Established in the 1840s, Oconee Cemetery was originally the burial ground for the Boiling Springs Methodist Church, founded in 1836 near a spring east of Oxford. Members of the early church included the Allen, Bush, Caver, Clawson, Cumming, DeArman, and Turnipseed families, and some of these names are found in the cemetery. According to local legend, the church burned following a controversy within the church and the property was subsequently donated to former enslaved people after the Civil War. Many of the original members transferred membership to Oxford First United Methodist Church. The congregation of the former enslaved people established Oconee Church on the east side of the cemetery, whereas Boiling Springs Methodist Church has been located just north of the cemetery. Oconee Cemetery is often referred to Old Coney, Old Cony, O'Conee, Oconia, Aconee, and Caver Cemetery. The cemetery contains over 180 known burials, with fewer than half marked with a headstone. Graved include former enslaved persons and their descendants as well as early settlers in the area.
Discover the Rich Legacy of Oconee Cemetery
Welcome to Oconee Cemetery, a cherished corner of Oxford’s history.
This cemetery holds stories that resonate through time of well-lived lives and legacies woven into the very fabric of our community. Established with care and reverence, Oconee Cemetery stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Oxford. It is a place where the past finds a resting place and where the present pays homage to those who paved the way. Every tombstone holds tales of generations gone by. Within these grounds, you’ll discover the final resting places of former enslaved persons and their descendants who have left an important mark on our city. Their stories and contributions enrich Oconee’s history. As you walk through these grounds, you’ll encounter the legacies of pioneers, and leaders who continue to inspire us.
Oconee Cemetery Burial List
The Oconee Cemetery Burial List stands as a bridge between generations; it is a digital archive that safeguards the memories of those at rest within these grounds.
Notable Families Buried at the Oconee Cemetery
Select a name to learn more about these individual.
At left, an image of Jack McGee and his wife, Fannie McGee who are buried in the Oconee Cemetery.
Oconee Cemetery Preservation Project
The Oconee Cemetery Preservation Project is spearheaded by Hunter Gentry, the city historian, along with dedicated community members like Shirley Mellon Dewberry.
Stanley Caver and Alfred Caver have also assisted during this whole project and are direct descendants of the Caver family buried in the cemetery. Together, we strive to preserve, document, and promote the rich history of Oconee Cemetery—a vital cultural landmark that dates back to the 1840s. Our primary goal is to ensure the names and histories of those interred in Oconee Cemetery are not forgotten. The cemetery was given to former enslaved people and their descendants, making it predominantly an African American cemetery. This preservation project seeks to serve as a final tribute to those who rest here, while also providing a valuable resource for genealogical research, local history, and educational purposes.
Group of women entering the church at Oconee Cemetery. Identified by Mr. Alfred Caver in 2023.
Photo courtesy of Russell Brothers Collection, Public Library of Anniston- Calhoun County.