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

VISITING SAMANTHA STREET WITH AREA HISTORIAN DAN AKIN

[@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! ❤️

[@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.

[@DavidSmith-fs6pi]

These tours of forgotten Black cemeteries are very interesting

[@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

[@yvonnesquadrilli8997]

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

[@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. 🙏

[@user-randi1987]

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

[@En_Marche]

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

[@shelleysoto]

Excellent video. I enjoyed this story very much.

[@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...

[@andrewowens9382]

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

[@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. 😊❣️

[@debbrumley5623]

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

[@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 ❤

[@silviasmith5696]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@brendapaul5950]

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

[@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.

[@alvaalvarado2587]

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

[@larrysmith6499]

Thanks for exploring these old cemeteries

[@grzegorzkowalski4763]

Greetings from Poland

[@randomvintagefilm273]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 ❤

[@deniseoftedahl8937]

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

[@tangie777uk]

Thank you Dan and Robert

[@bethpeters3187]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@lavettamoff7883]

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

[@sharonlegnon7411]

I SOOOOO LOVE THESE VIDEOS.

[@patranney1561]

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

[@marykCLT]

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

[@frankscarborough1428]

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

[@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.

[@bethbartlett5692]

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

[@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.

[@carylosborn1808]

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

[@raynonabohrer5624]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@eileenmurphy5718]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@grandmakellymcdonald]

Very interesting 💕👵

[@donnastewart6605]

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

[@jen8491]

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

[@sherronbell4961]

Amazing history and cemetery.

[@carrieann1640]

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

[@mattieb7348]

Really awesome stuff. Thank you!

[@joanwilliams1376]

Thankyou for caring for the deceased

[@susanbellefeuille]

Loved it so very interesting!

[@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!

[@peggyharris3301]

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

[@mygrammieis]

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

[@NinfaCarpentergeorgia198]

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

[@karenshepler7128]

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

[@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.

[@traceym.8680]

I wonder what happened to the Plantation House?

[@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.

[@marypettitt9150]

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

[@brendahogue5487]

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

[@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!!!

[@sherrilee230]

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

[@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!!!!!!!!!

[@richardspencer4526]

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

[@andreamills5852]

Thank you Robert , Mr. Dan , Uncle Walter.

[@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..

[@lona728]

Fascinating 🧐

[@jumpin4joync]

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

[@buddyhenson2559]

Thanks for the video and history. Both of you are really good guys.

[@ohioyodertoter6827]

beautiful country

[@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.

[@gayleloy7111]

Another amazing video. Thank you both for caring for these folks. Love from Australia. Stay safe. 🥰😀

[@scottlambert2949]

Awesome story and history thanks for sharing

[@paulhoffman6371]

You continue to introduce snippets of history mostly lost to time. We all need to learn the backstory of history.

[@donnaoglesby1278]

Just wondering if there is anything, or any historical society that would get another headstone for Samantha's husband to replace the one that went missing for whatever reason, and install it on the mounded grave next to her ??I would also suggest that maybe a small sign, wooden or otherwise on a treated fence pole outside of their graves, to let others know that they and others are there?? just seems more proper. Robert, you have a lot to be proud of where the beginning of flagging the graves that are out there. Would like at some point for the rest of them to be flagged as well. Enjoyed the trip with Mr. Dan. Thank you for sharing.

[@bethbartlett5692]

BTW, Who owns the Cemetary property now? It would be nice to see it cleared of vegetation debris and possibly boundaried to keep future construction from encroaching.

[@Mossyz.]

Hugs from England . I find this interesting .

[@kimberlybrown3504]

Excellent!!

[@Tgirl53]

Thank you for sharing.

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

outstanding 💯🏆

[@QuakerLady]

I got here by following the link you provided after the video of cleaning Mrs. Street's headstone. I want to thank you and your crew for giving a glimpse into the life of this special lady. How precious to draw her as the living, breathing person who touched so many lives.

[@suffolkandy]

This is you boys at your best

[@tompena7487]

Always interesting

[@MillerMeteor74]

Very, very interesting. As for the fieldstones, we have at least a handful of them in almost every old cemetery up here. Some have dates and initials carved into them and some have nothing. In some of the old cemeteries there are a handful of wooden grave markers, most likely made of Atlantic White Cedar, which doesn't really rot. They most likely date to the 1830s-40s, I would say. Starting around the 20 minute mark in the back of the cemetery, those did look like blueberries, and probably are. I didn't know they grew wild that far south. They are common on damp ground up here.

[@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. 🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@moretoexplore6736]

Dan, regarding the deep indention that you said signifies a big casket: could it also be that was a grave that was dug but not used? Or could the depth of the indentions be a marker that someone wasn't buried in a casket at all; my great grandfather was buried 97 years ago wrapped in burlap and his indention is rounded like most of the unmarked graves you guys are cataloging - and about 8 inches deep. I supposed the soil in the area would also determine how a grave looks like century later. If you guys haven't done a video on how soil can change how a grave looks, it could be worthwhile. Thanks again for all you do!

[@Regina0964]

Good question, i was also thinking could it be a Family plot area where all the Family member's where buried but never got a stone with their names on it... like i said, just a thought....

[@barbararoberto1258]

Wonderful story she was and amazing lady

[@robertgrice9962]

Dan adds so much to these videos. Very informative

[@danielcain1003]

I remember the original video of this cemetery. Still wish someone, or some organization, would do something for it.

[@chevrolet402]

Thanks for the history lesson guys. Keep the stories coming.

[@marystotts1939]

I really enjoy your channel. Your photographer does a very nice job.