This evening we made a return journey to the ColumbiaCounty town of Lulu. Lulu is located approximately seven miles from Lake City on SR100. If you ever traveled through Lulu, on your way to Lake Butler, about a quarter of a mile past the Lulu General Store, on the North side of 100, you may have noticed the Mt.Zion Slaves Cemetery sign.
In all the years that I have traveled past this sign, I never stopped. I do remember in years past seeing this elderly gentleman working in the cemetery, raking and keeping the weeds in check. That man was the Rev. Joseph Anthony Sr. who now rests from his labors. It was said at Rev. Anthony's funeral in Oct of 2000, his casket was carried from his house approximately four miles south of Lulu on CR241, all through the streets of Lulu, so Joe could see his beloved Lulu one last time. It appears his wife Lenoria died in January of 2009 and is now buried next to him.
The old rake I am sure he used to keep the grounds now rests on his grave. With no one to maintain the cemetery with the care he did, it is difficult to now see any slaves graves, if any indeed, are located here.
The sign read: Mt Zion Slaves Cemetary. Established 1910. Erected:1996.
In memory of Joseph Anthony's relatives and friends who lived and picked cotton for their livlihood. In a by gone era. Columbia Co. Lulu, Fl.
Rev Joe faithfully kept the weeds at bay,
ReplyDeleteDaily with his rake he tended to the graves.
Now that Joe and Lenoria have gone away,
Who shall remember the toil of the slaves?
The markers of wood, faded and fallen,
Like the weevil, the death of the cotton.
The angels hover where snakes are crawlin'
The toil of the slaves,long forgotten.
In the cool of the garden one speaks,
The master says well done,faithful Joe,
Your slaves now free,others still I seek,
The toil of the slaves well I know.