Courtland in Southampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Helping Hand Cemetery Trustees of 1897

By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025

1. The Helping Hand Cemetery Trustees of 1897 Marker

Inscription.
These trustees were members of the African-American community of Courtland, Virginia in the 1800's. They had a vision to turn what had been an un-named burial ground for slaves and free-men into an African-American community cemetery to be organized and maintained by the trustees. This cemetery was sold to these trustees "for the sole purpose of burying colored people."

Rev. O.G. Jenkins 1862-1923 • Henry Darden 1844-Bef. 1920 • J.W. Epps 1870- Unknown • Walter Hardy 1861-1926 • Joseph Blow 1870-1937 • Booker Hardy 1829-1914

Erected by Helping Hands Cemetery.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 36° 43.5′ N, 77° 4.297′ W. Marker is in Courtland, Virginia, in Southampton County. It can be reached from Main Street (Route 35) north of Oak Trail, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21436 Main St, Courtland VA 23837, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Coastal Virginia

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and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Interred in Helping Hand Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Helping Hand Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Edna Wilson Darden (a few steps from this marker); Wallace Darden (a few steps from this marker); Percy S. Easter (within shouting distance of this marker); Annie Williams Scott (within shouting distance of this marker); Rosa Williams Peterson (within shouting distance of this marker); Joe Bryant (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Courtland.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025

2. The Helping Hand Cemetery Trustees of 1897 Marker

Additional signage inside the display image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025

3. Additional signage inside the display

Additional signage on the display image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 15, 2025

4. Additional signage on the display

Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.