Hidden History: LOST African American Cemetery FOUND and Unique Artifacts Discovered!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

In this video, Cecil Young and I uncover a hidden African American burial ground in Marion County, Georgia, concealed in the woods beside a well-maintained church cemetery. The stark contrast between the two sites is striking, and this forgotten cemetery, undocumented to our knowledge, holds incredible historical significance. Tip Jar: www.paypal.me/rwrightphotography For more Adventures: linktr.ee/adventuresintohistory 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

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Good Question???😢😢😢

[@lisawilson1818]

How disgraceful that the cementry is left looking like that next to a well kept cementry. Shameful.

[@cindys.9688]

I completely agree.

[@necessarytrouble]

That was my first thought also.

[@stephanecomeau8197]

I agree

[@trintrella8302]

Because there is still segregation…

[@MeMe-cz6pk]

The contrast between the manicured side and the neglected side is initially disturbing. Seems like the last burials in the African American section were in the '50s. From a historical aspect, leaving it undisturbed has preserved the past. Its Amazing. Thank you.

[@christydeannl3105]

Thank you for making the point that this cemetery is just as important as the church cemetery and needs to be documented.👏

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Wow, what a massive cemetery. I sure wish the locals would keep it up.

[@cindys.9688]

I agree. It's located in a nice part of the cemetery - right along the water. It's so sad to see it neglected.

[@maryleeswope3353]

That cemetary needs so much needed attention. Those people should not be neglected or forgotten.

[@lynnmacleod1879]

Lest we forget... Thank-you Robert and Cecil for your dedication and passion.

[@MarshaShelley-t3n]

Wow So sad that its so forgotten.

[@cindys.9688]

​@@catwoman2596 ~ Hmm. I'm going to have to look it up. I like to have something (easy) to investigate. So, is the neglect on purpose? Or accidental?

[@cindys.9688]

I agree. Forgotten and neglected.

[@Carolbearce]

Always impressed with you and Cecil and you dedication in documenting these old forgotten cemeteries. Thank you.

[@LorieDabney]

This makes me cry. My heart is heavy with sadness. Thank you so much, Robert and Cecil, for your love, compassion, and continued support on finding these forgotten cemeteries. ❤️🙏

[@sallyintucson]

That military headstone should help you find a name for that cemetery.

[@jasonpayneuk]

Thank you Robert & Cecil, I’m so glad that this amazing place has been documented. As you both rightly said, the fact the cemetery has been left alone has meant that a lot of the markers and water vessels have been left on site and in place. I hope if it’s restored in the future that these are left to mark the loved ones they were broken for

[@Lorriann63]

That's an amazing cemetery. It's such a good thing you are doing to make these forgotten cemeteries back to being seen and recording the names and dates of those who are buried there. Thank you, Robert and Cecil, for your interest and dedication.

[@MC-po7ev]

It's sad that the people who keep up the one cemetery don't bother to keep the other cemetery up. It's disgusting.

[@cindys.9688]

I agree. It's shameful.

[@lynettelewis3199]

I am so glad your channel popped into my feed. The African American cemeteries, have brought tears to my eyes. I wish I lived closer to help clean them up. Keep up the caring work.

[@cindys.9688]

Oh gosh. I know what you mean. There's no reason for them to be neglected. Well, with Robert and Cecil now knowing about it, this cemetery will get tender loving care.❤

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Thank you Robert and Cecil for sharing this cemetery and the importance of REMEMBERING 🌺🥀🌹💐🌼🌻⚘️

[@bethhutto9800]

Thank you Robert and Cecil

[@cindys.9688]

Yes!♥️

[@rivjoy]

The broken oil lamp glass at 24:45 looks like uranium glass.

[@LoisLovell-mc9er]

And would probably glow under a black light

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I thought the same thing!

[@cindys.9688]

Eek! So, should they take it to a lab maybe? Albeit, using gloves, masks, and a container. Or call authorities to get it??

[@mehmehver]

@@cindys.9688 no uranium glass is fine with negligible radioactivity

[@SondraD7676]

Do you reckon hundreds? It seems so. The symbolism of the glass aritifacts I find so meaningful. I assume you have to use the flags to keep track. It looks like s time consuming job especially with the leaves obstructing the ground and markers. The duplicate marker is curious. Sad place but also peaceful. Another good one! I appreciate your continued efforts, thank you, Cecil and Robert. Enjoyed seeing this place. 👍❣️👍❣️

[@cindys.9688]

I liked hearing of the purpose of the glass artifacts left in the African American cemeteries. Very sweet. I've always been sad when I see the broken glass, thinking vandals got to it. I'm glad that's not the case.

[@SondraD7676]

@cindys.9688 I agree. Robert always mentions leave the artifacts, which is great.

[@user-randi1987]

Thank you Robert and Cecil. This cemetary made me very sad, especially it's close proximity to a well maintained and cared for cemetary. However this one has been blessed by the Cemetary Whisperers, great find Gentlemen, thank you

[@debracole6587]

It is sad that these people were/are so disrespected. The “white cemetery” is tended to while the African American one is overgrown and forgotten. I hope someone tries to clean it up

[@ladonnabuehne1867]

There is joy in heaven for what you are doing. Such respect is awesome. ❤

[@alitathomas2711]

I feel like praying each time for resting in peace. May they each rest. Amen

[@margaretgarls153]

I wonder if you could trace the military tombstones to find the name of the cemetery?

[@Terriball25]

Maybe find a soldier online may locate. Found a soldier once that was not reported. Was able to get them recognized..

[@Terriball25]

Interesting about the use of the water pitchers. There are several African American graveyards near me. This area had several plantations in the area. Never heard or seen anything about the water pitchers. There is a cemetery that shows up on Find A Grave that is an African american cemetery but i have not been able to spot it. One day hope to find it to explore it.

[@cindys.9688]

Yes, I thought that was interesting as well! Here all this time I've been sad seeing the broken glass because I thought vandals had gotten to it.

[@Terriball25]

@@cindys.9688 I gathered pitcher represent the body as a "Vessel". Breaking it may release the spirt to the Lord. Also wonder if it's specific to a certain type of church as have attended many dominations over the years. Had never heard of it.

[@James-f6f5g]

Well when I see them broken I just figured they had water from rain and then a freeze hit and broke the glass. I'm sure glad he had the right answer.​@@cindys.9688

[@kwm123123]

Hey Robert, you and Cecil needed Joy out there helping ! 😍👍

[@cindys.9688]

I see they found a grave with the last name "Milner".😊

[@bkind12another18]

I love the history you share with us about these cemeteries. Would it be possible to neaten the graves up, clean up the leaves fallen trees etc with out harming the artifacts? i feel this graveyard would be beautiful if restored and respected with a little raking of leaves etc. It is beautiful history. Thank you for all you do .

[@pats9055]

Thank you, Cecil and Robert, for this interesting video. Amazing how lost this cemetery is as it sits next to a well-cared for cemetery. I find this sad. I loved the artifacts. Is the purple glass the effects of all of those years in sunlight?

[@cindys.9688]

The purple glass is so pretty! I agree - it's sad to see a cemetery neglected. Especially when it's a part of one that's not.

[@Rebecca-le9hn]

Thank you very much.

[@celleduffel1533]

An amazing cemetery, yes this needs to continue with a part two. Thank you Mr Cecil Young, I love this video..ty!!

[@JeffreyBryan-k7r]

Thanks for sharing this historic place

[@katherineyanagihara2909]

Aloha 🌺 Cecil & Robert. Thank you for all the information. Amazing history. Aloha 🌺🥰♥️

[@mjpeters6625]

Another great video. Thank you both.

[@kennethsloboda4958]

What A Find Gentleman I Hope And Pray This Is Followed Through It’d Be A Shame To See This Wonderful Piece Of History Not Be Forgotten 🙏✝️🕊️

[@darrkinney1787]

How sad! I wish that cemetery would get cleaned up. This is heart breaking!

[@cindys.9688]

I agree 100%.

[@scottrider641]

This video was so fascinating and eye-opening. Thanks so much for taking us along on this tour 🙏👍

[@almaberthelson6139]

I enjoy these old cemetary documentary...would love to see the trees cut down that doesn't belong there. So sad to see a well taken care of cemetary on the other side of the fence. Thank you Robert an Cecil for all you do. Hopefully the African community will step up an help preserve their history. Hugs ❤️

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Great find, I wish I could help you uncover more of that cemetery

[@dorothymartorano9998]

You guys are doing great work. Thank you.

[@grazhopprr]

There must be a Black cemetery organization setup, to take surveys and get locals to clean them up, put up a sign or 2. Segregation still exists, it seems.

[@cindys.9688]

Unfortunately...🤷🏼‍♀️

[@bomilam7254]

“More prevalent in death than life“ is what I hear the funerary and burial industries say in my area. I’m involved with a couple restoration projects where it is beyond apparent.

[@sherronbell4961]

Amazing incredible graveyard and video

[@johnbastien3872]

I wonder why the adjoining church does not at least try to maintain it? Is the property owned by the church?

[@cindys.9688]

Good question. I think it's terrible that it's neglected.

[@nancymoore3456]

So nice to point the difference in those who had and those did not good video robert hope you cecil joy mr dan and your family have a merry christmas

[@kennethsloboda4958]

Also Sad To See Family Has Forgotten Loved Ones 🙏

[@lucieokele8816]

Yes it is.

[@James-f6f5g]

@@kennethsloboda4958 yes the responsibility does fall to descendants.

[@georginastoliker3358]

Wow..thanks for being the voice and showing this

[@MillerMeteor74]

What an amazing cemetery, in so many ways.

[@glennyork6800]

WOW!

[@frankscarborough1428]

Fascinating history. Sadly when descendants die or have moved away neglect happens.

[@JillHughes-n1h]

The people there must like it that you have found them 😊 wonder if anyone is around and enjoying your visit 😊

[@howardwest1347]

Always makes me sad when you discover the “hidden” graves of slaves and they are so big and all those nameless people that lived and loved and were abused and left to be forgotten by humanity. Brings me great sadness. Donna Michigan

[@lilysimmons4643]

Robert you need a plastic spatula to help remove the stuff from the slabs it won't scratch the surface. They are about $2.

[@carolb29]

very nice cemetery. all the artifacts and the metal markers, never saw metal used before

[@KatefromOZ62-e5o]

I can hear the passion in your voices. This is so important to you. I'm not sure if I'm remembering right, but I think it was in the Terry Cemetery videos, the man said that it was the custom of the African American people, to not return to the grave after the burial. Is it the same custom today? If so, who cares for the graves now? That was so interesting, thanks guys.

[@deanas7063]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@howardwest1347]

Please come back to this cemetery in the future.

[@dianadelahaye7660]

Wow That is interesting with the simbolismo of the broker vessel and the water. So glad yougive meaning and respect to the slaves buried . Thankyou Robert and Cecil.

[@sharonladen3638]

It would really neat if there was a channel on KZbin that was a group of people that went around to a lost or old cemetery and clean it and kept it maintained.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

You mean like the cemetery clean up I showed prior and am chronicling on my other channel the Old Byrd Farm?

[@James-f6f5g]

​@@AdventuresIntoHistoryyes, just like that.

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

This has left me very thoughtful and sad. If some people decide to restore it I hope they do research or contact you about the artifacts and treat the graves and the culture of African American burials sensitively.

[@alanatolstad4824]

What a sight that place must have been to behold when it was active...

[@garysoykin2783]

I don't know if I told you you ought to invest in one of those handheld little chainsaws you're going to love it they are just the handiest things specially like as you guys go through some of these cemeteries where they're overgrown you can just reach down and buzz buzz buzz

[@janetprice85]

Good men. Not neglecting the forgotten.

[@JEM1989]

23:30 ish YES! this is VERY important history! thank you so much for documenting these people and their resting place. I'm also appalled to the state of the MILARTY graves and historical graves RIGHT next to a well maintained, and used grave yard. I want to know, how can I help? How can regular people volunteer and clean these places and show respect for the dead? Edit: this is also my first video of yours I have come across so I might have an answer in those!

[@phyllispeart175]

I wonder why the church didn't take care of this cemetery.

[@cindys.9688]

Excellent question.🤷🏼‍♀️

[@James-f6f5g]

No one knows yet if it is owned by the church.

[@beretta1342000]

That;'s so neat. PLease go back and look at some of the headfstones in the church in those brick wlass

[@45beetle]

Yes please come back

[@bonnieshelswell4203]

Sad how we have treated mankind thru out history have not learned to get along more so now 😢❤️🙏

[@StevenJeNova]

I would think that's not on church property. Hence not maintained. Please at least document. So many people might find lost relatives there on Findagrave. Love your work. Thank you!

[@marcus54544]

If the cemetery gets the respect regarding clean up, I hope the goblets, pitchers and metal are left at the deceased graves. No “souvenir “hunters, please!

[@Linney321]

I've seen a couple of times where you've found 2 stones for one person with the same info or just slightly different. I can see how different info comes about when dealing with a family ordered or made stone and one from the civil war department [sorry I forget what it's called] but that stone from the child would only have been from family wouldn't it?

[@marcbrunson6986]

I'm glad it's not lost in the middle of no where.

[@l.l.2463]

I totally agree about surveying, documenting and so forth. But I am unsure about the notion of an all out "clean up". There is a part of me that would like to see it "pristine" and cared for just like the white cemetery. I suspect that's part of my cultural instincts. But another part of me feels like the years of neglect have actually protected something very special and incredibly fragile. Perhaps removing that protection would be its own kind of disrespect. I'm pretty sure that the artifacts especially wouldn't last long. :( As long as a merely casual observer can't tell there is anything there it's more likely to be preserved for those who actually do understand and care as well as for the occupants. I sense there is something sacred about it just the way it is. Just my thoughts.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I agree wholeheartedly. That is something I have talked about before. Sometimes cemeteries aren’t meant to be cleaned up. But when I show cemeteries such as this one, it is generally people’s first thought to go in and clean it up. Which is why I talked on the video that someone may come along and think they’re doing the right thing and throw away artifacts etc. You have to respect what the people interred would have wanted, and varying cultural beliefs, and respect that.

[@l.l.2463]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory I recall one or two times you've mentioned that. You are very wise and gentle in the way you educate your viewers in these matters. You don't come down on them for their "cultural instincts". You lead the way by example and that is the way of a true educator. It really wasn't until you showed us this place that I totally "got it". The artifacts are important, but those metal markers really got me. They honored their dead with what they had available whether plain stone or scrap metal from an old car. My family comes from that kind of poverty. I understand it and I honor it and the love and meaning that is reflected in their efforts. I wouldn't remove so much as a leaf. My thanks to you and Mr. Cecil for sharing this place.

[@judiesmith167]

Still looking for excite burial place of my Great grandfather Hiram H Gobble,who was a Civil War Veteran. He was a Holtsburg guard in the Confederate Army , was paroled at Appomattox courthouse. He was buried at the old Sandy Creek Lutheran Church Cemetery inTyro,NC, in a unmarked grave. So much appreciated if someone might have a map that we could place a marker on his grave. Thank you

[@paulawright1554]

I thought I seen the last name as Minter.

[@jodylyn6777]

Leaf blower time

[@catwoman2596]

Nope. They're not gonna pick up leaf blowers and do manual labor. The Cracker owes them and they need their reparations. F his-story.. gotza get mines.

[@JillHughes-n1h]

People .no ma what creed or colour ❤

[@wyyeti4004]

Would the congregation be able to instigate a restoration of the forgotten area? Does it belong to the church or county?

[@CharlotteFairchild]

Churches have books of their history and who is buried that they know in any cemetery. During the Great Depression many people used field stones and not true markers.

[@JillHughes-n1h]

People move away and family history is lost 🫤

[@ivo3598]

True all these graves are long forgotten. Maybe their families are living somwhere

[@45beetle]

If the wrong people tried to clean it up they would destroy a lot of the artifacts as long as you document it it will always be there

[@catwoman2596]

Weird? Or twins?

[@cindys.9688]

Curious.🤔

[@darlenegood]

SAD

[@JillHughes-n1h]

At least they did not build in it 🫤

[@scottbatzler412]

Are all those artifacts intentionally broken or were they used whatever condition they could use them to mark the graves?

[@cindys.9688]

Sounds like they were intentionally broken by the surviving spouse. Dropped on the ground. They were filled with water, broken on the ground, and left there.🫖☕ According to Robert, the symbolism of the spouse's death is: 1) something broken that can't be put back together; 2) the water pours over the grave; & 3) over time it evaporates, coming back to earth as rain, and the cycle continues. I think it's symbolic of their connection that will last. I hope I explained it okay. Take care!🌹

[@scottbatzler412]

@ thank you

[@JillHughes-n1h]

Think I like the African American one , more in tune with the land 🫤hello to those people x❤

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I do too.

[@matthewf5891]

Someone really needs to clean it up

[@Sherol808]

Just kinda curious as to who would be responsible for taking care of the African cemetery? Would it be the church?

[@CharlotteFairchild]

I bought a church history with pictures and a list of everyone buried at the church.

[@karenwright9123]

Definitely a line drawn there,even if there wasn't a fence. That's a shame. How can equality be ours when even in death we are separated? People have to know it's not that way in heaven. Romans 8 5-8, Those who live "according to the flesh" set their minds on the things of the flesh,while those who live "according to the spirit" set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Everyday of the year we should remember we are all God's children. Mrs.Cratchit asked Bob, "How did Tiny Tim behave in church?" "As good as gold,and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful sitting by himself so much,and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me coming home,that he hoped the people saw him in church,because he was a cripple,and it might be pleasant to them to remember,upon Christmas day,who made lame beggars walk and blind men see."🙏

[@cindys.9688]

Excellent comment.❤ You are exactly right. Like you mentioned from Romans 8, the only "division" of people God sees are those who walk in the spirit and those who walk in the flesh. Mankind divides according to outward appearances (physical, political, religious, etc). God doesn't do that. I pray more people realize that.

[@DannyWildmon]

That place looks kinda dangerous. Be careful where y'all step you might fall. I have a crippled leg I'm always falling. Just something that I have to watch out for.

[@gabbysmith7210]

Why do the churches not keep up the black cemeteries that are in the woods next to the white cemetery?

[@anthonygish5415]

It’s sad that the church knew about those people were over there for a 100 year and yet still today won’t clean up that area and add it to their cemetery. I thought those were Gods people to!

[@barbie5697]

I’m sorry, but regardless if this cemetery is on church property or not it’s simply deplorable that the congregation hasn’t taken it on. No doubt you boys are feeling a bit overwhelmed. That’s a huge cemetery.

[@nathancombs11]

I am going too through out this idea. It's baced on an earlier video. What if the difference between the 2 cemeteries is a difference of traditions. In the over video it was sead that the black population used feald stone or unmarked graves on perpice. I believe something like "leave you sadness at the grave" was sead. So baced on that the familys could have chosen to let cemeteries grow over. And we in 2024 looking at it now, we go ho look it's all grow over ect..... but it was planed that way and we are interpreting the past wrong Don't know just tossing an idea out there 😊

[@pamelablack5720]

for someone that goes to cemeteries as much as you do, you would think you would carry a rake or broom to move the leaves--

[@anngallegos5515]

If you check the church cemetery to see if you find some of the last names, maybe census records could help with what the area was called way back. It is pretty shameful that the church isn't maintaining that section also. Do you know how far back the church was established?

[@JulieMelberg]

Maybe bring a battery operated leaf blower. It may get a bit of debris off. It's just a thought.