The purpose of this page is to bring attention to the attempted preservation of the historic African American Watkins Cemetery of Natchez Mississippi. James.
This Page comes to be Courtesy of the Descendants of the Watkins Street Cemetery. In 1909 in consideration of $500 and five promissory notes of $700 each, the Natchez Colored Cemetery Association duly incorporated by ten men of Color, purchased approximately seventeen acres of land in northern Natchez from Albert E. Those ten men where as follows : J.C.Henry, Jas Crossgrove, Henry Ireland, G.L.San
ders, C.P.Hunter, A.A. Newell, W.M.Cosey, J.R.Rose, G.W. Brumfield and D. Lewis. whom in business where then noted as Incorporators. This transaction established "The Colored Peoples Cemetery" known today as the Watkins Street Cemetery. At different intervals thought the years this privately owned cemetery waws managed by serveeral funeral directors or organizations following the death of the incorporators. For the past several years the cemetery was without regular maintenance resulting in immense deterioration as the only noticeable attention was provided by hired personal caretakers of local or out of town residents who inherited plots from deceased family members. The Worthy Women of Watkins' Cemetery Association organized in 2005 by Mrs. Thelma T. White, seeks to restore and maintain the historic African American Cemetery. This gigantic effort has progressed through the cooperation of local officials, community volunteers and local and out of town donations. Accomplishments include removal of trees and debris; several clearings of overgrowth and spraying; petitioning city officials to install drainage and gravel lanes, petitioning Adams County Supervisors to provide inmate labor from the Sheriff's Department to assist with regular maintenance, cataloging tombstone information, decorating Veterans graves on special holidays and installing a gate. Future plans are to install section markers, erect entrance signs and establish a Rhythm Night Club Fire Monument to identify this burial site. Other appropriate improvements deemed pertinent to the preservation and beautification of the cemetery will be also implemented. This is our Third Annual Program appealing to churches, groups, businesses, organizations and individuals for much needed monthly, semiannual or annual donations to the Watkins' Street Cemetery Fund established at Britton & Koontz Bank. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. We graciously appreciate all past, present and future donations. Good intentions alone will not achieve our goals. We operate solely on the generosity of those who care enough to give. WWW Cemetery Association Members
President : Mrs. White
Treasurer : Mrs. Dorothy Sanders
Assist. Treasurer : Mrs. Rosalie F. Hawkins
Secretary : Mrs. Carolyn Smith, Mrs. Adair White Jackson, Mrs. Patricia Gibson, Sir Clifford Boxley, Mr. Barney Schoby, III and Mr. Mckinley Barnes. The Rhythm Night Club Fire of 1940 will be elaborated on in the days to come.
