Updates planned for Freedom Cemetery

Ft. Hembree deeded slave burial ground property from RDA

  • Becky Long • Clay County Progress Gathering for the deed presentation from Rural Development Authority to Ft. Hembree Baptist Church on Friday are, from left, Ann Miller Woodford of One Dozen Who Care, Annie Lloyd, Kent Dorsey, Betty Dorsey, Rev. Tony Barr, Ft. Hembree Pastor Hal Holbrook, County Commission and RDA member Scotty Penland, Betty Bradley, Rob Tiger, Reba Beck, Commissioner Clay Logan, and property neighbors George and Carol Gaines. The Gaines said the cemetery is part of the reason they were a
    Becky Long • Clay County Progress Gathering for the deed presentation from Rural Development Authority to Ft. Hembree Baptist Church on Friday are, from left, Ann Miller Woodford of One Dozen Who Care, Annie Lloyd, Kent Dorsey, Betty Dorsey, Rev. Tony Barr, Ft. Hembree Pastor Hal Holbrook, County Commission and RDA member Scotty Penland, Betty Bradley, Rob Tiger, Reba Beck, Commissioner Clay Logan, and property neighbors George and Carol Gaines. The Gaines said the cemetery is part of the reason they were a

    By Reba Beck

    Special to the Progress

     

    Several years ago the cemetery on Slave Drive was recognized as a site where pre-Civil War slaves were buried. Records show that property available after the Cherokee removal was purchased by Dr. Samuel C. Tate from Burke County. In 1838 he purchased 1,304 acres extending from the mouth of Tusquittee Creek to Downings Creek along the east side of the Hiawassee River. Without a doubt, Tate owned most, if not all, the slaves interred on Moore Hill an area included in the tract he owned. Perhaps some buried there once belonged to other owners in the area. This information comes from research done by Jim Glock, a board member of the Clay County Historical & Arts Council. His extensive research served as the basis for a permanent exhibit in the Old Jail Museum and his efforts included applying to the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology for Cemetery Site Registration renaming it to Freedom Cemetery.

    The museum exhibit includes the story of the cemetery and recognizes and celebrates the history and contributions of African-American citizens who are a part of the community today. This entire project was completed due to one person's “cry from the heart” and concern that those buried there would remain unsung and unrecognized. In 1978, Donald and Guinnell Hunter purchased the property adjacent to the site. They were aware of its location and were in despair that it would be ignored and allowed to remain in a condition of neglect. Guinnell made her voice heard throughout the community and the Historical & Arts Council responded with plans to erect a monument and hold a dedication service to acknowledge that “these lives are known to God and they mattered.”

    After exploring more options, CCHAC had to determine that a complete restoration, including removal of several trees encroaching on the site, could not be accomplished due to lack of funds. Through efforts coordinated by interested local citizens, Western Carolina University's Forensic Osteology Research did a Ground Penetrating Radar study and a cadaver dog was brought in to explore the site, identifying and marking 27 graves. Again, the need for funds halted the completion of the project. New owners, George and Carol Gaines who recently purchased the Hunter property, have picked up the torch and continued to focus attention on the site. They saw some evidence of positive action when a youth group on a short-term mission trip to Hinton Rural Life Center, volunteered to do some clean up.

    Clay County Commissioner Clay Logan learned that Rev. Harold Holbrook, pastor of Fort Hembree Baptist Church, had contacted directors at Truett Baptist Camp to explore the possibility of enlisting boys attending the summer camp to do some minor landscaping including removing leaves and clearing brush. A connection between Logan and Holbrook has developed which moved the needle forward with concrete plans toward restoration and renovation. A committee consisting of Logan, Holbrook, me and Betty Bradley met with County Manager Debbie Mauney to discuss funding sources and ideas for the renovation process. Also assisting in the preservation efforts is the Rev. Dr. Tony Barr, executive secretary-treasurer of the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

    The present owners and the Clay County Rural Development Authority have officially transferred ownership to Fort Hembree Baptist Church. Holding the title will place Fort Hembree in a position to seek grants and receive donations that will bring about the completion so many have desired for many years.

    The visions, desires, dreams of many are needed to bring this to fruition. At long last, words spoken by Guinnell Hunter can be realized, “I have come to feel that, in some unfathomable way, I have been given the important task of making sure the people of Clay County know these precious people lived, they died, they matter. It is essential that their burial ground be recognized.”

    Anyone who would like to donate to the Freedom Cemetery Fund may use the Go Fund Me Page or make a direct contribution to Ft. Hembree Baptist Church at the First Citizens Bank in Hayesville.