Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Bacon, John (1777-1859)
BACON, JOHN (1777–1859), sculptor, was the second son of John Bacon, R.A. At twelve years old he entered the Academy schools, at fifteen he exhibited his first work, at sixteen he gained a silver medal, and at seventeen the gold medal of the Royal Academy. His prize work was a statue of Cassandra. The elder Bacon died in 1799, and John Bacon, junior, succeeded to his business. He finished such works as he found in progress, including the well-known statue of Lord Cornwallis, and was able, besides, to secure ample patronage for himself. He ceased to exhibit at the Academy in 1824. There are six of his monuments in St. Paul's Cathedral, and some in Westminster Abbey. He died in 1859. A brother, Thomas Bacon, also obtained some reputation as a sculptor. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1793, 1794, and 1795. The statue of William III in St. James's Square, erected in 1808, was his work.
[Allan Cunningham's Lives of the Painters, ii.; Redgrave's Dict. of Painters of the English School.]