Mount Gilead Cemetery outside of Sparta, Tennessee, is one of several cemeteries found in mostly Southern states and the Appalachian Mountains containing tent graves. This cemetery has some of the oldest graves featuring this style.
The graves of Mary Brogdon (1837-1868), Owing Gentry (1806-1875), and William Davis (1864-1873)
Also known as comb graves, it was initially assumed that they were built to protect graves, but it is now believed that these were likely aesthetic choices. I support this idea. Vernacular headstones often appear in clusters in several cemeteries. For instance, there are a series of cemeteries along the coast that feature what I’ve called “Black Madonnas” since they are only in Black cemeteries. Additionally, many cemeteries along the coast feature a single-star motif on headstones. An example can be seen on the Mary Lemon grave at Behavior Cemetery.
The grave of Susannah Keathley (1788-1854)The grave of Jinsey Aust (1813-1875)
The church was founded in 1802, and the building was moved to this site in 1828. Prior to Emancipation, the church held services for slave holders and the people they enslaved.
After the Civil War, the newly freedmen and women founded Hickory Grove Baptist Church.
This is Amanda America Dickson, who became one of the wealthiest African American women after her father left his wealth to her. This was an unusual act because most white planters did not recognize the children born of the women they enslaved. Dickson’s relatives contested the will, but the Georgia courts ruled in favor of Ms. Dickson.
The plantation where Amanda was born and her mother, Julia, was enslaved still exists in Sparta. The home that she lived in with her mother and her two sons still stands today. It sits on Dickson Plantation on the outskirts of Sparta. David Dickson owned significantly more land than what makes up the modern day Dickson Plantation.
St. Paul’s CME Church is the church, through the woods from the Dickson plantation, where many Dicksons are buried. It is said that Julia Dickson, Amanda’s mother, rests here. If true, she is without a headstone.
Through the woods, near the plantation, is the St. Paul’s CME Church where Julia worshipped. If you visit, you will notice the graveyard is filled with Dicksons. The mother is buried there, but she seems to be without a headstone because I’ve been unable to locate it in my visits. The congregation is still active with a newer brick church down the road from this building.
This is Amanda Dickson’s home in Augusta. It’s currently under restoration.
After winning her court case, Amanda moved to Augusta with her sons and mother and lived in the yellow home on Telfair Street. Amanda married Nathan Toomer (Toomer was the father of Jean Toomer, the author), but she died only one year after they got married.
Trinity CME Church is where Amanda Dickson Toomer’s funeral was held. This church was slated for demolition, but the community and church leaders rallied to get it saved.
Her funeral was held at the Trinity CME Church in Augusta. Her final resting place is in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Augusta. Even though her husband remarried, he rests next to Amanda.
Amanda’s marker in Cedar Grove Cemetery.
This is a small look into Amanda’s life. There is a book about her life written by Kent Leslie. There’s also a movie, starring Jennifer Beals of Flashdance and L-Word fame, called “A House Divided.” It’s available via YouTube.
Nathan’s marker is next to Amanda’s.This is Julia Dickson’s home in Sparta where she lived after Amanda passed away.
From the Sparta-Hancock Historical Society’s Walking Tour, “The house has an older section dating to perhaps in 1820z In 1840 it was turned into a four-square with a center hall. Italianate trim around the eaves indicate this was added when the style became popular in the 1850s. It was the home of Sparta Mayor Robert H. Lewis, who also served in the state legislature. His tenure as mayor extended the town limits and built a new school in 1895. He and his brother Sidney co-edited the Sparta Ishmaelite newspaper.”
