Springer, Frank, 1929-2009

Frank Springer, son of Francis and Nancy R. Springer, was born at Wapello, Iowa, June 17, 1848 and died in 1927. He was admitted to the bar in Iowa in 1869 and came to New Mexico in 1873. He settled in Cimarron, N.M., where he practised law and married Josephine M. Bishop. In 1890 he was elected president of the New Mexico Bar Association. He acted as attorney for the Maxwell Land Grant Company and also served as its president. He was twice a member of the legislative council of New Mexico and after retiring from law in 1906 studied paleontology, on which he wrote books and articles.

From the guide to the Frank Springer Collection, 1899-1924, (Museum of New Mexico. Fray Angélico Chávez History Library.)

Frank Springer, from the pamphlet "Portrait for State," showing Springer's portarit to be mounted at the Des Moines, Iowa historical gallery. (Box 1, Scrapbook).

Frank Springer was born in Wapello, Iowa in 1848. He graduated from the State University of Iowa, and was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 1869. He moved to New Mexico in 1873 and settled in Cimarron. Springer was elected president of the New Mexico Bar Association in 1890. He achieved his greatest professional success as the attorney for the Maxwell Land Grant Company. He retired from his profession in 1906, turning his attention to scientific study and research. He was twice a member of the legislative council of New Mexico, and also regarded as a top ranked paleontologist with numerous publications to his credit. He was a member of the Archaeological Association of America, and a patron of the School of American Archeology in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Frank Springer married Josephine M. Bishop in 1876, and their union produced four daughters and three sons. Three of the daughters, Laura, Helen, and Ada, pursued different courses of study in American colleges with several years of work in Europe. Daughter Eva Springer became an artist whose paintings were accepted at exhibitions of the Paris Salon, the London Academy, and the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, among others. Her collection of miniatures also comprised one of the attractions at the Museum of New Mexico for several years.

Two sons, Edward Springer and L. Wallace Springer, served in World War I. Later, Edward managed the family livestock business while L. Wallace Springer became manager of the Irrigation Enterprise which built the Eagles Nest Dam. Another son, Henry, became a well known livestock grower. He was prominent in the home activities related to the war and served as a valuable member on the Council of Defense.

From the guide to the Frank Springer Papers, 1867-1926, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)