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Simmons, Franklin 1842-

Sculptor; born in Webster, Me., Jan. 11, 1842; showed a love for art early in life, and during his college career spent much time in drawing and modelling. It was not until he had made his first visit to Boston that he saw a statue or had any idea of the art of sculpture, there being, at that time, few examples in New England. On leaving college, having made some portrait-busts with success, he decided to devote himself to sculpture. The Civil War then burst upon the country, and Mr. Simmons sought the field of operations, not as a soldier, but as a commemorator of the leading soldiers and statesmen of the day. During several years spent in Philadelphia and Washington, some thirty generals and statesmen sat to him for their busts, among them Lincoln, Grant, Sheridan, Meade, Seward, and Chase, which gave great satisfaction. Having received a commission from the State of Rhode Island to make a statue of Roger [191] Williams for the Capitol at Washington, he went to Rome, where he has since resided. He has also made for the national Capitol a statue of William King, of Maine, and a G. A. R. monument of General Grant, and for the Iowa Circle in Washington an equestrian monument of General Logan. His other works include a second statue of Williams for the city of Providence, R. I.; ideal statues of the Mother of Moses; Abdiel, the Israelite woman; Viewing the promised land; The hymn of praise, etc. He was knighted by the King of Italy in 1898.

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