Mystery Cemetery Found! Enslaved Burial Ground | Unknown African-American Cemetery | Annie K Pew

In this episode, we venture into a chapter of history that's both poignant and largely untold. I'm joined by Cecil Young, who leads us to a lesser-known, yet deeply significant site: an African American cemetery that holds the stories of many souls, their names and lives echoing in a silent testament to their existence.
This cemetery, hidden away from the bustling world, is believed to have originated as the final resting place for individuals enslaved on a nearby, now unidentified, plantation. The tradition of burial here continued through generations, a quiet lineage of those who once lived, loved, and labored in these lands. Among the resting, the grave of Annie K. Pew, who passed in 1927, stands as the only marked memory in this sacred space. Her presence marks a point of known history in a sea of unnamed individuals who have otherwise merged with the landscape.
Though small in size, this cemetery is immense in its historical and emotional depth, harboring the remains of many whose names have been lost to time but whose legacies are forever part of the soil. This episode takes us on a journey to acknowledge and honor these lives, reminding us of the importance of remembering and recognizing all parts of our shared past.
As we explore this sacred ground, we're not just recounting history; we're connecting with the stories of those who came before us, ensuring their lives, though unnamed, are not unacknowledged. Join us in this special episode as we pay our respects to a piece of history that, while largely untold, is deeply felt.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

While this video is shorter than usual, it is still packed with history and also mysteries! Today we visit those whose names are known only to God… 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

[@britneywilliams537]

If you guys need me to and I know this may be a reach because I live in Mississippi. I can enter whatever you guys find on findagrave to help people like me find their ancestors!! You guys are doing Gods work!

[@lindacasper8518]

It makes me sad that so many of these cemeteries have been lost and forgotten. It's someones family.

[@nadineveitch5837]

I can't believe how many cemeteries Cecil found, amazing just how many are out there.

[@lorikrafft8197]

Every time I see one of your videos, I click on it and thoroughly enjoy your videos. You’re a breath of fresh air with all the tragedies going on in the world around us and all the conflict I can forget about it all and watch your videos. Thank you so much.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Thank you!

[@lsarlls3049]

Thanks to Cecil (and his wife) for finding this site! And Robert, the first thing I noticed is that you did not cough even once throughout the episode. You have kicked the Covid pneumonia! Thank the Lord. 🌹

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

I edited out the two times I coughed 😅

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

I think Cecil is the grave whisperer. That, or something is possibly offering these forgotten cemeteries up to him. I love that these people are being found and remembered.

[@karenwright8556]

Thanks to Cecil,keep on documenting these cemeteries, it's been a long neglected recognition. Thank you Robert for the video.

[@aquariusrizing]

180 souls. What a beautiful find, Cecil. Thanks for taking us with you, guys.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

180 cemeteries he’s documented in the county. A LOT of souls.

[@aquariusrizing]

@AdventuresIntoHistory Oh, I misunderstood! I thought 180 referred to that graveyard! I thought that was a great many for such a small plot. I'll pay better attention in future.

[@coralieg1947]

Thank you, Cecil and Robert!

[@gailrockford8914]

Thank you Cecil and Robert for your enduring commitment to remember these poor souls who otherwise would be forgotten!❤

[@enduringhope6859]

Great work, Cecil!

[@restless4400]

Thank you Cecil for all your tireless working in finding these often forgotten cemeteries. This one is a great spot by you and your wife. Robert, appreciate your documentation and taking us along on the journey. It seems you are feeling better - so happy for this. ❤

[@music1nut]

Great work Cecil.

[@laurencaulton103]

I'm up in New England, but I've seen many of your videos. You folks are uncovering lost history, especially lost graves of the enslaved.

[@bobbykoenning5566]

1920 Census list the Pew family living on a farm on the road to Box Spring O'Neals, Talbot County Georgia. 1920 Family listing. Father: Orange Pew age 54 Mother: Annie Pew age 34 Daughter: Annie K Pew age 19 Son: Armond Pew age 13 Son: Willie Pew age 10 and Daughter: Daisy Pew age 4. Their neighbor was John O'Neal who was listed as a white farmer. There is a listing for a Kate Pew who died in 1929 and was buried in Talbot County, Ga. Orange Pew died in Nov 19, 1936 and is buried in the Rough Edge Cemetery Talbot Ga. Hope this information helps with Identifying the name of the cemetery.

[@anaconda7184]

Great info Bobby, interesting, thanks for adding this, well done.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Thanks

[@mygrammieis]

Cecil Huge Respect ✊ sharing the important History story- Needs Road Side Sign and restoration help by locals etc project

[@1Grandma62]

I total agree 👍

[@kimberleyannedemong5621]

Excellent video. Great work Cecil. All the unmarked or unnamed graves are so sad. I know that no one can restore their names to them but i feel like you going out & documenting these graves gives a little acknowledgement and dignity to people who never got much of either while they were living. They deserved better but you now give them what you can. That is kindness & compassion in action.

[@lillypad9960]

Cecil is a cutie. Thanks, guys. Blessings from Michigan.

[@shellydehart8217]

Wow, that’s amazing 180 cemeteries just in your county. Thanks to Cecil in finding n documenting them. Also to you to share this with all of us. There’s so many that need to be recognized for the sake of kin if any are still around. ♥️♥️😊👍👍🌟

[@MillerMeteor74]

In most of our older cemeteries here (South Jersey), there are a few field stones scattered throughout the oldest sections. On rare occasions I've seen initials carved into them. Also occasionally I find wooden gravemarkers. That means they would be made from Atlantic White Cedar, which doesn't really rot. Anyway, cool find, again. I can't believe how many cemeteries you have in the woods.

[@pattimessenger6214]

Thank you all for sharing these forgotten cemeteries with us! I love learning a little bit about the people who lived and are buried there! And, please thank Cecil for us for his hard work to locate and document hidden and forgotten cemeteries. I wish there were a Cecil and a Robert to help document old cemeteries everywhere!

[@sheilam4964]

Tall trees, full canopy, less undergrowth like the Mahone Cemetery. Thx for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us.

[@mercedithcompala8148]

Thank you Robert and Cecil for sharing this.

[@mercedithcompala8148]

That was a very heart warming statement..only GOD knows their names ,thank you.

[@lindacasper8518]

Is there anyway these graveyards can be cleaned up and marked to honor them?

[@Lorriann63]

Thank you Robert and Cecil. You guys are awesome!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Thank YOU!

[@tompena7487]

I love history enslaved or not . Thanks for bringing me along . Love watching.

[@glennyork6800]

Kudos to Sir Cecil, May God Bless this young man.

[@beautyqueeninminneso]

Great discovery, thanks for all the hard work and researching. Make sure to give this video a thumbs up and subscribe!

[@charlesjohnsjr.5809]

Cecil is better than a bloodhound

[@sunnydayo6847]

thanks Robert and especially Cecil for finding this.

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Thank you Cecil. Thank you. Very much. Nobody should be forgotten.

[@karenshepler7128]

Thanks for sharing a nother pice of history there .at least it is now not forgotten 😊

[@decembergem4598]

Amazing job Mr. Young. 👍

[@alanatolstad4824]

I would appreciate seeing a rendition of what that cemetery would have looked while it was in active use...how were the sites identified in order for new graves to be dug, etc.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

When this cemetery was new I’m sure graves were very identifiable. Marked with field stones, maybe flowers etc

[@alanatolstad4824]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory That's an image I can appreciate. Thanx.

[@jphillips6777]

In my search found that there was a pew AA family living at “ Road to box springs ,Oneals Talbot Georgia - Head - Orange , wife - Annie, daughter, Annie K, sons Armond and W.C., and daughter- Daisy. Last name Peu, the transcripter may have misspelled

[@celleduffel1533]

Thank you Cecil!!!

[@mattbyrne1822]

Your work is outstanding, so historical. Keep up the great 👍

[@dianeo2819]

Thank y'all for all you're doing!

[@johnnyboyvan]

Wow you are at 146k congrats! 😊

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Thanks! 😃

[@fairygrandma9127]

If only a few names could miraculously be found on some hidden markers… it could mean the world of difference for a family looking for their roots.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Great work Robert and Cecil. Happy Easter too.

[@sherrilee230]

That is amazing maybe in the county court house in that township. Record would how to exist in that township.

[@jamielieberg7053]

you know robert when you showed me Field stones that are upright that their graves I have three in my yaerd this house was built in 1867 Field stones foundation and a dirt floor potato cellar like the wizard of oz I think we have graves here

[@margaretgarls153]

So glad you are back exploring! Thank you both for giving respect and acknowledgement to the unknown people buried there. Rest in peace.

[@brendahogue5487]

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

[@user-cz8pu1om6y]

God in Heaven knows who they all are…

[@Robindigsit]

Love your videos!

[@larrysmith6499]

Great video. Love your passion for old cemeteries. Like the new haircut

[@katherineyanagihara2909]

Aloha 🌺 Robert & Cecil! Amazing work Cecil! Thank you Gentlemen! 🥰🌺

[@kepperMN]

Thanks!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Thank YOU

[@southernmama9362]

Those indentions are super deep WOW i wonder how old those graves r

[@jimmyhappysmith204]

Thank you for your very informative video I would like to see where the houses had once been built.Thank you

[@maggiemaysmall5710]

Is there a listing or documentation of what Cecil is finding in Talbot? My grandmother was born in Geneva and her ancestors where there in 1827 signing a petition for the army to come and protect from the Indians. Would very much like to look at what you have found. Thank you Robert and Cecil. Blessings.

[@johnwick4257]

It's just a cryin' shame that these folks are lost, forgotten, unknown, un cared for or cared about by their descendants.

[@MargieT6223]

Hello Robert!!

[@bobr2959]

The sentiments expressed in the description of the video by the video creator is so deeply felt and says things that hit home deep in my ( our) hearts. There's just something in my heart that gets stirred up when i see these old cemetery's. It's hard to put in words exactly. Maybe its looking at life and how short it is. Maybe its an Eternal outlook and mans existence and why we are here. I found out why we are here already. That question led me discover and pursue Christ and i found out He was pursuing me. Now i have confidence that when I die, I'll be with Him and not in hell separated by the sin i committed. That's 'IF' i stay repentive and right with Him till the end. The clocks ticking away and that days coming, so....

[@jennymess99]

Why do they indent after a while? Thanks guys.

[@tonygriffin6049]

Wood coffins rot and collapse, causing the ground to also collapse.

[@BrianPhillips-le3gl]

Cecil's wife must have an eagle eye to catch sight of that iron arch from the road!

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

For sure e

[@donnal.oglesby4806]

God bless Cecil, for all that he is finding and documenting. Robert you can really see the indentions in the gound as you walk around and see all the sunken areas by some of the field stones. a shame that there is not written record as to whom all is buried here, so family that are researching their family genealogy have no clue as to where their ancestors are laid to rest.

[@patbarlen2764]

Ty. What a shame there’s no documentation.

[@dormiacrouch1905]

It's so sad that there are so many forgotten graves of people who were once contributing to history even if in small ways.

[@billyscott6644]

Cecil is a bloodhound. Y’all make a good team

[@leekorten1791]

💞

[@MsTaffylou]

😻

[@jinseng9304]

🙏

[@susangreasby8741]

Bean. Great.

[@JulieMelberg]

1920 Federal Census: Annie K Peu Gender: Female Birth: Circa 1901 Georgia, United States Residence: 1920 Talbot, Georgia, USA Age: 19 Marital status: Single Race: Black Ethnicity: American Father: Orange Peu Father's birth place: Georgia, United States Mother: Annie Peu Mother's birth place: Georgia, United States Siblings: Armond Peu Willie C Peu Daisy Peu Census

[@janinecollins938]

Hobart Tasmania Australia 🦘 watching

[@ArtzyJ9]

What efforts have you all made to get the county or state to recognize these undocumented cemeteries?

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Cemeteries are protected in Georgia. That doesn’t mean they have to be cleaned, etc, just not destroyed. This cemetery is documented now. As stated in the video Cecil has documented 180 in this county

[@mannyortiz4814]

Robert my guardian angel. It maybe that this cemetery is not recorded anywhere. The souls whose bodies were buried there still matter. Our lord and savior knows each one and so we must celebrate the memory of every individual, hallelujah. My heart feels for them. Angels surround the land and protect the memories of times gone by. Until next time. Please, take care and stay safe. Love ya 🍺🍺🙏❤️🌹🇺🇸😇🌈🌞👍🕊

[@debralady9934]

Hey Robert

[@tonyahaley6900]

180 graves?!?! 😮 In that small of an area?

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

No. 180 cemeteries in Talbot County. There were probably close to 100 graves in that small area tho.

[@marcbrunson6986]

I'm glad to see the area has a named grave. Y'all can at least put her on the register and get her history going too.

[@adamkimberling6609]

Wow 180 cemeteries in one county. I wonder if it's like that for the rest of Georgia and all the rest of the South. Probably.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Yes

[@jamiebridgers105]

Can't believe been watching your videos for long while u can carry a brush and small hand rake and hand tool

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

We carried a brush the other day actually

[@ellietobe]

Can you find out who owns that property now? Is it private property or owned by the state or county? Shouldn’t old graveyards be protected? Well, I think that they should but apparently not many other people do since they are so often just built over or destroyed.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

It owned as a cemetery, it owns itself. Marked out from the rest of the land basically.

[@jpbennettusmc]

I’ve got many graves like this on my land here in Waverly Hall

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Oh really? You know I’m in Waverly Hall…. You’ll have to let me know where.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Email me… [e-mail]

[@jpbennettusmc]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory Yeah I’m over McKee Rd.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

@@jpbennettusmc oh. I know where you’re at. The old Bethesda Cemetery with the slave burials on the back of the hill.

[@jpbennettusmc]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory yeah man that’s it. I plan to clean it up one day when things are slow

[@flysubcompact]

You assume old, unlabeled or fieldstone markers are for black slaves. I know of three similar cemeteries in my region of AL that have similar stone markers and all where poor whites. One of these has some of my kin in it.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

No, we don’t assume. We never assume anything. The burial style, Ms Pew’s grave, and other details are how we know.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

We have shown unmarked white burials plenty of times.

[@flysubcompact]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory I just subbed, so I've not seen your whole library.

[@BUHNANUHBREAD]

Are indentions because of no coffins? Did they just bury the body and no coffin?

[@lorraineclark2307]

I was curious as well, so I goggled it. This is what the internet said: “It's simply the process of air escaping and the loosened dirt and soil settling into place - due to gravity, this all happens with downward momentum, hence the grave appearing to sink. The coffin will also naturally collapse over time, which further shifts the soil within the grave”. Don’t know if that’s 100% accurate.

[@BUHNANUHBREAD]

@@lorraineclark2307 If that is true then all of our cemeteries would or will have a bunch of indentions too?? Thank you for taking time to inquire and respond with such fascinating information. I really had no idea.

[@lorraineclark2307]

@@BUHNANUHBREAD You’re welcome. I was thinking about the last two burials I’ve attended. Not sure what the caskets were made of, but both were incased by big slabs of cement. Since they are on high ground, in a region that normally doesn’t have big earthquakes, would assume they may remain steady well beyond a century. What are your thoughts?

[@JulieMelberg]

1900 Federal Census Annie Pew Gender: Female Birth: Apr 1895 Georgia, United States Residence: 1900 Militia Districts 396,400, Durdin, Hello, Morgan, Georgia, USA Age: 5 Marital status: Single Race: Black Ethnicity: American

[@Shakawhenthewallsfell102]

I'm curious. How did you and Cecil determine that the cemetery was of only black people born before 1865? Seems a bit presumptuous but interested in hearing your reasoning. Your viewers would like to know. Thanks.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Firstly existing historic knowledge of the area. Secondly, it becomes quite easy to identify the different types of cemeteries after you have seen so many. Further more the only marked grave was of an African American girl. During this period of time cemeteries were segregated. Additional clues in this cemetery point to African American burial styles. Lastly it is only known by African American locals as a “slave cemetery” - and is close to several old plantation sites. We both have years of hands on experience in cemeteries, whether it be early settler, Plantation Era, etc - So it becomes quite evident to us easily, while I understand how others can not understand.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Your usage of “presumptuous” is a bit offensive tho 😅😂 Our years of videos documenting sites similar and explanations of those sites is the immediate evidence I can provide to our combined knowledge and years of experience in such matters

[@Shakawhenthewallsfell102]

@@AdventuresIntoHistory Whenever someone tells other people that their use of a word is offensive. That's what is offensive. Right, you are democrats.

[@lorraineclark2307]

@@Shakawhenthewallsfell102. You’re offensive, bring politics into this.

[@Shakawhenthewallsfell102]

@@lorraineclark2307 What politics am I bringing in?

[@Da-cube]

Nice work both of you

[@JulieMelberg]

Is this right? Georgia, Chatham, Savannah Burials Annie Pew Burial: Oct 19 1954 Laurel Grove South Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham, Georgia, United States Block: 0 Lot: X Section: OLD Grave #: X4421 Latitude: 32.061282 Longitude: -81.112777

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

No.

[@necessarytrouble]

Thanks!

[@necessarytrouble]

Just found your channel a month ago and now I’m completely hooked! Great content.

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Thank YOU! That’s awesome!!