Self-Guided Tour

Mrs. Lewis was an astute businesswoman and philanthropist who contributed much to her adopted community. Born in Wisconsin, she attended a prestigious finishing school in New York City, where she made friends with Maconite Vivian (Bib) Hay Anderson. While visiting Bib in Macon, she met her future husband, Logan Lewis. The popular Lewises, who had no children, achieved prominent social standings and great financial success with their investments in real estate, resident developments, office buildings, shopping centers and local banks. Logan Lewis died in 1966, and in 1979 Dorothy honored his memory by establishing the Dorothy V. and N. Logan Lewis Foundation, a charitable endeavor that was fully funded after her death. A devout Catholic, Dorothy Lewis traveled to Rome near the end of her life for an audience with the Pope. She served on the Riverside Cemetery Board of Directors for many years.

(1909-2002) (Hyacinth, lot 15, row B)

A German native, Happ immigrated to Macon in 1890. He served as a quartermaster sergeant in the Georgia 5th Reserves during the Civil War. Happ’s son, Lee Morris Happ (1873-1963), established Happ Brothers Overall Plant. His grandsons were Jack H. Happ (1923-1935), who died of leukemia, age 12, and Frank R. Happ (1880-1952), who was president of Craft Line Furniture Company. Other Happ family members are interred in the mausoleum.

(1844-1908) (Hyacinth, lot 5, row C, Crypt 3)

Merritt served in WWII and retired from the military in 1967 with the rank of Major General and Commander of the 48th Armored Division. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1938 and, beginning in the 1950s he served three terms as the city’s Mayor. Merritt was a respected businessman and city official throughout his career.

(1906-1985) (Hyacinth, lot 6, row A)

Derry served with Stonewall Jackson in Virginia and with Beauregard in Tennessee. Captured in Huntsville in 1862, he was exchanged for a Union prisoner, but was recaptured at Kennesaw Mountain two years later and held prisoner until the war’s end. After the war he became a distinguished professor of language at Wesleyan College and taught Woodrow Wilson as a student in Augusta. He was the author of at least three books: Perry’s History of the United States, the Story of the Confederate States, and The Industrial Strife of Brothers.

(1841-1926) (Olive, lot 3, row G)

Anderson was discharged for being underage (15 years) after serving a year in the Civil War. He later re-enlisted. After the war, he was one of the original organizers of Riverside Cemetery and served as its first sexton—an office he held for 29 years, from 1887-1917. Anderson also played a major role in researching and obtaining Riverside Cemetery’s vast horticulture collection. He was in the hand press print¬ing business before the printing industry transferred to linotype machines.

(1846-1917) (Hyacinth, lot 4, row A)

A veteran of the Spanish-American War, Smart served two terms as Mayor of Macon during the Depression years. He was a dedicated civic leader and businessman. The Herbert Smart Airport in Macon was named in his honor. Before becoming the city’s mayor, Smart and his daughter were treated to an air tour of Macon by none other than famed aviatrix, Amelia Earhart.

(1875-1966) (Olive, lot 1, row F)

Thomas was Commander of the 121st Infantry in WWI, a veteran of three military campaigns. and a 33-year veteran of the Georgia Guard. He died of pneumonia on the transport from Camp Wheeler (GA) to France. One thousand Camp Wheeler soldiers followed his casket to his final resting place at Riverside Cemetery.

(1878-1918) (Olive, lot 1, row F)

Known as the Father of Georgia Tech, Hanson helped convince the state legislature of the need for a school for technological studies in the state of Georgia. In 1885, the Georgia Institute of Technology became a reality. He was cited by journalists of the day as one of the greatest builders of the South. At the onset of the Civil War, he joined the Spalding Grays, the second Georgia Battalion — one of the first regiments in Georgia sent to Virginia to commence fighting on the front lines. He was forced to retire from service after injuries he incurred at the Battle of Sharpsburg.

(1840-1910) (Daisy, lot 0.5 row Z)

The esteemed Dr. Bass, a graduate of Oxford College of Emory University, was an early principal of Macon’s Wesleyan Female College, the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women. When all southern institutions were struggling after the Civil War, Dr. Bass worked diligently to raise the average student enrollment to 250, possibly saving the school from a post-war closure. To do this he solicited private donations and used his own funds to promote the school. Dr. Bass often said he had no use for money other than to build up Wesleyan and to help others.

(1831-1894) (Olive, lot 2, row A24)

Agnes Farmer, a native of Cellar Dyke Fifeshire, Scotland, came to America in 1866 with her husband, John Farmer (#11). She was originally buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, but was moved to Riverside after her husband’s death and interment at Riverside.

(1820-1886) (Olive, lot 5, row A24)

A native of Pittenweem Pifeshire, Scotland, Farmer was a “townsman” of the young man who would later become the millionaire philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. In his youth Farmer traveled widely throughout Europe and arrived in America on the eve of the Civil War. He quickly returned home when war broke out. In 1866, he returned to Macon and established a thriving general mercantile at Cotton Avenue and Cherry Street. This venerable old store would later become touted as one of the oldest standing buildings in Macon.

(1818-1908) (Olive, lot 5, row A24)

Battle was a revered professor of the Greek language who served as the first president of Mercer University (1873-1889) after the school moved from Penfield to Tattnall Square in Macon. He later served as president of Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. Upon his death, Mercer students formed a passageway through which his casket was carried into the church where his funeral services were held. His gravesite is marked by a lovely guardian angel statue that remains a visual hallmark at the cemetery.

(1826-1907) (Olive, lot 3, row A18)

A native of Culloden, Georgia, Speer fought in the 1st Kentucky Mounted Infantry, known as the “Orphan Brigade,” so named by its members because of devastating losses suffered at Murfreesboro in January 1863. The brigade felt orphaned also from the time of their departure from Kentucky in 1862, they were cut off from supplies, recruits and even mail and were trapped behind enemy lines. They began to see themselves as abandoned by all that was familiar to them. After the Civil War, Speer became Dean of Law Studies at what would become Mercer University. He later acquired a judgeship and served 33 years as a Federal Judge.

(1848-1918) (Magnolia, lot 1, row H24)

In 1851, Glass and her school mates at Wesleyan College founded the Adelphean society, now known as Alpha Delta Pi, the first women’s sorority. Although ADPi is an active organization nationwide, sororities were discontinued at Wesleyan in 1914. Glass was the daughter of Dr. James E. Evans, founder of Mulberry Street Methodist Church. The cemetery is the final resting place of founders of Phi Mu and Kappa Alpha, whose members visit their gravesites frequently.

(1933-1914) (Magnolia, lot 3, row A24)

Matthews was known as “the man buried by moonlight.” As the story goes, Matthews shot a man during a fight. The man survived the bullet, but not realizing this, Matthews fled the city to avoid prosecution. While on the lam, he developed pneumonia and died. Still fearful, Matthews’s shooting victim insisted that officials identify Matthew’s body immediately upon its arrival by train two months later. By torchlight Matthews’ family members confirmed that the body was his and he was taken directly to Riverside Cemetery for interment in the dark of night.

(1840-1889) (Magnolia, lot 3, A18)

Bishop Ainsworth, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, was born in Camilla but made Macon his home for much of his life. At the age of 37, he became the President of Wesleyan College and served for three years. His Episcopal duties covered conferences and missions in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Cuba, China, Japan and Korea. Bishop Ainsworth voluntarily retired from active service in 1938 due to a serious heart condition. Upon his death, it was said he was “destined to reach the top and be enrolled among the great leaders and most effective ministers of the South.”

(1872-1942) (Magnolia, lot 4, row A18)

Reverend Ainsworth was a notable Methodist pastor in Georgia and the father of Bishop William N. Ainsworth (#16). He was looked upon as one of the most faithful members of the state pulpit. He was well-loved by the congregation of every church with which he was connected.

(1833-1905) (Magnolia, lot 4, row A18)

From the earliest days of his spiritual career, Dr. Williams was known as one of the finest ministers of the Methodist denomination. Until his health failed, he was a presiding elder in the Columbus district of the South Georgia Conference. It was said that he was “the best presiding elder of his time” in Southern Methodism.

(1853-1915) (Magnolia, lot 6, A24)

Williams lived in North Georgia until 1858, when he was hired as the superintendent of Macon’s Academy for the Blind. He remained in this highest administrative position at the school for 40 years, until his death. Williams was the co-founder of the Bibb County Public School System. He revered Hannah Guillan (#20) as a mother figure, and took her advice when she pleaded with him not to volunteer for the Civil War. Williams died only six months after the death of his mentor, Miss Guillan.

(1823-1898) (Magnolia, lot 6, A24)

Born in England, Hannah was brought to America as a child but soon after that she lost her sight. She was one of the first students to be educated at the Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind. In 1852, Miss Guillan became the first principal teacher of Macon’s Academy of the Blind, where she taught for 46 years. She worked until ten days prior to her death at age 70. When she died she was designated by the newspapers as being at that time the “oldest instructor for the blind in the world.” Miss Guillan performed numerous acts of charity which were made known only after her death.

(1828-1898) (Magnolia, lot 5, row A24)

Professor Willett was a chemist of nation-wide repute. During the Civil War he was superintendent of the Arsenal Laboratory in Atlanta where ammunition was manu¬factured for the Confederates. In addition to being a top educator in the fields of Chemistry, Microscopy, and Natural Philosophy, he served as a member of the US commission to investigate the ravages of the cotton caterpillar. A science building at Mercer University in Macon is named the “Willet Science Center” in his honor. In 1869, Willett wrote Wonders of Insect Life, a popular book of the era marketed as “suitable even for Sunday School libraries.”

(1826-1897) (Magnolia, lot 2, row B24)

A native of Crawford County, Patterson was accepted to the bar at just 19 years old, and was eventually ranked among the finest lawyers in the state of Georgia. He served as city attorney from 1888-89, and was appointed by President Grover Cleveland as governor of the “new” Oklahoma Territory at the start of the Big Land Rush.

(1855-1895) (Magnolia, lot 1, row C24)

Jaques was originally from New Jersey and broke ties with his father after signing up with the Confederate army at the age of 19. He was never wounded in service, although random bullets tore holes in his clothing and shoes during battle. When captured near Richmond, Jaques defiantly threw his sword into a river rather than surrender it to the Union army. He was held prisoner for six weeks near Norfolk. After his release, he rejoined the Confederates and was commissioned as a Major. After the war, he became a grocer by trade and he operated the Juliette Milling Company for more than 25 years.

(1840-1927) (Magnolia, lot 5, row D24)

Mrs. Massee, said to epitomize warm, gracious southern hospitality, lived with her husband at Massee’s Lane in Marshalville. (The American Camellia Society Gardens are located near the family’s property.) Her favorite son, O.J. Massee, Jr., is thought to be the inspiration for the character “Big Daddy” in Tennessee Williams’ famous play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Williams and other literary figures (Carson McCullers, Arthur Miller) were friends of O.J.’s son, Jordan, who was named for his grandmother, Laura Jordan Massee. Mrs. Massee’s sons moved as adults to Macon, where they established a brick and tile company, a coal company and the first hydro-electric plant in Georgia. They built the Massee Apartments, a well-known fixture on College Street.

(1852-1913) (Magnolia, lot 2, row K24)

Taylor was best known for his involvement with the development of the city’s parks and roads, serving as a member of Macon’s first Park Commission. He was a successful businessman, forming Taylor Iron Works and Supply Company in 1915. He was a member of the volunteer fire brigade before city fire departments existed.

(1859-1931) (Magnolia, lot 2, row J24)

Born in Tennessee, Johnston served as a chaplain under General Kirby Smith’s command during the Civil War. He was fascinated with the idea of artesian water and moved to Georgia after he discovered a 550-ft deep well in Dougherty County. Soon after that, he established the state’s first artesian well, one that supplied a whopping seven gallons per minute. His burial site is easily recognizable by a distinctive vertical stone that resembles the Washington Monument. He married Martha Fannin Huguenin Johnston (1848-1934), who donated several acres in Lizella for Camp Martha Johnston, an institution beloved by many generations of Girl Scouts. The Johnston home, once visited by Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, stood on Georgia Avenue at the present site of the Mercer law school.

(1837-1905) (Magnolia, lot 1, row 124)

Affectionately known as “Uncle Joe” to thousands of people in all walks of life, Neel was in business for more than 64 years. Founder of the popular Joseph N. Neel’s Department Store in downtown Macon, young Neel first lived behind a curtain at the back of the store so he could provide 24-hour service to his customers. He instituted the slogan “one price to everyone,” when it was common practice for merchant and customer to dicker over each purchase. The family business was recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records for placing, in The Macon Telegraph & News, “the longest running advertising campaign by a single business owner.”

(1857-1950) (Magnolia, lot 2, row Z)

Neel was a WWI hero of the highest order. The men in his company called him “The Prince” because he looked after their every want and need. He oversaw the preparation of each meal and bought delicacies for his company with his own meager lieutenant’s pay. In 1918 he died of a shrapnel wound received while leading his men into heavy fire. At his funeral an airplane scattered roses over his gravesite. An American Legion Post in Macon is named in his honor.

(1892-1918) (Magnolia, lot 2, row Z)

A native of Bibb County, Wyche was superintendent of the Mansfield Dray Line for 36 years. (A dray is a low, heavy, sideless cart used to haul goods.) He suffered an untimely death when a beam over the Poplar Street Bridge collapsed, fracturing his skull.

(1843-1903) (Magnolia, lot 3, row 0)

A native of Albany, Johnston graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1882. Over the span of his career, he served with the Coast Survey and Fisheries Commission, the office of Naval Intelligence, as an officer on the U.S.S. San Francisco, the U.S.S. Cassius, as executive officer on the U.S.S. Prairie, the U.S.S. Dolphin, as assistant to the United States minister in Venezuela, and as a naval attaché to Caracas. In 1908, he was appointed captain of the Portsmouth, NH naval yard. The following year he was awarded command of the U.S.S. Georgia. In World War I, he was appointed Rear Admiral to the flagship, the USS Denver.

(1860-1934) (Magnolia, lot 1, row E24)

Mrs. Mason was an astute female who was determined to overcome the limitations imposed on women of her era. She entered the Wesleyan Conservatory (now Wesleyan College) in 1906, where she was named the National Grand President of Alpha Delta Pi, a sorority founded at the college. After receiving a master’s degree from Columbia University, Mason taught Civics and History at several colleges and universities in the South including Wesleyan, Mercer University and Florida Southern College. Mason established a college prep school in Macon in 1915.

(1885-1971) {Magnolia, lot 9, row E24)

When he died one day before his 95th birthday, Bishop had been the oldest living Confederate veteran. Acquainted with Robert E. Lee, he was captured at the Battle of the Wilderness.

(1893-1934) (Pansy, lot 7, row D)

Born in Wilkinson County, Dr. Lee came to Macon in 1899 to practice medicine after graduating from Augusta Medical School. In addition to his medical career, he established a reputation for himself in real estate, livestock, banking, outdoor advertising and farming. He continued as an active physician, business and civic leader in Macon for 70 years. Lee was well known for his work to beautify Macon’s parks and for the popularization of flower gardening in the city’s residential sections. Lee was founder of the American Camellia Society, now headquartered at Massee Lane.

(1875-1969) (Pansy, lot 1, row 0)

Son of William Green Lee (#33) Ensign Madison Lee received his commission and training at Jacksonville Naval Station. Ensign Lee was a graduate of Lanier High School for Boys, Mercer University, and Tulane University. He died in a plane crash a little over a month after his marriage.

(1921-1943) (Pansy, lot 1, row 0)

Son of William Green Lee, Sr., Naval Air Cadet Lee graduated from Georgia Tech and Harvard Business School, and was the assistant manager of the Pratt and Whitney division of the United Aircraft Corporation. He died in a plane crash while piloting a flight with his brother, Ensign Madison Cole Lee (#34).

(1918-1943) (Pansy, lot 1, row 0)

During the Civil War, Bush served in Company B of the 14th Georgia Infantry Regiment. In later years, he was a railroad station agent in Haddock and was supposedly murdered at the train depot by an angry in-law.

(1846-1906) (Rose, lot 7, row G)

Sparks was the grandson of a Revolutionary War veteran who established his family home in Washington County, GA in the 1700s. In March 1865, Sparks was shot through both jaws during the Civil War. After hearing the news of the surrender at Appomattox, he walked all the way back home from North Carolina to Washington County and became a teacher. He settled in Macon in 1894.

(1845-1918) (Pansy, lot 3, row H)

An Ohio native, Cropper made Macon his home in 1920 and proceeded to make his mark as a city leader. He founded R.C. Cropper Company of Macon, but is best remembered for his generous support and service to the Salvation Army. Cropper served as a member of the Salvation Army board of directors for more than 50 years. Before his death at age 101, he was given the second highest award the S.A. gives. In 1935 he helped organize the Macon Boys Club of America.

(1893-1994) (Tulip, lot 1, row 7)

Wife of Raymond C. Cropper (#38), Dot Cropper was a librarian at Miller High School. She shared her husband’s passion for work with the Salvation Army in Macon. A local S.A. building was named in her honor.

(1909-2003) (Tulip, lot 1, row7)

James Tarver Lowe, Sr. founded Lowe Aviation of Macon in 1943. During World War II, he became a civilian flight instructor for the Army Air Corps and was a naval aviator. Lowe was inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in 1996.

(1913-1998) (Hyacinth, lot 3, row C)

A former U.S. Naval physician, Lowe was a well-known local physician and surgeon. He was killed while piloting a small plane off of Dog Island, Florida. His wife and four children survived the crash.

(1943-1983) (Hyacinth, lot 3, row C)

Key served as a high-profile Methodist-Episcopal minister for 10 years before purchasing The Lumpkin Independent newspaper. Two years after, however, he died of malaria, possibly contracted during one of the many overseas assignments of his father, Bishop Joseph Key, who is buried in Sherman Texas with Lucy Kidd Key, founder of North Texas Female College, whom he married two years after the death of Susie Snider Key (1832-1891), his wife of forty years.

(1855-1883) (Azalea, lot 1, row A24)

Sidney Lanier Burns (1901-1976)
Sidney Lanier Burns was a prominent Macon businessman from Mayesville, Georgia in Banks County. He organized Georgia Motor Finance Company in 1931.
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Henry Knox Burns (1884-1970)
Founder of Burns Brick Company in 1936, Henry Knox Burns was a civic leader and philanthropist. He owned an auto agency in Macon and Birmingham, a syrup business, and a parcel delivery service in Macon. He also established a dry cleaning firm, a taxi company and the Georgia Finance Company.
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W. L. Stribling, Sr., affectionately known as “Pa” by thousands of friends both in and out of the prizefight world, was the father of famous heavyweight boxer. Pa always dreamed of becoming a prizefighter himself, but was too short and had no training opportunities in rural Georgia. W.L. and his family traveled the world-wide Vaudeville circuit as “The Four Novelty Grahams” until Pa launched “Young Strib’s” (#45) career when he put him in his first professional bout in Atlanta at the age of 16. Pa lived to be 70 years old, dying of a stroke and heart attack but outliving his son by 23 years.

(1886-1956) (Pine Fort, lot 2, row A)

Young Stribling was a world-famous heavyweight boxer who came close to being #1 four separate times with a total knockout record of 126. His life & stellar career were cut short when his motorcycle collided with an automobile while on his way to visit his wife and newborn son at the former Macon Hospital. He died two days later at aged 28. Ten thousand people attended his funeral. The Stribling Memorial Bridge at Fifth Street in Macon honors his memory.

(1904-1933) (Pine Fort, lot 1, row A)

A world-class meteorologist, John Hope was an icon on cable-TV’s Weather Channel who was affectionately referred to as “The Hurricane Man” after his masterful on-air coverage of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. He was the father of Macon attorney Camille Hope, and father-in-law of former Macon Mayor and U.S. Representative from the 3rd Congressional District, Jim Marshall.

(1919-2002) (Pine Fort, lot 1, row A)

Judge Hardeman, who enjoyed a distinguished career on the bench, is descended from a prominent family of lawyers, judges and planters. He was founder of Kappa Alpha Fraternity at Mercer University.

(1851-1919) (Jasmine, lot 5, row C)

Park was a heroic Confederate soldier who earned the rank of Captain in the 12th Alabama Regiment and fought in all the major Civil War battles in Virginia. He was wounded at Gettysburg and taken prisoner at Winchester. When Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Capt. Park was among a few officers who refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. At war’s end he returned home to study law, but his career took several turns before he settled into politics. He became a high school teacher, a school principal, and a sales representative for a textbook com-pany. Beginning in 1900, he served two terms as Treasurer of the State of Georgia. He is the author of three books: The Rodes (sic) at Seven Pines, Sketch of the 12th Alabama Infantry Battles, and the War Diary of Robert Emory Park. Park Memorial Church on Arkwright Road was established by him in honor of his wife, Ella Holt Park.

(1843-1909) (Jasmine, lot 5, row X)

James Floros was the brother of Gus Floros, proprietor of the popular Ellis Cafe in downtown Macon. The two brothers were among several Greek immigrants who came to America during the turn of the century to begin a new life. James made his American home in Toledo, Ohio, but his body was brought here to his brother’s adopted town, Macon, for burial.

(1887-1928) (Jasmine, lot 2, row X)

A Chicago native, Mrs. Cally studied fashion in Paris but moved to Macon because she believed the U.S. Southern climate was better for her health. For years she operated a successful dressmaking establishment on Cotton Avenue, catering to a select clientele. She and her husband later operated Harry’s Cafe on Cherry Street.

(1871-1924) (Jasmine, lot 2, row X)

As a Confederate soldier, Col. Hardeman was captured in 1862 and sent to Old Capitol Prison in Washington. He was soon exchanged, and rejoined his company, but was recaptured in 1864 and remained a prisoner at Fort Delaware until war’s end. After the death of his first wife, Marietta, Hardeman met and married a young widow, Lucia Griswold Conn, who was famed for having bravely marched into the camp of the much-feared Union General Sherman to plead for the release of her captured bridegroom, Charles Conn. (Sherman is reported to have said, “How can I refuse a pretty little Georgia bride her request?” Conn was reunited with his bride but later killed at Fredericksburg.) Isaac and Lucia later moved from Clinton to the village of Vineville (now incorporated in the city of Macon). They helped to establish Vineville Methodist Church. Isaac founded a law firm and both Hardemans were active in civic affairs. They raised a family of eight children.
(Jasmine, lot 1, row E)

Colonel Isaac Hardeman (1834-1914)
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Lucia Griswold Conn Hardeman (1844-1930)
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An architectural talent of the highest order, Dennis had a major role in the design and layout of Riverside Cemetery. He worked closely with the renowned architect Calvert Vaux, to execute Vaux’s design of the cemetery. His firm, Dennis & Dennis Architects, designed several Middle and Southern Georgia buildings during that same era. In 1885 his firm designed the Centenary Methodist Church in Macon. Dennis was also known for his partnership with Edgar Swarthwout of New York in the building of what was referred to at the time as Macon’s “million-dollar” municipal auditorium.

(1845-1929) (Jasmine, lot 2, row G)

A grocer turned politician, Wilson was elected in 1942 to the state legislature, and served three terms before being elected Mayor, a position he held for six years. He was succeeded as mayor by B.F. Merritt, Jr., who appointed Wilson manager of the city’s two airports. As airport manager, Wilson, also a licensed pilot, worked with the Federal Aviation Agency at Macon Municipal Airport (later named Lewis B. Wilson Airport) as well as at the smaller Herbert Smart Airport. Wilson died before he was to receive a prestigious service award from the National Foundation of the March of Dimes.

(1901-1967) (Jasmine, lot 6, row K)

Born in Quitman, GA, Groover served as a pilot in the renowned “Black Sheep Squadron” during World War II. He received an injury that left his right arm partially paralyzed. As a member of the Georgia State House of Representatives, serving four terms, he sponsored the bill to put the Confederate battle flag on the Georgia state flag (1956); then supported the emblem’s removal in 2001. Originally a segregationist, he recanted his former views on racial equality and asked for forgiveness.

(1922-2001) (Daffodil, lot 202, row B)

A native of Hawkinsville, Georgia, young P.T. Anderson worked industriously to learn the printing trade along with his brothers, W.T. and Eugene, at The Hawkinsville Dispatch. Later, as a young adult, he began work at The Macon Telegraph. His strong work ethic and keen busi¬ness acumen resulted in his appointment as the Executive Vice President of the Telegraph Publishing Company. Eugene was City Editor and columnist at The Macon Telegraph for many years and also wrote for several other newspapers during his career. W.T. co-published the Macon paper. All the Anderson loved learning. W.T. and P.T. kept a 30-volume set of encyclopedias in the trunk of their car when they traveled on business to look up information when curiosity struck.

(1873-1944) (Azalea, lot 7, row D24)

Anderson hailed from the publishing family highlighted at #55. He became the owner and the publisher of The Macon Telegraph. He was also the publisher for The Macon News. During WWII he served as a public information officer for the U.S. Navy, serving the Sixth Naval District and the Commander of the Seventh Fleet. In 1974, Anderson was on the board of directors at Knight Newspapers when it merged with Ridder Publications to become Knight-Ridder Newspaper, Inc. He is widely known for his generous philanthropic acts. The Peyton Anderson Foundation of Macon is endowed by his estate. Mr. Anderson instructed the trustees to give to “good doers,” not “do gooders.”

(1907-1988) (Azalea, lot 7, row D24)

Mrs. Godfrey was known as the “Prayer and Dime Mother.” She founded the Mothers’ Prayer and Dime Association in 1941 on the day she pressed a dime wrapped in a hand-written prayer into a World War II soldier’s hand. The prayer read: “I am praying for you wherever you go. Keep this always as a reminder to pray.” The Mothers’ Prayer and Dime Association continued its actions of goodwill for more than 30 years, sending thou¬sands of prayer-wrapped dimes to soldiers at war. Mrs. Godfrey alone mailed more than 17,000 dime-prayers. During the war, Paramount News documented her story and the black-and-white newsreel was shown in movie houses across the country.

(1900-1983) (Zinnia, lot 3, row B)

Ernest became known as “’The Water Marvel” or “The Human Cork.” He claimed to have copyrighted several floating techniques developed when the ideas for them came to him in a dream: the Cradle Float, the Terrapin Float, and the Ernest Float. Ernest died at the age of 75 while preparing for a stunt at the former Baconsfield Park pool. With his legs tied together, he was preparing to jump off a 10-foot diving board when he lost his balance, fell off the board backwards, and hit his head on the edge of the pool.

(1875-1950) (Zinnia, lot 23, row A)

Named the “Miracle Man” of the baseball diamond, Stallings won fame by leading the Boston Braves in what is recognized as “the greatest chain of victories in the history of organized baseball.” On July 19, 1914 the Braves were in last place in the National League, 15 games behind the first-place Giants. Stallings rallied his team, consisting of mostly castoffs and unknowns, and the team went 68-19 to finish the season. They then won the national pennant against the Philadelphia Athletics, who had claimed that title the prior three years in a row. It was the first four-game sweep in history. Stallings also managed the Philadelphia Nationals and the New York Yankees. At the time of his death, he was owner and manager of the Montreal Royals. Stallings played catcher during his early baseball career. He once played on the same Sally League Team as Ty Cobb and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson in Augusta. (Even with that amount of collective talent, the team finished last.)

(1866-1929) (Honeysuckle, lot 2, row EE)

Neel was an aviator in World War I who received the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest medal awarded by the U.S. for wartime service. He also received the Croix de Guerre. Among other dangerous duties, Neel flew over enemy territory to assess and photograph damage done after U.S. raids. During this war, in-air combat was waged with shot guns and rifles. Credit for shooting down a plane was not given unless the act was witnessed by two or more neutral observers. , France’s highest award.

(1894-1982) (Section 4, lot O, row A)

Owners and proprietors of the venerable Johnson’s Garden Center, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson’s gravestones reflects their love of gardening-Mr.Johnson’s being adorned with a symbolic wheelbarrow and Mrs. Johnson’s with a child playing in the rain. Mrs. Johnson enjoyed sharing her knowledge of growing flowers and shrubs with everyone, but particularly with children.
(Fern, lot 17, row A)

Rees Terry Johnson, Sr. (1924-1999)
Florrie Matthews Johnson (1928-2012)

Black was a Lanier High School star athlete in baseball, basketball, football and track. He played football and basketball at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) where he studied aeronautical engineering. He became one of the first men to join the State Highway Patrol after its organization in 1937. With the ranking of Corporal, he was the first Georgia State Patrol trooper to be killed on duty, tragically gunned down by a man he was citing for a mere speeding offense. He was 29 years old.

(1911-1940) (Woodbine, lot 18, row D)

Butch Davis, a first grade student at Joseph Clisby School (now Vineville Academy) died at the age of six from an injury incurred while playing in the yard of his father’s trucking company. His grave site is marked by a photographic etching of Butch astride a pony. It is a prime example of several such etchings popular in that era.

(1941-1947) (Althea, lot 10.5, row G)

Young Mabel White, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. L. White died at the age of 12 years. Her untimely death was caused by septic pneumonia she contracted while recovering from an appendectomy. Little Mabel died in her father’s arms, singing hymns and comforting her parents, brothers, and sisters as they gathered around her. Dr. White was pastor of First Baptist Church on High Street. Inspired by the story of Mable’s heroic dying, a tiny, struggling Baptist congregation, Waverly Hall, took her name. Now a well-known and well-attended church in north Macon, the congregation has produced dozens of ordained ministers.

(1890-1902) (Althea, lot 10, row D)

Bowen spent a lifetime serving the City of Macon and Bibb County. He served as Sheriff, as Chief of Police, as Alderman, and, for ten years, as Mayor. Macon’s only public golf course is named in his honor.

(1892-1953) (Althea, lot 20, row C)

Born in Monroe County, Rosa Taylor made Macon her home for more than 60 years. She graduated from Wesleyan College and taught in Bibb County Public Schools for more than 50 years. She retired as principal of Whittle Elementary School. In 1958, her former students held a special ceremony to dedicate the Rosa Taylor Elementary School in her honor.

(1875-1955) (Honeysuckle, lot 7, row P24)

McWilliams was killed in World War I during trench warfare near Sergey, northeast of Chateau Thierry, France. To commemorate his heroic service during wartime, a machine gun is engraved on his grave marker. His remains were not received for burial at Riverside until three years after his death. The VFW Post #658 in Macon was named in memory of Private McWilliams and CPL Chambers L. Bunting, Jr.  Both soldiers were members of the 151st MGBN 42nd Rainbow Division and died in battle.

(1888-1918) (Honeysuckle, lot 4, row T)

Hay was a prominent businessman and insurance magnate in Macon. His family was the third and last family to own and live in the Johnston-Felton-Hay House, an Italian Renaissance Revival mansion. Hay purchased the home in 1926 and his widow, Maude Saxon Hay, lived there until her death in 1962. In 1977 the P.L. Hay Trust transferred the property to The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. The Hay House remains one of the most popular historic landmarks and tourist attractions in Macon.

(1873-1957) (Honeysuckle, lot 3, row R)

Motor Machinist Mate First Class Hugh A. Smalling joined the Navy in 1938 to discover other lands and people. During World War II Hugh’s ship, the U.S.S. Nausett, was sunk by German fire off the shores of Italy. Hugh’s body was never recovered, but his father always held out hope that Hugh, the adored youngest of nine children, might have survived the explosion. Hugh’s father, Charles Robert Smalling (1880-1964) established the contracting company which built the Grand Opera House on Mulberry Street.

(1919-1943) (Honeysuckle, lot 3, row C24)

Dr. Harrold specialized in surgery and cancer research. He cared for numerous poverty-stricken patients, knowing they could never pay for his services. He served in the medical corps during World War I. A great admirer of Native American culture, Harrold was one of three men instrumental in working through the Smithsonian Institute to establish the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds as a national park. A scholarly amateur horticulturist, Harrold initiated through the Kiwanis Club to plant rare species of Japanese magnolias on Mulberry Street. Mrs. Harrold was a suffragette who worked for passage of the 19th Amendment. In 1920, in the first election after the U.S. ratified the women’s voting rights amendment, Mrs. Harrold was the first woman elected to Macon/s City Council, running on a platform of economy and cleanliness, “the hallmarks of the housewife.” She served as a councilwoman under five mayors.

(Honeysuckle, lot 3, row A24)

Dr. Charles Cotton Harrold
(1878-1948)
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Helen Sophia Shaw Harrold
(1879-1960)
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A native of Virginia, Evans came to the Tabernacle Rescue Home a “fallen woman and a hopeless case, addicted to morphine and cigarettes.” It was said that a “miracle had been worked on her” when she overcame her addictions and began a new life helping other girls who came to the home. Four years before her death, she was designated the matron of the home because she had successfully assisted more than 200 girls, “turning them onto the path of Christian womanhood.” She died of apoplexy at the age of 35.

(1880-1915) (Daisy, lot 7, row I)

When Bettie Tyler’s aunt died leaving four little stair steps, she and her sister, Mollie, founded the Hephzibah Orphanage and Tabernacle Rescue Home (#71) at their farm home in Monroe County. They started the orphanage with fifty cents worth of sugar, a few pounds of rice, and one dollar in cash. Miss Tyler later relocated the orphanage to larger quarters on a 600-acre farm off Pea Ridge Road in Macon. In 1922, she sold the ministry to the Southern Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church to ensure its continuance.

(1857-1928) (Daisy, lot 7, row I)

Burdick was born in Newport, RI, the son of a sea captain. He moved south during one of his father’s voyages and got caught up in the Civil War. After the war, he established Burdick Brothers General Merchandise in Macon.

(1834-1911) (Daisy, lot 7, row D18)

Mrs. Redding was one of the three founders of the second oldest female fraternal organization established in the United States. Founded as the Philomathean Society at Wesleyan College in 1852, Phi Mu is one of the two “Macon Magnolias,” a term used to celebrate the bonds it shares with Alpha Delta Pi, also founded at Wesleyan. Redding’s headstone is marked with the distinctive white cloverleaf of the Phi Mu pin.

(1836-1893) (Daisy, lot 2, row C18)

Sanford was a renowned educator in the field of mathematics. His methods of teaching algebra were nationally recognized, mainly through his popular text, Sanford’s Analytical Arithmetic, extensively used in public schools at the time. Once a Confederate soldier, he later taught at Mercer University and served as the school’s de facto president in the late 1850s. His grandson was Stedman V. Sanford, former President of the University of Georgia, for whom Sanford Stadium was named. He is buried across from his good friend and colleague Joseph Edgerton Willett (#21)

(1816-1896) (Daisy, lot 5, row B18)

Sanford was one of the founders of the Woodman of the World Insurance Company. His grave is marked with the Woodman of the World tree stump monument, one example of many such monuments in this cemetery.

(1848-1907) (Dahlia, lot 7, row B18)

At his request, Massenburg was buried in a standing position. In life, he served as the secretary and treasurer of the Acme Brewing Company in Macon, and later became superintendent of the Macon Hospital. He was also a leading member of the Elks Lodge fraternity in Macon. His father, Capt. T. L. Massenburg, was the organizer of the Jackson Artillery in Macon at the beginning of the Civil War.

(1855-1929) (Dahlia, lot1, rowB24)

Little Sarah’s burial site features a border of stone with raised sides resembling a cradle. This structure is also known as “coping” and was popular for infant graves at the turn of the century.

(1900-1904) (Daisy, lot 7, row A18)

Born into a prominent Hawkinsville family, Mildred Taylor graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music where she studied piano. With her husband, lawyer and clay products manufacturing executive William Park Stevens, Mildred Stevens contributed to many charitable organizations. These included the Billy and Bobby Stevens Foundation at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, named for their sons who died in childhood. Mildred also funded the museum on the grounds of the American Camellia Society headquarters in Marshallville, which houses her priceless collection of Boehm porcelain, a memorial gift to honor her husband, children and parents, all of whom are interred with her in this beautiful mausoleum, along with other family. The Stevens financed construction of the Mulberry Methodist chapel and of a swimming pool at the former YMCA in downtown Macon. Mrs. Stevens served for many years on the Riverside Cemetery Board of Directors.

(Dahlia, lot 1, row E)

Mildred Taylor Stevens (1900-1933)
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William Park Stevens (1892-1962)
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Christoper C. Anderson (1843-1925)
A Confederate veteran and civil engineer, Anderson figured in the development of Middle George for more than 50 years. In his senior year at Mercer University, then located at Penfield, Georgia, C.C. Anderson enlisted in the Sixth Georgia Infantry. By the end of the War Between the States he was serving in J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry. Captain Anderson set out alone on his horse to join another fighting unit. Getting word that surrender was universal, he started home to Georgia and finished the journey in 31 days on foot, having traded his horse for a handful of biscuits and some ham. Anderson, a civil engineer, surveyed waterfalls along the Flint River for power plants and worked as county surveyor of Bibb County for 25 years.

C.C. and his first wife, Laura Tooke Anderson, raised eight children. The accomplishments of their sons and a grandson, buried nearby, are highlighted on this tour. (#55, #56) Three of their five daughters are also buried on the family lot.

Lela Anderson Key (1869-1957) like her sisters, is considered a Real Daughter of the Confederacy, being the daughter of a veteran. Myrta Anderson Massey (1888-1990) and her sister, Alma Anderson Massey (1889-1963) married two Massey brothers, Walter and Orren. A fourth daughter, Marie Anderson Gibson (1879-1964), is buried in the Macon Public Mausoleum. She was a charter member of the Macon Pilot Club, an international women’s service organization headquartered in Macon. The daughters of C.C. and his second wife, Elizabeth Burkett Anderson, also are on this lot. Louise Chappel Anderson Blount (1909-1996) was active in the United Daughters of the Confederacy, promoting Confederate Memorial Day, which is commemorated annually at neighbor cemetery, Rose Hill. Catherine Claire Anderson Acker (1911-2002) served as assistant to Congressman Carl Vinson in Washington, D.C. for many years.

(1907-1988) (Azalea, lot 5, row D24)

William Arthur Fickling, Sr. (1903-1990)
Fickling, a prominent local businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist, was the inspiration for the city’s most high-profile event, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, a festival that brings thousands of visitors to the city each year and is recognized as the city’s premier tourist attrac-tion. Fickling discovered a beautiful blooming tree in his yard which not even his gardener could identify. On a trip to Washington, D.C., he discovered trees in the Tidal Basin identical to his own. He learned to propagate his Yoshino cherry tree. Over the years he contributed more than 180,000 trees to be planted in Macon.

Neva Jane Langley Fickling (1933-2012)
Wife of Fickling’s son, W.A., Jr., in 1949 Neva Jane Langley was a student at Wesleyan College. Chosen to be Miss Macon, Langley went on to become the only Miss Georgia to be crowned Miss America. A classically trained pianist, Mrs. Fickling resumed public performance after raising her four children. Fickling Music Hall in the McCorkle Music Building at Mercer University is named in her honor.

A native of Thomaston, GA, Trice received degrees at Mercer University, Harvard Business School, Southern Methodist Institute of Insurance Marketing, in addition to an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Sciences degree from Wesleyan College. He served on the Georgia State Highway Board (1962-1970) and was a major player in getting Interstate 75 to come through Macon. Interstate 75 in Bibb County, past the Monroe County line, and Interstate 16 is named the “Reginald Trice Parkway” in Trice’s honor.

(1907-2002) (Block 1, Section C, lot 6)

Raines is known as Georgia’s First Lady of Flight. After graduating from the Wesleyan Conservatory in 1936, Raines took a flying lesson on a dare and fell in love with flying. The first woman in Georgia to earn a commercial pilot’s license, she became a skilled barnstormer, and performed in air shows and fly-ins around the Macon area. During World War II, she was chosen to serve in the Air Transport Auxiliary as a ferry pilot in which she flew many types of aircraft to their delivery points for the RAF in Britain, logging more hours than any other ATA pilot. Raines was an active member of the Women’s Air Service Pilots (WASPS), performing dangerous maneuvers for training pilots and she was a mem¬ber of Amelia Earhart’s Ninety-Nines. When she died in London at age 40, she had amassed 6,400 hours of flight time in many types of aircraft. [Her sister was married to Reginald Trice (#82)]

(1916-1956) (Block 1, Section C, lot 7, Trice Mausoleum)

Jimmy Waters is a name as familiar as Billy Graham’s to most Middle Georgians. He was the revered pastor of Mabel White Baptist Church for more than 30 years. He broad¬cast weekly services and short spiritual lessons on the radio in the 1930s and 1940s. When television became a popular medium, the multi-generational Waters Family annual Christmas music specials were televised on 13-WMAZ.

(1920-2004) (Block 1, Section A, lot 44S)

Jones was a U.S. Air Force Flight Surgeon in 1972 stationed in Udorn, Thailand during the Vietnam War. Jones was designated missing in action (MIA) after his F4-D Fighter Bomber carrying supplies to Da Nang, South Vietnam, was lost on radar. Although his body has not been recovered, his blood chit was found 36 years after his plane went missing.  U.S. aviators used blood chits as a way of communicating with non-English-speaking people. Made of leather, cotton, silk, or rayon, they served as a safe-conduct pass for a downed aviator in need of help from local people. This Vietnam War-era blood chit has 14 languages, the American flag, and a serial number at the bottom. It was used in Southeast Asia and the West Central Pacific. This identifying documents would have read: “I am a citizen of the United States of America. I do not speak your language. Misfortune forces me to seek your assistance in obtaining food, shelter, and protection. Please take me to someone who will provide for my safety and see that I am returned to my people. My government will reward you.” It was stamped with a number the U.S. Air Force had assigned to Jones, 65212S.  This blood chit was returned to Major Jones’ family on November 28, 2008.

(1945-1972) (Block 1, Section A, lot 40)

Uncle Ned and the Hayloft Jamboree were a wildly popular blue-grass band during the 1950s and ‘60s. Uncle Ned was inducted into the Georgia Radio Music Hall of Fame in 2012.

Known to his fans as Uncle Ned, Stripling hosted “Uncle Ned and the Hayloft Jamboree,” which performed on WMAZ radio for 18 years. When WMAZ television went on the air in 1953, Uncle Ned and the Hayloft Jamboree did 9 hours per week on TV, 5 hours per week on radio and a minimum of 4 live performances each week. The TV performance ratings drew WMAZ’s second-largest viewing audience, bested only by Gunsmoke, the nation’s most popular Western. Gene “Uncle Ned” Stripling died suddenly at the age of 42, while performing at a dance in Hawkinsville in 1958.

(1915-1958) (Block 1, Section I, lot 5, row 2)

Beloved educator, arts advocate, and the registrar for Macon College, Bass died unexpectedly at age 43. Bass was valedictorian of the 1961 class of Lanier High School in Macon and he graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1965. He attended the University of Fuertzburg in Germany on a Fulbright grant. He received a master’s degree in philology (linguistics) from Harvard. He taught at Mercer University and Macon College. He often contributed columns and reviews on cultural events to the Macon Telegraph and News.

(1943-1987) (Block 1, Section I, lot 5, row 2)

Margaret Anne Thornton was a graduate of Macon’s Stratford Academy and the Emory University School of Medicine. After marrying, she and her husband (#89) worked side-by-side in cardiovascular medicine and research. She died at age 29 in a crash of the plane piloted by her husband when flying from St. Simons Island to Atlanta in a rainstorm.

(1956-1985) (Dogwood Park, lot 149)

Before coming to America, Dr. Gruentzig was the chief physician of Cardiology at the Medical Policlinic University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland. He was brought to Georgia to serve as professor of Cardiology and Radiology Medicine and director of Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. He developed the first successful balloon angioplasty-a procedure which expands arteries clogged with atherosclerotic plaque, offering a less-invasive alternative to coronary artery bypass. He died at age 46 with his wife, Dr. Margaret Anne Gruentzig (#88), in a plane crash in Monroe County.

(1939-1985) (Dogwood Park, lot 149)