
Last year I wrote about my search for
Rock Springs Cemetery, the burial place for my great grandfather John Wesley Taliaferro, his brother Bob Toliver, and Alex Poole another relative whose relationship remains undetermined. I am still trying to confirm the exact location of the cemetery. I thought if I found others who were buried at the cemetery their records might give some clue to the location. I did find other burials, but all that’s stated on these death certificates is the name “Rock Springs” – no exact location. In my November 2009 post I promised to find and honor others buried in Rock Springs Cemetery, specifically those who lived in the same communities as my ancestors. I have searched through hundreds of Georgia death certificates available online in the
Georgia Virtual Vault. So far I have found 15 persons, including my ancestors, whose death certificate indicates the burial place was Rock Springs Cemetery. Not a very large number, but I am proud. I wish I could identify with certainty their burial place. Maybe it is the Rock Springs Cemetery in Henry County, McDonough, GA that was the subject of my November 2009 post. It seems the most likely candidate. Yet, none of these names appear on any of the headstones. There is no finality. Maybe their remains are covered by the soil, weeds, and grass of the many unmarked graves. Maybe they lay beneath the graves marked only with a crude rock or stone. I picked this photo because of the little pink and white flower to the right of the stones that just happened to be there the day of my visit. Maybe it was a sign that someone was buried there…Maybe he was…Maybe she could be…Maybe they are… Maybe….Maybe… Maybe….
Here, at the beginning of Black History Month, it seems an appropriate time to honor those buried in Rock Springs Cemetery. No, they are not the “typical” persons we think of during Black History Month. But, that does not diminish their importance as people- as African Americans who shared our history, our culture, our struggle. Each was someone’s child, and probably a mother or father, sister or brother. Some were most likely friends and neighbors. East Point and Hapeville were and still are neighboring communities here in the Atlanta metro area. No doubt some were probably related-Davis…Jackson…Wilson. Definitely, others were-Taliaferro…Toliver…Poole. All were God’s children who lived, loved, laughed, cried, and died. Gone, but remembered and loved by somebody, somewhere:
*DAVIS (née Ross), Mary Alice (d. 1926) East Point, GA
*DAVIS, James A. (D. 1926) East Point, GA
*DORSEY, Dennis (d. 1922) Atlanta, GA
*FULLER (née Jackson), Lizzie (d. 1925) East Point, GA
*JACKSON, Marry C. (d. 1923) East Point, GA
*JACKSON (née Johnson), Cornelia (d. 1925) Atlanta, GA
*JACKSON, Mary (d. 1927) East Point, GA
*POOLE, Alex (d. 1923) East Point, GA
*ROSS (née Jackson), Dollie J. (d. 1927) East Point, GA
*SEAGRAVES, Rueban J. (d. 1922) East Point, GA
*TALIAFERRO, J W (d. 1922) East Point, GA
*TOLIVER, Bob (d. 1920) East Point, GA
*WILSON, Ison (d. 1921) Hapeville, GA
*WILSON, Robert (d. 1923) Hapeville, GA
*WILSON, William (d. 1926) Hapeville, GA
Maybe someone will happen upon this post and reclaim their long lost ancestor. THIS IS MY PRAYER.

How very frustrating to not be able to find the cemetery. It's bad enough to find the cemetery and not be able to find the gravesites. I hope one day you will be able to find it and locate the resting place of all these dear people.
Sandra,
I really enjoy how you always seem to word things perfectly. I pray that one day you are able to find the cemetery.
Hi Sandra:
I came across your blog only because I was trying to find the Service Times for this Rocksprings Church. If this is the church/cemetery that is located at 20 Island Shoals Road, This is my families church in which I grew up in, and now attend a few times a year.
This is an old church and the cemetery has a lot of history. I know that a lot of the graves are not marked, but I remember as a child that we would walk through this cemetery with my grandmother, and she could point out different people.
The cemetery is divided in “sections”. Each family has their own plots. I’m sure if you visited the church an elder member of the church, they may be able to help you out with your search, or at least show you where your family’s plot is located at.
Good Luck!!!!
[...] Continues. On 2 February 2010, in observance of Black History Month, I posted on Tombstone Tuesday Rock Springs Cemetery- Lest I Forget. These three posts were about my search for Rock Springs Cemetery the burial place of my great [...]
Like, yourself, I’ve driven Jonesboro Rd. and all side streets looking for Rock Springs Cemetery. My great-grandfather is buried there. I decided that I would give it one more search before letting it rest awhile. Here I am, not even 15 minutes later at your blog. THANK YOU THANK YOU! I have made plans for a visit this weekend. I will let you know what I find. Again, thank you for posting your findings. You have been my blessing today!
SDennis,
I am so happy that you stumbled upon my blog and it helped with your search for Rock Springs Cemetery. It was through my blog that I met the contact that lead me to the cemetery. Although I did not find a headstone for my great grandfather it was such a joy to finally find and visit the cemetery. I hope you find the resting place of your ancestor. Please keep in touch.