Tag Archives: John Walz

“Little Gracie” Watson at Bonaventure Cemetery-Savannah, Georgia

In the ten years since I relocated back to Georgia, I have visited Bonaventure Cemetery countless times. I will always pay “Little Gracie” Watson a visit unless it is later in the day when the cemetery is filled with tours.

Some would say Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil put Bonaventure on people’s radars. I would argue that Gracie keeps it on the radar. (Yes, there are many sculptural masterpieces who help, too. I only ever see crowds around her. Many of those sculptures designed by Gracie’s sculptor, John Walz.)

1893 photo of the Pulaski Hotel featured in the book Savannah Illustrated: Indelible Photographs

Gracie’s parents, Wales J. and Margaret, managed the Pulaski Hotel. Gracie was known by hotel guests. I have read several references where she died before Easter. Easter in 1889 was on Sunday, April 21. She died the Monday immediately after Easter on April 22.

An image of one of the many mementoes left for Gracie

A few years ago, I wondered what had happened to her parents. Sadly, her parents left Savannah and moved to New York. They are buried in Albany Rural Cemetery with no headstones.

Hartmann Children at Bonaventure Cemetery-Savannah, Georgia

Mary (1858-1860) and Emma (1860-1861) Hartmann were the young daughters of Catherine and Claus Hartmann. Like so many young children in the 1800s, they lost their life at a young age. John Walz is the sculptor on this marker.

Lawrence Bailey Daniels Marker at St. Andrews Cemetery-Darien, Georgia

Lawrence Daniels Bailey’s cause of death was “grippe,” which is the 19th Century term for the flu. He died at age 6 and is buried in St. Andrews Cemetery in Darien, Georgia. His marker was sculpted by John Walz. Many assume that Walz’s works are only in Savannah, but they can be found outside of Savannah. The cherub represents innocence and is a common symbol on children’s graves.

Schafer marker at Bonaventure Cemetery-Savannah, Georgia

Peter (1841-1902) and Mary (1851-1890) Schafer were German immigrants. Peter made his living as a baker. At one point, he was running three different bakeries in Savannah.

This is a John Walz designed marker.