The Utoy Cemetery Association in SW Atlanta maintains the oldest private cemetery in Atlanta, Current Fulton County, Georgia established in 1823. Three Revolutionary War Soldiers who settled in the area in the 1820's are buried there as well as a veteran of the War of 1812, 40-50 Southern Confederate Soldiers casualties of the battle of Utoy Creek GA, the first Physician in Atlanta , Dr. Joshua Gilbert (One of the founders of the Atlanta Medical College, now Emery University) and many early settlers, and former slaves.
The property is maintained by family members, the local boy scout troop, with help from the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons of Union veterans the local masonic lodges at Ben Hill and in Campbellton, and some expert assistance from the Bowen Family that owns Westview and Greenwood Cemeteries.
The cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The old Utoy Primitive Baptist church was modernized and changed so that unfortunately is was ineligible to be on the National Register. The church was the local meeting house for prayer and even served as a hospital during the Battle of Utoy Creek and siege of Atlanta in August 1864.
Franklin Garrett, of the Atlanta Historical Society (Now Atlanta History Center) wrote about Utoy Primitive Baptist Church as the oldest in North Georgia in his book "Atlanta and its Environs" in 1930. Local Artist Wilbur Kurtz who did all the artwork and historical sketches for the 1939 movie "Gone with the Wind" drew the church and researched its history in the leading up the Centennial if the American Civil War in 1960-1965.
The non profit utilized 100% of its contributions in kind and in cash to maintain the cemetery. It is a marvel in efficiency as Mr. Malcolm McDuffie, grand son of the former Sheriff of Fulton County and his family lead the efforts in maintenance of the beautiful grounds. I have observed the 17th century practice of stacked stone graves in the cemetery which has by tradition has also many unmarked graves of the local "Utoy" or Creek Indians who converted to Christianity as a result of the SC Baptists who ministered to them before the federal governments order to remove the Indians to Oklahoma in the 1820's.
It is a beautiful place in South west Atlanta, beautiful but humble representing the poor settlers who came to Georgia for 200 acres and a new start during the land lottery.
Unlike many of the family cemeteries in NW Georgia , this one is carefully maintained and is a step back into history. It is no wonder the National Register of Historic Places has recognized it as well as the Georgia Historical Commission with a suitable marker written by Franklin Garrett, attorney, and historian for the Coca Cola Company.
Review from Guidestar
