Andrejs Pumpurs (1841-1902) is Latvian poet who out of folk songs, legends and tales created an epic poem “Lāčplēsis”. Already in his childhood he knew history, German language, he read a lot, and his knowledge made him one of the greatest Latvian poets of 19th century.
Already in his childhood he knew history, German language, he read a lot, and his knowledge made him one of the greatest Latvian poets of 19th century. In 1853 he entered Lielvarde parish school. Teacher Fridrihs Augusts Beneveskis imparted good knowledge, but hardworking youth at parents’ expenses in summer mastered the same subjects in the German language. He finished 3 forms. In the middle of 19th century, it was a good education. Pumpurs graduated parish school as the first pupil. In 1858 he became surveyor’s apprentice in Heinrihs fon Rautenfelds Rembate manor. In winters he worked as a carpenter. As a surveyor, he worked for 14 years. Were created new views and opinions about life and people.
In 1896 A.Pumpurs settled down in Daugavpils. There he held a post of a quarter master in tsar’s army. Pumpurs joined small city circle of Latvian intellectuals. Unfortunately, his life in Daugavpils was fatal. There died his daughter and son, the poet himself fell ill with the fatal disease. In honor of the poet in Daugavpils was named a street and a square where is situated the bust of the poet made by sculptress I.Krumina. After being hurled by storms of life and having roamed far away countries, A.Pumpurs rests in Rīga, in Big Cemetery.