Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
When Art Oberbeck became a full-fledged scenic artist at Sosman & Landis, he received another scenic artist’s palette. Oberbeck shared the story of his advancement with John Rothgeb in 1973 and Randy Givercer Frank in 1976. Frank included the story in her B. A. Thesis, “The Sosman & Landis Studio. A Study of Scene Painting, 1900-1924” (University of Texas – Austin, May 1979). On page 78, Frank wrote, “Oberbeck’s chance to prove himself of journeyman status came when it fell to him to paint some draperies. Sosman had a nephew who painted in the studio. The nephew was a drunkard who would start drinking and not show up for two weeks at a time. Once he disappeared, leaving an unfinished pair of tormentors.
“Sosman came to me and says, “Art, we got to get these tormentors out on order. Do you think you can finish them?”
“I’d sure like to try, Mr. Sosman.”
Sosman told Oberbeck to use his nephew’s palette. Oberbeck finished the tormentors in time and Sosman gave him another set to do. From that time on he had his own palette.”
Although Frank did not include the drunken nephew’s name, it was Frederick H. Sosman, Sr.
Fred Sr. worked at his uncle’s scenic studio for almost a decade before moving east. He continued to work as a scenic artist for his entire life.
Here is how Fred Sr. fits into the Sosman family tree, as there is quite a few Fred Sosmans at this time.
Fred H. Sosman was the son of Captain William M. Sosman. Capt. Sosman was Joseph S. Sosman’s older half-brother, from their father’s first marriage. William was the son of Hiram Sosman (1805-1892) and Eliza Green (1804-1839). The couple celebrated the birth of four children: George William Sosman (1832-1832), Mary Jane Sosman (1834-1916), William M. Sosman (1836-1912), and Maria Sosman (1838-1839). Joseph S. Sosman was the son of Hiram, and his second wife was Rachael Edmond (b. 1817). Hiram and Eliza celebrated the birth of three children: Joseph, Martha Sosman, and an infant son who died shortly after birth.
Hiram and all of his adult sons fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War. William M. Sosman (1837-1912) first enlisted in Co. C. 22nd Ohio Vol. Infantry, making quite a name for himself. He later enlisted in Co. F, 63rd Ohio Vol. Infantry, and then accepted a commission as second lieutenant in the 106th regiment, U.S. colored troops.
His service and family history were published in “The Civil War Token Journal” (Fall 1988, Volume 22 Number 3, page 5-6). I am including the section, “W.M. Sosman Card No. 1601,” in its entirety as it sets the stage for the birth of his son, Frederick H. Sosman, Sr.
“William M. Sosman came from a family long associated with commercial baking in Chillicothe. His father George Sosman started in the bakery business in Chillicothe some time before 1820. It was George Sosman that established the first bread wagon route in the city. The city directory of 1858 lists W.M. Sosman in partnership with Hiram Sosman his brother as owners of the Union Bakery. In 1860 he introduced the first mechanical machine for making crackers. The Union Bakery was located on the west side of Walnut Street, between Water and Second St. Sometime in 1860 William took in a new partner, J.W. Chapman replacing his brother. The business was moved to 86 Paint Street. This partnership was short lived as we find the following advertisement in the Scioto Gazette under date of September 10, 1861: “Bugler Wanted! I wish to engage the services of one good bugler, to serve in Co. A 40th Regiment. Particulars made known by addressing me at Camp Dennison or to Geo. A. Emmett, Chillicothe, Ohio, signed W.M. Sosman. This was in the early days of the war. Regiments were being formed; quotas filled to meet deadlines. Late in 1861 Capt. Wm. Sosman published a Thank You note in the Chillicothe paper thanking the citizens for quilts furnished his boys before departure. The Thank You note was signed Capt. W. M. Sosman, Co. A 54th Reg. Ohio Volunteers.”
I am going to pause right here and add a little to the story. Early in the spring of 1862, Capt. William Sosman married Mathilda McKay. He continued to work as a baker when not serving in the military, remaining extremely active in war-time activities. Both Capt. W. M. Sosman and Hiram Sosman were members of the Union League Association, an organization founded to counteract the influence of secret disloyal societies, such as the Knights of the Golden Circle, or Sons of Liberty. The Union League Association, was organized in Chillicothe on March 21, 1863.
“The Civil War Token Journal” article continues:
“Sept. 30, 1862, W. M. Sosman was advertising for a first-class bread baker as a partner to go to Columbus, Ohio. “One having $250.00 to $300.00 to invest a splendid opportunity to make money without risk.” Evidently the Columbus venture never materialized. November 11, 1862. W.M. Sosman was weekly advertising his Dandelion Coffee. “Which affords the delicious of Java Coffee, at less than one half the expense.” “The only true coffee substitute.” In 1863 many necessities were in short supply. One of Sosman’s advertisements read: “Save your rags! The highest prices paid, for rags, in cash or trade.” Wm. M. Sosman, Walnut Street. There was a “paper famine” at the time (December 1862). The editor of the Scioto Gazette stated in his paper, “Within the last two months printing paper has more than doubled in price.” He was pleading with his readers to save carefully all the cotton and linen rags as the importation of rags for paper stock had been entirely suspended. Also, in 1862 there was a shortage of coin money so necessary to the transaction of business. A news item in the December 9th issue told about Postage Currency— The National Bank Note Company now furnishing the government $100,000.00 a day postage currency. The February 24th issue of the Scioto Gazette (1863) carried this notice “Wood Wanted, I wish to contact for 20 or 30 cords straight-part seasoned-sugar or hickory wood to be delivered during April or May.” Evidently the wood was for fuel in his baking ovens. The call for volunteers was made and on March 15, 1864, we find this article in the Scioto Gazette. “Capt. W.M. Sosman formerly of the 22nd. Ohio Regiment has enlisted as a private in the 63rd Ohio and left for the front last week.” On December 6, 1864, he was back in Chillicothe and gave an oyster supper at Adam Kramer’s on a Saturday night for the veterans of his old 22nd Ohio Regiment who had returned home. (A. S. Kramer issued card 160F). W.M. Sosman lived a varied and interesting life on his second enlistment he was placed in prison for some offense down in Dixie but was released and placed on parole and sent back to Chillicothe in December. His second enlistment was shortly over 9 months. During his two enlistments he developed a taste for adventure. Then on July 3, 1866, he advertised his property for sale at 53 Vine St. and stated in his notice that he was going west.”
The proposed sale of Capt. W. M. Sosman’s property was shortly before the birth of his first son, Frederick H. Sosman (1866-1941). The couple celebrated the birth of two more children over the next four years: George V. Sosman in 1867 and Mary Elizabeth Sosman in 1870. Capt. Sosman’s family remained in Chillicothe, however, never moving west as the newspaper article suggested. The 1870 US Federal Census listed Capt. William Sosman as 33 yrs. old and working as a day laborer. His household at the time included: Mathilda (31 yrs.), Frederick (4 yrs.), George (2 yrs.) and Mary Sosman (1 mth.). Hiram Sosman was also living in Chillicothe, now 64 yrs. old, but still working as a baker. In 1870, Hiram lived with his second wife Rachel Sosman (53 yrs.), daughter Mary J. Sosman (33 yrs.) and Joseph S. Sosman (23 yrs.) By 1870. Joseph S. Sosman was already working as a painter.
Little is known of the Sosman family’s life in Chillicothe during the 1870s. However, Capt. William Sosman returned to the baking business, and in the 1880 census was again listed as a baker. The household in Chillicothe that year included William M. Sosman (43 yrs.), Mathilda Sosman (40 yrs.), Fred H. Sosman (14 yrs.), George Sosman (12 yrs.) and Mary Sosman (10 yrs.).
I have yet to locate when Fred moved to Chicago or began working for his uncle at Sosman & Landis. However, he his work at the studio was mentioned in an 1895 wedding announcement for Fred and Ida Robey:
“Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Robey request tour presence at the marriage of their daughter Ida, to Fred H. Sosman, June 17, 1895, at Mt. Sterling, Ohio. 8 p.m. Mr. Sosman is a Chillicothean, the son of Capt. and Mrs. William Sosman, and brother of Mr. George V. Sosman. He is now located at Chicago where he is employed in the famous scenic studio of Sosman & Landis, Mr. Sosman, of the firm being his uncle. Miss Robey is a very charming and of bright intellect and having many personal attractions and Mr. Sosman is, indeed, to be congratulated in winning so fair a bride. After the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sosman will come to this city, where they will make a short visit before returning to Chicago, where they will make their home.”
Fred married Ida Jeanette Robey (1872-1950) on June 17, 1895, in Madison County, Ohio. Robey was the daughter of John K. Robey (1833-1906) and Mathilda Stuckey (1839-1906). Ida was one of several children born to the couple. He siblings included: Lora (1862-1863), Flora Alma (1864-1945), Romeo R. (1866-1945), Myrtle (1868-1919), Margaret M. (1871-1955), Josephine T. (1874-1950), Bessie (1877-1955) and Martha (1881-1949). The Robeys remained quite close to the Sosmans over the years, as Fred’s sister, Mary Elizabeth Sosman, married Ida’s brother, Romeo Robey.
On May 7, 1895, Fred and Ida celebrated the birth of their first child, Joseph “Joe” Sosman in Mt. Sterling, Madison County, Ohio. For geographical context, Mt. Sterling is approximately 30 miles northeast of Chillicothe, Ohio. Chillicothe is approximately 50 miles due south of Columbus, Ohio.
The Sosman family grave plot in Mt. Sterling includes gravestones for Mathilda McKay Sosman, Capt. William M. Sosman, George V. Sosman, Frederick H. “Fred” Sosman Sr. and Ida Jeanette Robey Sosman, There are also two children’s graves, presumably Fred and Ida’s: Infant Sosman (May 11, 1896), Joe Sosman (10 Aug 1896). The “Infant Sosman” grave, dated May 11, 1896, indicates that this was Fred and Ida’s second child, likely still born. The second child’s grave for Joe Sosman, is dated Aug 10, 1896; this was their firstborn son. A third child was born to the couple after the death of their first two children, born on Nov. 6. 1896. Their third child, Joseph Sosman, shared the same name as their first son; a common practice at the time, when a birth followed the death of an older sibling. Sadly, he did not survive to adulthood either.
Although Fred and Ida’s children were born in Ohio, Fred continued to work in Chicago. It just meant that Ida returned home to be with her family when she was expecting. This allowed women the necessary support work after giving birth.
The 1900 US Federal Census reported that Fred an Ida Sosman were living at 244 S. Halsted St, Chicago. No children were listed as part of the household, only Frederick Sosman (34 yrs.) and Ida Sosman (26 yrs.). Fred was employed listed as a scenic artist, certainly working for his uncle as Sosman & Landis during this time.
In 1901, the couple celebrated the birth of their fourth child, Fred H. Sosman, Jr. Fred Jr. ended up being the couple’s only child to reach adulthood. Life was not easy for the Sosman’s in Chicago. Fred struggled with alcoholism, as did his younger brother George V. Sosman. On Feb. 1, 1913, the “Washington Court House Daily Herald” (Ohio) reported, “Penitentiary guard, George V. Sosman, escorted a prisoner to Chillicothe this week, where the convict was to testify in a murder trial, and during his stay in Chillicothe he made the rounds and became very much polluted with liquor, and when he started on his return with the prisoner was still very much under the influence of intoxicants, according to Chillicothe authority. Sosman spent his last penny and tried to borrow enough to continue the spree, but his disgusted friends turned him down” (page 3).
As for Fred H. Sosman Sr., his binge drinking meant that he abandoned incomplete work at the studio. Such was the case when Art Oberbeck completed a pair of partially painted tormentors, originally assigned to Nephew Fred.
So, sometime between 1907 and 1908, Oberbeck inherited Fred Sosman’s palette at Sosman & Landis. This did not mean that Fred’s career as a scenic artist came to a close, it just continued elsewhere. For quite some time, Sosman had been dividing his time between Chicago and Chillicothe. On July 7, 1904, the “Chillicothe Gazette” reported, “Beautiful Work. On display as Doster & Co.’s, is a handsome miniature hand-painted setting for an opera house, done in watercolors, by Fred H. Sosman, a Chillicothe boy in Chicago. Two curtains are also shown, one depicting the view of Paint Valley from Grandview cemetery, and the other a view of Scioto river, with Mt. Logan in the background. The paintings are very beautiful and appropriate.” (page 4). After leaving Chicago, Fred Sr. headed to the southeastern United States.
The 1910-1911 issue of “Julius Cahn’s Official Theatrical Guide” credited Fred H. Sosman as the scenic artist for the Opera House in Blocton, Alabama. The listing noted “Equipped with up-to-date scenery” and a stage measuring 26x50x19. To date, that is the only listing that I have located for Fred Sr. beyond his work at the scenic studios of Sosman & Landis and Tiffin Scenic Studio.
By 1910, Fred Sosman Sr. was living in Atlanta, Georgia. The US Federal census that year listed Sosman living on E Hunter Street as a boarded, still working as an artist in the studio industry. He was boarding with Ophelia Standard (55 yrs.) and her adult children and grandchildren: Annie Belle (31 yrs.), Maggie (27 yrs.), Frank (24 yrs.), Mary (24 yrs.), Francis (3 yrs.), and Lois (2 yrs.). Sosman’s initial connection with the household was likely through Standards’ son, Frank, who was working as a stage manager in the theatre industry. Sosman would remain in the area for at least 14 more years, with his wife and son joining him.
In 1912 Sosman’s father passed away. On Oct. 18, 1912, the “Chillicothe Gazette” reported, Capt. William M. Sosman dies at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. I. Roby, at Mt. Sterling, Tuesday morning of old age. The deceased, with his wife, moved from this city to Mt. Sterling about six weeks ago and did not long survive. The deceased was a son of the late Hiram Sosman and was a native of this city. He is survived by his wife and three children, Fred Sosman, of Atlanta, Ga., George V. Sosman, of Columbus, and Mrs. Roby, with whom he lived. The deceased was 78 years of age and was a member of Co. F, 63rd O. V. I. from which he was discharged April 14, 1862, to accept a commission as second lieutenant in the 106th regiment, U.S. colored troops. The funeral will be held at Mt. Sterling at 10 a.m. Saturday morning Burial at Mt. Sterling” (page 5).
Sosman continued to work as a scenic artist in Atlanta. In 1920, he was again living with his wife and adult son, Fred Jr., at 262 Oakland Avenue. Interestingly, Both Fred Sr. and Ida were listed as scenic painters, with 19-yrs.-old Fred Jr. listed as a drug store salesman. This was likely an error, as this was the first time Ida was listed as working outside of the home. Until the 1923, the three remain in Atlanta. That year, Fred returned to Ohio and married Mary G. Krout. On Oct. 23, 1923, the “Lancaster Eagle-Gazette” of Lancaster, Ohio, announced the wedding of Krout and Sosman. The announcement read: “Krout-Sosman Wedding.
Only members of the family witnessed the marriage at eight o’clock Saturday evening of Miss Mary Gertrude Krout, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Krout of S. Champion Ave., Columbus to Mr. Fred H. Sosman of Atlanta, Ga. Rev. P. E. White, pastor of Oakwood Avenue M. E. Church read the service at the home of the bride’s parents. A dinner at the Chittendon Hotel followed the ceremony. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Krout, brother and sister-in-law of the bride were the only attendants. The bride wore an evening gown of cocoa georgette with trimmings of amber beads and wore a corsage of roses and lilies of the valley. After a short motor trip Mr. and Mrs. Sosman will be at home at 544 S. Champion Ave., Columbus. The bride and her parents were former residents of this city and have many relatives here.”
His first marriage did not end well, as Fred not only had an extramarital affair with a 13-yrs.-old girl, but also fathered an illegitimate child. It is an unfortunate series of events that compelled Fred and Ira Sosman to relocate from Atlanta, Georgia, to Tiffin, Ohio. My guess is that they returned to Ohio to help raise their only granddaughter. Fred Jr. and his wife Mary explained the newborn as an adoption.
On March 17, 1927, Patricia “Patti” Ann Sosman was born in Columbus, Ohio. Her birth parents were listed as Fred Sosman and Virginia Bogard. “Bogard” was actually an alias, as her real birth mother’s maiden name was Virginia Valek. Valek was one of many children born to James John Valek (1887-1966, carpenter) and Bessie M. Stahl (1892-1945).
Virginia married twice in her life after being an unwed mother; her first marriage was to Avrail R. Milhorn (1907-1957) in 1933 and her second marriage was to Harold E. Snelling (1910-1986) in 1974. Virginia Valek Snelling passed away on Dec. 14, 1975, only fifteen years before her daughter, Patti A. Sosman. In death, Patricia Ann Sosman shares a grave with her birth mother, Virginia Valek Snelling.
Patricia’s mother was only 14 yrs. old when she was born, indicating that Fred Sosman Jr. had sex with a 13-yrs.-old girl.
Fred Jr.’s illegitimate daughter was listed as part of his household in the 1930 US Federal Census. At the time, he was still married to Mary. The pretense of claiming Patti as an adopted daughter continued for seven years, even when Mary G. Sosman filed for a divorce in 1934.
My guess is that several factors prompted Mary to leave Fred Jr. On Feb. 19, 1934, the “Sandusky Star Journal” reported, “Tiffin Man Given 90-Days at Marion.” The article continued, “Marion, Feb. 19 (UP) – Fred Sosman, of Tiffin, today began service of a 90-day term imposed by Judge W. R. Martin on charge of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, Sosman was also fined $100, and his driving license revoked for six months. Sosman was arrested by a state highway patrolman after his car collided with another four miles north of Marion on Route 23” (page 1)
On June 5, 1934, the “Morning Republican” of Findlay, Ohio, announced “Applies For Divorce. Charging her husband’s conduct was such that she was forced to leave him and go to her parents. Mrs. Mary G. Sosman applied to common pleas court today for a divorce from Fred H. Sosman Jr. She says they made a separation agreement under which he is to pay her $600 and asks the court to approve that and award her the household goods for alimony. They were married in Columbus, Oct. 20, 1933, and have an adopted child” (page 10). On Sept. 17, 1934, the “Findlay Morning Republican” announced, “Mrs. Mary G. Sosman vs. Fred H. Sosman; divorce granted on grounds of extreme cruelty; maiden name Mary C. Krout restored; alimony and property settlement approved” (page 8).
By 1930, Fred Sr. and Ida Sosman were also living in Tiffin, Ohio, just up the street from Fred Jr., Mary and Patti. The 1930 US Federal census listed Fred H. Sr. and Ida J. Sosman in the Tiffin City Directory. Fred Sr. was employed as a scenic artist at Tiffin Scenic Studios. The couple was living at 135 Ohio Ave. At the time, Fred H. Sosman Jr. was working at the Marmon-Roosevelt and Hupmobile Motor Cars. Located at 206 S. Washington, his family living at 81 Ohio Ave.
Fred. Jr. and Mary’s divorce in 1934 was likely due in part to another extramarital affair. Less than a month after their divorce was finalized, Fred Jr. married a woman from McCutchenville, Ohio. Their affair had likely been going on for some time, as during the fall of 1933, Sosman made headlines when a rock struck his car on the McCutchenville Rd. On Nov. 2, 1933, the “Sandusky Register” reported, “Stone Hits Windshield. Tiffin, Nov. 1 – (Special) Fred Sosman, Tiffin automobile salesman, narrowly escaped injury last night when Hallowe’en pranksters hurled a stone through the windshield of his automobile. Sosman was driving on the McCutchenville road south of the city, when he passed a group of youths. A stone came hurtling from their midst and crashed through the windshield of his car” (page 2). Less than a year later, on October 2, 1934, “The Sandusky Register” announced the marriage license for “Fred H. Sosman Jr., 33, restaurant worker, Tiffin, and Mrs. Regina P. Lorah, 32, McCutchenville” (7). The newlywed’s plans did not include Fred’s illegitimate daughter.
By 1940, Patti was living with her grandparents, Fred Sr. and Ida Sosman. The US Federal Census listed the three Sosmans living at 135 Ohio Ave. in Tiffin, Ohio. Fred H. Sosman Sr. was still listed as an artist in the scenic studio industry. His household included wife Ida J. Sosman (63 yrs.) and granddaughter Patricia A. Sosman (12 yrs.). Fred Sosman Sr. was still listed as a scenic artist and continued to paint at Tiffin Studios until the following year. On August 6, 1941, Fred Sosman Sr. passed away.
On Aug. 7, 1941, “The Sandusky Register” of Sandusky, Ohio, reported, “Tiffin – (Special) – Fred Sosman, 75, Tiffin scenic artist died Wednesday in Mercy Hospital following an illness of several days. He had been associated for 20 years with the Tiffin Scenic Studios. He was a native of Chillicothe. Surviving are his widow, a son, Fred, Jr., and a sister, Mrs. Mary Roby, Mt. Sterling. Funeral Service will be held Friday at 10:30 a.m. in the Myers Funeral Home with the Rev. Alva B. Miller, pastor of the Washington-st Methodist Church, officiating. His body will be taken to Mt. Sterling for burial” (page 7).
His hometown paper carried the sad news. On Aug. 7, 1941, the “Chillicothe Gazette” of reported, “Mr. Fred Sosman, former Chillicothe resident and scenic painter, died Wednesday in Tiffin, according to word received by Mr. Charles Capple. Mr. Sosman, who was about 74 years old, was born in Chillicothe, the son of William and Mathilda Sosman, life-long residents of the city, and resided at 164 West Main street. Surviving are his widow, Ida Roby Sosman, and one sister, Mrs. Romeo Roby, of Mt. Sterling. Burial services for Mr. Sosman, will take place Friday at 2 p.m. in Mt. Sterling (page 2).
He was buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, now named Alkire Cemetery on Era Road (County Rd, Mount Sterling, Ohio 4314). Here is a link to his gravestone in the Sosman family plot: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45845495/frederick-h-sosman
To be continued…
