San Francisco County

Biographies

FRANK HAPPERSBERGER

FRANK HAPPERSBERTER, the talented sculptor of the Pacific coast, although a young man, has achieved an enviable reputation in his profession.

He was born in Placer county, California, October 21, 1859, the son of pioneers in this State, his father having located here in 1850.

Frank was reared and educated in his native State, and early in life developed a taste for drawing, as did all of his brothers. He served an apprenticeship in wood carving with Kemp & Hoffmann and displayed such marked talent that he went to Europe and entered the Academy of Fine Arts at Munich, where he remained in the pursuit of his studies five years.

Mr. Happersberger became one of the competitors for the Garfield monument. His design was accepted and he was awarded the commission for the monument; went abroad again and remained until it was completed. Returning to his home in San Francisco, he devoted himself to his profession. Several years later he became the successful competitor for the celebrated Lick monument, donated to the city by the honored philanthropist and California pioneer, James Lick, to cost $100,000. From the many designs exhibited the one by Mr. Happersberger was selected, and he was awarded the commission. He immediately entered upon his difficult task, which will require some four or five years to successfully complete.

He belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West, being a member of California Parlor, No. 1.

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker.

Source: “The Bay of San Francisco,” Vol. 2, Page 641, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.

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San Francisco County

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