Help sought in efforts to preserve Donalson Cemetery
By LINDEARA
JEFFERSON
The remarkable story of Nathan Donalson, born into slavery in 1840 before the Civil War near Fowlstown (now Donalsonville, Decatur County, GA), serves as a testament to resilience, Determination, and triumph over adversity. Now efforts are underway to honor his legacy and preserve the resting place of this inspiring ancestor and his family using modern technology.
Nathan’s journey from enslavement to independence is a powerful narrative of perseverance. Born to Lucindy and Amos Donaldson, Nathan endured hardships of slavery under the ownership of prominent enslavers, the Donaldson family. His life saw dramatic changes after the Civil War as he transitioned from being enslaved to becoming a free man. It is believed he fled in slavery and came to Wakulla County around 1865 at the age of 25. He married Tarry Hill in 1866 and became a farmer. They had 10 children. He died in 1906 at the age of 66 and Tarry died the same year at age 65. At the time they were buried near what is now Council-Moore Road. The following is what we know about the cemetery.
LOCATION OF
CEMETERY
The Cemetery is located off Council-Moore Road in Crawfordville and is a one-acre tract purchased on Dec. 18, 1919. This information is recorded in the Wakulla County deed book 9 page 584 which contains the original 1919 deed from M. W. Moore and Nellie Moore to Adam Donalson and Dave Donalson as trustees, specifically establishing this land for “burial purposes.” A title company has provided an opinion confirming the existence of a burial easement associated with this property.
The Cemetery contains the remains of the following family members:
- Nathan Donalson 1840-1906 (66)
- Tarry Donalson (Nathan’s wife) 1841-1906 (65)
- Adam Donalson (Nathan’s son) 1869-1939 (70)
- Elsie Glover (Nathan’s daughter) 1865-?
- Jessie Glover (Nathan’s son-in-law) 1870-1927 (57)
- Aggie Reddick (Nathan’s daughter) 1859-1920 (61)
- William Reddick (Nathan’s son-in-law) 1835-1920 (85)
As listed above, Nathan Donalson’s legacy extends to his descendants. However, only two grave markers have been located but unfortunately have been moved from the original grade designation spot in the cemetery due to heavy farming and land clearing over the years. It is hoped that to preserve and protect these ancestral graves, ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology is needed to try to relocate all 7 graves for proper memorialization by the family. GPR may provide detailed insights into the barrier layout, ensuring the integrity of the site and honoring the family’s memory for future generations.
The family estimates the cost of this project to be approximately $15,000 for ground penetrating radar, a small amount of fencing, surveying, and memorials if the graves are located.
If the graves are not located, the family plans to create a monument identifying the site and those buried there.
“This initiative is not just about preserving graves, it’s about connecting with our past and ensuring that the legacy of Nathan Donaldson and his family continue to inspire future generations” said Lindeara Jefferson, Nathan’s third great granddaughter.
The effort underscores the importance of historical preservation and the power of ancestral connections. The family and the Wakulla County Historical Society call on supporters, historians, and organizations to join in this preservation project, helping to honor a lineage marked by resilience and achievement.
The Historical Society’s President Andrea Carter said “Our Mission is to preserve and protect these cemeteries and we have identified several more. We appreciate so much Lindeara’s untiring tenacity to preserve this site. Nathan Donaldson’s descendants over many decades have contributed to the wonderful county that we live in today. We owe it to Nathan and Tarry Donaldson to make sure that they can rest in peace.”
“My third great grandfather literally has hundreds upon hundreds of descendants in Wakulla, Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, and throughout Florida and Southern Georgia. In Wakulla alone the Franklins, Greens, Donaldsons, Gavins, Harveys, Allens, Hills, and countless others. I’m asking all relatives and family to join me in donating to go fund me: http://gofundme/65337316. I want to thank the Wakulla County Historical Society and especially the Council Family for supporting this project. We currently have $690 in the fund. “PLEASE HELP US”
For more information about the preservation efforts or to support the project, please contact Lindeara Jefferson by email at Underthetreegen@gmail.com or call 850-841-0154