Name Frank Happersberger | ||
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Born December 1859 Placer County, California Known for Marble and Bronze Sculpture Died October 11, 1932, San Anselmo, California, United States | ||
Frank H. Happersberger (1859–1932) was an American sculptor based in San Francisco. He was born in 1859 in Placer County, California. His father was a Bavarian immigrant. He received training in a German royal art academy. He is best known for the monument for President James A. Garfield in Golden Gate Park and Pioneer Monument, both in San Francisco.
Biography
Happersberger's father, Frank Happersberger, Sr, was a Bavarian immigrant who moved from New York to San Francisco to join the Gold Rush. In his youth, Frank Jr. worked for the San Francisco firm of Kemp and Hoffman as a wood-carver. For eight years, he studied at a German art academy, and while still in Europe he entered and won a competition to build a monument to the assassinated James A. Garfield. The Garfield sculpture was completed in 1885, and established Happersberger's reputation.
Happersberger established a studio in San Francisco at 51 Park Avenue. In 1894 he completed the Pioneer Monument, also in San Francisco. Happersberger was a member of California Parlor No. 1 of the Native Sons of the Golden West.
In 1899, Happersberger moved to New York, hearing that there was more work for sculptors there. He left his wife Evangeline in San Francisco. She alleged that he had deserted her and sought a divorce.
He died on October 11, 1932 in San Anselmo, California at age 74.