Claiborne Parish Louisiana
History of the Old Pine
Hill Cemetery
B P O G
The story goes, the Adkins and extended families that included Piety Sansing-Adkins along with her children, and grandchildren left Georgia circa 1852 headed for Texas. They brought with them a family of enslaved people to include a woman named Mariah and her children to include her children, Elbert born circa 1830; Joe born circa 1832; Sam born circa 1834; Irene born circa 1836; Andrew born circa 1838; Winny born circa 1841 (may have been listed as Sarah W. Davis on Post-Bellum records in Claiborne and Bienville Parish’s, wife of Alfred Davis). Mariah’s four younger children were fathered by Lemiah C. C. Adkins, (son of Zaccheus and Piety Adkins) include Elijah born 1843; Mary Adkins-Biddle born 1850; Dock Ellis born 1852; and Dorcas born circa 1854.
The slave owner Piety Sansing-Adkins purchased government land in 1859. A portion of that land was used as a cemetery to bury enslaved people. After the Civil War the cemetery continued to be used as a community cemetery for African American people.
There are a few markers left of which the final resting place for Amanda Reed, wife of Elijah Adkins Reed; Laura Todd-Pealer, wife of George Pealer, Henry Maddox, Lizzy Sykes, Fronie McDonald, Abner McDonald and Ollie Glass.
We thank the Black Pearls of Genealogy for placing a memorial marker to honor those buried in this hallowed place.
Impact on Community
B P O G
The Old Pine Hill Slave/African American Cemetery holds immense historical significance, serving as a testament to the lives and struggles of those who were enslaved and those interred during the Reconstruction, Post-Bellum and early twentieth century. Its preservation not only honors the memory of those buried but also fosters a deeper understanding of the area’s past, allowing the community to acknowledge and learn from this vital part of its history while promoting respect and awareness for future generations.
The Memorial Reads:
Old Pinehill Cemetery – Formerly Adkins
Slave Cemetery
Claiborne Parish Louisiana 1850s – 1920s
The land originally purchased by Piety P. Sansing – Adkins was used as a burial ground for the enslaved.
Arrival Day
B P O G
Sponsors
About EARHPS
The Elijah Adkins Reed Historical Preservation Society (EARHPS) is pleased to be a sponsor for the Black Pearls of Genealogy Memorial Preservation project. Honoring neglected and abandoned cemeteries falls within the mission of EARHPS through the preservation of history.
The Elijah Adkins Reed Historical Preservation Society, Inc. is a non-profit [501c3] organization, structured and operated solely for educational, literary and charitable purposes.
EARHPS
Elijah Adkins Reed Historical Preservation Society, Inc. is committed to the preservation of history by educating Americans on the many facets of American history to include genealogical research, organize community events and produce documentary films to document the oral, written and the physical history of America.
