jerome rigsby
unknown
Life Story
Jerome Rigsby: Known Only by His Stone
Dates Unknown
Burial: Evans Cemetery, Newton County, Mississippi
The life of Jerome Rigsby is one largely hidden from the written record. His name appears on a single headstone in the Evans Cemetery, resting near the graves of Jim and Assenia Rigsby, suggesting a family connection—yet no surviving documents confirm his parentage, age, or the circumstances of his death. Without official records, census listings, or oral histories to identify him, his story remains incomplete.
As with many early African American burials in rural Mississippi, especially during the first half of the 20th century, it was common for deaths to go unrecorded or for records to be lost over time. Children, extended relatives, or other family members were often memorialized simply by name, their memory preserved by the community and the stone that marked their resting place.
Though the details of his life are unknown, the marker ensures that Jerome Rigsby is remembered. His presence in the Evans Cemetery signifies his place within the broader Rigsby–Evans family legacy and within the history of the Altare and St. John Baptist Church communities.
By documenting his name today, his memory is carried forward, honoring a life that may not have been captured in written history but remains part of the enduring story of Evans Cemetery.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
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