Eden / Old Salem Cemetery
Preserving the Rich History of Eden Cemetery
The Eden / Old Salem Cemetery was established in the 1800s to maintain and honor the final resting place of Rabun County's early settlers. Located in the picturesque town of Lakemont, Georgia, this historic cemetery is the final home to notable figures like Nancy Cantrell Mathis Taylor, the first Mathis to make a home in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, "Old Bill" William Allen Taylor Sr.
Eden also holds Reverend James Watt Ellerd (Ellard) Jr. and his family, along with several others including Worley, Jones, and Dockins, with many being Civil War veterans.
Did you know that the small town of Lakemont was first called the Mathis Community? And have you gone past Mathis Dam?
Reverend James Watt Ellerd (Ellard) Jr. pastored in the nearby churches, and William Allen Taylor Sr. brought his farming and logging expertise to North Georgia. He and his family are found in the historical records of Rabun County and in notable books like "Sketches of Rabun County".
Please consider helping to preserve the rich history and legacy of those buried here, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.
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In the News: This Cemetery is the resting place for many of Rabun County's first settlers. They Rest in Peace on a hill above Lake Rabun where ancestors have visited their graves for over one hundred years. Recently someone bought the land surrounding the cemetery and is trying to develop the land and remove the cemetery. See more below.
Please donate! Every gift counts!
Continued News: Rescue of Eden / Old Salem Cemetery
We have stopped the development on the cemetery for now in court, thanks to the efforts of Attorney Mike Cummings. However, the developer has huge resources, and we need more money for the fight to save these graves and the cemetery. Please help preserve this rich heritage and donate today! Every gift helps!
This Cemetery has been called many names in the past.
Why different names?
This cemetery has been called Old Salem after a past nearby church, Nunnally after a previous lot owner, Ellard Cemetery and Dockins Cemetery after those buried here and Eden after an old cemetery down the road. But the State of Georgia made it official by labeling this Cemetery "Eden" on County maps and forestry maps.