John Frazee

Place: Rahway

Biography:

John Frazee (July 18, 1790 – February 24, 1852) was an American sculptor and architect. He was born in Rahway, New Jersey, and worked in the Neo-Classic tradition. He is known as being one of the first successful native born American sculptors and 'the first American born sculptor to execute a bust in marble'. He is best known for his portrait busts, including of John Jay and Marquis De Lafayette. He carved sculptures for the Boston Athenaeum including of Chief Justice John Marshall and Daniel Webster. He also received a commission to design the New York Customs House, later used as Federal Hall National Memorial. The sculptor Thomas Crawford began his career as a marble carver in Frazee's studio in New York City. In 1826, he helped found the National Academy of Design.