We are 2 Registered Historic African American Cemeteries in Oak Hill, FL. The cemeteries are owned by Oak Hill Saints and Sinners Cemetery, Inc. which is a Florida Non-Profit. We are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of these cemeteries.
William “Bill” Williams is one of the founders of Oak Hill.
He came south from Georgia to Titusville and then the New Smyrna area with his master in the late 1850’s. He met a young Native American woman, Flora. They were married and started a family in the New Smyrna area near the end of the Civil War.
William staked a claim on land from the Mosquito Lagoon all the way to the Cypress Swamp aka Turnbull Hammock. The area, possibly 100 acres, became known as Bills Hill.
William was an orange farmer. He opened his home for a church and school for the growing Black community. He gave land to start the cemeteries known as Saints and Sinners.
He is most known for giving land to Henry Flagler in the 1890s so that the railroad could continue through Oak Hill.
Community cleanups have been held at the cemeteries for decades and the community continues to come together today to preserve these cemeteries.
We have also been able to work with the Florida Public Archeological Network (FPAN) to have Ground Penetrating Radar studies done on both cemeteries. The hope is that their results will show us where more graves may be.
A local team of metal detecting professionals donated their time to assist in searching for markers and any other items (including graves) that may be buried.
In mid-2022 the land surrounding the cemeteries was sold to a developer. There are plans to build up to 900 homes around the cemeteries. This is why our current efforts are so important. The developer has been a good neighbor and is working with the current board to make sure the cemeteries are cared for and are safe during and after construction.
