Old Dan Tucker's Grave

"Old Dan Tucker's Grave" is the burial site of Reverend Daniel Tucker who came to Elbert County to take up a land grant and became one of the county's most useful and best known citizens. Rev. Tucker died April 7, 1818. His grave site is located off Highway 72 east of Elberton. The Reverend Daniel Tucker was born in Virginia on February 14, 1740. As a young man he came to Elbert County to take up a land grant and served as a Captain in the American Revolution. Farming the rich land along the Savannah River, he became a very capable farmer. Records show that at least one man was bound to Daniel Tucker to learn how to farm. One of his closest friends and neighbors was the former Governor of Georgia, Stephen Heard.  Another important job that Daniel Tucker had was ferrying people back and forth across the Savannah River between the states of Georgia and South Carolina. Records in the Elbert County Courthouse show that in 1798, Tucker bought from Mr. John Heard for $1,000 in cash, part of the "Cook's Ferry Tract" with a ferry and all the items that went with it. The ferry was well situated and continued to serve the traveling public until bridges were built for the coming of automobiles.  Besides farming and carrying travelers across the river, Daniel Tucker was probably best known for his role as a Methodist minister who cared very deeply for the slave population. He spent much of his time teaching them and praying with them. The slaves adored him, writing verse after verse about him to show their appreciation for all that he did for them. Their song about "Old Dan Tucker"has become a famous part of American folk music.  Daniel Tucker died in 1818 and was buried near his home. Today, his grave lies on a hill overlooking Lake Russell. "Old Dan Tucker" Old Dan Tucker was a mighty man; He washed his face in a frying pan; He combed his hair with a wagon wheel, And died with a toothache in his heel. Get out o' the way Ol' Dan Tucker Get out o' the way Ol' Dan Tucker Get out o' the way Ol' Dan Tucker You're too late to get your supper. Directions: From Elberton, travel Highway 72 East approximately 6.6 miles. Turn left on Pearl Mill Road. Continue for 3 miles, turning right on Heardmont Road. After 1.7 miles, veer right, following signs to Dan Tucker's Grave.