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Title
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Ream, Vinnie (1847-1914)
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birthday
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1847-09-25
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Birthplace
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Madison, WI
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Death Date
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1914-11-20
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Occupation
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Sculptor
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Biographical Text
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Vinnie Ream was an American sculptor famous for her works of historical and political figures. She was born Lavinia Ellen Ream, and attended Christian College. Prior to her career as a sculptor, Ream worked in the dead letter office of the US Post Office as a clerk from 1862-1866, the first woman to be employed by the federal government. In 1863 at the age of seventeen, she began apprenticing under Clark Mills. The following year, President Lincoln agreed to model for her to create a bust of his figure. In July of 1866, Ream was commissioned to create a full-size Carrara marble statue of President Lincoln. This made her the youngest artist and first woman to receive a statue commission from the US government. Ream's selection for this job received public scrutiny including questioning of her experience and judgment for her sociable personality. While working on the plaster model of Lincoln, Ream was accused of influencing Senator Ross in his vote for the impeachment of President Johnson. This resulted in her being forced to finish the model in the hallway of the Capitol after her studio was revoked. Ream completed the marble statue in Europe, along with a number of other sculptures. The statue of Lincoln was unveiled in 1871, when she was 23.
Ream married Richard L. Hoxie on May 28, 1878. They had one son, Richard Ream Hoxie. Ream passed on November 20, 1914, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband. Her grave is marked by a replica she created of her sculpture, "Sappho."
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Contributor
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O'Neill, Iris
Vinnie Ream, Grave