Artist. Born in Wellstown, New York, he first followed the trade of a marble cutter with his father before turning his interest to sculptor. After studing in Rome, he helped to establish the Chicago Academy of Design and became noted for his Native American sculptor art. In 1860, Volk made a life mask of Abraham Lincoln and during Lincoln's visit to Chicago, Volk also made a bronze bust of him. Later, when Lincoln received the nomination as presidential candidate for the Republican President, Volk asked him to allow a casting of both his hands, for use in other sculptural works including a full-size statue. He served as president of the Chicago Academy of Design until 1865 and after Lincoln's death the bust of him was donated for display to the Illinois State Capitol, where it resides to this day. Volk also made several large monumental sculptures, including the tomb of the politician Stephen A. Douglas, the Soldiers' Monument in New York and statues of many Civil War figures. He died at age 66 in Chicago, Illinois.

Artist. Born in Wellstown, New York, he first followed the trade of a marble cutter with his father before turning his interest to sculptor. After studing in Rome, he helped to establish the Chicago Academy of Design and became noted for his Native American sculptor art. In 1860, Volk made a life mask of Abraham Lincoln and during Lincoln's visit to Chicago, Volk also made a bronze bust of him. Later, when Lincoln received the nomination as presidential candidate for the Republican President, Volk asked him to allow a casting of both his hands, for use in other sculptural works including a full-size statue. He served as president of the Chicago Academy of Design until 1865 and after Lincoln's death the bust of him was donated for display to the Illinois State Capitol, where it resides to this day. Volk also made several large monumental sculptures, including the tomb of the politician Stephen A. Douglas, the Soldiers' Monument in New York and statues of many Civil War figures. He died at age 66 in Chicago, Illinois.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith