t know that Dan was a funeral director and I bet he does an amazing job

[@kathleenarcher1233]

Dan is a funeral director??

[@kathleenarcher1233]

All those sweet babies dying so young. God bless that poor mama

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

@@kathleenarcher1233 yes that was awful

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

@@kathleenarcher1233 yes he said he has been a funeral director for 37 years

[@TraceyM.]

I just Love listening to Dan's Southern Drawl, So Soothing!

[@marilyngaeta1362]

I totally agree. I could listen to him all day.

[@cynthiacarter514]

I love the story of the woman who had fence and rose bushes when Dan was younger. She must have been loved.

[@suzannetisdall7609]

please replant a trellising rose for this grave site and maintain it.

[@cherylschantz9893]

I bet it was beautiful.

[@jonibelt1296]

Would love to see that basket grave replanted. What a great tribute of love.

[@bonniebrown6960]

❤🌹🌹🌹🌹❤ Loved that story too.

[@MrMilwaukee]

I hope Dan is working on that history book for future generations. Maybe Sidestep could create a history website that Dan could record all the historical knowledge

[@curtwright4740]

I second that motion.

[@curtwright4740]

All we need is another motion and Maybe Mr. Dan will oblige us. I would buy a book just for posterity and donate it out west here.

[@pamelabugh1812]

I will third the Motion. Dan is a walking History Book and I would love to see his vast information online or in print.

[@suzannetisdall7609]

I agree. please do make a history book for future generations to learn before God calls him home.

[@lisad476]

I would so buy it...podcast please

[@Rompecorazones1974]

Mr Dan calling someone else a walking library is crazy! I would have liked to listen to his pop's history lessons.

[@tothewoods743]

A funeral director! That sure makes Dan’s cemetery knowledge make perfect sense! Mostly I love how Dan refers to his elders as Mr. This and Mrs. That. Such respect.

[@karenwright8556]

Spring is in the air. I visited my parents graves and a infant brother yesterday and cleaned their stones. We will meet again.😊

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

God Bless you. I lost my mom in September of 2011 and my dad in January of 2015 and it doesn’t seem like they have been gone that long but I miss them very much

[@coralieg1947]

Dan. Your brain is full of history! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@nadineveitch5837]

I didn't realise Dan was a funeral director, it makes complete sense. Sounds like his Dad passed on a lot of history in his time. Love listening to the stories of all the different people. 😊

[@geneewert7591]

How did we go this long without knowing that!!!!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

It was the big reveal on this episode! 😅

[@geneewert7591]

I have zero ties to Georgia and especially Talbot County but in the time I have been following this channel I feel like I know these people as my own!

[@rebeccamyott7041]

Make a visit to a cemetery, a celebration of life. Never be sad.

[@johnlaforte700]

The cemetery is a very well kept place. The history Dan provides is the icing on the cake. 👍👍😊❤️

[@joanhawkins8552]

Dan The History Man. There is so much information in that man's head. Amazing

[@SondraD7676]

West Georgia - the people, the places, and the locations, the stories is indeed like putting a history puzzle together. Listening to Dan relate stories and connections between each person, coupled with the photos always paints a picture that is easy to see. All those babies 😢... my first thought is RA factor between parents, if opposite (positive and negative) would have caused such deaths, which is all avoidable now. How incredibly sad, as well as the little children. Enjoyed the pace of taking your time walking through, just wish I'd had some Big Chic too!! Watching this channel since the first video, observing your passion for history and loving where you live has forever made its mark in my memory and my heart. Excellence again, Dan and Robert!! Enjoyed!!❣️❣️👍👍

[@alanatolstad4824]

I too have wondered about the Rh factor, which would have been unknown to generations past.

[@SondraD7676]

@@alanatolstad4824 👍its got to be the case. I reread my comment, glad you figured out rh - typo.

[@alanatolstad4824]

@@SondraD7676 I had to updo my knowledge to try & understand if Rh allows for any live births at all, & the literature assured me that a baby could survive for a short while but the complications would be incompatible with life. Hard to imagine the grief of a family desperately wanting children & yet dreading each pregnancy, knowing that baby was unlikely to survive.

[@SondraD7676]

@@alanatolstad4824 Exactly. Family members, cousins in the past had this issue, late 1800s and again in the 1920s.

[@coralieg1947]

@@alanatolstad4824 Also.congenital heart defects and other anomalies. Very sad.

[@XaviClot]

It's heartbreaking to imagine the history of that family with so many infants lost... 😪😪😪😪

[@juliepowell1715]

I love listening to this history! Thank you for all that you do!!! Very interesting. My hometown has torn down a whole city block. Not much is left of the old town. It breaks my heart. My great great grandfather's old butcher shop is now gone. Very sad. Love all that you do to preserve history!

[@tantejopie268]

The broken headstone could be ....Cliford.... ?

[@sherrilee230]

It's amazing how these folks made their way in life to pass it on in the family. And most of the families let it go. They were determined hard working people. And didn't stop till their last breath. Thank you for sharing

[@susanboucher9732]

There should be more organizations to take care of these old cemeteries, not just in Georgia, but everywhere. Respect for the dead!

[@amywright2243]

I can't believe Mr. Dan forgetting any story! Thank you for recording so many stories for us!

[@kerrygilchrist62]

Dan’s memory is amazing !!!! Thanks for taking us along ❤️

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

Robert I want to say thank you to you and Dan for sharing this and to see a child’s grave is so heart breaking

[@theodoredugranrut8201]

Thank you, Robert, for introducing us to Dan. He is a wealth of information and a true gentleman.

[@dianegossum1825]

Mr. Dan you are a special man. Love hearing your stories and knowledge of the past. Love to see you enjoying yourself too

[@Steve7318]

I love hearing Dan's stories. I could listen to him all day! He's a wealth of knowledge and has a great memory. He's a link to local history and living history. Even for someone like myself who doesn't live in the area it's great American history. Hearing the story of the old school teacher who lived to be nearly 100 and brought an old Confederate uniform into school that belonged to her Dad.

[@MachelleBelle44]

I could listen to Mr Dan talk all day long!!! He’s so informative and intelligent and knowledgeable!!! I’m not from anywhere near y’all and y’all make it so interesting!

[@carrieann1640]

I love all those yellow flowers in a row - that must be a loving family.

[@marshastewart1655]

I love listening to Dan. He reminds me of my late father. As I was growing up he, too, would tell us about the family, neighbors and friends buried in the cemeteries. In 2013 we laid him to rest in the Poplar Grove Cemetery in Owen County, Kentucky ❤

[@user-cz8pu1om6y]

Such a beautiful cemetery…I could listen to Dan for a long time..

[@robertburns3014]

I love to hear these stories about people who walked this earth (excepting infants who died soon after birth) long before I was even a gleam in my parent's eyes! Every one of these people were sons and daughters of God. What a reunion it will be when we get to Heaven and get to know family members and others who were born and died before we were even conceived!

[@elissalee3057]

I like hearing Dan talk about history. I love history

[@brendahogue5487]

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

[@bettyboop4263]

Thank you for the tour. The monuments in that cemetery are absolutely beautiful and Dan's knowledge of their lives is fantastic.❤

[@claudiadesoto2378]

Love the history, you need to write a book on your memories

[@dormiacrouch1905]

I love your Southern accent!! I can just picture you in a longtailed white suit coat and white pants wearing a white hat like they did long time ago on Southern Plantations

[@karenshepler7128]

Such a very large and beautiful cemetery. Very nicely kept .what a great part of history. Thank you for sharing with us and the family stories love them .Take care.

[@paulawright1554]

I love watching the two of you. Explaining the lives and history these people made.

[@margaretmenditto4282]

You are so knowledgeable. Love listening to the stories.

[@oliviaburton9489]

This history lesson is so interesting and I’m a northerner! I should have guessed you were a funeral director! That was the biggest discovery of all! Thank you for sharing your knowledge of this and all the cemeteries you film.

[@user-le5tx3il9v]

Have been following for awhile…just love the history. Mr.Dan you are an amazing historian…both of you are just awesome. Thankyou

[@ninaellyson814]

I never knew Dan was a funeral director. Makes perfect sense! I love and enjoy the history and stories of people who lived long ago. What a wonderful way to keep their stories alive. Your historical cemetery walks are amazing and I absolutely love them! Amazing work Robert and Dan!

[@sparkplug5481]

Interesting to hear about a Hupmobile. I owned one for many years , sold it to a guy that pestered me for a long time to sell it to him. Regret selling it , but you can’t keep everything

[@rikspector]

Mr. Dan and Robert, Thank you for the History of Geneva and it's people. I Google Earthed it and it's such a lovely location, pop. 1200 or so. The Cemetery looks well maintained and the whole region is nicer looking from the ground. Not a bad place to have grown up, I really hate cities. Cheers, Rik Spector

[@judithorphey3296]

Dan I am amazed at how well you are at recalling history of the people and family connections around your area. I love history and have worked on family lines since I was 19. I wish you lived in my home country in WV. I would spend days asking questions I hope you have recorded your knowledge for future generations. Both you and Robert are treasures to your community. 👏👏👏

[@LOSTinS.C]

Robert I live your channels. Mr. Dan I could listen to you tell stories for hours. You should consider doing audio books or short story compilations.

[@sandysue202]

That was a neat cemetery. All those children from that one family who died as infants or toddlers! Maybe it was a genetic issue that wasnt treatable back then? Whatever the reason, how terribly heartbreaking for those parents. Thanks for taking us along on this adventure.

[@garysoykin2783]

I hope these videos last forever because everything that guy said needs to be in the history books are on video very cool informative information

[@traceypedigo6405]

Mr. Dan, the walk thru this cemetery, and your stories of these people, and their lives, is so enchanting. I love these stories that bring us closer to the people who lay there, at rest. Very touching! Thank you, for sharing.

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

Mr. Dan is a real treasure.

[@paulhoffman6371]

I enjoyed Dan's comments about his ancestors being related to everyone else in the cemetery. My mother is from a small immigrant hamlet in Canada. Yep, all related by marriage, and we still are. Hope to see you on the OBF again soon.

[@user-nu6gl8io8f]

My ancestors are from Nova Scotia then ad they were thew out we settled South Louisiana.

[@curtwright4740]

Mr. Robert, we may be kin as Wrights but also you all have found in your ventures some descendants of my Kidds, Sewells, and Steeds. Look forward to another, Adventure into History. Glad to have you guys for some much needed down time. 😊

[@user-nu6gl8io8f]

We have Kdids here in our town, they owned a PO Box shop the best Roast beef s on the Gulf coast!

[@user-nu6gl8io8f]

Sorry Kidd

[@timeversman9804]

Thanks again for thr stories.

[@Azoreanislandgirl]

Dan, you are a book of knowledge in your community. God bless you.

[@lillypad9960]

Robert, in Dan, you have not only a wonderful friend but also an amazing historian. Enjoy! P.S. I could follow Dan around like a lonely puppy. Blessings from Michigan.

[@rodneyfletcher9565]

Robert, I thoroughly enjoy these historical videos. Dan is so interesting to listen his incredible knowledge and memory recall. Thanks to you two again!

[@carolynnkaster9457]

I lived in Fortson Georgia for 8 years, so I really enjoy your stories. I now live with my Husband in his parents home outside of Louisville, Kentucky. We have a large cedar in the yard that my Father in law tied up with a heavy duty strap many years ago. It has kept it from splitting . He also did the same thing to a large black walnut tree. We made it through the round of tornados yesterday with no damage.

[@richardgrumpywelsh2485]

This was a great video, It is wonderful to have someone who is a walking historian.

[@patriciajackson6911]

Dan has so much historical knowledge !! At least with these videos his knowledge is recorded. Love this site

[@Melissa-pt2ik]

That’s some amazing grave stones in that cemetery

[@BrianPhillips-le3gl]

Dan has stories of past generations ,for this generation and because you are making videos like this, for generations to come. I also liked the Long Leaf Pine Hills short!

[@donnal.oglesby4806]

Every time I see another video on this channel I am amazed at all the history I am listening to and try to absorb as well, as I listen to Mr. Dan Akins and Robert..This cemetery is well cared for and very clean.Gosh, in that one section to have lost 9 children and none of them reached the age of 5. So sad. So many family connections to Mr. Dan, and so interesting to loisten to . Thank you Both Dan and Robert, Appreicated.

[@terrioestreich4007]

I love this!! I could listen for hours

[@mygrammieis]

Such a Amazing talk about locals

[@dariamitchell9293]

Robert and Dan, Thank you so much for the history lesson on this cemetery and the local lore and history! I love cemeteries and find them a warm inviting place to visit and learn about local history. I felt as if Dan was having more thoughts then he could share about many people he talked about. I feel the same when I visit my home town cemetery. Thank you so much for recording until the battery died! I am sure it was a great Big Chic meal!😊Daria

[@lorij323]

I just love when Dan is along for a video because you know you are going to learn a lot of history. Dan needs to be writing a book or something with all this information and stories. And the personal connection he has with this one was an extra added bonus.

[@wandaminicka-wojturska1128]

Very interesting story. Mr Dan, thank You for all wat You do for all cementery. Gretings from Poland.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Looking at that piece of headstone from back here, the first character looks like a 'T'.---Wow, what would that weeping angel monument cost today???---I appreciated the drop-in photos.---And how many folks appreciated that gorgeous sky in the background!

[@gaselekrauss415]

I love the cement planters with the bright yellow and red flowers. Very interesting families.

[@user-sz4hz1lj5u]

I so enjoy yours and Dan’s adventures. He has so much knowledge of the area’s history, and he’s a wonderful storyteller. I was fascinated by the 1 grave marker with the names and birth and death dates of 9 very young children. I especially love it when Annie and Blue are along for the adventures, and I miss seeing Cat.

[@leticiasingleton4186]

Mr. Dan be knowing his everything about long time people I wouldn't be able to remember all of that.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@23Josilee]

Wonderful history lessons...cemeteries are such lovely, peaceful places...to me...visiting with our ancestors! Thank you Dan and Robert!

[@beverlyparrott3890]

I love these cemetery videos. Great job Robert.

[@genevarobles-su3vx]

Oh I just enjoy all the history you all bring us to all these interesting cemeteries old houses etc!!!This one was extra special being named Geneva since thats my name its an older name!Thank you all you do Robert taking care of the stones cleaning them cecil too and clearing out cemeteries that were vandelized! Wonderful videos !!! Thank you again for all this awesome history being revealed by you all god bless ya all!

[@lisacooper3991]

Just thinking..if videos had been around during all these dates Dan's talking about, imagine the great grands and so forth, could have told so much history for us,as Dan is doing now. It would be amazing to listen to such places n people n ole cemeteries. Now, like what Dan and everyone else is doing, it's documented on utube for future generations to listen and see.. thanks for sharing such awesome history

[@sheila182]

Great video. Dan definitely needs to write a book. He knows so much and has great stories.

[@PAPYROTECHNICFAN]

Love the content. Dan and Joy add so much for historical background. I am in PA but Dan's descriptions and accounts make me feel I am there. Great job! Thanks

[@JimmyMack-jj2vg]

I really enjoy watching you and Dan do that

[@tinabenavidez1903]

Mr Dan, I could sit and listen to you all day. The knowledge is awesome. Robert I'm glad you're learning this history also. You'll be able to teach it also. Is the cemetery still in use today.

[@martinmarsola6477]

A great follow-up on this graveyard. Very informative. Thank you.❤

[@michaelmerta8956]

This gentleman has an incredible photographic knowledge.

[@YT4Me57]

My mother's family relocated in Tarrytown, NY from Virginia in the "Great Migration" (early 20th century). Most of them and their neighbors are buried in the 'colored section of Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. As a child the family gathered the cemetery several times a year, and I was told endearing stories of people I had never met: my mom's Girl Scout leader, my grandfather's best friend, etc. Now my mother's generation have joined that heavenly cloud of witnesses and it's my turn to tell the stories. Cemeteries are often places of grief, but they can also be filled with the joy of lives well lived.

[@gayleloy7111]

Thank you guys. One of the most interesting stories that I have listened to. Love from Australia. ❤❤❤

[@debracole6587]

I amazed and fascinated by the amount of history that Dan is passing along. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Even though I am a Canadian, history of any country is always interesting to me.

[@johnnyboyvan]

So interesting. 😊

[@rhondasimpleman5905]

The zinc monuments are beautiful. I’ve never seen one. Beautiful cemetery.

[@mcwatersd]

What a wonderful Cemetery. Loving the interesting stories of all these people . Dan tells them so lovingly and well . Great video Keep Safe ❤Keep Well❤

[@JoanFonda]

I am so. In love family history for many years

[@joyfisher2128]

I can't believe that Dan didn't share any Bobby Smith stories! Folks would have loved hearing more about that man. I want to know if Dan's cousin whose ashes are spread in the cemetery has a marker with her name? If not, her descendants might never know she was there. Loved this cemetery walkabout with you and Dan!

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Dan has so many amazing stories of so many wonderful family's ❤

[@user-lf9rh8tb9c]

Interesting, thanks for sharing

[@frankscarborough1428]

Love to mr Dan's History lessons thanks Robert and mr Dan

[@scottlambert2949]

Another great story and history thanks for sharing

[@vickymurdock8127]

Loved the video guys ❤

[@carolfriend6977]

Very interesting! Thank you

[@mygrammieis]

Great historical story and find guys

[@Lorriann63]

Dan's stories are always interesting to listen to. You are all doing so much good bt preserving these stories and reading the stones. Thank you for all you do.

[@lindatanner8726]

This was fascinating. Very nice learning this history.

[@jimmyandkathyharrell]

Very interesting cemetery tour