Writer, Publisher, Creator and Editor of “Vanity Fair” Magazine, Art Critic and Collector, and Toastmaster of New York.  Son of Frederic Crowninshield (1845-1918) artist, instructor, and Director of The American Academy in Rome, and Helen Susette Fairbanks Crowninshield (1841-1924).  Brother of Edward A. Crowninshield (1870-1938) an authority on antiques. Descendant of Johannes Caspar Richter von Kronensheldt (1644-1711) scion of an enobled Saxon family, a physician who imigrated from Germany in the late 17th century, anglicized his name and founded the family in Salem, Massachusetts.  Frank (Francis Welch) Crowninshield was a cosmopolitan ~ born in Paris, educated in Rome and widely travelled.  Well known in New York’s publishing, art, and social communities. He held a unique place in the cultural life of New York as the undiminished and suave advocate of gracious living, elegant manner, and true urbanity; having a wide acquaintance in literary, artistic and social circles.  Because of this, and his humor, and ease as an after dinner speaker, he was frequently asked to preside over large functions; a role he unmistakenly loved.  He was arbiter elegantiarum in every field that his ceaseless and urbane activity touched; a 19th century man by birth and at heart, he belonged to an earlier era, and at the same time very much to his own.  Frank Crowninshield held title as, “The last and greatest of a species known as the gentleman.”  [Note: the Crowninshield stones were designed by American architect Charles Adams Platt (1861-1933) in 1925.] (bio by: Robert Bruce)  Family links:  Parents:  Helen Susan Fairbanks Crowninshield (1847 – 1921)  Sibling:  Edward A Crowninshield (1870 – 1938)*  Frank Crowninshield (1872 – 1947) *Calculated relationship Inscription:Francis W CrowninshieldSon ofFrederic and Helen S CrowninshieldBorn InParis, France June 24, 1872Died InNew York, December 28, 1947