09/29/2026
Evergreen Cemetery Tour: One of the graves we will be showing you is George Paul. Here are some facts and pictures-
1. 🇩🇪 He came to America from Bavaria at only 17 years old.
Born along the Rhine River in Bavaria, Germany, George immigrated to the United States in 1846, beginning a new life in Middle Georgia.
2. 🪖 He served during the Civil War.
George served in the Southern Rights Guard of the First Georgia Regiment and later transferred to the Southern Rights battery.
3. 🪚 He was a master cabinetmaker and carpenter.
George wasn’t simply a merchant—he was a skilled craftsman who could create and assemble furniture and other wooden items for families throughout Houston County.
4. ⚰️ He sold coffins for as little as $5.
In 1872, George advertised wooden coffins ranging from $5 to $16 in the Houston Home Journal, giving us a fascinating glimpse into both his business and 19th-century funeral practices.
5. 🏪 He was a successful Perry businessman.
In addition to his woodworking skills, George operated a general retail business, making him an important part of Perry’s commercial community.
6. ⛪ He was a longtime leader in the Perry Presbyterian Church.
George served as an elder and official board member for many years, remaining active in the church until his death.
7. 🇩🇪 His household was one of very few German-Swiss households in 1850s Perry.
His story reflects the wave of European immigration into America during the 1840s. He and his wife, Anna, became part of Middle Georgia society while maintaining their German heritage and community connections.
8. 🪽 His gravesite is a piece of Victorian art.
George’s grave in Evergreen Cemetery features an elaborate wrought-iron fence and carved angel, symbolizing peace and protection.
9. ❤️ His death in 1902 was sudden and unexpected.
Although George had been sick with heart disease for several days, he seemed noticeably better one Sunday morning and cheerfully talked about going downtown the following day. After breakfast, he suddenly fell backward in bed and died while his wife was in another room.
10. 🎩 He was buried with full Masonic honors.
His funeral was held at the Presbyterian Church, followed by his burial with full Masonic fraternal honors. Those who remembered him described him as a man who was “faithful, earnest, and true” in everything he undertook.
