Gettysburg Sculptures

Sculptor J. Massey RhindBorn: 1860  -  Died: 1936Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Rhind would be a student under his famous father John Rhind a well know sculptor.  Rhind would travel to England where he would continue his training under Jules Delau and later relocate to Paris to further his education. In 1889 Rhind would travel to the United States and begin his career as a sculptor. With the death of the wealthy John Jacob Astor III in 1890, Rhind was commissioned to create one set, of three sets, of bronze doors dedicated to Astor. These were to be placed at the Trinity Church, in New York City. This would begin Rhind's career in America. Many more commissions would be earned by Rhind over the course of his life including not only works in bronze but also Architectural sculptures in granite.___________________________Rhind would sculpt four bronze portrait statues at Gettysburg. They include:Alexander S. Webb, 1915Abner Doubleday, 1917John C. Robinson, 1917Francis Barlow, 1922Signature of J. Massey RhindFrom a letter dated March 18th, 1896 listing his studio at 208 East 20th Street, New York City.

"Official Dedication Party"

 October 12th, 1915

Colonel Andrew Cowan (in front on crutches) would take part in the dedication exercises. Cowan would command the 1st New York Independent Battery at Gettysburg and hold a position near Webb's Brigade during "Pickett's" Charge.

Shown above is a medal worn by a veteran during  the dedication ceremonies held at Gettysburg. These were purchased by the state of New York and distributed to the attendees.

At the dedication of the Webb monument, there were 65 former members of the Philadelphia Brigade present. Members of several other New York regiments that supported the Philadelphia Brigade would also attend.

Webb family members wearing their Webb Monument dedication medals as seen above.