96 YEAR OLD MAN VISITS HIS OLD FAMILY CEMETERY IN THE HILLS OF ROUGH EDGE

TAKING MR BEN GILSON TO THE OLD CRAWFORD CEMETERY IN ROUGH EDGE

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

It was an honor to take Mr Ben Gilson up to the old Crawford Cemetery… PayPal Tip Jar: www.paypal.me/rwrightphotography Mail: Sidestep Adventures PO BOX 206 Waverly Hall, Georgia 31831 Follow me on my old farm: kzbin.info/door/56vh2L-M0czmoTRLhSMaxg Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/SidestepAdventures

[@tashasmith6179]

I really enjoyed this. Mr. Ben made me giggle a few times and I love the whistling noise he makes. Reminds me of my stepdad. He's 90 something and has dementia. He makes a humming sound. I'm so happy that y'all were able to take him there. 🙂

[@gloriahayes2488]

You tie the generations together. Good man.

[@crashlana]

Thank you for sharing this with us ❤️

[@suestoons]

12:19 "We can see 10 children buried ..." That is a **lot** of time being pregnant! Ladies sure were tough then. My great-grandmother immigrated to Canada around 1905. She had 6 young children, the youngest an infant born en route. They settled in Central Manitoba. She built and lived in a sod hut, half underground, for 10 years with no running water or electricity.

[@d.g.n9392]

Thank you for taking Mr. Gibson to the cemetery and bringing us viewers along. Enjoy the history of the families. Coincidentally I’m a retired funeral director in Missouri. And also been tracking my relatives in the various cemeteries, one which is on the back edge of an old family homestead in Lanes Prairie, Missouri. Much of them I’m recording on Find a Grave.

[@davebrooks2942]

Looks like that's not the first gate he ever crawled under. That's the kind of guy I love to hear stories from. Thank you for the content.

[@janetcw9808]

There will be some stories!!! 👍🏼

[@sriddle3569]

Interview Sheriff Johnson

[@donnajames9240]

It's a lesson to the younger ones, ask your elders about the family history while you can. As we age many of us wish we had. Great video!

[@lifespanofafry1534]

To hell with my elders.

[@bettyboop4263]

The young ones in my family could care less about family history. Sadly they only care about themselves, Facebook, Tic Toc ,texting, etc.😩

[@texas6060]

Believe me, I sure wished I could go back an talk to my Parents again on more of my Famiy History. My Cousins an my Oldest Brother an I had been putting together things that each parent has told us they know. Thank you for saying this.

[@fireball1322]

Agreed.

[@voiceofreason7856]

It's true. A few years before my last parent passed away, we went through a HUGE box of old family photos and Mum helped me label all the pictures of the people she knew - who they were, and when they were born, died etc.

[@hemingraybrookfield75]

When he dropped down to the ground and crawled under that gate, my jaw literally dropped wide open in shock. This guy is pretty amazing !

[@billhaar2919]

I’d of been so afraid that he would fall & brake a hip. Then have that on my conscience for the rest of my life.

[@scott1395]

It probably came natural after cruising timber all those years! No telling how many gates and fences he crawled over and under!! He just forgot his limits at his age!!

[@billlombard9911]

That’s why he is 95 , doesn’t give up

[@JediJan]

Would have thought they would have removed a few of the timber planks, then replaced them after they left.

[@aloysiusdevanderabercrombi470]

@@JediJan that was a welded pipe gate.

[@joharmon2148]

What a darling man, don't nobody going to tell him he can't do that! That was so wonderful of you both to take him up there.

[@janyn.m.9633]

I want to adopt Mr. Ben as my grandpa. I would listen to him all day long. Wise people like him are a treasure to have.

[@bubblesangel555]

Best comment!

[@bahoonies]

@Jany N.M. I love your comment. If you want to adopt a grandma too, my mother is just a month younger than Mr. Ben. Funnily enough, I was picking her brains today about my great grandparents as she's the last of the old generation.

[@Jaebird82]

More like great grandpa! You look young.

[@lhughes5501]

Uncle Ben's sister, Maidie, was my Grandmother! She was married to Charlie Albert Ligon that at one time was Talbot County's oldest citizen. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 98! So happy he got to see this part of his history again! Thank y'all for taking him!!

[@jengeary7394]

Mr. Ben makes me miss my pap who passed away in 92 at age 62, I was 9. People truly don’t understand how Mr. Ben and others are pure treasures.

[@charlessirois7627]

I'm so happy that he was able to visit his ancestors cemetery, that was very nice of you two guys to do this... A BIG THANK YOU!!!!!

[@tacocin]

Bless his heart! A living, breathing, walking history book. I could spend countless days talking with this man .., and recording every word! Huge respect for all three of you for doing this!!!! It's an honor!

[@merideekennedy5084]

As a funeral director of nearly 30 years, lover of old cemeteries and history, this has to be the most meaningful and honorable thing I have seen. Thank you for making it happen for him to see his families final resting place

[@esterherschkovich6499]

My grandfather was an Undertaker in Manchester England...

[@bethbartlett5692]

Your comment is bright in positive energies. It touched me. My son's girlfriend is a moritician, a beautiful young woman whom I enjoy spending time with. Beat Regards

[@puppy2haley]

So thrilled he is fit enough to have made this adventure to see where his great great grandfather was laid to rest. Bet he has some AMAZING STORIES to fill in a lot of blanks. Write down all the history/stories he can remember. Loved this video!! God bless him! Thank you guys for this video. Very heart warming. 👍❤️🙏🏻

[@anncarlin8767]

Diane, it is such wonderful advice to his contemporaries to WRITE AS MUCH DOWN AS POSSIBLE. My grandmother would tell us so much when we were young and at the time you think you will remember it but you don't ! Now we have tried to do genealogy and it's difficult. Frustrating because so far everything that I do remember she said has been correct but so many things are now just lost.

[@gailatkinson1908]

As soon as he said “alrighty”, I fell in love! What a wonderful thing you did for this wonderful old gent. ❤️❤️

[@bettytordoff8920]

Spry "young man ", still crawling under gates. So happy he got to visit so many of his family gone before. Must have been a real treat for him. Mr Ben, you sir are a real treasure!

[@TheTexasTodd]

And I was expending then to get him there in a side by side ATV or sometime… that’s rough terrain for an old man with a cane

[@swearenginlawanda]

I know i wouldn't be able to do that and I'm no where near 96. God bless him.

[@scottdawgsfan7516]

It’s amazing getting to hear stories from the ole timers. It’s a shame that’s there’s not as many around anymore for us to learn living history from. God bless Mr Ben.

[@killeralltires]

There's more old people now than at any time before in written human history. What are you smoking?

[@eileenmurphy5718]

You have done a fantastic thing for a almost 96 year old man.

[@sharonlegnon7411]

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!! What a gem he is. Love this guy.

[@marygarner5249]

IF THIS MOMENT DOSENT WARM YOUR HEART WELL DONT KNOW WHAT WOULD WAS A HONOR TO MEET THIS SWEET MAN GOD BLESS YOU SIR 💟💟💟

[@its_so_edna]

So glad you were able to bring him to this cemetery. You did a wonderful thing. People his age really like to be able to get out and have an adventure.

[@gwenb4531]

Much respect to Mr. Gilson and Mr. Akin and Mr. Robert.

[@maryannanaya7126]

Such a touching story. Always wonderful to hear stories from our elders.

[@maryguy9013]

We can learn alot from our elders"the greatest generation"

[@richardyoung9024]

It is so sad to know there are so many forgotten cemeteries buried deep in the woods. It is wonderful you are out there uncovering so many of them. Don’t stop! These deceased deserve to be seen again and remembered.

[@BHill-rz9tg]

If you can, pitch in and help or give a donation. They can't do this alone.

[@amers83]

There are forgotten people buried everywhere. Most couldn't afford headstones. Wooden crosses that rotted over time.

[@65stang98]

@@amers83 theres something like a body for every so many hundred yards of the oregon trail and hats just one example. no matter where you are theres most likely human remains nearby that are extremely old.

[@yourbigpalal83]

God bless all of you especially that man. 96 years old crawling under a gate like that and walking though that woods. That aint no joke. Im 38 and idk if i could do that. God bless him. And you both. You helped this man find his long lost kin he was looking for all his life.

[@non-nefarious]

A lesson to the young: always be respectful of the elderly. Just like this fine gentleman, they have earned their place on this earth and beyond and the respect that goes with it. What an honor to be able to witness this video.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

So happy Mr. Ben finally found his family. He seemed upset that he couldn’t find it for his Mother long ago, but he has been there now and I’m sure she’s happy.🤗❤️🐝

[@denise-rw9yf]

What a special trip you did for Mr. Ben, this is such a time of witness and honor for his Momma. His wish has been fulfilled thank you for allowing us to share that moment.

[@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage]

Some needs to record Ben's history

[@FattyPasta]

I'm crying over here. What a wonderful gift you and Dan gave that man! Thank you, wow.

[@dm607]

I go from smiling at an elderly man shimmying under a rusty old gate and dragging his feet through dead leaves, to bawling my eyes out when he finally reaches the gravestones. OMG guys!! This has to be the most amazing adventure I have ever walked with you. Thank you so much. Deb of Oz.

[@ohmeowzer1]

I was shocked l couldn’t do that ,,holy moly good for him ,,good job mr Ben

[@CC58]

James Crawford's son, James Jefferson Crawford, has interesting newspaper obit, " his father lived to 100 years and his grandmother live to 115 years". Now we know why Ben gets around so well.

[@klausvonschmit4722]

That is pretty impressive!

[@rebeccaofpollywogflatts8976]

He just might have 20 years left! Awesome

[@bethbartlett5692]

Great Genes and more importantly "Great Attitude, Thoughts" he is a pistol! lol

[@smc130]

Mr. Ben is amazing. He’s obviously stayed active his entire life. That is what keeps a body going!

[@maitide9166]

This video made all the others worth it! I just lost my Dad in December at 92 years old. God Bless You Mr. Ben!

[@phoenixrising1799]

@MAITIDE 💕GOD BLESS YOU & COMFORT YOU💕SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS💜

[@frankscarborough1428]

Such a great old guy. What a privilege you have had to visit with him. Going under that gate was quit a feat. You should speak with him Dan about local history. That would make an interesting video

[@MissNCGirl]

I hope they sit down with Mr. Gilson and record his knowledge before it is gone forever.

[@susanbrookman2133]

I can't believe he did that, the determination to see that cemetery. I had tears in my eyes for him. So touching, thank you Robert for giving Mr Ben his wish. His history should not be forgotten.✌&❤

[@garykaufman8128]

Don't know if this was mentioned, but Talbot County is NE of Columbus, GA...not a large county area.

[@susans3266]

Who else cheered when Mr Ben went under the gate? Happy birthday Mr Ben. Robert you and Dan did a wonderful thing. You've earned your spot in heaven

[@joycehorstmann2634]

What a wonderful man-he reminds me of my grandpa, a Baptist minister who was still teaching Sunday School and gardening into his 90s. I also love the great respect you showed him!

[@bubblesangel555]

I'm 59 and have the crs syndrome! This gentleman is almost 96 and is an amazing historian, AND amazingly agile still! He is truly a wealth of knowledge, his stories should be told far and wide!

[@jacquelinenoble6640]

Mr Ben , a gem of a human bless him.

[@janecrist8406]

I commend you for taking the time and making an effort to bring this gentleman to his families gravesite. What a nice thing to do.

[@peggyharris3301]

Robert and Dan this world could use millions more men like you...what a gift you gave him. ❤❤❤

[@naenae796]

I’m thrilled ! I was so hoping this would happen ! You guys made a dream come true for him. Thank you !

[@tonygriffin6049]

The Thomas Hall you uncovered was 21 and living in the James Crawford household in the 1860 census. Trying to find out more about him.

[@lisaknell1809]

Awwwww Mr. Ben is a treasure! I’d love to sit and listen to him tell stories of the past. My great aunt Att was 102 when she passed back in the early 90s. I can remember some stories she told me. Young people, listen to your elders because someday those memories they’ve shared may be the only record that you have! ❤️

[@hueychief]

Watching Mr. Ben crawl under that fence was awesome! Then watching him walking around that rough ground with his cane was extra awesome! I love that spirit. Good job, Gentleman.

[@tksass9091]

OMG Robert! ♥️🤗 I can not put into words just how happy & heart warming this is. To bring this young gentleman out to see his family that has been gone for so sooo long, that he has wanted & wondered about for so many years. I cried tears of happiness through the entire video (except when he goes under the gate both times, then I got tickled) bless his week away from his 96th birthday heart♥️♥️♥️ I could sit & listen to his stories for days & days. For what y'all did for him taking him to this cemetery...... Thank u. U both r Angel's n my eyes. Nothing but respect I have for y'all. Absolutely Love this video♥️♥️♥️🤗🤗🤗♡♡♡

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

What an amazing man Mr Ben Gilson is . My mum is 92 and full of story's All they need is someone to listen and we can all learn Next time you take someone that age remember to take a little seat for them to rest because its very hard for them. You didn't just show us history today you brought it to us in Mr Gilson who shimmied under a gate at 96 :) This was a really good video Robert and Dan and a big Thankyou to Mr Gilson

[@swearenginlawanda]

Now we can sit and talk, and RECORD, the histories

[@mandysmith3861]

He was a hoot! I would have died if I’d turned around and seen him going under that gate! 🤣 such a blessing to live such a long life. The one buried there that was almost 100 when he died is amazing especially for the time period because so many people didn’t live very long lives back then. I could not imagine the grief of the parent though to have lost so many children at such young ages especially so many not even 1 years old. So sad! You done a great job being able to get this gentleman to his family’s graves that he’d wondered about For so many years! Y’all keep up the great work, and Robert we are going to have to make you a grave find back pack stuffed with the essentials flashlight, clippers, brush, gloves, maybe a small shovel that you can keep in your car and just make sure you remember to grab it when you go out exploring

[@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage]

So many children passed away early in many generations. Its hard to believe.

[@eileenmurphy5718]

Mr. Ben is a hoot.

[@PNW_Life]

I love old-timers stories. I wish I had gathered stories from my old timers before they all passed. Robert, I can see you being and old timer of the area telling everyone the stories of the past.

[@P.B.Theriver]

9:00 "granddaddy Harris" - John Pollard Harris 1858-1928 married Mary (Mollie) Berry Crawford 1861-1913 10:06 "Robert got his second name Harris" - referring to Ben's older brother Robert Harris Gilson 1925-2001 16:25 "daddy was born in 1888" - William Mangrum Gilson 1888-1970 16:43 "JM & MJ" - John Maston Crawford 1822-1907 & Mary Jane (King) Crawford also called Mollie

[@janthieme3024]

Very touching story, so happy he was able to visit his family cemetery. Thank you for sharing. Stay well sir.

[@deniseoftedahl8937]

What a wonderful thing to do for Mr. Ben, and God blessed him to be fit enough to make the trek!!! He showed you guys up crawling under that gate!!! LOL I love it when you can connect people with their ancestors. You are a good soul Robbie!

[@anitamorales1506]

Oh my Lord, this was so special. How kind you are to do this for this lovely old man. It brought tears. This is a lesson to all of us to ask the older folks what they remember before it's too late. God Bless you all.

[@christenneson8162]

What a blessing to hear the stories from the people who have the roots in what you found. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@meloniemurillo2885]

Aww, I loved this video. To see how excited he was to get to see his family cemetery. To go under the fence like that, he was determined to get there. Awesome video and history there. Loved it.

[@ginnymiller2448]

I. LOVE. THIS!!... Watching that old man crawl under the gate was EPIC! "That's the way to do it!" 😄😄😄I am certain that having the right kind of mental attitude about such things has helped him live so long. May we all be blessed to live to such an age and still be that agile. Watching this reminds me of my grandpa who passed away in 2010 just shy of 88 years old. He was born in 1922, he was a tough old cowboy who flew a bomber airplane as a young man in WW2. Thank y'all for taking Mr. Ben on this adventure with you and sharing it with us!

[@vickykelley4703]

Bless you folks for taking this gentleman to the cemetery. Great to hear his stories. Thank you.

[@PatricesProjects]

Mr. Ben is pretty amazing. Most people that make it to his age need more support to just walk on a level surface. Mr. Ben was hiking around on uneven ground climbing under gates and standing the whole time. It goes to show that if you take care of yourself, you can live a long and fruitful life. So glad you guys found his family cemetery. He can tell his mama in heaven that he saw it in person when he goes to meet her there. How special.

[@lindametts8573]

Oh my Lord it is so good to see him getting around as good as he does. That's an awesome young man. Robert that trip meant the world to him. This is an awesome show.

[@perijetton9275]

How wonderful is this!? 💙 He has my mama’s birthday! She was born 02/03/29

[@fatherandsonsfamilyfarm]

What a strong man! God bless you, Ben!! Thank you for all your service 🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@dawndietz4654]

This is your best video ever! I actually cried with happiness that y’all took the time to take this gentleman out to visit his ancestors ❤️. What a character! Amazing story and historical treasure. You and Dan are such caring and lovely people. Thank you for preserving our history❤️.

[@ramonaalvarez7559]

Awe I'm so glad Mr. Gilson was able to make it there. Man he sure is a sprightly man!! Robbie thank you so much for taking us along with y'all to witness this blessing. What a priceless treasure you & Dan have given Mr. Gilson. His facial expressions say it meant the world to him! Love hearing his stories too. Hoping his close family members are getting these stories & history recorded. God bless you Robbie & Dan both for making this happen while documenting as well. Y'all have an awesome afternoon. Stay warm

[@brendahenline8649]

Blessings for Mr. Ben. What a delightful man. Thanks for sharing.

[@dylanlitwinski2418]

This is amazing! This reminds me of my grandfather. He just turned 96 this past year and he’s the same way you just can’t stop him! What a tough old man!

[@yarnhappykim9294]

Thank you for your Service 🇺🇲 and sharing your family history. Please be safe out there and God bless you and your family and friends

[@jen8491]

What a great video Robert 👍. So glad Mr. Ben got to see this cemetery. Can't believe he went under that gate. Good for him.

[@lindakelly6444]

It was an honor to meet Mr. Ben! Thank you Robert and Dan! God bless all three of you!🙏🙏🙏

[@amarley100]

What a charming elderly gentleman. I’m so glad he was able to visit his old family cemetery. After the weather is warmer and since deer hunting season has ended I’m planning on visiting my old family cemetery in NC where my 5x grandparents are buried. The lumber company who cleared the land surrounding the cemetery created a path to get to the cemetery and the county is currently voting to add a cemetery sign so I’m excited to visit the cemetery and old homestead that still has the home on it ♥️

[@jacquelynhollinger4006]

Thank you for bringing Mr Ben on this adventure, he is precious. 96 and just as sharp as someone half his age..

[@lindapowell137]

I remember you guys talking about Mr. Gilson and how you were going to bring him to this cemetery. Thank you for doing it and sharing it with us. This video is a treasure.

[@susanmontgomery5418]

Thank you so much for all your service sir. This is such a wonderful story.

[@philbenson6041]

I love being around old folks like that. God bless him.

[@amywright2243]

That little reedy whistle he was doing in the car...boy that took me back to my Papaw, sitting on the porch passing time. ♥️

[@gelvisward]

God Bless Mr Ben!! He's done amazing getting up to the cemetery!! Robert and Dan, well done for helping this gentleman up to view his family graves. 🥰👍

[@susanmontgomery5418]

Mr. Gilson you are a wealth of memories thank you

[@kategulick4781]

This series of videos just keeps getting better and better. I love it when you find the living family members and show them where their ancestors are!

[@sheilabock466]

The love and respect you show this young man is admirable. True Southern gentlemen. Lovely episode.

[@ritasp49]

That old gentleman was amazing 👏

[@larrysmith6499]

He is full of so much history. Thank you for taking him there to see old family graves.

[@TheTaz1999]

Just wonderful to watch,,.Mr Ben is so special and the last of he's generation, could you possibly do a special on him sharing he's knowledge maybe at he's grandmother's grave..Thank you.

[@ghighiannemorrison4922]

Thank you. I'm sure that you brought Mr Ben a lot of joy seeing his Mama's family cemetery. Shame he couldn't find his Aunt maybe next time.

[@suzannezethner8180]

God bless this man. I am 61 with bad knees and you could have posted me going under that fence ! Would not have been pretty. 🤣

[@sassyt1545]

I was hoping you were going to take Mr. Ben, back to his family's cemetery. So touching and meaningful to watch. Thank you for sharing this. Happiest birthday wishes to Mr. Ben. ❤️

[@moose5204]

This sweet old man is a walking library of history !!!

[@alanwhite1620]

I would sit for hours and listen to this man. I can remember sitting and listening to my grandmother talk about my ancestors and visiting the graves of them. I was recently contacted by a gentleman from Georgia about his family cemetery here in WNC. I keep a check on it for him. His ancestor was a war of 1812 veteran. It’s always an honor to go out to visit/find these old family cemeteries. I always feel as if they are telling me thanks for visiting. Keep up the hunt.

[@swearenginlawanda]

I am so happy no time was lost giving that sweet gentleman his wish. You and Dan are kind souls

[@joannewall5499]

This is so lovely, for this man to be able to see his ancestors resting place xxx

[@happyme6153]

From my experience with genealogy, if you go back in a few days, he will remember more. Things were brought up he has not thought about in years. You have stirred his memory . Such a precious individual. Is there somewhere we can send him a birthday card. It will be next week.

[@nancyweems5270]

Sweet glad he gets to see it

[@stephaniemize321]

So interesting hearing Mr. Ben talk about the past.

[@bessiemann7468]

I love hearing the family history. That's a good thing you did for that man. I know it made him happy

[@decembergem4598]

Mr. Ben Gilson , you are an amazing man.! Happy Birthday sir, and wishing you many many more.❤🇨🇦

[@robertmeddellinrodriguez7498]

Hey Robert that was so cool you guys took the 96 year old gentlemen to the old cemetery Keep doing awesome videos like that bro. *****

[@donnaelkins186]

So happy he finally got to see the old cemetery. I was hoping there would be an update. God bless you Mr. Ben.

[@onie4024]

God love his old heart....

[@treshaford1]

Mr. Gilson just touched my heart so much. Both of my grandpa's are gone now and he reminds me of both of them. How I miss them and all the stories and knowledge they passed on. What a treasure this precious man is!

[@barbaraharshman9460]

What a wonderful man! Could listen to his story’s all day! Thank you Robert and Dan for all you do

[@1TruNub]

He still got some fight in him the way he dashed under that fence folks like him are a gem and they're getting less and less everyday

[@edwardthorne3040]

wow, 96 years old. God bless

[@andreawheatley5528]

I love hearing the elders stories, much love ♥️♥️🥰🥰

[@Itiswhatitis55]

I can’t tell you how much this video has touched my heart! Mr. Ben is a dear sweet man and you Robert & Daniel deserve a lot of credit for giving him another chance to explore his roots! Thank you for sharing it with us! It was heart warming to say the least!