Lot 227, Site A
Along the perimeter of the cemetery as it existed in the early 20th century, in the far northwestern corner, you will encounter the modest gravesite of Conrad Wise Chapman. Chapman’s father, John Gadsby Chapman, was a popular artist in the early 19th century. One of his more famous works was The Baptism of Pocahontas (1840), which was the inspiration for the “Pocahontas Window” in our church.
Conrad Wise Chapman endeavored to be an artist as well. While fighting for the Confederacy during the Civil War, it became clear that he was a better artist than a soldier. During the war, Chapman completed some of the art for which he is best known: paintings depicting the Confederate defenses surrounding the harbor at Charleston, South Carolina. Chapman is remembered also for his work in Mexico—where he lived after the war.
In addition to Mexico, Chapman spent the post-war years working in Italy, France, New York City and Richmond. Eventually, Chapman and his wife, Laura, moved to Hampton in 1909. Conrad Wise Chapman died the next year. Like many artists, Chapman’s work is appreciated more after his death than it was during his lifetime.
Originally published in St. John’s Newsletter, March 2021.