Near Rockford in Coosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Peace & Goodwill Cemetery

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 7, 2012

1. Peace & Goodwill Cemetery Marker

Inscription.

Peace & Goodwill Cemetery is Coosa County's first African American Cemetery to be placed on the prestigious Alabama Historic Cemetery Register. It provides powerful insights about the diligence and commitment of our African Ancestors. Family lineages interred here include former slaves, sharecroppers, educators, preachers, soldiers, and successful businessmen and women. These graves mark the journey of entire generations born in the 1840s and buried in the early 1900s. Most notably, Rev. Jacob and Betsy Moore, former slaves, purchased and donated the land for the cemetery in 1868. Family names found in the cemetery include: Drake, Goggans, Thomas, Ransaw, Leonard, McKinney, Crawford, Royals, and Hoyett. Preservation of this cemetery ensures that the historical symbolism embodied herein will never vanish like so many others, now long forgotten.

Erected 2008 by Alabama Historical Commission and Ralph Drake Vines II, Addie Mae Drake & Quandara Ingram.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location.

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32° 51.984′ N, 86° 5.881′ W. Marker is near Rockford, Alabama, in Coosa County. Marker is on Alabama Route 22 west of Alabama Route 9, on the right when traveling west. Cemetery is about eight miles east of Rockford. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kellyton AL 35089, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Coosa County / Old Rock Jail (approx. 7.3 miles away); Socopatoy (approx. 8.2 miles away); Youngsville (approx. 9.7 miles away); The First Baptist Church (approx. 9.9 miles away); Alexander City: A Textile Community (approx. 9.9 miles away); Court Square (approx. 9.9 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 10 miles away); The Savannah And Memphis Railroad 1874 (approx. 10 miles away).

Additional commentary.
1.
A friend and I stopped by the Peace & Goodwill Cemetery today (12/3/2019) on the way to Alexander City. I enjoy looking at historic places and reading the markers. However, I was shocked and embarrassed by the condition of the American Flag flying over such a sacred site. It was tattered, with a gaping hole in it, and faded practically beyond recognition. While this is probably not the responsibility of this site, I wanted you to know. Further, I will be sending these comments

Peace & Goodwill Cemetery and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 7, 2012

2. Peace & Goodwill Cemetery and Marker

Marker at far left of photo

to the Town of Rockford and the Coosa County Commission in hopes that one of these governing bodies can and will appropriate necessary funds to replace that flag. It's shame that no one in the community has noticed its condition and done something before now. Many thanks,

— Submitted December 3, 2019, by Candice Lanier of Elmore, Alabama.

Rev. Jacob & Betsy Moore Grave Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 7, 2012

3. Rev. Jacob & Betsy Moore Grave Marker

In Peace & Goodwill Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,761 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 20, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.