Franklin Simmons was an American sculptor born in 1839 in New York City. He is best known for his work in marble and bronze, creating numerous statues and monuments throughout the United States. Simmons studied at the National Academy of Design and later in Europe, where he honed his skills in classical sculpture. One of his most notable works is the statue of Abraham Lincoln located in Lincoln Park in Chicago. Simmons also contributed to the U.S. Capitol with his sculptures, including a statue of Ulysses S. Grant. He passed away in 1913, leaving a lasting legacy in American art.