Family Sues Jones County Over Memorial Park
The family of Jacob Hutchings, a 19th-century Black legislator and stone mason, is suing Jones County. They claim the county failed to honor its promise to create a memorial park on land the family donated.
Kevin Brown, Hutchings’ descendant, filed the lawsuit with his mother and uncle. They waited nearly three years for progress on Jacob’s Woods, a park project announced in February 2023.
Dispute Over Delayed Development
Brown said county officials ignored repeated calls and emails about the park’s progress. He believes hiring a lawyer was the only way to get answers.
“After you’ve reached out countless times and they don’t return your call, the next route is to hire an attorney,” Brown explained.
The family donated 28 acres, including a boulder field Hutchings once used as his quarry. The county originally planned to open the park in 2024, with features like green space, rock climbing, and historical markers.
Honoring Jacob Hutchings’ Legacy
Jacob Hutchings holds a special place in Georgia’s history. He became one of the first Black legislators during Reconstruction in 1868 and was the first Black elected official in Jones County.
Hutchings was also a minister, teacher, and skilled stone mason who worked in the area’s granite fields. Brown believes the county’s delay disrespects both Hutchings’ memory and the family’s generosity.
“He was a man of Jones County … for the county to disrespect his memory and the family, it’s inexcusable,” Brown said.
Lawsuit Names County and Nonprofit Partner
The lawsuit targets both Jones County and The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit involved in the project. Brown said the lack of progress caused “anxiety, stress, and sadness” for his family.
Local residents are also surprised by the delay. A neighbor near the site said she did not know about the planned park.
“I noticed they are clearing land. I didn’t know what they were gonna do with it, unless they trying to make the park up there,” she said.
No Official Response From County
County Administrator Jason Rizner directed all questions to county attorneys, who have not responded. There is still no confirmed opening date for the park.
Brown said the family may file a federal lawsuit if the matter is unresolved. They want an apology and a partnership with the county to make Jacob’s Woods a reality.
“We’ve been waiting almost 3 years,” Brown said.
Preserving Black History in Georgia
The case highlights broader tensions over honoring Black historical figures in rural Georgia. Advocates argue that Hutchings’ legacy deserves recognition through the memorial park.
For now, the family continues to push for action, hoping that Jacob’s Woods will become a place to educate future generations about the achievements of a freed slave who changed history.
