Slave Cemeteries & the Army Corps of Engineers

This recent article from USA Today discusses the Army Corps of Engineers plans for a memorial at a slave cemetery west of New Orleans. Also mentioned are slave cemeteries in New York City (now a National Park), Dallas, and Charleston, SC.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph Bolen Epperson and Bennie Elizabeth Eldridge

Joseph (1910-1995) and Bennie (1912-1989) are my grandparents. They are not buried in the Charleston Cumberland Persbyterian Church Cemetery, but in a newer memorial park a few miles away. I remember my papaw telling me that after he had purchased the plots he received a letter addressed to "Mr and Mr Epperson." Papaw said, "They must think we're a couple of gays."  I thought that was funny because the twelve-year old me didn't even realize that Papaw knew what gay people were.  Obviously the people at the cemetery didn't notice that Mamaw's middle name was Elizabeth.

Joseph Bolen Epperson and Bennie Eldridge Epperson

I hope nobody found the above anecdote offensive.  It wasn't meant to be, it's just that I find it much more amusing than my one other story associated with my grandparents burial plot. The other is that the first time I visited the cemetery was at my Papaw's funeral in 1995. Mamaw died in January 1989, three weeks after I left for a semester abroad in London; I was unable to fly home for her funeral.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph Oscar Epperson and Mary Katherine Bolen

Joseph Oscar and Mary Kate are my great-grandparents. Joseph (1879-1918) died during the 'flu pandemic. His wife, known as "Mrs. Oscar" (1881-1964), outlived her husband by many decades. She managed after his death by renting out a room to the minister and by maintaining her share in the general store Joseph had owned. The store was renamed the Bolen Brother's Store and apparently they made amazing sausage.

Joseph Oscar Epperson

Mary Kate Epperson

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph Epperson and Sarah Ann Fuller

Joseph and Sarah Ann are my second great-grandparents. Joseph (1852-1941) spent his entire life in Bradley County, but Sarah Ann (1853-1920) was from Dahlonega, GA. They are buied in the Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Joseph Epperson and Sarah Ann Fuller

Tombstone Tuesday: Harrison T. Epperson and Elizabeth Mann

Harrison and Elizabeth were my third great-grandparents. According to the information I have Harrison T. Epperson was born 16 December 1798 in Albermarle County, VA and died 25 June 1886 in Bradley County, TN.  His wife, Elizabeth Mann was born in Jefferson County, TN on 11 November 1816 and died 16 July 1901 in Bradley County, TN. They were living in Hawkins County, TN in 1850 and had moved to Bradley County by 1860. They are both interred at the Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Harrsion T. Epperson

Elizabeth Mann Epperson

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