WHITEHEAD PLANTATION SLAVE CEMETERY | VISITING SAMANTHA STREET | WHITEHEAD SPARKS CEMETERY

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Return to see Samantha Street! 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

[@junniehendrix9771]

I would love to speak with Mr Akin. My mother was a Akin from Georgia. I am trying to locate anyone that is related to her. if living she would be 99 years old.

[@gaylakellner720]

Samantha Whitehead Street Birth: 1825 Waverly Hall, Harris County, Georgia, USA Death: 23 Jan 1918 (aged 92-93) Waverly Hall, Harris County, Georgia, USA Burial: Whitehead-Sparks Cemetery, Waverly Hall, Harris County, Georgia, USA Memorial #: 199255924 Bio: The birthdate on her headstone is incorrect, it may have been confused by someone remembering her marriage date instead, which was 1867. Samantha Whitehead was born into slavery on the William Whitehead plantation, just a few hundred yards from where she rests today. After freedom and beginning in 1870, she gave a different age on every census, probably because she did not know for certain, nor could she read or write. On the 1900 census she gave her date of birth as Dec. 1825, her age as 74, and had been married 20 years. In 1910 she gave her age as 66 and had been married 40 years. At any rate, as a young woman, she was given by William Whitehead to his daughter, Catherine Whitehead Boddie. After freedom Samantha legally married Hilliard Street and they continued to live on the Boddie farm in Waverly Hall with their children. After Catherine Boddie moved to Atlanta, Samantha went to work for Catherine's niece, Mary James Whitehead Pitts as a "Mammy-Nurse" to her children. One of those children was William I. H. Pitts. When he married and had children, "Aunt Samanthee" as she was called by them, became "Mammy-Nurse" to his daughter, Miss Margaret Pitts. When Samantha died, Miss Margaret Pitts was 24 years old. Miss Margaret said she paid the delivery and setting fee for the grave marker as well as one for Hilliard, who is buried beside his wife, to her left, but his grave marker disappeared long ago. Miss Margaret, who died in 1998 at 104 years old, reminisced frequently about Samantha, and the many things they did together. "Uncle Hillyard and Aunt Samanthee" as she referred to them lived their long lives in a house that stood about 150 yards behind the Mattie Jane Ellison home on Ridgeway Rd. It is pasture now and a huge oak tree that grew in their front yard is still there. Mahone's Delight was an African-American benevolent/fraternal lodge that existed in Waverly Hall in the early 1900's. A portion of the dues paid into the lodge, which went toward a life insurance policy and a grave marker, much like Woodmen of the World and Knights of the Pythias did at the same time. The Delight lodge changed names numerous times over the years, at one time being called the "Knights of Moses". The female branch of the lodge was called the Chamber and for the sake of description, it was their version of the Order of the Eastern Star; the women wore long evening gowns to meetings, held Bible study, and helped raise money for things like furnishings or books for the local school for black children. The number on the headstone was the Lodge or Chamber number issued by the home lodge mentioned in another post. The local Lodge was named Mahone's because over two thirds of the charter members were the local Mahone family. There are numerous headstones on African-American graves around Waverly Hall and Talbot County bearing this same lodge info. Inscription: "Samantha Street, born - 1868, died Jan. 23. 1918, Mahone's Delight Chamber, 3557 - Waverly, Hall. Ga." The inscription is legible and gravestone in good condition. Family Members Spouse Hilliard Street Created by: David R. Chittenden (48919571) Added: 19 May 2019 URL: www.findagrave.com/memorial/199255924/samantha-street Citation: Find a Grave, database and images (www.findagrave.com/memorial/199255924/samantha-street : accessed 07 May 2022), memorial page for Samantha Whitehead Street (1825-23 Jan 1918), Find a Grave Memorial ID 199255924, citing Whitehead-Sparks Cemetery, Waverly Hall, Harris County, Georgia, USA ; Maintained by David R. Chittenden (contributor 48919571) .

[@lisaknell1809]

Thank you for sharing this information about this amazing woman! May she and the others buried here never be forgotten! ❤️

[@grandmakellymcdonald]

Very interesting 💕👵

[@milosugafree4eva]

Thank u vry much for recognising the slave cemetry, as a black english person i watch with love the way you treat them, better than in life no doubt. Lots of love. Rest easy samantha

[@robertbates6057]

Robert is so respectful. God's watching. It's sad to think about these poor people and how they were treated. I know, not all were treated the same but I sure wish people showed more love and respect like Robert does.

[@Regina0964]

Robert and Mr. Dan I'm so very impressed with you doing this, i love History and it really should be taught more in our school systems.. i think by you mentioning these people you're keeping their memories alive... your channel is the only one i watch on this type... i wished i could do a tour with y'all, i would pay alot just to sit and hear about it.. thank you guys for doing this, makes me very happy to see that there are people out there with a huge heart.. they may have not all had a great life but they so much need and want their memories to stay alive, each person has a story behind their names... hugs from wisconsin ❤

[@DavidSmith-fs6pi]

These tours of forgotten Black cemeteries are very interesting

[@Azoreanislandgirl64]

I'm so glad you're taking care of the cemeteries that are not only important to our history, but also important to our families. I'm was born in Saint Michael, Azores and there after seven year's they remove the bones of the person whom was buried there previously to again bury the next person. They place the bones in a crypt. So when you visit the cemetery , you're probably not at the grave of your loved one. Because the Azores island's are composed of Volcano lava it is dept that is against them. In most areas are like that, but in some cases probably not.

[@fastsetinthewest]

A great presentation by a great gentleman. The knowledge is shared so well. We appreciate the video with Dan T. Aken age 56. Godspeed. Eaglegards...

[@yvonnesquadrilli8997]

Thank you again ....I love to hear Dans history an yours too Robert

[@silviasmith5696]

Sure glad someone still around to tell about the stories of people and talk about the places like this.

[@revelationakagoldeneagle8045]

I grew up, and now live again, in Marion County Ga. I'm fairly familiar with the Waverly Hall area and plan to make a trip to visit this cemetery. Thanks for sharing this important information. 🙏

[@rhondagroulx8544]

Mr Dan, have you considered writing a book? All that knowledge in your head needs to documented on paper. I absolutely love when you and Robert are out and about. Blessings from Michigan ❤️

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I would rather he make an audio book 😊 He has a great voice to go along with the storytelling

[@user-randi1987]

Good video. Nice of you Robert to begin flagging the remaining graves. Very ambitious project. Thanks

[@elizabethrosier5313]

Oh how fascinating. I see you found what we call 'sparkle berries' ate a bunch as a child. Thanks to all of you for sharing.

[@shelleysoto]

Excellent video. I enjoyed this story very much.

[@grzegorzkowalski4763]

Greetings from Poland

[@deniseoftedahl8937]

Always glad to take a trip with you and Dan. He really does need to write a book. Thank you!

[@brendapaul5950]

Thank you for caring and honoring these people who forged a life in the most difficult times.

[@larrysmith6499]

Thanks for exploring these old cemeteries

[@randomvintagefilm273]

That stone for Samantha is really nice. Thank you for making record of it.

[@andrewowens9382]

Hi Robert and Dan another great video thanks for a intresting story keep doing a great job 👍 Andrew south wales uk 👍 👌 🇬🇧

[@debbrumley5623]

Find a Grave has a lot of information about this lady and her husband, thanks for all you do !

[@marytaylor8417]

Very interesting. It's good to learn some of the history of Samantha. When I hear about these people I wish I could have met them.

[@natalielebron5532]

Thank you !! Dan and Robert I really enjoy your telling the story of our ancestors. God bless you both

[@alanatolstad4824]

Great to have some historical background. And a Great collaberation! Glad Walter could participate.

[@tangie777uk]

Thank you Dan and Robert

[@En_Marche]

“Miss Margaret Pitts and Mammy Samantha”, a phrase that seems to describe eons of human experience.

[@alvaalvarado2587]

great stories, thank you both, this man is a walking encyclopedia

[@evewilliams7629]

I have lived in Georgia my entire life. Been all over the state, but had never been to Waverly Hall. As of today I can cross that one off my list. Saw your ambulance out front at the warehouse, and the big yard sale in town. Cute little town, not much different than my own.

[@frankscarborough1428]

Thanks Robert and Dan. Enjoyed hearing about Samantha Street and her family. Great history lesson

[@howardwest1347]

What an incredible history lesson. That you two from the bottom of my heart. This is who we are as a nation. These are all of our ancestors whether we are black or white. Those people wrote the history of this country for all of us and it is wonderful that they are all remembered because of you two and a few others. Donna/northern Michigan

[@bronwynodonnell8548]

It’s great the way you are now including the local history. It’s wonderful to bring the lost back too us through their stories. 🇦🇺cheers Bronwyn

[@bethpeters3187]

I could sit here and listen to Dan for hours. He's wonderful. I love your series. Wonderful history I love it.

[@patranney1561]

Thank you for how much you care and honor these people.

[@teresawelborn1360]

What an awesome video this is. You both are amazing ,and Dan you are a library of information. Oh how I wish there was a way to donate to the clean up of this graveyard. If anything take beautiful rocks , paint roses or Daisys for each grave.

[@SondraD7676]

Very interesting facts and story telling by Dan, as always. I recall Samantha Street, and the additional information paints a picture of this lady for me. Other information fascinating as well. Wonderful episode. Walter the videographer 👍. Thanks again, Dan and Robert. 😊❣️

[@donnytucker]

It would be great if you can get a group of volunteers to go out and clean up those cemeteries. Cut all the shrubs and small trees down, rake everything, fill in the collapsed graves with some dirt, flag everything, and maybe make a sign saying the name of the cemetery.

[@jimmieloge575]

I Love how respectful you guys are when in cemeteries! Slave cemeteries should be kept up just as nicely as any others!!! I learn a lot of great history from these types of videos! Thanks so much for documenting them!!!

[@sflouden1]

I just want to say how much I appreciate your channel, I really appreciate you Robert and Dan for bringing these people lost in remembrance to us again. When you speak their names it brings them momentarily back into remembrance...that is an honoring of them as people of long ago who probably meant something to someone at that time and is now again remembered. So as an "old person" myself I hope in a hundred years someone will speak my name again. I think you are doing a service not only for us living but for those long gone.

[@sherronbell4961]

Amazing history and cemetery.

[@eileenmurphy5718]

I’m glad that you are back at this cemetery to give us more information on it and it’s safe for now.

[@sharonlegnon7411]

I SOOOOO LOVE THESE VIDEOS.

[@deirdresullivan2177]

Wow its so interesting and so sad at the same time to think these poor human beings where slaves,buried here and not even proof to show that they once lived 💔 Another great piece of history thank you for sharing and remembering.

[@mcwatersd]

I am so glad you have started to flag these graves. . Most people walking through a wooded area would have no idea. Thank you for all you do. Keep Safe❤Keep Well ❤

[@davidtrishhope9841]

Mr Dan should teach the kids at schools, as he is so good at telling the history, love from New Zealand

[@randomvintagefilm273]

I agree! He has a great memory.

[@wvbygraceofgod5508]

I could listen to Mr Dan for hours. A Wealth of knowledge. I’m not even from around GA but am deeply interested in the south. Thanks for another great video

[@RGrantJones]

Enjoyed the history and the nature -- the bird calls in particular, heard often in the background in the video but somewhat clearly at these points: Prairie Warbler at 00:04, White-eyed Vireo at 15:20, and Eastern Towhee at 22:06.

[@anaconda7184]

Thank you for this interesting information.

[@bethbartlett5692]

Treat to have a video awaiting me today! Enjoying you guys so much. Have a great weekend!

[@CharityS-Minnesota]

Hi Robert, I’m so glad that you and Mr. Dan went back out to Miss Samantha‘s grave. And thank you for taking such good care of that cemetery as far as trying to flag the other graves. I’m wondering if The lodge that Miss Samantha was a member of that took care of the burial cost could have possibly also taken care of Mr. Hilliard. And maybe that lodge museum that had contacted you may have records of his dad that may get some information on dates for him as well.

[@tompena7487]

Always interesting

[@lavettamoff7883]

Thanks gentlemen. This was so interesting. I love learning about MRS.Street.

[@marykCLT]

I love these stories. I would have to take my clippers and cut some of those branches and pick up fallen trees.

[@davedeiler2072]

I watch your cideos. I can't say I enjoy them. I find it sad these people lived and died now no one remembers them. I applaud you for your efforts in bring new life to their memories.

[@Regina0964]

What Robert and Mr. Dan are doing is beautiful to bring back the memories of these people that at 1time lived a life, remember when someone talks about a deceased person it keeps their memories alive.. they love hearing their names said again after all the years being gone ..

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Yes, it is very sad. I think what people mean is they enjoy the fact that these people are being remembered.

[@susanbellefeuille]

Loved it so very interesting!

[@Tgirl53]

Thank you for sharing.

[@NinfaCarpentergeorgia198]

Dan appears to be getting more comfortable on camera!! A good thing! Anyone else out there agree????

[@raynonabohrer5624]

I love all this history. ❤ Great video and God bless you all and Keepsafe ❤

[@donnastewart6605]

I am glad to learn the history behind the graves you find.

[@joanwilliams1376]

Thankyou for caring for the deceased

[@bettylorch3796]

Enjoy Dan's oral histories a lot, He really gives a holistic look at the people. Robert you have become a real expert at methods of burial and the markers. Walter did a nice job of filming.

[@jen8491]

Amazing! I absolutely love these videos. Thank you Robert & Dan.

[@winnieskees9622]

I accidentally discovered your series and am fascinated by these cemetery’s. Your friend, Mr Dan, I could listen to ALL day!! I have always been a History Buff and these years are some of my favorite! Thanks so much, thanks for your interest and thanks again ever so much is Mr Dan’s stories! Keep up the good work!

[@suegoss8600]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing a part of history! GODS BLESSINGS TO YOU 👍👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@robertgrice9962]

Dan adds so much to these videos. Very informative

[@marypettitt9150]

Robert and Mr. Akins, your history tours are fascinating. Thank you for sharing these stories. The cemeteries come to life with these explanations.

[@carrieann1640]

My respects to you all, including the person from across the road who kept the loggers away.

[@scottlambert2949]

Awesome story and history thanks for sharing

[@lornahardin4563]

Very interesting history. I love your documentaries on these old cemeteries to keep these people remembered in todays world. So sad to know so many have been lost to the land clearings and disrespect for the people buried there.

[@brendakrieger7000]

You both look marvelous in blue💙

[@sallyintucson]

Dan, have you given any thought to writing down as many of your memories as possible? As you write (or type) these stories, others will pop up in your memory.

[@margiebaumgardner2440]

My two daughters that i adopted were Whiteheads!!!!!!!!!

[@barbararoberto1258]

Wonderful story she was and amazing lady

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

I love videos like this, and appreciate the fact that Mr. Dan has been gathering this knowledge for his entire lifetime. It shows a great respect for the people of your community, and the relationships that they have had through the decades. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@mattieb7348]

Really awesome stuff. Thank you!

[@lona728]

Fascinating 🧐

[@peggyharris3301]

Robert you never cease to amaze me...you are an amazing young man!!

[@dave38831]

Thank you Mr Dan for the great history.i hope you consider writing a book with all that history for future reference when we are all gone ourselves. You are an amazing mind. 🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@ohioyodertoter6827]

beautiful country

[@karenshepler7128]

Hello all great to hear from you again on the history of Georgia. Thanks for sharing with us and hope all is well.

[@carylosborn1808]

Hilliard was in the 1910 census with Samantha. However, that was the last document on him. So he passed between 1910-1920.

[@skyhigh6]

Not sure you guys in Georgia do Decoration Day, but my wife family still does the old fashion grave decorating and mounding up sunken graves. It a tradition in the country community of Arkansas.

[@brendahogue5487]

Love your videos and enjoy watching them every time they come on especially the study of history

[@sherrilee230]

Thank you boys. I wish they had someone to do this around in Oregon

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

outstanding 💯🏆

[@daveperryman291]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[@franktalley]

Your videos have caused me to ponder some of the field stones we gathered to build our camp fires when hunting in my youth. While I don't recall seeing any obvious markers nearby the do in hind site seem rather well placed and far too easy to gather in one area. I came across plenty of marked graves in the area but simply moved on paying no attention to the abundance of field stones in the same area. That has been nearly 60 years ago ignorance is bliss.

[@johnhughes4100]

These videos keep getting more and more interesting. Thank you for what you are doing in documentation of these graves. It is so sad that they are not marked and mostly forgotten. I love the extra historical knowledge. You are certainly a wonderful person to work so diligently to bring all this to our attention. Thank you and your team. God bless.

[@kimberlybrown3504]

Excellent!!

[@mygrammieis]

I understand why it would be so special to you🕊✌🏻🦋🙏🏻

[@hankfacer7098]

Thank you guys, never fail to very much enjoy your trips trough Georgia and especially the Cemeteries ( from Australia)

[@jumpin4joync]

Compliments to videographer. Very impressive video documenting. Thank you.

[@esterherschkovich6499]

Hello from Essex.England 😃Really enjoy your channel and all you gentlemen telling us history. Such respect you all show to ALL graves🌺🌺

[@tashasmith6179]

Just curious..... Did England have black slaves back in the day? 🤔

[@Regina0964]

@@tashasmith6179 slavery took place throughout the world, it wasn't just in America down South, hope this helps you. I'm sure if you googled it it would tell you everything you want to know..

[@cindys.9688]

❤️❤️❤️

[@AYWalton]

Yes, I think I saw your first Mosaic Templars stone several months ago. I just took a look and Hilliar Street died in 1910 in Waverly Hall.

[@2sistersjunkjournals]

Looked at the 1900 census and Samantha reported that she had 11 children but only 3 were living in 1900. I bet her children were buried near by in the slave cemetery. Very interesting story.

[@catherinetelesco2767]

Thank you for caring.

[@andreamills5852]

Thank you Robert , Mr. Dan , Uncle Walter.

[@richardspencer4526]

I really appreciate your work! You guys are the best!!!

[@shellydehart8217]

Your so right Robert this was fascinating n great video. I do remember Samantha Street n it was so good to see her head stone to her name. Enjoyed Mr. Dan sharing more of her story. To live to be 104 was amazing. Could you imagine the stories she could tell. It would make a great n interesting movie. Of course I’ve always said I could listen to Mr. Dan all day long sharing the history of Waverly Hall n other places. It was so good if you to mark as many graves as you could. ♥️♥️😊👍👍👍

[@traceym.8680]

I wonder what happened to the Plantation House?