Southern Graves

Ora Beatrice Adams was born 8 January 1893 in Gwinnett County, Georgia to James H. and Annie Elizabeth (Weathers) Adams.  She died just a few days before her 26th birthday, and was laid to rest at Trinity Church Cemetery in Gwinnett County.  A lovely epitaph on her tombstone reads: The rose may fade the lily die But the flowers immortal bloom on high. Initially, I was having a difficult time finding out much about Ora.  I was especially wondering why she wasn't coming up in a death certificate search.  When that happens, I will sometimes turn to FindAGrave.  If someone had created a memorial for her, maybe it would be managed by someone related or at least someone with more information than I.  (In other words, someone who cares about more than their contribution numbers.) And if that's not true, maybe there is a better image for me to scour for information than the one I took.  (It happens!) In Ora's case, I got lucky.  Contributor Quietly Restin...

Today's letter brings a story of a man whose southern grave is very likely the Chattahoochee River. From the New York Public Library Some time ago, I'd say about nine years, I decided to document (or at least make note of) every instance of lynching I come across while researching.  I never made a solid attempt to seek out lynchings, specifically, but would make note when one was found.  I even started a database of sorts.  I haven't really kept the page up as far as housekeeping goes – there might be some broken links and such – but I still add to it from time to time with more than 170 entries thus far.  I've also written on the subject a couple of times in this space before ( here and here ). Since this blog is taking part in the A to Z Challenge, there are some people visiting that might never have otherwise (I'm having a blast, btw).  So I feel a little like I should try to explain why I would give the horrible acts – those committed by the crimin...

Victoria Wife of Dr. R. S. Adams Born Oct 21, 1848 Died June 25, 1903 Mother, thou hast from us flown To regions far above, We to thee erect this stone Consecrated by our love. The oak leaf is a powerful symbol. As Douglas Keister puts it in Stories in Stone , "Just as the lion is the King of Beasts, the oak is the King of Trees." Oak leaves symbolize strength, endurance, eternity, honor, liberty, hospitality, faith, and virtue -- all combined show the force of the Christian faith. Oak leaf tombstone located at Duluth Baptist Church Cemetery in Duluth, Gwinnett County, Georgia. Photo © 2010 S. Lincecum.