Side A: This 4-acre plot, established ca. 1860 by John Gee, is a burial ground for local colored citizens. John Gee was a religious leader as well as a skilled carpenter who built houses in early Gallipolis. Some Gallipolis colored pioneers were artisans while others came to work in the homes of French settlers. Leah Stewart, the first legally-recorded colored person in Gallia County, arrived in 1803. In this cemetery are the graves of numerous soldiers who served in this country’s military forces. At least 57 United States veterans rest upon this sacred site.
Side B: Several local citizens, also buried here, have contributed to this community’s development. Included are Willis Battles, a carpenter; Daniel Webster, a restaurateur; Lemuel Holmes, a cooper; George Mason, a shoemaker; Mulligan Connor, a banker; Henry Bell, a plasterer; Mary Washington, a nurse; and Phoebe Smith, founder of the Mutual Aid Society. Robert Mitchell led the way to an early desegregation of the Gallipolis Public Schools. Because of his efforts, Gallia Academy High School became integrated in 1918.
Sponsors: Gallia County Historical Society, O.O. McIntyre Park District, and The Ohio Historical Society
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