FULTON COUNTY, GA - Cemetery Pleasant Hill/Darter Chapel/Birmingham Methodist ***************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm *********************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Carole Johnson Pleasant Hill Cemetery Also Known as Darter Chapel Cemetery and Milton Chapel Cemetery and Birmingham United Methodist Cemetery The oral history for Birmingham United Methodist Church is that the Church began as a Congregational Church off what is now known as Taylor Road in north Fulton County, Georgia by a Thomas Jeremiah Darter in the late 1830s. As of February 2005, I can find no evidence of this. The only Darter I've found in the area was Isaac Darter and he is first found in the 1860 Milton County Census. What we do know is that the land where the cemetery is today was won by James Seavens of the 779th District of Heard County, Georgia in the 1832 Gold Lottery. The land lot was #592 in what was then Cherokee County (then Milton and later Fulton) and was not conveyed until July 1, 1843. On December 9, 1846 Jacob Seavens sold land in Land Lot #592 to John Nix for $52.00. I can't read the amount of acreage; however, John Nix also bought on the same date 40 acres of Land Lot #593 from M.H. Ford for the amount of $75.00 I am assuming that Jacob Seavens is the heir of James Seavens. The deed states that Jacob Seavens is also from Heard County; so I also assume that the Seavens family never actually occupied the land. On September 19th 1851 John Nix sold 200 acres to Jacob Hook for the amount of $1,000 in land lots 592, 593, 632 and 633. It was still Cherokee County, Georgia. Land Lots #593, 595 and 632 were conveyed from Jacob Hook to Jacob C.P. Hook on January 20, 1855, just about five months before the death of Jacob Hook. Not included in this transaction was Land Lot #592 where the cemetery is located. Fortunately, the deeds were recorded in Cherokee County. We don't know where the Church building stood, but it is assumed that it was probably located about the middle of where Taylor Road is today. There is evidence of an old road bed in front of the cemetery. Judging from the tone of the obituary of Jacob Hook written by J. W. Burke, there was a free standing building for the church and not just a meeting in someone's home. As of this date, I have found no deed for such a Church in Cherokee County, Georgia. The courthouse for Milton County burned in 1864. On February 7, 1898 David R. Hook signed a deed for the cemetery to S.M. Westbrook, __ Smith, J.B. Day, J.D. Harris and J. H. Johnston, Trustees for Pleasant Hill Church. This is most likely a replacement Deed for the one burned in the Milton Courthouse fire. The deed States: "Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the respect of the dead and dying and for five dollars Hand paid, at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said parties of the second part, their successors and assigns, all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Second District and Second Section of originally Cherokee and now in Milton County known as Pleasant Hill burying ground or grave yard being as one acre of land of the land lot 592 embracing said Pleasant Hill grave yard lying east of the settlement road embracing 16 rods east of said road and 10 rods wide. The said Trustees to hold said acres of land they and their successors as Trustees perpetually as burial purposes." At the time the Church became a Methodist Church, no later than 1850, the ministers were all Circuit Riders. At that time, the Methodist Church was a part of the South Carolina Conference. The Circuit Rider for Pleasant Hill Methodist (later Birmingham Methodist) in the beginning was out of the Dahlonega Charge which at times contained as many as 13 Congregations. There were approximately 75 ministers for Pleasant Hill/Birmingham Methodist from the beginning to the mid-1980s. The following is a history of those known to be buried in the Cemetery and those with a connection to the Church and Cemetery: Hook Family Jacob Hook was born December 17, 1778 in Orangeburg District, South Carolina to John Hook (birth and death dates unknown) and Mary Rumph, born August 16, 1751 and died before 1774. Jacob married Mary Golson, born 1789 Orangeburg District, South Carolina and died April 11, 1868. They had the following children: Lewis Hook, born October 17, 1811 Sarah A. Hook, born February 19, 1814, married Richard Haynes, Died January 27, 1892, buried in Haynes-Alexander Cemetery, just off Haynes Bridge Rd. at GA-400 on Rock Mill Rd. John H. J. Hook, born July 19, 1817, no further information Jacob J.C. Hook, born March 13, 1820 Samuel Hook, born January 3, 1823, no further information Mahalath L. Hook, born March 24, 1825, no further information Golson Miller Hook, born June 26, 1829 David R. Hook, born April 3, 1833 According to Jacob's will of 1855 (listed later) he had two daughters by a "former wife". They were Elizabeth and Mary. In the Southern Christian Advocate is the listing "July 18, 1861, Mrs. Mary Whetstone, Daughter of the late Jacob and Mary Hook and wife of Absalom Whetstone died in Orangeburg, Dist. In the 61st year of her age…left 8 children." This would indicate that Mary Hook was born in 1800 which could make her the daughter of the Jacob Hook who is the subject of this report. Jacob's will states that his daughter Mary was from a different mother than his wife at the time of his death. It appears that the Hook family didn't not leave South Carolina until after The 1840 census and his tombstone states that he moved to Cherokee County, Georgia in 1849. In the 1850 census Jacob is listed in the Cherokee County, Georgia census (which at that time included the area around the Church and cemetery) as being a farmer, age 72 from South Carolina with assets of $2000. Mary is listed as being age 62, Sarah age 30 and a "tutoress" and David R. as age 17. Jacob Hook is listed in the 1850 census as owning what appears to be a family of slaves: 1 male age 30, 1 female age 21, a female age 14, and a male age 2. Jacob purchased the land around the cemetery in land lots 592, 593, 632 and 633 totalling 200 acres from John Nix in January 1851. Jacob died May 9, 1855 and is the first recorded burial in the cemetery. His tombstone reads: In memory of Jacob Hook in 80th year, May 9, 1855, formerly of Orangeburg District So. CA.,but for the last 6 years a resident of this county and state. "I would not live always." Job The obituary of Jacob Hook appeared in the "Christian Advocate" in Volume:28; Number: 52; page:208; Column 2. : "Jacob Hook, died at his residence in Cherokee County, Georgia, of dropsy, May 9th, 1855, aged about 77 years. He was a native of Orangeburg, Dist., S.C., and emigrated to Cherokee, in Feb. 1849. He was for nearly 60 years a consistent member of the M.E. Church, and was for several years class leader. A short time before his death, I spent a night with him. He was then very ill, and remarked that he should soon die, and when I bade him good bye, he said "I shall probably never see you again on earth, but my brother, I feel that I shall meet you in Heaven." In his conversation at this time he expressed a firm confidence that he had a sure hold on God's promises, and seemed willing to meet death at any hour. I saw him once afterwards at my appointments at his church, when he was quite feeble, so much so that his son, a physician, advised him not to venture out, but he loved God's house and would go. At my next appointment he was unable to come, and before I got round again, I received a message to attend his funeral. He died happy, leaving a dying testimony to the goodness of God. Full of years, full of faith, and of good deeds, old Father Hook has gone to his reward." Written by J. W. Burke Note: John William Burke was assigned in 1855 to the Canton (Dahlonega) Charge. He was born October 1, 1826 in Clarke County, Georgia, the son of Richard E. and Mary R. Burke of Athens, Georgia. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. He was admitted on trial in 1854, became a Full Connection Decon in 1856 and an Elder in 1858. After serving as a Methodist circuit rider he owned J.W. Burke printing business in Macon, Georgia for 30 years. He was a Trustee of Emory and Wesleyan Colleges. The will of Jacob Hook was written March 3, 1855, recorded June 1855: "State of Georgia, Cherokee County, Know all men by this presents that I Jacob Hook Farmer of the state and county aforesaid being old and infirm, yet of perfect mind and memory knowing also the uncertainity of human life has thought it proper to make this my last will and testament. "And first of all I comment my soul and body into the hands of allmighy God who gave them to me. "Secondly I direct all my true and just debts to be paid out of my effects. "And thirdly it is my will that all my property both real and personal to remain in the hands of my dearly beloved wife Mary Hook during her life time and that my daughter Sarah H. Hook shall be supported out of the proceeds of the (two unreadable words) of the place as long as she remains single and lives with her mother. After my wife's death I wish this my property there to be divided equally between her children with the exception that my daughter Sarah H. Hook above mentioned receives twice as much as either of them if she is unmarried at the time and continues to otherwise to share and share alike with the rest if she is married or marries in consequence of my ruling wishing for a small pittance my life time estate to the property that I deeded to my other two children Mary and Elizabeth Hook (begotten by a former wife) I bequeath unto them each (next three lines not readable)…. "of this my last will and testament. In (words not readable) … set my hand and seal this the third day of March in the year of our Lorde one thousand eight hundred and fifty five and in the seventy seventh year of the independence of the United States of America. Signed, sealed and (unreadable word) in the presence of these witnesses: Samuel Orr James (not readable) James M. Edwards Wm. I. Christian JP" Mary Hook, wife of Jacob, was born 1789 and died 1868. She is buried next to Jacob. Her tombstone reads: "In memory of Mary Hook who died April 11, 1868, age 78 years. Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord." According to marriage records of Cherokee County, Georgia; Jacob C. Hook married Frances M. Edwards July 18, 1845 Lewis M. Hook married Elizabeth McMekin August 7, 1842 Mary F. Hook, the wife of Dr. JCP Hook died March 25th 1858 and was 29 years old and is buried in the cemetery. If Mary F. is the same person as Frances M. Edwards, she was only 15 at the time of her marriage. They are not on the 1850 Cherokee County Census. By the 1860 census Dr. JCP Hook, aged 36 has married a Catherine, aged 23. Aurelia Hook aged 7 is also in the household. On the 1870 census JCP Hook is listed as age 43, "Kate" is 35, Aurelia is 17 and they have Samuel Age 9 and Mary age 7. Their next door neighbor in the 1870 census is John Nix. Aurelia Hook, daughter of Dr. JCP Hook and his first wife, Mary, married Jacob Neese October 24, 1872. Jacob was the son of Jacob and Manerva Neese and was born in Franklin County, Georgia in 1849. Lena May Neese in the cemetery could be their child. They moved to Gwinnett County, Georgia. J.J. Hook, infant son of Golson Miller Hook and Gabriella Anglin Hook. His tombstone reads he died August 1, 1857, nine months, six days. Golson and Gabriella Anglin married January 27, 1856. They moved to Roswell where Golson and Gabriella are buried in Old Roswell Cemetery. Golson Miller Hook was born June 6, 1829 in Orangeburg District, SC. He died July 14, 1904. Gabriella was born March 30, 1836 and died January 25, 1891. Dr. JCP Hook died September 5, 1871. His tombstone reads: In memory Of Dr. JCP Hook was born March 13, 1820 and departed this life September 5, 1871, aged 52 years, 5 months 22 days. "Meet Me in Heaven". The census taker for 1870 has his birth recorded as 43. That was off by 10 years. His obituary was in the December 6, 1871 issue of the "Southern Christian Advocate" and reads as follows: "Dr. Jacob C. P. Hook, son of Jacob and Mary Hook, was born in Orangeburg Dist., S.C., March 3rd 1820, removed to Georgia in 1843 and died in Milton County, Georgia September 5th 1871. "After having settled himself in Georgia, the applied himself to Medicine, and being a good physician, enjoyed a liberal share of patronage. But he was not so absorbed by his professional engagements, as to forget his obligations to God, and the great interests of his soul. Trained by pious parents, he, in early life, contracted a relish for reading the Holy Scriptures, and while yet a boy, read his Bible through. In addition to reading the Scriptures, and in connection with it, he was accustomed to read, with pleasure and profit other religious works and periodicals. Something over twenty years age, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which he lived and acceptable member until death. That he was which respected and greatly beloved in the community in which he lived, was clearly (word not readable) large (word not readable) Of people at his funeral. All seemed to feel deeply that fully by his death, had lost. His last illiness was severed and protracted, yet he bore it all with becoming fortitude. He retained his consciousness to the last. As he passed down into the cold, dark waters of death, he knew that he was dying and his dying request to his brothers and other relatives and friends present was to meet him in heaven. He was buried at Pleasant Hill Church, where his remains with those of his Christian parents rest in hope until the resurrection of the just. " The will of Dr. Jacob C.P. Hook is as follows: "State of Georgia, Milton County, The will of Dr. Jacob C.P. Hook made and declared by him on the first day of September 1871 in our presence and in these words: The said Jacob C.P. Hook being at his own house in Milton County, Georgia on the first day of September, 1871 being in last sickness from which he died, while the undersigned were present waiting on him, after calling on them to bear witness of what he should say, declared this last will the following words. I wish my debts all paid, then my wife to have all my realestate as a home for herself and my children during her natural life on widowhood, and such of my personal proberty as are not necessary for their support to be sold, such as my books, medicines, medical instruments, and other effects, my wife to act as executrix. A few days after this he died Given under our hands this 14th Sept. 1871." Golson M. Hook James M. Howell S.A. Haynes Jacob C. P. , Lewis M. and David Hook all served in the CSA. Jacob and Lewis only served one month and then had themselves exempt from service due to their occuptations. David Hook served throughout the Civil War and later drew a state pension, due to destitution. David Hook served in Co. E, 22nd Georgia. His pension was filed by his widow, Mrs. I.C. Hook. I have not found a burial place for Lewis, David and other Hook family members and feel that they are buried in the cemetery. Lewis died after Dr. Jacob C.P. Hook, sometime between 1871 and 1880. His wife Elizabeth is listed in the 1880 and 1900 census. In Shirley Morris' book Cemeteries of Cherokee County, Georgia Robert Day supplied information that there is/was a Hook Family cemetery on Batesville Road. In that cemetery are the graves of Elizabeth "wife of L.M. Hook", born May 25, 1823; died June 3, 1902. Also in this cemetery are John McMakin born 1785; died July 4, 1867 and Jane McMakin, born November 19, 1795; died July 5, 1843. This adds proof that this Elizabeth was the wife of Lewis M. Hook. There are other Hook family members buried in that cemetery, most likely the children of Elizabeth and Lewis. There is no indication that Lewis is buried there. David lived until after the 1900 census and in the 1890s signed a deed to the cemetery that substituted the one mostly likely lost in the 1864 Milton County Courthouse fire. In the April 6, 1928 issue of the "Cherokee Advance" and annotated in John Carver's book is an obituary for Miss Mattie Hooks. I don't know for certain, but she is likely the daughter of Lewis and Elizabeth Hooks. Hers is one of the unmarked graves. The obituary reads as follows: "The many friends of Miss Mattie Hooks are sorry to hear of her death. She was brought up from Roswell and buried in the Hook family cemetery near here Friday afternoon. (Big Springs News; page 5 col 3) [Born January 1, 1854; died March 29, 1928] Recap of known Hook family members buried in the cemetery: Jacob Hook, born December 17, 1778; died, May 9, 1855 J.J. Hook age 9 months; died August 1857 Mrs. M.F. Hook, born 1829; died, 1858 Mary Hook, born 1789; died, 1868 Dr. JCP Hook, born 1820, died 1871 Mattie Hook, died 1928 unmarked grave sources: Hook Family Bible Southern Christian Advocate Census Records Cherokee County Marriage Records Cherokee County Land Records Cherokee County Wills Annotated Obituaries from the Cherokee Advance Canton, GA 1880- 1938 by John Carver Cherokee Advance Cherokee County Cemeteries by Shirley Morris Old Milton County Cemeteries by Phillip Anglin NEESE FAMILY There are two Neese family graves. The first grave is that of W.P. Neese, Born October 1, 1846 and died November 16, 1908. I recall that Mrs. Chassie Rucker told me that her uncle was buried in the cemetery. In checking the 1850 census I found William P. Neese in the household of Jacob P. Neese age 37 and Minerva, age 32. The family was living in Franklin County, Georgia. Also in this household was Jacob P. Neese, age 2. Since Mrs. Chassie's father was Joseph Neese and he is listed with these parents in later census as Joseph, the census taker of 1850 must have listed the 2 year old's name incorrectly as Jacob. William P. Neese was living with his younger brother in the 1880 census. I have not found him in the 1900 census. The second is for Lena May Neese. Her tombstone is inscribed: "Lena May daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Neese, May 7, 1893. February 16, 1900." I can't identify which family this child belongs to. It would be likely that she was the daughter of Aurelia Hook Neese and Jacob Neese since Aurelia's parents are buried in the cemetery. By the time of the census in 1900 they were living in Buford, Gwinnett County, Georgia. In this census she lists all of her children as living, AND she has a living daughter in January of 1892 making a birth of May impossible. The other likely candidate are Joseph and Shasta Neese. Shasta lists that she had given birth to 12 children with 11 living, EXCEPT we have the same problem with another child with a 1893 birthdate. RAMPLEY FAMILY The broken marker of ? wife of J.B. Rampley, born January 12, 1860 Died June 27, 1909 is the second wife of Joe Berry Rampley. He Was born in Georgia 1852 and died in Cobb County in 1928, He married first Rebecca Taylor, who was born April 23, 1843 (that is accurate, she was nine years older than he). She is buried in Providence Cemetery. The wife in our cemetery is Rosa McCoy, born January 20, 1860 and died June 27, 1909. After Rosa's death, Joe was married by the 1910 census to Lou Ellen Bennet Medley who was born in 1877 and died October 25, 1950. She was a widow with two small children when she married Joe. They are both buried in the Noonday cemetery in Cobb County, Georgia GRIFFIN FAMILY The only marked Griffin family member is that of Arthur B. Griffin. His grave is obviously one of bereaved parents. His marker states: "Arthur B. son of Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Griffin, November 26, 1880 June 8, 1883. He was born too late to be enumerated in the 1880 census; however, I found whom I presume to be his parents in the 1880 Milton County Census. They are George Griffin, age 19 and Emma, age 21. In the 1860 Milton County Census for Freemanville is William Griffin with George then a 1 year old. Given the different times of enumeration for the census, I feel this is the same family. A William Griffin was listed as a Trustee for the Church when David Hook redid the deed for the cemetery. If these are the same people, this would make William the grandfather of little Arthur and most likely the purchaser for the tombstone. I have not found graves for any other family members in old Milton County, so it is possible they are also buried in our cemetery. MAXWELL FAMILY The grave for Jeremiah Maxwell states that he was born November 18, 1816 and died December 7, 1863. One nearby is that of Dicy Jane Maxwell, December 22, 1848 and Died June 6, 1858. Jeremiah is listed in the 1860 Milton County, Freemanville census As being 43. His wife Elizabeth 38. Also in the household is Dicy Orr, age 65. She is most likely the mother of Elizabeth and the grandmother of the child Dicy. In 1860 the William Griffin family is living next door to the Maxwell's. Dicy is shown as a child in the 1850 census in Jeremiah and Elizabeth's home, along with Dicy Orr. Jeremiah's will reads as follows: "Georgia Milton County, certified copy of the last will and testament of Jeremiah Maxwell deceased, late of said county. As established on the 10 day of October 1870, in lieu of the original it having been burnt. Tiem 1st, I wish, sesire and direct my executrix, as soon as convenient after my death to pay all of my just debts. Item 2nd. Igive and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Maxwell, all my estate with both real and personal (after selling enough of personalty to pay indebtedness and expense of administration, if necessary to sell for that purpose) and during her natural life only, and after her death to be equally divided among my children. She said Elizabeth Maxwell to have full control of the same to marriage and dispose of for the use and benefit of herself and my children in any manner she may deem proper for their interest. Item 3rd I do hereby constitute and appoint my wife Elizabeth Maxwell Executrix to this my last will and testament. In witness where of I have hereto my hand and seal this 11th day of September 1883." Elizabeth later married Abel Crisler and refused to act as the administrator for Jeremiah's estate. William H. Nesbit was appointed by the county Ordinary in her place. PRUITT FAMILY The Pruitt's buried in our cemetery are the family of Louise Pruett Rudizill Brown. There are a number of variations of the spelling for Pruett. It should be noted that the grandfather of Louise, Zachary Taylor Pruett, preferred it with an "e" not "i". If strongly feel that the great grandfather of Louise, Zechariah Taylor Pruett is buried in the cemetery along with his wife, Jane. I have a good deal of information regarding this family. The marker for Jonathan Pruitt is the largest in the cemetery. Jonathan served in the Civil War, but his family did not draw a pension, indicating that the family was not poor. His obituary is only one line in the Cherokee Advance. His wife's was on the front page, in the October 31, 1924 edition. Her tombstone was placed by her family in the early 1980's. Her obituary: "Mrs. Pruitt Passes Away, prominent Cherokee Woman Passes to the Beyond. Mrs. Margarett Elizabeth Pruitt was born in Cherokee County, May 10, 1848 and died Monday morning at 1:15 o'clock at the ome of her son- in-law, Mr. Wright and was buried Tuesday morning in Pleasant Hill cemetery, Rev. E.C. Wilson pastor of Canton Methodist Church conducting the service. Mrs. Pruitt had been a member of the Methodist Church 52 years and was a member of Orange Methodist Church in this county at the time of her death. She blessed the world by giving birth to nine children, only six of whom survive her. He husband died 35 years ago and now her body rests beside his."