Copyright © Janice Tracy, Mississippi Memories

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Rachel Fenner and William Neatherlin - Buried in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, Amite County, MS

During my recent Neatherlin/Netherland research, I learned that Rachel Fenner and William Neatherlin were members of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Amite County, Mississippi. Established in 1809, this church is said to be the oldest Baptist Church in Mississippi.  According to the church's minutes published online, in 1815, Rachel Neatherlin "applyed for...(a letter) of dismission," most likely after William's death and before her planned move to live with one of their adult children. 


Established in 1809, Amite County, Texas, was the fifth county to be established in the Mississippi Territory.  Almost a half century later, Amite County would become known as a "jumping off" spot for residents who migrated to Texas. Interestingly, the town of Liberty,Texas was named for Liberty, Mississippi, where many of these residents later settled.


A list of those buried in the cemetery at Ebenezer Baptist Church is included on the website of Genealogy Trails, and Rachel and William are among those on the list.  I still do not know for sure where either of my great-great-great-great-grandparents were born.  Other family researchers say they may have been born in Tennessee or Georgia or even Holland. But one thing I now know for certain is where they are buried.  Needless to say, a trip to the cemetery for some photos is near the top of my genealogy "to do" list.  I will let you know what I find.



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