SITE DIRECTORY
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O’Neal AME Church Cemetery
O’Neal AME Church Cemetery
FOUNDED: 1810-1820
ADDITIONAL NAMES: Old Neal Cemetery
AFFILIATION(S):
Ruben Gay Place
HISTORY: The O’Neal A.M.E. Church Cemetery in Hampton, Georgia, is a historically significant burial ground representing generations of Black American, Native American, and mixed-ancestry families whose histories span multiple eras, from pre-European colonization through slavery, the Civil War, Emancipation, Reconstruction, segregation, and the modern era. Historical and genealogical records identify members of these families as “Black”, “Negro”, “Colored”, and “Mulatto”, reflecting terminology used during different historical periods. The cemetery represents individuals and families who experienced enslavement before Emancipation, as well as Freedmen and Freedwomen who established families, churches, educational institutions, and communities after slavery. Research has identified educators and professors, Freemasons, veterans, church leaders, community leaders, and working families among those buried or historically connected to O’Neal. Their stories represent generations of survival, education, military service, faith, leadership, and achievement before and after the Civil War. The cemetery’s association with the historic O’Neal A.M.E. Church reflects the important role of the Black church in worship, education, mutual aid, family life, and community development following Emancipation. Descendants remain connected to individuals buried here, with family relationships extending into historic cemeteries and communities throughout the region. Today, Honor Thy Roots Cemetery Preservation Inc. is researching, documenting, and advocating for the protection of O’Neal as development occurs around the burial ground. Preserving O’Neal means protecting the graves, identities, and stories of enslaved ancestors, Freedmen and Freedwomen, Black American and Native American families, people historically classified as Mulatto, educators, Freemasons, veterans, and community leaders and ensuring that this history of ancestry, survival, freedom, faith, service, and achievement is preserved for future generations.
BCN Contact Information:
Honor Thy Roots Cemetery Preservation, Inc.