Forgotten 170 Year Old Graveyard Is Frozen In Time! Bethel Baptist Graveyard

Join Cecil and me as we delve into the historic woods of Schley County, Georgia, where we uncover a seemingly forgotten church graveyard. This cemetery is a treasure trove of history, showcasing incredible iron fences, magnificent monuments, and the rare ruins of a grave house.
Among the many graves, we explore the resting places of notable families, including the Athon, Easom, Grantham, Holloway, Jones, Rees, Singletary, Slappey, Stewart, Stuckey, and Twillie families. Notable burials include Joseph Athon (1797 - 1870), Martha Taylor Grant Athon (1812 - 1884), Mattie V. Athon (1871 - 1879), Rufus A. Athon (1872 - 1888), A.J. Easom (d. 1886), Albertus Joel Holloway (1860 - 1907), Simpson Jordan Holloway (1815 - 1883), and George Washington Slappey (1830 - 1893).
Experience the stories and connections of these families as we piece together the past and uncover the history preserved in this remarkable cemetery. The journey takes us through a serene landscape where history and nature converge, revealing the enduring legacy of those who came before us.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Another amazing find with Cecil today! 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

[@user-ju5el6eg4f]

That cemetery is so sad and i think i remember their names or something but the children are also sad and i started crying right now tho.🥺😢😭

[@Businessinfluencer-dv2tb]

@AdventuresIntoHistory About the Holloway family It's sounds some what formilliar Didn't Dan the historian mention this family in several of your content's? ‏‪21:08‬‏

[@CountryCampers]

Actually Penelope Sims tall monument is Civil War not pre Civil War

[@chars1184]

Orna Twilliie - born 1892 - in 1910 lived in La Crosse, Schley County, Georgia. Her mother was Bashiby Lee Holley - father’s first name unknown so far. Orna had a brother Allen Jackson Twillie (1894-1919)

[@xchief3]

Robert, Joseph Athon is my G, G, Great Grandfather. He was born in Maryland, came south with his brother, and lived in Talbot County in 1840. His brother remained in Talbotton, where he was te methodist minister. Joseph moved to Bunphead area and raised his family there. That part of Schley was Sumter County when he settled there. Thank you and Cecil for taking me back, I'm not able to make the trek anymore.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

That’s awesome!!!! And amazing connection to Talbot too where we usually are!

[@MissNCGirl]

Have you been to visit your g-g-great grandfather's grave before?

[@xchief3]

@@MissNCGirl yes, many times, we used to keep it a lot cleaner.

[@adacox]

Was the grave house still standing when you were visiting?

[@xchief3]

@@adacox not that I recall

[@lorysutherland5464]

A Big Hug to Cecil !! A Grand adventure. Feel like I am there. Stunning.

[@thelindazoo]

From BillionGraves “Sometimes one hand in a handshake is very stiff, showing that the person is dead, while the other hand has bent joints, indicating that the person is alive. The hand on the left is usually the one belonging to the deceased. This is a symbol of farewell between the living and the dead. It is often accompanied by the words “Gone but not forgotten”, “Rest in Peace”, or “Goodbye”

[@cindys.9688]

Oh wow, that's a very interesting fact! Thanks for sharing!

[@jeannettetyler9038]

Every time you go to these grave yards in the woods I get this feeling that I want to go in and clean up area

[@meredithc2755]

I feel the same way.

[@marypettitt9150]

How wise the Slappey family was to install that beautiful iron fence around their loved ones.

[@sherrie545]

Another beautiful old cemetery with ornamental fences and gates. These old cemeteries have such beautiful and more personalized headstones and epitaphs than newer cemeteries. Many now only allow the flat markers that don’t allow much space to honor the deceased. Thanks to you both for locating and sharing.

[@dragonmansasson5815]

When I was at Fort Benning and Fort Campbell, we would come upon cemeteries out in the middle of nowhere.

[@karenwright9123]

Thank you for your service.😊

[@thegreat1548]

​@@karenwright9123 what service?

[@lynncanada1915]

Thanks to Cecil for locating this cemetery, and both of you for taking us there. And one of the commentors is a descendant, so nice for them to see the graves.

[@TS-bn7zt]

Guys, seriously I’m amazed by this video. Incredible that all that history is just forgotten in the woods. Bless all the souls there. And thank you for bringing it back into our consciousness.

[@belleange590]

Unusual last name. I wonder where the name Slappy originated. Twillie too. Possibly England. Cecil is amazing at finding these cemetery's. Interesting stuff.

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

Some other commenter said they think the name Slappy is Irish.

[@cchaffincc]

Penelope died 10 days after the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter.

[@barbaraharshman9460]

The fencing is just beautiful! Thank you both for sharing ❤️❤️❤️

[@alanatolstad4824]

Makes me want to say a prayer for the dearly departed cemetery.

[@sandysue202]

Bashibi Twillie...what an incredible name and possibly one of a kind. What a treasure this cemetery is!❤

[@cindys.9688]

I agree! Curious about the nationality of the name. Knowing might give some insight into the family's story. It has maybe an Italian ring to it. Love to find out!

[@cclyon]

Maybe from a mishearing of Bathsheba?

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

I wonder if it's a biblical name.

[@bredenis5]

I agree, I just love the name Bashibi Twillie.

[@mannyortiz4814]

Robert and Cecil my graveyard explorers. My heart drops at the thought and sight of these forgotten graves. At one time. They were alive just like you and me. Is this our destiny? Is this what we have to look forward to? That is why, we have to live each day like it might be our last day on earth. Until next time. Please, take care and stay safe. Love ya 🍺🍺🌈🌹❤️👍🇺🇸🙏🕊🌞😇

[@robertgrice9962]

Must have been prosperous area based on the nicer plots

[@Linney321]

An amazing cemetery. The ruins of the grave house, I think, are the most interesting. Was there no stone under it? Thanks for this Cecil and Robert.

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

I was wondering that too.

[@Mari-B]

Robert, the top of the chicken bowl went to a butter dish. I have my grandmothers. It was handed down to me. My grandmother was using hers as to keep her collectibles.

[@gigicostlow4414]

The one he showed was a smaller one than the butter dish ones. I have my gr. grandmother's and it was used for sugar or sugar cubes. I also have a larger one that is a butter dish that I got from my grandmother and I have an antique tiny one that was a saccharine dish. I love them.

[@glennyork6800]

Just WOW Cecil does it again

[@susank9506]

I'm so glad you two teamed up! We are seeing so much hidden history!

[@SondraD7676]

Gravehouse, interesting. Beautiful fences. Little chicken dish, very reminiscent of home. I do find the church disappearing more sad than most others. No unmarked graves. Slappey sir name is Irish origin. Not a name seen often. I always find the settlers origins interesting. Think about transporting those markers, especially the large ones, on wagons and then unloading and setting them, hard work. Great tour! 👍👍❣️❣️

[@libertyandjustus8258]

The surname Slappey may have derived from Swiss - German Schläppi. It's found in that region and also in Norway. Pronounced ShhllAppee.

[@cindys.9688]

Could be! Thanks for sharing this interesting fact.

[@necessarytrouble]

What an impressive historical cemetery! Glad you found this. Thanks Cecil.

[@celleduffel1533]

that was by far the neatest cemetery you have taken Robert and us to see. Love it!!! Thank you Mr Cecil Young!!

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

I say definitely in the top 10!

[@melodymacken9788]

Oh my goodness...what a find. Fascinating. The fences are gorgeous. Glad I found your channel. Rotorua, New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@user-ju5el6eg4f]

May the slappy family rest in piece.😔

[@maritapersdatterolufsen5174]

I'm so sad to see it so overgrown.. 😢 Even when it's not my relatives resting there..❤ This will never happened here in Norway. It's illegal to neglect a cemetery like that. ❤ Even with my broken back,i would like to clean those gravestones. ❤

[@lisaknell1809]

Such a peaceful place. It’s sad that it’s overgrown. :( That wrought iron gate is beautiful.

[@vickisawyer7405]

Thank you Robert & Cecil. I love watching your graveyard videos, while working graveyard shift by myself, keeps me awake!! From Whidbey Island.

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

I know where Whidbey Island is! In fact I once had a dog named Whidbey.

[@vickisawyer7405]

@@MarciaShackelford-st5bt longest island in the continental U.S. & I love it here!!

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Lives lived. Treasured. Loved. Missed. Now forgotten. Hopefully in another place and time all is restored 🇨🇦🍁🤲🏻

[@janinecollins938]

❤ Hobart Tasmania Australia 🦘 watching love your videos

[@karenshepler7128]

What a time capsule he found as it’s such a shame how the trees fell on the fences just an amazing find 😮😮thank you for sharing with us take care

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

I lov and appreciate history .

[@carolb29]

loved this one with all the fencing.

[@user-qg4cf5yg8z]

Thanks guys, for taking me along with you. It is such a peaceful place. Love from Kate from Australia.

[@forevr_disturbd]

I wish you would come to Bulloch county and do a couple videos. So much history here ❤

[@Lorriann63]

This was a really interesting cemetery. There must be stories to tell. By the look of some of those monuments it seems to indicate some wealth of the people who are buried there. I wonder how it was overlooked to begin with? Thank you again, Robert and Cecil for finding this gem.

[@helenarubio3371]

Big Thank You, Cecil !

[@Republic4ever714]

Thanks for posting love all your vids!

[@Beverly-hv2ft]

It's beautiful 🎉 thanks guys your both just wonderful so enjoy your videos 🎉

[@user-sz4hz1lj5u]

Thank you Robert and Cecil! Robert, thank you for pointing out the remnants of the grave house, the square nails, ground indentions, etc. I’d probably miss a lot of details and important pieces to the bigger pictures if you didn’t point out these things. Each old cemetery you take us to reminds me of a beautiful little cemetery I used to visit when I was growing up in Asheville, NC. The tiny cemetery was on the private road going up to Asheville School, a renowned prep school. My grandparents property adjoined the school’s. Most days I would walk over to the cemetery, because there was something about it that was very inviting and welcoming. I never saw anyone else there, and only once or twice in all those years was a new grave added. Altogether, there were only about 20 or so graves. The markers were mostly simple, giving just the names and dates of birth and death. But there were a couple of old iron fences surrounding a grave or 2, some veterans of our wars, and some fieldstone markers. Most interesting to me were the oldest graves, which lay beyond what appeared to be the cemetery borders. There, the sparse and heavily shaded small bushes turned into a thick and thorny underbrush resistant to visitors. Beside handwritten last names on markers shaped with primitive tools were dates in the latter 1700’s. I loved this little cemetery, in fact, it was the only cemetery I ever even liked. It was peaceful and humble and accepting, which made it feel like a very sweet refuge. The old cemeteries that you and Cecil and your other friends show us bring back these lovely memories.

[@janecarolhogue3140]

Thank you for another fascinating better kept cemetery. Thank you for the history 🙏🏻 ❤️

[@brendahogue5487]

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

[@cindys.9688]

Such a beautiful cemetery. It's massive. In its heyday it must've been visited often and kept up. The community dispersed and there was no one left to continue its upkeep, which is very sad.

[@Court75]

This cemetery was so fascinating. Such history resting quietly, as it should be.

[@user-randi1987]

Thank you, Gentlemen. Interesting as always

[@MillerMeteor74]

I definitely enjoyed this. All the cemeteries you bring to us are interesting.

[@chrissyrocco796]

I just love these videos, the wrought iron gates are gorgeous.

[@ReneeHorth]

Thanks again for a walk through time 🇺🇸‼️

[@HeyLisaKay]

Another beautiful old cemetery ❤️

[@howardwest1347]

Thank you so much Cecil and Robert. These are so interesting.

[@carolparrott1994]

Wonder why James W’s last name is spelled differently? It was “Slappy”, and the others were “Slappey”. A mistake maybe? Very quiet there-peaceful. Curious what “strange” noises you heard. As always, Cecil is a master at finding these beautiful resting places! Great video!

[@cherylradabaugh2720]

Not every one could read or write in that time era . My ancestors surname was misspelled numerous times .to the point I made a long list of the misspellings .

[@cindys.9688]

​@@cherylradabaugh2720 ~ Interesting. It's good you've made a list. A family keepsake in and of itself.

[@cathyorlowski1951]

Really cool find. Thanks for sharing

[@DD-th2bd]

Wow! What an amazing find Cecil and Robert. I really enjoyed this one, thank you

[@lynnmacleod1879]

What an amazing cemetery!

[@dorenedaniels7493]

I have enjoyed this very much and thank you both. God bless you both 🙏❤️

[@shannonwelsh5830]

Nice find Cecil.

[@dougeing6521]

Cecil is a professional cemetery finding meister!!

[@cherylschantz9893]

The wrought iron gates were beautiful.

[@Mspetuniapea]

Great find and countless memories. Love some of the names

[@zekesgirl100]

A magnificent cemetery. Each iron fence is unique.

[@catheryndenton1766]

Interesting surname. Slappey is actually Swiss/German for Schlappi. They could have originally come from Effingham Co's settlement called Ebenezer. 1730's from the Salzburg Transaction.

[@user-cz8pu1om6y]

Love the great find of another cemetery…a lot of history in just the markers

[@lisadodd4572]

Wow this is a old cemetery! Awesome 👌

[@stevemergy6087]

Much respect for your videos. Great work and thank you. ❤

[@richardisaacs3601]

Thanks guys! Awesome old cemetery!

[@ashleysaenz5830]

This is by far one of my favorite videos! Thank you both so much for taking us with you on this new adventure. ❤

[@sherrilee230]

Thank you boys for sharing. Those fences are beautiful

[@nika601]

Great channel, greetings from the UK ✌🏻

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Hey, thanks!

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

This was a really fascinating video. Love this cemetery!

[@southernmama9362]

My son is a Holloway, his great grandmother(living) is named Martha Holloway too, how neat

[@45beetle]

Come again still so much to explore

[@davidmccutcheon485]

Woof, nice haircut, bro - first thing I noticed. And thanks again for another great video and keeping history alive. Best from SoCal.

[@karenwright9123]

Thank you for a visit to another times past cemetery,Robert and Cecil. Have missed your videos of late. People all over have been struggling with the heat and the storms this summer,my heart and sympathies go out to all of them. You are bringing forth the conclusion of all these struggles humans on earth have suffered, and hopefully some persevered. As we look upon these final resting places whether they be our direct antecedents or other bloodlines,they were someone's. As fellow beings that make this earthly journey be it a short or long one we all have that connection. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Remembering the dead reminds us we too will die,so must live in light of our impeding death. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says,"It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting,for death is the destiny of everyone ;the living should take this to heart." Thank you for your time,and without being preachy, a message. I have taught this way myself whether intentional or not,it makes people think.😊🤔Stay cool,lots of good thoughts and love from Ky.💗

[@vickymurdock8127]

Awesome

[@Jay08194]

Never heard of your channel before and this video popped up on my recommendations. So glad it did, excellent work I'm off to watch more of your videos

[@marthakierstead3415]

What a peaceful cemetery . Thank you Cecil and Robert for the work you do .

[@kepperMN]

Thanks!

[@Susan71105]

Thanks

[@kennyrichard2971]

Another great video Robert glad to see lots of new videos keep them coming

[@Willowinthewinds]

Thanks for another great video

[@joyfisher2128]

What a cool find! So many beautiful stones and monuments in there. For the font on Mattie Twillie, Jordan Holloway and Olin Holloway, I thought it was interesting that "Twillie," "Jordan," and "Olin" were all angled upwards while all the other writing on the stones was very typically straight. Just made me wonder if the same person was the engraver? There are always so many fun details to notice in a cemetery. They are like collaborative art installations in a way. Very fun tour. Thanks for sharing as always!

[@kentuckylady2990]

One of my gg uncle’s married a Holloway

[@cathyjackson5959]

Gotta Love Cecil!! Does the research!! Happy to see that a relative connected. ❤

[@kathysmith4274]

Where’s Dan been? Miss his wealth of information. Hopefully he’s well

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

He has a day job as a funeral director so my guess is he has probably been working.

[@patrickpyle7940]

I remember seeing the Slappey name on census pages doing research on my family.

[@user-jz9lf2kq4n]

I just like to see just once these big cemeteries.Taken care of is so sad but it's not

[@Mspetuniapea]

Great fine!!!

[@piedmonttrails]

We conducted a full investigation about the cemetery and the history of the church. It turns out that the church has an early Methodist heritage and holds ties to Andersonville Prison during the Civil War. Back in the day, Methodist preachers would gather to preach for days and families would travel and camp. We were able to prove that a huge campsite once stood at the location of this cemetery dating before 1861. We traced family members buried here to Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina prior to migrating to Georgia. It was a fascinating adventure and I want to Thank Robert and his team for sharing the cemetery.

[@piedmonttrails]

I wanted to add, the actual campsite was almost chosen to be the future site of the Civil War prison that was in the planning stages in 1864. The families living in the area objected the site used as a prison so much that Andersonville was chosen instead and history was made. I have more details and documentation if anyone is interested. Thanks Again!

[@leanneknowles2290]

You know its a shame your different counties dont have funding to clean up your really old cemeteries... its a part of their history and guaranteed their would be ansters alive today that would love to know their ancestors resting place... i love watching your channel... thankyou for all you do in giving these old ancestors a mention.... so you not have any old maps of the areas that you can have a look at? And see if theres any mention of churches and cemetries... just a thought... much love from across the pond in radcliffe manchester uk ❤

[@davidcarroll1883]

do you guys ever get chiggers stomping through the woods or do chiggers even live in south Georgia? They are all over Lake Lanier woods. I've had my share.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I never have

[@Murph52]

George W Slappey, 6th Georgia Inf,. Records indicate that he was wounded at the battle of Antietam/Sharpsburg in September of 1862. Not sure what happened afterwards, but he survived to come home.

[@kepperMN]

Enormous Cemetery or Church Graveyard! Used to be a big community at one time also some wealth evident by the massive tombstones and Fencing everywhere! Obviously tge descendants have moved on and the graves mostly forgotten. Very Sad!

[@user-sy3ti6nt2e]

This is a beautiful old cemetery. It's a shame that no one has kept it up all these years. Hey, I would suggest that you wear gloves when you're cleaning off headstones and climbing over fences. All that mold can get on your hands and into little cuts and nicks. Not to mention the possibility of little sharp shards of glass or metal.

[@scottboa2738]

It's very sad to see a graveyard forgotten like this. Without regular care and maintenance, nature will try to reclaim it. So sad. 😢

[@lindaneuman4801]

Such a shame so many forgotten cemetery in your area. Maybe should try form a group willing to go & clean them

[@JamesRobertSmith]

It's astounding how substatial towns and communities can vanish into the landscape when the economy evaporates.

[@emeraldstitcheswf]

I always wondered about Slappey Street in Albany!

[@jimmybrock6593]

Thx f documentation. W today's zoning??? Urban Sprawl, Uncontrolled Growth.Wise real estate conservation 😊