William Henry Rinehart, one of Carroll County's most famous native sons, was born on this day — Sept. 13, 1825 — into a prosperous farming family in Union Bridge.

According to an article written for the Historical Society of Carroll County in April 1995 by Duane Doxzen; "Rinehart is regarded as one of the finest sculptors this country has ever produced, and is remembered for his great contribution of art, many pieces of which can be seen in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area."

According to an undated brochure, "Union Bridge Walking Tour," one of the best-known works of Rinehart is a relief known as "The History of Justice" on the bronze doors of the U.S. Senate chamber in Washington, D.C.

Fortunately, a wonderful example of his art may be found in Carroll County -- at the corner of North Main Street and East Broadway in Union Bridge, where a replica of his sculpture, "Love Reconciled with Death," is located.

The brochure reports that the sculpture was executed as a memorial to the wife of Baltimore art connoisseur and philanthropist, William T. Walters.

"The original sculpture is located in Greenmount Cemetery in Baltimore. The memorial was selected by the Town of Union Bridge to be reproduced and installed in 2007 as a tribute to the sculptor."

Another historical society article documented Rinehart's early years in Carroll.

"At 7 years of age, William entered the log Quaker Hill School not far from his home," the article states. "His education continued at Priestland, a school in neighboring Linwood, and for a short time at Calvert College ... in New Windsor ... but (he) proved to be an unenthusiastic student."

Later, his father determined that Rinehart had no more interest in farming than he had in school.

However, one day his dad discovered him "modeling a bust of his mother while the horses under their plow stood idle beneath a tree."

His dad put him to work "at a marble quarry that had been opened on the property ... polishing and lettering blocks for tombstones, window and door sills to be sold throughout the community."

In 1846, at age 21, he left his father's farm to go to Baltimore where he went to work for a large stone-cutting firm.

There, his artistic ability was discovered by William Walters as Rinehart repaired a mantel for the merchant and art connoisseur. Walters financed a trip to Florence, Italy, for the young artist in 1855.

With exception of few short visits, he spent much of the rest of his career in Italy. Ironically, he received the commission to sculpt the bronze doors for the U.S. Capitol in Washington while he was working in Italy. Rinehart died at age 49 on Oct. 28, 1874, from tuberculosis.

When he's not checking out art in Union Bridge, Kevin Dayhoff may be reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com or at www.westminstermarylandonline.net.

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