Southern Graves

In March 2010, almost nine years ago, we went camping at Hamburg State Park near Warthen in Washington County, Georgia. It's a beautiful little place on Hamburg Lake, which is fed by the Little Ogeechee River. On our last morning there, I tried to get up with the sun and have my own amateur photo shoot. Here's an image I like from that early rise. After we left the park, we stopped by the Bethlehem Baptist Church Graveyard for a look-see. I have family from the Washington County area, so am always on the lookout for kin in the local cemeteries. I distinctly remember being rushed on that morning since my companion – having just dismantled the campsite and loaded the car – wasn't in the mood for one of my cemetery jaunts. (God bless him, he's been on several.) I was able to hurriedly snap a few photos, though. According to ExploreGeorgia.org, "Bethlehem Baptist Church (circa 1790) is the oldest baptist church, perhaps the oldest existing church of any denomination, ...

Mamie Williams Wife of Otis S. Kelley July 7, 1888 Aug 28, 1921 Fairview Presbyterian Church Cemetery Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia Photo © 2010/1 S. Lincecum Mamie Craig Williams was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia to J. Craig Williams and Rebecca Byrd. 1,2 She likely married Otis S. Kell[e]y some time after the 23 January enumeration of the 1920 US Federal Census which listed Otis as single with his parents Giles and Ada on Crogan Street in Lawrenceville. 3 At best, the marriage lasted less than two years. The couple being parted by the death of Mamie. Resting near Mamie is her child Otis, Jr., born prematurely on 4 August 1921. Baby Otis lived but two hours, unnamed at the time of death. 4,5 The death certificate was signed by G. S. Kelley, M.D. I believe this to be the father of Otis, Sr., listed as Giles S. Kelly in the 1920 US Federal Census with an occupation of medical doctor. 6 It is unclear whether the child was a boy or a girl. The certifica...