There are so many women who left a mark on the history of Savannah, Ga. Some were of major significance such as the founding of the Girl Scouts in 1912 by Julia Gordon Lowe or making strides as an entrepreneur like Mary Marshall who founded the Marshall House in 1851. However, not every woman who broke through the “glass ceiling” has a page dedicated to them in the history books. This does not mean that what they contributed to society was less important but rather less publicized. The lack of publication has left the world with many unanswered questions about the live and legacies of these women, but we try to connect the dots as best as we can so that a least a part of their story can be remembered.
One puzzle whose pieces remain mostly mysterious is that of Marie Barclay Taliaferro. Born on July 25, 1858, details about her early life and upbringing are scarce. We do know that in the years leading up to the Civil War, she married Charles Champe Taliaferro, a Confederate Army veteran in 1881. After the war, Charles chose a career in education and became a schoolteacher in Macon and Savannah, Georgia, and served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates.
The happy married couple would face heartache and difficulty in the years to come. They had several children during their marriage but death visited their home on more than one occasion. Tragically, some of their children died in infancy or early childhood which was a common occurrence in the 19th century due to limited medical knowledge. One of their children, Marie Champe Taliaferro, was born and died in 1890 and is buried alongside her mother in Bonaventure Cemetery.
Marie passed away on February 15, 1893, at the age of 34. She is interred in Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, where her grave is marked by a notable memorial sculpture depicting an angel delicately gesturing toward a cross. Over the years, the sculpture has suffered some damage, particularly to the hands and wings, but it remains a poignant tribute to her memory
While specific details about Marie’s personal contributions to the community are limited, her memorial in Bonaventure Cemetery stands as a testament to the love and respect she garnered from her family and peers. Marie’s life is a reminder of the many individuals who have shaped Savannah’s rich history. Her final resting place in Bonaventure Cemetery offers a glimpse into the personal stories that contribute to the tapestry of this historic city.Visitors to the cemetery often pause to reflect at her gravesite, moved by the serene beauty of the monument and the story it represents.
If you want to learn more about the figures who helped shape Savannah’s history, including the women who made a difference during the Civil War and beyond, join us at Wise Guys Tours. We’ll take you on a journey through the lives of those who shaped this beautiful and resilient city.