Tragic History Found - She Died In This Cemetery! | Exploring Historic Pierce Chapel Cemetery

Join me on a poignant journey as we uncover a heart-wrenching tale from August 2, 1905, when tragedy struck at Pierce Chapel Cemetery. The Wooldridge and Fortson families, returning from a day of camaraderie, decided to stop by the cemetery to pay respects and place flowers on graves. Little did they know, this visit would turn into a nightmare.
As I explore the historical details, we learn that a marble shaft, weathered and unstable, toppled over, tragically crushing 5 or 6-year-old Jessie Pearl. The rusted screws securing the marker gave way, leaving the family in shock and grief. Today, Jessie Pearl rests in peace in the same cemetery where the accident occurred.
In this video, we visit Pierce Chapel Cemetery, sharing the solemn story of Jessie Pearl and exploring the final resting place of this young soul. Pierce Chapel Road, weaving between Warm Springs Road and Veterans Parkway, holds the echoes of a century-old tragedy that deserves to be remembered.
Subscribe for more historical explorations, as we honor the memories of those who came before us. 🌹🕊️ #HistoryUnearthed #PierceChapelCemetery #JessiePearlMemorial

[@AdventuresIntoHistory]

Very fascinating cemetery here - we will see what other history we can uncover - Channel support: 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 Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/SidestepAdventures 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

[@karenwright8556]

Very nice and interesting video, Robert. Stories such as these always impressed upon me the uncertainty of life on earth. We must grow in knowledge and seek our Creator. We mustn't worried or fret about those gone before us. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Love from KY 💕😊

[@lemondropkid6175]

from chronicling america website - the Dawson News Wed 9 Aug 1905 "Tombstone Crushed Child Tragic Death of Little Girl in Pearce Chapel Cemetery near Columbus Six Year Old Jessie Wooldridge, daughter of TD Wooldridge was accidently killed in a peculiar manner in Pearce Chapel Cemetery ten miles north of Columbus, Thursday. She was standing on a marble tombstone and a shaft at the head of the grave fell on her. Her head was caught between the heavy shaft and the tombstone and her skull was crushed. She died almost instantly gasping only once or twice after the accident. Her tragic death was witnessed by her mother and a party of relatives"

[@Fiona2254]

Aww that’s terrible.

[@Grandmotherof3]

How horrific for her family!

[@avrillloyd4120]

We had 3 young people caught in a storm on open land.They all took refuge under an oak tree and, yes, it was struck by lightning and they all died.One of the boys is buried in a cemetery very near the spot., so I found this episode very interesting and so sad. thanks for taking us there.

[@TammyMilam-yc4yn]

Great video

[@patchesmunchkin]

Robert, I wonder about the practice of using the large flat stones to cover the grave. Up here in Ohio, I have never run into this practice and wonder why this practice is used ? Thanks for your many videos and keep 'em coming!

[@cindykaye9735]

Growing up in the South, I was always told the purpose of the heavy large stone was to keep any dead bodies from floating away in a flood.

[@theOlLineRebel]

@@patchesmunchkin this is basically just a box marker. I don’t know if there are special provisions in the classic South, but generally these are only markers and not a grave. They are quite common and very much so in older graveyards. Most are the simple flat top. But they are very common all over.

[@theOlLineRebel]

@@cindykaye9735. Such is usually true in the Louisiana region, etc. anywhere there is very low ground for vast areas. Most of these are strictly markers, called box, and NOT sarcophagi which are true burial boxes, in this case above ground. I believe these would be box markers and not contain bodies.

[@skyhigh6]

Strangers as it seems, something falling on you isn't that odd. Things that should never HAPPEN. In 1991 walking over to speak to an operator of a concrete pumping truck, the boom broke and fell on me, strange I was underneath the boom but standing a good 30 feet to the side. A 90 foot boom has a long reach, it fell sideways. Luckily I survived, but thanks to a fantastic EMTs and doctors at the hospital. I managed to recover.

[@janefinley-english1051]

Life is full of synchronized events. I believe there are no coincidences. Interesting stories & nice to honor Jessie Pearl. ♥️

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Wish I could hear more of what you believe. I believe too.

[@richardspencer4526]

I was pastor of a church in Mississippi years ago that had a large cemetery. We had a committee that watched over it and a lot of money given for its care.

[@lauraJP76]

RIP Jessie Pearl. Thank you Robert for bring this story to us.

[@alitathomas2711]

We have family in cemetery out in country of springerton il. We Saw a beautiful rainbow over it once we were there. It's on a hill with a beautiful view. Called little Zion . My older son said that was where he wanted to be buried. He died shortly after he turned 16. So we put him to rest there. Will miss him till the Lord takes me home. Love your work . Leta

[@lynnebunning7273]

Condolences on the loss of your.son. RIP young man. Knowing you will see him when the Lord takes you home must give you some peace. Blessings Lynne Victoria Australia 🇦🇺🐨🙏🏻💜💙

[@cherylschantz9893]

So very sorry for your loss.

[@cindykaye9735]

😢 So young, so sad, so sorry....

[@user-nu6gl8io8f]

Yes. families are for ever, no words can make it right but with God's love & healing may your hart mend!!!

[@SondraD7676]

That is a very tragic story. I cannot even imagine. Then meeting the niece - you have to wonder about things like that, not a coincidence. Interesting mix of gravestones too. Again, showing the progression of time. This content reminds me of something I read this week, "Death is nothing to us. When we are alive it is unknown, when we are dead, we no longer know life." I have thought about that quite a bit. The epitaph on Rebecca Clark's stone reminded me of the quote and then the story of poor Jessie Pearl. Thank you for another excellent Adventures Into History", a reminder that history surrounds us if we pay attention and keep an open mind.❣❣👍👍

[@Hyungbu]

My Maternal Great Grandfather White was employed by Mt Olivet cemetary in Hannibal Mo. He suffered a heart attack while digging a grave and was buried about three plots over.

[@danielulz1640]

Robert, I think that you just experienced a God nod. The death of any child is tragic, but the circumstances of little Jessie's death is just horrific.

[@greywebs1944]

RIP Jessie 🥀 Love from England 🌹

[@Mari-B]

The false crypts remind me of those in the UK! It's such a sad story of Jessie Pearl.😢

[@lindamcnamara7803]

Beautiful cemetery so full of history. There’s a cross in the sky. Timing is perfect you met family of Jessie Pearl.

[@karenwright8556]

I noticed that ,too. Heavenly realms speak to me.😇

[@celleduffel1533]

Did you notice above you and her grave..cloud and maybe a contrail..it was a cross. I love old headstones, I love cemeteries but I love false crypts for some reason. Good video, ty Robert.

[@pendlechild7516]

With the contrail clouds - ya just have to pay attention to things like that! 👍

[@mean.maryjean]

I noticed the Chem Trails also. Once you see you can't unsee.

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Oh look at that

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Such a tragic story. 🇨🇦

[@lilly5157]

Chemtrail. Geo engineering. Poison. Heavy metals.

[@juliewessels4045]

It's great to see you again, Robert! Where's the Other Robert been lately?

[@mercedithcompala8148]

It's heart warming to see how you care about sharing the lives of these wonderful people ❤

[@kathleendouglas7300]

Extremely interesting!

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

You just never know. My aunt, age 6 went to her one room schoolhouse one day, never to return home. After school was dismissed for the day she ran out from behind the school bus on to the road and was hit by a car, killed instantly. This was in northern Illinois in 1932. Her sister was there to see it happen.

[@ronniefuller2334]

What a historic well kept cemetery. Robert we love history and we love the way you tell it with such compassion, love and respect for those gone before us. Thank you for taking us along to such a well maintained, peaceful cemetery. I salute the church across the way for taking care of all buried there. Robert you are amazing!

[@lynnebunning7273]

Couldn’t have said it better. Cheers Lynne from Victoria Australia 🇦🇺🐨👋🏻

[@beverlyparrott3890]

Thanks Robert for showing us and telling about Jessie Pearl and knowing that she has a neice living today.❤😊

[@lisaknell1809]

I live in WV and something similar happened in a cemetery just a few years ago. Child killed by falling grave marker. So sad! 😢

[@Carolbearce]

Such a sad story but weirdly enough, not the first time I have heard about this happening. There is a little boy in the Chicago area. The family was having a picnic by their buried family and a stone fell and killed a little boy. Just tragic. Beautiful old cemetery.

[@davandjenn618]

I always wondered about the history of the small cemetery In Ellerslie Ga. At the end of Holland Rd running into Hwy 315

[@jamesbass9797]

Robert, there is a good possibility that there is a newspaper article along with pictures of this incident. Might be worth checking out.

[@andrewowens9382]

Intresting story and a sad one specially a child tragically killed at a cemertery of all things, and Robert it was ment that you bump into the child niece, the cemertery is well-kept and looked after all the best Andrew south wales uk 👌 👍 👏 😀 🇬🇧

[@bettytordoff8920]

Thank you for telling little Jessie Pearl's story in remembrance.

[@carol.luna.stella]

A beautiful place, God bless you Jessie Pearl and your family.

[@michelenelson3513]

I LOVE the iron fences around family plots, gives me a very historic feeling

[@tacocin]

Super interesting Robert. It's amazing that little Jessie can still touch our hearts today. Bless her heart. 🙏

[@vickiebrannon5217]

Fascinating history. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@karenshepler7128]

Hello, and what a very amazing day you had as to speak to a relative. I am so very sorry for the child. May she rest in peace and the family. Thank you for sharing her story and take care 🙂 ❤️

[@darlenegood4101]

It's called and divine appointment, Robert.

[@otakop67]

Robert, I wouldn't be surprised if the unmarked grave you visited earlier with the disc marker wasn't the grave who's stone fell. If the stone was old enough that the bolts had rusted through, it may have broken in the fall or in trying to rescue little Jessie Pearl. If there were no family surviving to replace the stone, it may have weathered beyond recognition and have been discarded. Purely conjecture.

[@Fiona2254]

Just one detail, they wouldn’t remove a headstone that weathered and there are many examples in the video of obliterated false crypts still there. More likely is that the marker was wood and it rotted away or that there is stone under the turf. I went looking for my great grandpa with grandma and his marker was gone, we found him counting plots. The original marker was wood and in the tropics those don’t last unless taken care of. Great grandpa divorced and abandoned 5 children to marry another woman and died a couple of years later. His new family clearly didn’t maintain his grave. Grandma was the first of his children to ever visit it.

[@debraleesparks]

I live in Merced, California, next to Yosemite National Park. But 19 miles away is a little mining town of Hornitos . The home of the bandit Jauquine Murrietta. They have the most beautiful cemetery there. Those old miners made enough to buy elaborate statues. Also, Hornitos is where the first Gheridelli chocolate factory started. If you ever come this way, you should really check this place out, you won’t be disappointed! Love Grandma Debbie

[@lynnebunning7273]

So sad but thank you for sharing such such a compassionate way. RIP Jessie blessings Lynne Victoria Australia 🇦🇺🐨💜💙👋🏻

[@lynnmcnamara5380]

Love the history of the people buried in those old cemeteries.

[@pamott1809]

My first time watching you!! I really enoyed you sharing this cemetery and some of the lives there. I had never heard of false crypts. Kinda looks to me like litle homes for the deceased in the after life. I enjoyed your video and going back to watch your other videos! Thanks for sharing!!

[@juliefowler4660]

I do love to hear your interesting stories & facts. Those are the stories not to loose❤

[@MurderMostSouthern]

Just Wow!

[@chriscorbin2059]

I loved exploring old cemeteries. They are history lessons with so much to teach.

[@brendahogue5487]

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

[@judytaylor4133]

What a beautiful resting community, I love your videos with the old cemetery Robert.

[@donnal.oglesby4806]

very tragic story about little Jessie Pearl. So glad you found the grave of her and also met her neice as well.

[@patward5099]

It is so tragic for the family, heartbreaking, I can't imagine.

[@sherrilee230]

That was extremely sad. That poor family. Thank you for sharing Robert

[@carolebrooks8929]

Thank you Robert. Well done again

[@lindawilson4625]

Such a freak accident. I can't imagine the horror the parents must have felt.

[@susancarden749]

RIP Little Jessie, her life cut tragically by an accident. 🙏🙏🌹🌹🙏🙏

[@franceswynne1165]

i have heard a few stories like this one very sad tragic poor child rest in peace

[@anitamorales1506]

💜💜💜

[@lornahardin4563]

Beautifully kept historic cemetery. Kudos to the folks that keep it up. And where is other Robert these days, is he okay? Sad story Robert, can you imagine the horror of the family.

[@jq5609]

Poor girl 😢

[@brooks5466]

No coincidences 💞

[@mikeschumacher9715]

My great grandmother was a Kimbrough, out of Franklin County.

[@scott1395]

If I'm not mistaken this kimborough from Putnam Co ga was most likely connected to Bradley kimborough the kimboroughs settled in Greene County after the revolution on the richland creek valley they had an Indian fort near the oconee River! There are several kimborough cemeteries in Greene co! I can remember some of the old kimborough homes near the oconee River now lake oconee! My grandmother married William Henry kimborough and my dad's step father for a short time before William died in 1928! My dad gave me all the papers on the kimboroughs the Williams son Bill kimborough compiled before his death in 1979! There are still kimborough descendants still living in greens co today!

[@debroahisaacs2452]

Beautiful old cemetery. Sacred ground😊

[@michaelmallal9101]

That's great Shakespearian poetry - 'Death's no more than a dream.' I ain't exploring no cemeteries. Wow, amazing story.

[@Lorriann63]

A very beautiful cemetery but a very sad and tragic story about Jessie Pearl. I think sometimes things happen for a reason. Maybe you were meant to meet that lady today, Robert. Makes you wonder. Thank you for sharing her story.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Robert, you are so well spoken. I really enjoy your videos, although, it seems im always behind on viewing them. Beautiful cemetery! I love seeing the old graves and listening to some of the epitaphs on them, as well as the history. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@diediedie741]

How sad

[@garymoore7201]

Awesome history.. you’re amazing Robert!

[@joanhamilton2651]

Such a sad story

[@debbieblaylock9997]

That is so sad.RIP.Jessie Pearl Thank you for sharing

[@marcbrunson6986]

That's awful about Jessie. Thank you for showing us the cemetery. That's great you got historic knowledge even though it's tragic.

[@lavettamoff7883]

Such a very tragic story.I am a Retired RN, andvhave heard many tragic stories, but none like little Jessie Pearl.I do hope her sibling lived a long life..

[@nicolad8822]

Her siblings lived to a good age. The sister born a few months after she died to 102.

[@ninaellyson814]

Such a sad story. I have heard of monuments falling and killing children before. They are dangerous to play around unfortunately. Thank you for the very interesting cemetery story and walk. Also, do you know how old the stack stone graves are? Or the years they were roughly made? Thanks again-Nina

[@reconnsupernaturalsyndicat1493]

Amazing video. Also to see all the Chem trails in the beautiful blue sky

[@vidac5159]

Amazing how deep a family's roots can go in one place, my cousins still live in the town in northern New Jersey that was founded by our ancestors in the mid 1600s...

[@melissalamproe8640]

Thank you, enjoy your videos. My son is in Columbus GA at Fort Moore. In March he heads to Fort Myer in VA. I can’t wait to go to Arlington Cemetery.

[@KittKatPawz]

Such a tragic story. My heart goes out to her. 😢

[@jacquelinenoble6640]

Thank you Robert this was very interesting. 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@tracysumner4970]

Love history, and looking at cemeteries. Love the stories❤😊

[@mollyrosin3695]

In Kentucky the grave house are like log cabins with tin roofs usually built

[@janetgilesrudland1028]

Wonderful video loved hearing about poor Jessie pearl so sad xx

[@xchief3]

What a great video. Tragic story of a young girls death. Thanks Robert

[@danettehart309]

Just love your videos. I love the history of old cemeteries & .....if only they could talk.....the stories we would know

[@shellydehart8217]

It was meant to be to meet Jessie Pearl’s niece. It’s a sad story about Jessie but I believe everything comes around full circle. It was so nice to see a well kept cemetery n so much history. Great video n thank you for sharing Jessie Pearl’s story. ♥️♥️😊👍👍💔

[@rebeccafrank739]

Another great video. Thanks.❤

[@philbarone4603]

That was amazing sir! I especially loved the part when you said that were all connected especially these days in the US with so much hatred and division. It’s also nice to see a cemetery that’s still well taken care of. My wife doesn’t understand why I enjoy going to cemetery’s so much. Thank you and keep them coming.

[@allygee5468]

Oh, such a sad story, Robert

[@mandymitchell6388]

Love watching your videos. Interesting

[@bethpeters3187]

Your videos are wonderful. I look so forward and am so happy when I see a new post. This one was no exception. Thank you for being the voices for all of the special people seemingly forgotten in time. They deserve to see the light again. I love when Robert's hands clear off the gravestones with such respect using his bare hands. Im sure they would thank you for the care and recognition you give to each every one of these souls. Your videos help me mentally very much as well. Helps me to remember to think of others and escape this crazy fast moving world we now live in. Best from Beth in P A

[@lindastewart3720]

She needs flowers on her grave.

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

Very interesting story! I have a bit of a random question: what is the significance of cedar trees in graveyards and cemeteries? You reference them often when noting the location of graves, especially those that are in the woods and harder to find. Just curious if there is a specific significance. Is it a Georgia thing? More commonplace? Thanks!

[@cindykaye9735]

Cedar trees are referenced in the Bible. They are an evergreen. They grow mighty, strong & tall. King Solomon had a lot to say about them. They represent life everlasting.

[@bridgetmuehlberger5141]

@@cindykaye9735 Thank you!

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you, Robert for the tour and explanation for the video. Always a walk back in time. God bless you for your labours. ❤️🙏🏻👍🇺🇸

[@dcwallace9930]

I really enjoy your movies Robert. I love old cemeterys and can just sit and think about the past. p.m. I miss the other Robert!

[@shelliewerner5624]

Truly a sad story...that lady who was the niece must have been pretty old, or a great niece maybe? Rest in peace little one...

[@nicolad8822]

His children were born in the 1940s.

[@marthakierstead3415]

Always an interesting cemetery and well kept !

[@monicaann5459]

Wow another amazing video love these old cemetery love the stories

[@susangreasby8741]

Looks. Great 👍

[@sylviamiller9047]

Thanks for the video and for remembering this young lady found your channel very much appreciated!

[@mchapman1928]

How very sad. Poor child. RIP🙏🏻

[@beanstaters316]

That is a beautiful cemetery. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@Ramcharger85]

😮 mind blowing 🤯

[@theOlLineRebel]

Amazed no mention of whose or at least what marker hurt the girl. Reminds me of my friend, mutual member of the same gravesite club, who as a small youngster tried climbing a marker in her family graveyard on the farm and caused it to break and fall upon her. She broke an arm. This was in the ‘70s.

[@cindys.9688]

Poor baby was probably just playing, passing the time while her folks were busy, and tragedy struck.😢 Such a sad story. I'm so sorry it happened. So innocent.

[@donnaelkins186]

How sad! RIP Jessie Pearl.

[@GraveVisitations]

Really nice old graves. Sad to see some of them crumbling away tho. Very tragic circumstances the way the little girl died 💔. If this had happened in today's world the family would have sued the city council for lack of upkeep on grave monuments etc.

[@karentrimmer]

There are alot of Byrd's in West Virginia and Virginia ancestors include Admiral Richard Byrd (the first person to fly over South Pole), senators and even a governor.

[@johannahmoran704]

Tragic story…. God really wanted her I guess ..

[@nicolad8822]

Not very nice of her.