SADDEST CEMETERY YET! Children's Cemetery In A Sand County | Martin Family Cemetery

In this Adventures Into History episode, Cecil Young and I head to Taylor County, Georgia, to visit the Martin Cemetery, a historic and deeply poignant burial ground split into two distinct sections.

The northern section reflects a more traditional cemetery layout from the 19th century, featuring concrete markers and headstones honoring individuals who lived full lives. Among these graves are members of the Martin family, such as Ananias Wright Martin, Lydia Peacock Martin, and their descendants.

In contrast, the southern section tells a far sadder story—a cemetery dominated by the graves of children, many of whom lived only days, weeks, or months. This section contains numerous infant graves from the Jinks and Streetman families, along with two adult burials believed to be Mrs. Frances Martin and Elbert L. Streetman.

The graves include:

Ananias Wright Martin (15 Feb 1824 – 9 Mar 1886)

Lydia Peacock Martin (1822 – unknown)

James Wilber Martin (15 Dec 1843 – 18 Dec 1884)

Margaret Marcina Scott Martin (15 Jul 1839 – 8 Aug 1889)

Mrs. Frances Wright Martin (1788 – after 1860)

Elbert L. Streetman (2 Jan 1869 – 30 Oct 1891)

Ida Streetman (1 Jun 1880 – 1 Jun 1880)

Lemuel & Mary Streetman (1 Feb 1867 – 1 Feb 1867)

Lula Agnes Streetman (8 May 1866 – 26 May 1866)

Henry B. Jinks (19 Apr 1869 – 3 Aug 1869)

Mary Jinks (7 Jan 1868 – 15 Jan 1868)

Lester Jinks (9 Jul 1882 – 27 Jul 1882)

Pearl Jinks (8 Jan 1879 – 15 Aug 1879)

William Edward Harris (12 Feb 1876 – 12 Feb 1876)

James Thomas Harris (7 Apr 1871 – 7 Apr 1871)

Additionally, there is one unmarked adult grave that appears to have been refinished in recent years.

This exploration serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the legacies left behind in small rural cemeteries like this one. Join us as we uncover the stories of these individuals and reflect on the history preserved within these sacred grounds.

Check out my other channel, The Old Byrd Farm, for unique projects and rural explorations:
   / @theoldbyrdfarm