Family Adventures Through Savannah, Georgia

A photo of my great-grandfather and great-grandmother 

The ancestor I chose to do my project on is my great-grandfather Grover Abb Brinson Jr. He was from Savannah, Georgia and was born on January 4, 1913. He and my great-mother had seven children including my grandfather Ralph Brinson Sr.

My great-grandfather died on January 31, 1980, when he was 67 years old and he is buried in the Pine Crest Memorial Cemetery in Jesup, Georgia.

My great-grandfather's grave (lawn marker)

My grandfather was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 during World War II. He was drafted to be an army medic for the duration of the war. While overseas, my great-grandfather fought in the Battle of the Bulge. There were over 100,000 casualties in the Battle of the Bulge and my great-grandfather was lucky enough to survive. 

A letter my great-grandfather sent to my great-grandmother

My great-grandfather would constantly write letters to my great-grandmother throughout his time in the army. In these letters, he would express how much he loved and missed his children and wife. Unfortunately, I do not know much about his time during the war because he could never bring himself to discuss it. 

My great-grandfather's parents are buried in the beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. The Bonaventure Cemetery is a Victorian cemetery that was established in 1846. My family has two plots in the cemetery: the Brinson family plot and the Foley family plot. My great-grandfather's parents are buried in the Brinson family plot surrounded by vibrant azalea bushes. 

My great-great-grandparents graves in the Bonaventure Cemetery

When I first started this project, I knew I needed to talk to my grandfather about any possible ancestors I could do my project on. I talked with him about many people in my family, even my great-great-great-grandfather who was a Cherokee Indian from North Carolina. However, I found my great-grandfather the most interesting.

My aunt decided that the only way I could get this project done was to take a day trip down to Savannah, Georgia. In Savannah, I toured the Bonaventure Cemetery and rode around the city listening to my grandfather tell stories of him growing up there. 

The resources I used were mainly my grandfather and a Facebook group my family started. On the group's page, I found numerous photos of my great-grandfather and information about his life. 

Greenwich Park at the Bonaventure Cemetery

Sneaky Symbols Scavenger Hunt

Camille Wish with Professor Harwood 

On March 4th, we ventured to the Bethel Church Cemetery to look for gravestone symbols. While we were there, Camille Wish gave us insightful information about the church and cemetery history. In fact, she said that "the graveyard used to extend all the way through the parking lot."

Wish owns her own antique shop, Terrace Oaks Antiques, here in Charleston. She also attends the Bethel Church on Sunday mornings, and she even invited us to a service!









The church was founded in 1797. It was the only Methodist church to remain open during the Civil War. The first building was a simple wooden structure and remains Charleston's oldest standing Methodist church.

This is considered a pulpit marker 

The first grave is that of Rev. William H. Fleming. He was pastor of the Bethel Church for many years. He was born in January of 1821 and died in April of 1877.

wreath and Bible  

The Bible sitting on the very top of the gravestone represents a religious layperson, cleric, or in this case a pastor. The two wreaths can be associated with the attained distinction in the arts or literature. 

This is a die base and cap

This is the grave of Rebecca Jane Bateman. She was born in January of 1856 and died at the young age of 19 in November of 1875.

weeping angel

Angels often symbolize Guardians of the Dead. Sometimes, angels are seen carrying the departed souls of a child, which is what could possibly be seen here. 

This is a die in socket

This is the resting place of Rosa Mary Muckenfuss. She was born in October of 1835 and died in November of 1881. 

drapery and flowers 

The beautiful drapery in on this headstone is carved so delicately. Drapery often symbolizes sorrow or mourning. Although there are many flowers in the small bouquet, the roses are predominant. Roses symbolize unfailing love, beauty, and hope. 

This is a die on socket 

 This headstone was made in memory of Anna Chrietzberc who was the wife of a pastor. She was born in March of 1821 and died in January of 1872.

wreath and dove

Just like the previous pastor, the wreath symbolizes the attained distinction of literature and the arts. The dove is an important animal in Christianity, for it symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

this is a headstone

This is the headstone of Pricilla Sarah Eason and it was erected by her children. She was born in June of 1806 and died in March of 1885.

Cross with Crown 

The cross is an ordinary T-shaped cross, or better known as St. Anthony's Cross. It symbolizes the Old Testament cross. The crown represents immortality or righteousness. Together, they symbolize the sovereignty of the Lord.

This is a headstone 

This is the headstone of James F. M. Lord. He was born sometime in 1825 and died of consumption in his home in February of 1862.

Willow tree

The Weeping willow has to be one of my favorites symbols. To me, willow trees are so beautiful, and their symbolism of sorrow and mourning seem fitting.

A fallen headstone 

This fallen headstone belongs to Charles C. Seyle. He was born in July of 1823 and died in February of 1880.

cross with ivy

I believe this is a cross with ivy. The cross looks like the Old Testament cross, and the ivy symbolizes memory and friendship.

this is a die on base 

This is the gravestone of Eva Lee Warren. She was born in June of 1867 and died after 26 years in September of 1893.

roses on a scroll

The roses represent beauty, hope, and unfailing love. The scroll symbolizes life and time.

This is a headstone 

This is the headstone of Nathaniel Smalls. His birth and death dates are unknown, however, the gravestone says he was aged 51 years.

hourglass with wings 

The hourglass symbolizes the inevitable passing of time and the shortness of life. The wings could mean many different things, like the Holy Spirit or faith.

This is a headstone 

This headstone belongs to Casey Poyas. I was unable to read his birth and death dates if known, and I was also unable to find him on the Find a Grave website.

hand pointing up

The hand pointing up symbolizes the reward of the righteous, confirmation of life after death.

Ancestor Proposal

Grover A. Brinson Jr. was my great-grandfather, and he was born on January 4^th, 1913 and died January 31^st, 1980. He is buried in Jesup, Georgia and was drafted into the army during World War II. He fought during the Battle of the Bulge, and also worked on ships during the war. His parents are buried in the Brinson family plot in the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia.