Launt Thompson (1833–1894): Sculptor of Civil War Valor and Classical Grace Launt Thompson (1833-1894) was a prolific Irish-American sculptor who achieved considerable renown during his lifetime, primarily recognized for monumental sculptures commemorating the American Civil War. Born in Abbeyleix, Ireland, on February 8, 1833, he emigrated to New York City with his widowed mother in 1847, establishing himself amidst the burgeoning ar…