About Us

---

In 1860, Robert K. Gibbs donated three acres of land near this site for the establishment of Holly Springs Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Three years later, during the height of the Civil War, W.E. and Comelia J. Roberts deeded approximately 3 additional acres to create this community burial ground. The site has been enlarged over the years through later land acquisitions. 

The first person interred here was Susan M. Hanks (d. 1863). Two tombstones, those of James W. Gray (d. 1850) and Sarah C. Gray (1856), bear earlier deathdates, but the grave sites were among those reinterred from the Ephriam Gray Graveyard in 1968. The pioneer Gray Cemetery was located 2.5 miles northwest of Martin's Mill. 

A survey for the cemetery was done by Carol Baskin Tatum and her husband, Webb Tatum, in 1985. The application for the historical marker was completed by Carol and approved in May 1986. The dedication for the historical marker was held on June 6, 1987. 

The Holly Springs Cemetery has served residents of Martin's Mill and surrounding rural communities for over a century. Individuals interred here include: pioneer area settlers, church and community leaders, and military veterans. Still used, the historic cemetery serves as a reminder of the areas rich heritage.