Nathan C. Barnett and Amanda Barnett Thomas (unmarked grave next to Nathan C. Barnett)

Nathan C. Barnett (June 28, 1801- February 2, 1890) was Georgia Secretary of State during the Civil War. When General Sherman’s forces entered Milledgeville in November 1864, Barnett hid the Great Seal of the State of Georgia in a pig pen to keep it from falling into the Federal army’s hands.

His daughter, Amanda Barnett Thomas (1842 - April 6, 1871) was the first female map maker employed by any governmental agency in the United States. It was unusual for a woman to hold a responsible government position at that time. During 1869 she worked for the State Department of Public Works and created wonderfully detailed maps.

Side: East, Section: I