Emanuel County GA Links and Notes for Genealogical Research

The Forest-Blade

November 30, 1998  

Coleman writes book about Emanuel cemeteries

By Jacquie Brasher

Moses M. Coleman, Jr. of Vidalia has been an avid researcher in the field of genealogy. His interest in this subject bought him to Emanuel County last December and the fruits of his labor have produced Cemeteries of Emanuel County, Georgia.

Coleman’s book is a survey of 178 cemeteries containing over 19,000 marked graves in Emanuel County.

Born in Toombs County, Coleman has ancestors who hailed from Emanuel County. Research for his book took about seven months to complete, from December 1997 to July 1998.

"I was especially interested in this project because many of my ancestors lived in Emanuel County in the 1800’s," said Coleman. He said many of his ancestors are buried in cemeteries of Hawhammock Church, New Hope Church and Yeomans Family Cemetery.

"My grandfather, Moses M. Coleman, moved to what is now Toombs County in 1890 soon after the creations of Lyons and Vidalia as towns along the old Savannah, Americus and Montgomery Railroad," said Coleman. "Other Emanuel County families whose descendants now live in Toombs and surrounding counties include Rountree, Brown, Durden, Truett, Temples, Youmans (Yeomans), Garbutt, Williamson, Mosley, Curl and so on."

Coleman says Emanuel County is an important location for his genealogical research and its cemeteries provide a valuable source of information.

In the introduction of his book, Coleman gives credit to A Tombstone Registry of Emanuel County, Georgia written by James E. Dorsey and John K. Derden in 1976. He said this book was helpful in his research.

Cemeteries of Emanuel County is Coleman’s third book. The first, Cemeteries of Toombs County, was published in 1994 and the second, Graves of Montgomery, Treutlen and Wheeler, was published in 1996.

Coleman says he has listed "every cemetery I could find in Emanuel County." However, he adds, "there might be some we missed."

"The book is fully indexed," said Coleman. "You’ll be able to find what you’re looking for. It will be helpful to people who like genealogy."

The almost 600-page book is selling for $40 retail, plus tax. Books are available at Shop Rite and at The Bookshelf (next to Goody’s) in Swainsboro, and at Twin City Drugs in Twin City. Or, mail order through Vesco, Inc., P. O. Box 1944, Vidalia, GA 30475 and add 6 per cent tax and $3 shipping and handling.

Coleman also welcomes invitations to speak at clubs and organizations. He may be reached at (912) 537-7986.

Copyright � 1998. The Swainsboro Forest-Blade Publishing Company, Inc. Used by Permission.