Background
Born in Buffalo, New York, Charles Rumsey was the son of Laurence Dana Rumsey, a successful local businessman. His mother, Jennie Cary Rumsey, was the sister of sculptor, Seward Cary.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Charles Rumsey was the son of Laurence Dana Rumsey, a successful local businessman. His mother, Jennie Cary Rumsey, was the sister of sculptor, Seward Cary.
Charles Rumsey, who was known to his family & friends as Pad, graduated from Harvard University and studied art at the Boston Art School before going to Paris, France, in 1902 to study at the École des Beaux-Arts.
While still a student at Harvard, he exhibited a sculpture of an Indian at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo in 1901. He worked mainly in bronze. When Rumsey returned from Paris in 1906, he established himself in an art studio on 59th Street in New York City.
He soon thereafter began sculptures for the massive house being built by architects Carrère and Hastings for the railroad magnate East.H. Harriman, called Arden.
He did a fireplace surround and other sculptural decorations for the music room there, as well as the "Three Graces Fountain." During this time he courted Harriman"s daughter, Mary Harriman. They both shared a love of horses and had first met at the Meadow Brook Steeplechase Association races on Long Island.
They maintained a home in Brookville, New York on Long Island, where they raised three children. During World War I, Charles Rumsey served as a Captain with Headquarters Troop, 77th Infantry Division and Fortieth Engineers, United States Army Corps of Engineers.
On September 21, 1922, Charles Rumsey was a passenger in an automobile that crashed into a stone bridge abutment on the Jericho Turnpike near Floral Park on Long Island.
He was thrown from the vehicle and died minutes later from his injuries.
Served as captain Headquarters Troop, 77th Division, and 40th Engineers, World War.
Married Mary Harriman, May 26, 1910.