Thomson Memorial Cemetery
212 Tom Watson Way,
Thomson, GA 30824
Thomson Memorial Cemetery was established in 1853. The earliest marked grave is that of Mary Sutton, who died on June 5, 1855. The Thomson Memorial Cemetery represents part of the 19th century “Rural Cemetery Movement” which advocated moving cemeteries away from church-yards into more park-like settings, often on a high rise or bluff - considered prettier and more healthful; cemeteries became sites of recreation, picnics and family outings. Lawn cemeteries or memorial gardens emerged in the 20th century to retain a park-like atmosphere.
Noteable Burial:
Thomas Edward Watson (1856–1922)
Thomas Edward Watson was born September 5, 1856 two miles from Thomson, Georgia, oldest son of John Smith Watson and Ann Eliza Maddox. His family descended from Georgia’s early Quaker residents who had settled the area in 1768.