Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Sosman & Landis stockholders held a meeting after Joseph S. Sosman passed away in 1915. On Aug. 10, they elected Thomas G. Moses as president and Sosman’s stepson, Arthur B. Sosman as vice-president. Perry Landis’s son, P. Lester Landis, was elected secretary and treasurer. Although Sosman repeatedly tried to interest both of his step son’s in the scenery business, it didn’t stick. Their interests were in performance and not production
Arthur Benjamin Jones was born on September 30, 1878. He was the eldest of two sons born to Benjamin Hodge Jones and Maria “May” Hazard Pinney. His younger brother, Frederick Pinney Jones was born 3 ½ years later on Feb. 22, 1882. The two boys spent much of their early childhood in a series of Chicago hotels and boarding houses, all managed by their maternal grandfather, Elijah S. Pinney.
By 1885, the extended Jones family was living at the Farwell House in Chicago, another hotel owned by Pinney. For a short period of time, their B. N. Jones was listed as the manager. However, Jones work at the Farwell House did not last for long. May P. Jones was listed as a widow in the 1886 Chicago Directory, likely the easiest explanation when her husband disappeared. She filed for divorce two years later, citing desertion. This must have been an incredible difficult time for the boys. When their father left, Arthur was only eight years old. Four years passed before his mother remarried in 1890. Of the event, then Sosman & Landis employee, Thomas G. Moses, wrote, “Found Sosman married very quietly.” Moses had just returned to the Chicago studios after a seven-month absence. The marriage seemed to be more of an arrangement than a great love affair.
The couple was married on April 16, 1890. Sosman likely met May P. Jones and her sons at the Farwell House, where he lodged for two years. After marrying, Sosman adopted both Arthur and Frederick. Their names changed after the adoption, effectively erasing all ties to the Jones family. Arthur’s name went from Arthur Benjamin Jones to Arthur Burton Sosman. Little is known of the next five years as Arthur grew to adulthood. However, his graduation from Marquette School was listed in “The Inter Ocean” on June 29, 1895 (page 6). That winter, Arthur and his little brother attended the Illinois Club’s Christmas Ball. Each were listed as guests in an article published in the “Chicago Tribune” on Dec. 27, 1895 (page 7).
Arthur made the newspaper a few times in the late 1890s as he continued his education. On March 28, 1897. Mr. A. B. Sosman was listed as a guest at an informal party for the Sigma Delta club, N. 389 Adams Street. He was again a guest at a Sigma Delta “stag” reception at the club rooms at 389 West Adams to enjoy lunch and a musical program (“Chicago Chronicle,” 19 Sept 1897, page 36). On August 16, 1896, his arrival at the Sosman summer home in Lake Bluff was published in “The Chicago Chronicle,” (page 26).
By 1900, Sosman was 21 yrs. old and living on his own. The US Federal Census that year listed A. B. Sosman’s address as 235 Ashland Ave. in Chicago. He was one of many boarders in a private hotel. At the time he was working as a clerk, possibly at the Sosman & Landis studio. By the following year, he moved south to St. Louis, Missouri. On Aug 18, 1901, the “Chicago Tribune” reported, “Arthur Sosman of St. Louis, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sosman, is visiting his parents.” (page 37). In the “Lake Bluff” section. Interestingly, Sosman was not listed in the St. Louis directory in 1901 or 1902. I have yet to locate him in a city directory before 1911.
If he was working as a Sosman & Landis salesman, he could have been associated with the firm’s regional branches in Chicago, Kansas City, New York, or Detroit. Interestingly, it was in Detroit that he met and married his future wife, Maude Noble Doherty (b. 1880). On July 12, 1906, the “Detroit Free Press” published that a marriage license was granted to Arthur Burton Sosman, 27, Chicago, and Maude Noble Doherty, 26, Detroit” (page 6).
The couple was married on July 14, 1906, in Detroit. At the time, Sosman was listed a salesman on the marriage license. My gut instinct says that he was working at Sosman & Landis in Detroit. Maude’s parents were listed as William Doberts and Elizabeth Barnes. The wedding ceremony was witnessed by John J. and Mary J. Bather of Detroit. The young couple spent their honeymoon at the Sosman summer home, Fairlawn, in Lake Bluff, Illinois. On August 15, 1906, “The Inter Ocean” reported, “Mrs. Joseph Sands Sosman, 513 Washington boulevard, has sent out more than 200 invitations for a lawn fete on Friday afternoon at her summer home in Lake Bluff. The fete is given in honor of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Arthur B. Sosman, a bride of a month, who, with her husband arrived yesterday from Dayton, Ohio. Among those assisting the hostess will be Mrs. Frank Talbot, Mrs. F. R. McMullin, Mrs. Emmons Cobb, Mrs. James McCrea, Mrs. Frederick Duffy, Mrs. William Kriedler, Mrs. John Peterson, Mrs. W. Holman, Mrs. Harry Backus, and Mrs. Charles Benson. The young women presiding at the tables, which will be spread under a large marquee on the lawn, will be Miss Estella Tunnison, Miss Romaine Wets, Miss Edith Sexton, and Miss Fanny Prentiss” (page 6). On August 17, 1906, “The Chicago Tribune” reported, “Mrs. Joseph Sosman of Lake Bluff will give a lawn fete this afternoon from 3 to 6 o’clock to which 200 friends along the north shore have been invited, The affair is in honor of Mrs. Arthur B. Sosman, a bride of a month, who, with Mr. Sosman, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sosman, is here on a visit to the last Monday” (page 9).
Purportedly the young couple settled in New York for the next few years. Again. They were not listed in any city directories, which is so very odd. However, the couple made news again in 1909. On June 30, 1909, the “Inter Ocean” included a portrait of Mrs. J. S. Sosman, announcing her upcoming travel plans (page 7). The caption stated, “Mrs. Joseph Sands Sosman. 513 Washington boulevard. Left Chicago yesterday for an extended visit to her son and daughter, Mrs. and Mrs. Arthur Sosman of New York, who spent their honeymoon at the Sosman summer home at Lake Bluff two seasons ago where they were introduced at a memorable lawn fete the week following their marriage.”
By the fall of 1909, Arthur and his bride headed west to Great Falls, Montana. On Nov. 4, 1909, “The Great Falls Tribune” announced the arrival of A. B. Sosman and wife, Chicago” at the Hotel Fair (Montana, page 9). At the time, Sosman was working as a publicity agent. By 1910, the US Federal Census listed the two living at 33 East Granite Street in Butte, Montana, with Sosman listed as a salesman. Shortly after Sosman’s arrival to Butter, however, he tried his hand at managing a theater. Interestingly, a decade earlier, his step father had established a theatrical management firm, known as Sosman, Landis & Hunt.
On March 7, 1911, “The Butte Daily Post” reported “A. B. Sosman Succeeds Gardner at Empire. Joseph Gardner, for the past several months manager of the New Empire theater, since its transfer to the Montana Amusement company, has resigned his position and gone to Lewiston in the interest of the company, for the purpose of opening a new theatorium in the budding eastern Montana city. Mr. Gardner has wide experience in the theatrical world, having owned numerous theaters of his own in the east. At the age of 15 years he gained his knowledge first as a shifter of scenery and by gradual stages to his present position with the company, who control 12 theaters in the state. Mr. Gardner left Sunday night to take up the work and all his employees and the many friends he made while in Bitte wish him plenty of luck and a pleasant trip, Mr. Gardner is succeeded by A. B. Sosman, the well-known publicity agent. (page 10).
On March 8, 1911, “The Butte Miner” reported, “Empire Manager. A. B. Sosman, a former publicity agent of this city, is now manager of the New Empire theater, succeeding Joseph Gardner, who recently resigned to manage a new theater the Montana Amusement company has opened in Lewistown. Mr. Sosman has for a number of years been prominent in theatrical circles, During his stay in Butte he has made many sincere friends, who have only the best wishes for his success in his new venture” (page 3).
Sosman soon began performing his own vaudeville act, and was billed as a Song Storiest, or Songologist in regional papers. He was repeated mentioned in local news.
Here are a few of the articles and advertisements about Sosman’s performances:
On March 9, 1911, “The Butte Miner” reported, “A. B. Sosman. The songologist, has another character song, which will be illustrated with beautiful slides” (page 3).
On March 10, 1911, “The Butte Miner” reported, “Art Sosman, the song storiest, singing “Down by the Old Mill Stream,” a pictoral comedy, Bioscope hit and Selig feature, completed a bill of decided
On March 12, 1911, “The Butte Miner” included an advertisement form the Empire Theatre, with A. B. Sosman, Songologist in a new character song” (page 17).
On March 12, 1911, “The Anaconda Standard” advertised “A. B. Sosman, Songologist in a new character song. Three Photoplays. Bioscope feature.”
On March 13, 1911, “The Butte Miner” reported, “Louise Dresser’s hit, ‘Pat O’Hare,’ is the vehicle with which A. B. Sosman the clever character song man is increasing in his popularity.
On March 14, 1911, A. B. Sosman appeared in various Butte ads as a songologist (The Anaconda Standard, page 9).
On March 19, 1911, “The Butte Miner” included a portrait of A. B. Sosman with the caption, “A. B. Sosman, the song storiest, who is making a decided hit at the Empire theater with his character songs” (page 16).
On March 24, 1911, “The Butte Miner” reported, “Mickey Flynn Making Debut at New Empire, An incidental feature of A. B. Sosman’s blizzard song, “Winter” is the hit of the New Empire’s bill of high class offerings which opened yesterday, even if it not the headliner. The music of the song is reminiscent of an icy blast from the Arctic, but when the snow begins to fall it makes one feel Jack Frost is there in person. The song last night, in the vernacular of the profession, was a riot. It certainly ‘knocked ‘em off the seats.” (page 3).
On April 2, 1911, “The Butte Miner” reported, “A. B., the song storiest, has a new march song this week. It is ‘Dixie Gray,’ a stirring song of the southland (page 17).
On April 6, 1911, “The Butte Daily Post” reported, “A. B. Sosman the premiere of all character songsters, has a brand new song with which he will undoubtedly score” (page 7)
On April 9, 1911, the “Anaconda Standard” included an advertisement at the Empire Theatre with featured acts “Besides Photoplays of Sheriff and Art Sosman in the Heidelberg Guide” (page 32).
On April 24, 1911, “The Butte Daily Post” reported, Mrs. John Waldo of Detroit, Mich., is the guest of A. B. Sosman. She will spend a month in Butte and will then go to the coast, to look after some business there” (page 3).
On April 25, “The Butte Daily post” reported, “A. B. Sosman in a unique act of his own manufacture; Mr. Flynn, the live cartoonist.” (page 7). That same day, the “Butte Miner” referred to him as “Art Sosman, the Shakespearean student and actor” (page 3).
On April 28, an ad placed by Sosman in “The Butte Miner” stated:
“Just a Minute. I want to tell YOU and every patron of vaudeville in Butte about the big Pantages act I will import direct from Chicago every week, as an added feature to the regular bill of top-liners the New Empire will offer. I have an idea. That everyone doesn’t appreciate just what this extra feature every week will mean as an entertainer. It means just two high priced headliners instead of one, as formerly, supported by three other meritorious acts; it means a rich, delectable dessert for a vaudeville feast. The feature will open with the Sunday change. See if it isn’t just what you’ve been waiting for. A. B. Sosman Manager New Empire Theater” (page 3).
On May 14, 1911, the “Anaconda Standard” included an ad for “Art Sosman, the Song Storiest with a New Song Hit and Character Impersonation Up to Date” (page 34). On May 28, 1911, the “Anaconda Standard” reported, “Steamboat Bill” is the name of a song-story rt Sosman will narrate. It is appropriately pictured and a genuine hit. The three photoplays are brand-new ones and afford a somewhat different and refined feature. They are interspersed with other numbers on the bill in such a manner that diversifies the whole offering nicely.” (page 9).
On April 30, 1911, the “Anaconda Standard” reported, “Art Sosman has a regular sensation up his sleeve with which to inaugurate the new added feature. It’s going to be a flirtatious song story, introducing a startling situation. The three photoplays will be late Bioscope features. As usual amateurs will furnish entertainment in connection with the regular bill on Tuesday night” (page 9).
Sosman’s life as a performer, however, was short-lived, as both Arthur and Maude Sosman returned to Chicago in 1912. Mrs. May P. Sosman brought them home. On Feb. 6, 1912, “The Billings Weekly Gazette” reported, “Babcock Manager Resigns. A. B. Sosman has resigned his position as manager of the Babcock theater and left last night with Mrs. Sosman for Chicago. Mr. Sosman will be succeeded by Frank Rowe an experienced theatrical man who was with the ‘Talk of New York’ company as advance as advance agent until recently” (page 6).
By 1913, Arthur B. Sosman was listed in the “Chicago Directory” as a solicitor, living at 1057 Leland Ave. I believed that he returned to help out the family business, and soon returned to work as a salesman. By 1914, Sosman was listed as a salesman in the Chicago Directory, working as 509, 606 S. Michigan Ave. He was again living at home with his parents, his address listed as Margate terrace. Arthur continued to work as a salesman in 1915, listing his employers address as N. Clark, and living at 1321 Sunnyside Ave.
Upon Joseph S. Sosman’s passing, Moses was elected president of the firm, with Sosman’s eldest son Arthur becoming vice-president. In 1915, Moses wrote, “It is very strange to me that I had never given this change of the business a thought. I had never thought of Sosman dying.” Although Arthur was elected as vice-president, he didn’t last long at Sosman & Landis. The following year, his mother filled the role as vice-president.
On March 17, 1916, the “Chicago Tribune” included an article entitled, “Strung Dictagraph Wires.” The article continued:
“You know that Leslie alienation suit?” inquired the voice. “Well, one man had an apartment next door to the Leslie flat. Somebody broke a hole through the wall and strung dictograph wires. He was in there with another named White, He rented a flat from a family named Sosman on the Beacon street side. Now, then, Mr. Leslie and his wife occupied the third floor of the flat on the Sunnyside avenue side of the apartment building. Arthur Sosman leases the third floor flat next door. The peep hole was found in the wall between the two flats. J. A. Weiss, the janitor of the building was able to give some information. The Sosmans subleased their flat furnished about five months ago to a man named White,” said Weiss. “There was another man in the flat with him. They were in there about two months and left about three months ago. When they left Mrs. Sosman returned and she complained there was a hole in the wall. I went up there, and on the Sosman side, about seven feet up in the front hall was a holed six inches square. It was only about as big as your fingertip on the Leslie side – just big enough for a dictograph wire. “I can’t tell you anything,” said Mrs. Sosman.
In 1917, the Chicago Directory listed Arthur B. Sosman as the manager of Arthur B. Sosman Co., at 206, 29 E. Madison. That same year he was also mentioned as an agent for the Pathé Film Corporation. On April 25, 1917, “The Daily Chronicle” of De Kalb, Illinois, reported, “Negotiations between Harold Blass and his parents – and the Pathe Film corporation toward the advent of the Dixon lad into the film world, which have been progressing for some time, were practically consummated Thursday afternoon when the company’s offer, made through A B. Sosman, agent for the Pathe firm, was accepted. Within a short time Harold will be summoned to the head offices of the company in Chicago where C. E. Seeley, one of the directors of the company, will pass judgement and then – as Mr. Sosman says, there is no doubt the boy will be accepted – he will be sent to one of the Pathe studios in California to receive instruction preparatory to playing opposite “Baby Marie Osborner,” the Pathe child star. During his period of training he will receive a salary of not less than $40 per week and when he has progressed sufficiently to take up his regular work before the camera his salary will be roughly $250 weekly. He will be accompanied to California by his brother Leo. Harold is one of the most popular boys in Dixon and a host of friends will unite in congratulating him on his opportunity. It is probable he will be sent to Balboa studio in San Diego for training” (page 4).
That summer, Sosman was again mentioned in a very odd article about a movie theatre fountain. On July 19, 1917, the “Chicago Examiner” reported, “‘Fountain’ is Trysting Place. Movie Show Engagements Made for Examiner Booth; Annabelle Whitford to Sing.” The article continued, The Examiner booth. All dressed up with piano and the largest internal fountain in captivity, according to A. B. Sosman, who put it there, was company place for a lot of people last night. Miss Marguerite Calyton, hostess of the day, was fairly swamped with eager requests for her picture autographed, given with the examiner’s compliments…(page 130.
Sosman remained in Chicago, where he registered for the WWI draft on Sept. 12, 1918. His registration card listed that he was living at 841 Eastwood Ave., Chicago, and working as a salesman of store fixtures at the Palay-Jennings Co. Sosman’s physical appearance was described as medium height and build, brown hair and blue eyes.
By 1920, both Arthur and Maude were working. That year Arthur was employed as a salesman and Maude as a saleswoman at a suit house. I have yet to uncover any other information about the couple in the 1920s.
Arthur Died on Oct. 9, 1929 and was buried at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. He was only 51 years old.
To be continued…
