Fraser, James Earle b. November 4, 1876 d. October 11, 1953 Sculptor. He began carving figures from pieces of limestone at age 14 and went on to become one of American's most noted sculptors and designers. In the early years of the 20th Century his realistic style changed architectural sculpture world wide. He designed the Indian head buffalo nickel in 1913, which has been called the first uniquely American coin. He also designed the Navy Cross and World War I victory medals. In 1919, he received the most prestigious Saltus Medal art award. From 1920 to...[Read More] (Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith) Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA
Fraser, Laura b. September 14, 1889 d. August 13, 1966 American Sculptor. Born Laura Gardin on September 14, 1889, in Chicago, daugther of John Emil and Alice Tilton Gardin. As a young girl, Laura was given her first horse and developed her lifelong love of animals, which often became her subjects. She had an aptitude in modeling figures and working in clay, a talent she developed under the guidance of her mother, who herself was a talented painter and musician. After completing High School, Laura studied at Columbia University briefly, then...[Read More] (Bio by: steven bieda) Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA
Kipnis, Alexander b. February 1, 1891 d. May 14, 1978 Ukrainian-born operatic bass singer. Principal bass singer for the Berlin Opera Company in the 1920s. Sang with the Chicago Civic Opera Company (1924-1932) and the New York Metropolitan Opera (1939-1946). He was considered one of the best bass singers of his time and was known for his distinctive voice and interpretations of Wagner and Russian operas. After his retirement from the Metropolitan, he taught at the Juilliard School of Music, the New York College of Music and privately. Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA
Reiner, Fritz b. December 19, 1888 d. November 15, 1963 Conductor. He is probably best remembered for his tenure on the podium of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Born Frederick Martin Reiner to a non-observant Jewish family, he was raised in Pest and studied piano and composition at the Franz Liszt Academy where one of his teachers was noted composer Bela Bartok. He held posts in Budapest and Dresden, spending time early in his career with Richard Strauss whose works he was to conduct often. Universally considered a very good maestro, many feel that...[Read More] (Bio by: Bob Hufford) Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA
b. November 4, 1876 d. October 11, 1953