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American sculptor From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Frank H. Happersberger (1859–1932) was an American sculptor based in San Francisco. He received training in a German royal art academy.[2] He is best known for the monument for President James A. Garfield in Golden Gate Park and Pioneer Monument, both in San Francisco.
Frank H. Happersberger | |
|---|---|
1894 sketch in the San Francisco Call | |
| Born | December 1859 Placer County, California |
| Died | 11 October 1932[1] |
| Known for | Marble and Bronze Sculpture |
Frank Happersberger was born in 1859 in Placer County, California.[3] His's father, Frank Happersberger Sr, was a Bavarian immigrant who moved from New York to San Francisco to join the Gold Rush.[3][4] In his youth, Frank Jr. worked for the San Francisco firm of Kemp and Hoffman as a wood-carver.[3] 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.[3] The Garfield sculpture was completed in 1885, and established Happersberger's reputation.[3]
Happersberger established a studio in San Francisco at 51 Park Avenue.[3] 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.[5]
Happersberger's wife Evangeline Ballou-Happersberger[6] was the subject of a short 1894 article in the San Francisco Examiner, which described her skill at wood carving.[7] A "wood carving revival" had been a fad out East, and Evangeline learned the skill from her husband. She was happily planning to carve "elaborate beams and panels" for a new house they were building.[7]
In 1899, Happersberger moved to New York, hearing that there was more work for sculptors there. He left Evangeline in San Francisco. She alleged that he had deserted her and sought a divorce, citing "cruelty and failure to provide the necessities of life."[6][8] The resulting bitter and emotional confrontations between Frank and Evangeline were reported in the Examiner.[6] Their divorce was granted in January 1900.[6]
He died on October 11, 1932, in San Anselmo, California, at age 74.[1]
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