Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
The story of American scenic artist and studio founder, Joseph S. Sosman, begins like many other German-Americans. “Joe” was the grandson of George Sosman (1768-1848) and Catherine Wethers (1765-1842). On July 16, 1796, George, Catherine, and their two young daughters boarded a ship in Hamburg, Germany. They arrived in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 9, 1796, and settled in Hardy County, Virginia; an area now located in West Virginia.
Joe Sosman’s father, Hiram A. Sosman, was the youngest of three sons born to the couple after moving to the United States. His two older brothers were George (1797-1863) and Jacob (1800-1866).
The Sosman family moved west to Ohio in 1821. In Chillicothe, George Sosman opened a bakery on Water Street, between Paint and Walnut. His shop was located near a major shipping route. Keep in mind that the construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal occurred throughout the 1820s and 1830s. Chillicothe became a major canal port, especially for merchants, mills, and meat processors. In the midst of the town’s progress, Hiram matured to adulthood and married his first wife, Eliza Green (1804-1839). The couple was married on February 26, 1828, and soon 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). Eliza and their youngest child passed away in 1839.
Hiram married his second wife, Rachel Edmonds (1817-1896), on September 20, 1841. The couple celebrated the birth of three children, with two surviving to adulthood. Their daughter, Martha M. Sosman was born in 1844. Joseph S. Sosman arrived two years later on September 12, 1846. The same year that Joe was born, artist Henry Howe created the engraving, “Chillicothe, from the hill west.” It shows a picturesque view of the small town, with Mount Logan in the distance. Here is the link to Howe’s engraving: https://www.ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401coll32/id/8264
The Sosmans prospered in Chillicothe for almost another two decades. In 1850, the Sosman Household included Hiram, Rachel, and the four children: Mary J. (15 yrs.), William M. (13 yrs.), Martha (6 yrs.) and Joe (4 yrs.) Hiram and his father, George, operated a bakery. Sadly, the building burned to the ground two years later. Their disaster was included in B. F. Sproat’s publication, “The Great Fire: Chillicothe Ohio, 1852.” Sproat wrote, “Mr. George Sosman’s bakery on West Water street was established June, 1924. His son, Frank, says that when it caught fire, his father pumped water to extinguish the flames until the pump itself caught fire” (page 17).
Joe’s older brother, William M. Sosman, followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. In 1858 he worked with his father at the Union Bakery, located on the west side of Walnut Street, between Water and Second St. Two years later, William introduced the first mechanical machine to make crackers. At the peak of his success, Civil War broke out.
Hiram was one of many prominent Chillicothe citizens who took a firm against slavery and supported the Union. He helped organize the Chillicothe Association on March 21, 1863. This group organized to oppose rebel sympathizers and the Knights of the Golden Circle.
William was the first to enlist, joining the 54th Reg. Ohio Volunteers. William later served in Co. F, 63rd Ohio Vol. Infantry, His final commission was second lieutenant in the 106th regiment, U.S. colored troops. He made quite a name for himself during the Civil War, and continued to make news for his heroic feats and accomplishment throughout the remainder of his life. Joe was especially close with his older brother, evening hiring William’s son, Fred H. Sosman, in the 1890s.
Joe enlisted as a private in the Union Army on May 2, 1864, mustering with Co. C if the 149th Regiment, Ohio Infantry. Soldiers for the 149th were recruited from Ross and Clinton Counties. This regiment was one of several, established for a 100-day service in 1864. The veterans from these regiments were nicknamed “The Hundred Days Men.” Although short-term and lightly trained, these troop freed veteran units from routine duty, such as guards, laborers and rear echelon soldiers, allowing troops to advance to the front line for combat. The 149th Regiment was organized at Camp Dennison near Cincinnati, Ohio, and mustered in as an Ohio National Guard unit for 100 days of service on May 8, 1864. They were under the command of Col. Allison L. Brown.
On May 11, 1846, Sosman was transferred to Co. A of the 149th Regiment. He was transferred on the same day that the regiment left for Baltimore, Maryland. The regiment became attached to the 8th Army Corps. From various points along the eastern shore of Maryland in June, they moved to Monocacy Junction on July 4. They were involved in the Battle of Monocacy Junction on July 9, with 100 casualties. On July 13 they moved to Washington DC, then advanced to Snicker’s Gap, Virginia. On July 20, they were attached to operations in the Shenandoah Valley and saw action with Mosby at Berryville on August 13. The regiment mustered out on August 30, 1864, completing their 100 days of service. On gentlemen from Sosman’s Company A, George Perkins, wrote of their return to Chillicothe:
“A special train was furnished, cars with seats in them, and we sped homeward. When we arrived in Chillicothe we were met by a large outpouring of the citizens, who, to music furnished by the German Brass Band, escorted us up town. We marched up Main Street, and we stepped proudly, but were saddened as we passed the homes of James Ghormely and Edward Armstrong. We were coming home, but these, our friends and comrades, never returned. They starved to death in Salisbury, N.C. prison pen. The good people of Chillicothe had prepared a dinner for us in the market house, and we did justice to it. After dinner we “fell in” for the last time. Marched up Paint street and drew up in front of the Court House, where after a few remarks by the Colonel we broke ranks, each went to his home, and the 149th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, became a memory” (page 38).
Here is a link to Perkin’s publication, “A Summer in Maryland and Virginia; or, Campaigning with the 149th Ohio volunteer infantry, a sketch of events connected with the service of the regiment in Maryland and the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia” – https://archive.org/details/summerinmaryland00perk Perkins was credited as “a member of Company A, at the earnest request of his Comrades of the Regiment,” and publication was printed in Chillicothe.
At the end of the war, Hiram relocated his family to Macomb, Illinois. Only William remained in Chillicothe, where he continued to work as a baker. Meanwhile, Hiram established another bakery in Macomb.
Little is known about Joe Sosman’s artistic studies before the war. However, there was an art supplier on Second Street in Chillicothe . J.R. Whittmore placed a series of advertisements in the “M’arthur Democrat” during the 1850s. On Dec. 6. 1855, his advertisement stated,
“Artist’s Materials of every description furnished at short orders and fair process. A large supply of paints and brushes for Portrait Landscape Painters, Toy Paints and Best Water Colors on Hand” (page 3).
If Sosman dabbled in any type of painting before the war, he likely purchased supplies from Whittmore. In Macomb, Joe was recognized as a successful artist and sign painter. Newspaper articles and advertisements track both Joe’s social interests and sign painting career between 1867-1872.
Sosman’s first business partner in Macomb was fellow Independent Order of Good Templars member John B. Russell (1847-1909). John was the eldest son of Hiram Russell (1816-1893) and Elizabeth W. Vaughan (1825-1897). Russell was previously associated with the painting firm of Hail & Russell, “practical painters and paper hangers” (The Macomb Journal, 25 Oct., 1867, page 4).
On Dec. 6, 1867, “The Macomb Journal” listed Jos S. Sosman as Worthy Secretary of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 165, I.O. of G.T.” (page 1).
Founded in 1851, I.O. of G. T. was a temperance group, working to promote the avoidance of alcohol and other addictive substances. Other I.O. of G. T. officers in 1867 included D.M. Graves, Worth Chief Templar; S.J. Clarke Past Worthy Chief Templar; Geo. W. Hamond, Worthy Financial Secretary; Mary Hampton, Worthy Vice Treasurer; T. Bonham Worthy Chaplain; J.E. Russell, Worthy Marshal; Tillie Graves, Worthy Guard; Junior Treasurer Russell W. Sen.” In 1868, J. B. Russell was listed as the Worthy Chief Templar of Olive Branch No. 165 (The Macomb Journal, 17 April 1868, page 1). In that same issue, Russell advertised his new business venture with Sosman.
On April 17, 1868, “The Macomb Journal” reported, “Our young townsmen, Sosman and Russell, have some time since formed a partnership in the business of painting. Their shop is on south Lafayette street over McClintocks wagon shop. Those who wish any work in their line are requested to give them a call.- We hear it said that Sosman is a real fine artist, and can letter a sign equal to the best” (page 3). The accompanying J. S. Sosman & J. B. Russell advertisement included the following information:
“SOSMAN & RUSSELL,
Tender their services to the people of Macomb and surrounding country as House, Sign & Ornamental painters, paper hanger, grainers & Glaziers,
A fair share of work is respectfully solicited, Shop over McClintock’s Wagon shop, South of Square, on LaFayette st.”
Sosman & Russell continued to place advertisements in the paper later that spring and summer. I have yet to uncover how long their firm lasted, or what prompted its dissolution.
In 1870, the US Federal Census listed Sosman as a painter, still living with his father, mother, and sister. He continued to be listed as part of the Sosman household until 1880. The scope Sosman’s painting projects began continued to expand throughout the decade. On April 12, 1872, “The Macomb Journal” mentioned Sosman’s sign painting work in “Our Chatter Box” section of the newspaper: “E. H. Black, one of Macomb’s enterprising Book Store men, has treated his establishment to a new and elegant sign; of course from the brush of Joe Sossman [sic.]” (page 3). His painting works consistently made the local news, especially after finishing a new sign for the newspaper.
On June 21, 1872, Sosman placed an advertisement in The Macomb Journal (page 3):
“Stencil Outfit for Sale at a Bargain. – a complete set of Stencil and Key-Check Dies, consisting of three sets of Dies for cutting name plates, etc. – Two sets for making key and baggage checks, and material enough for making 300 name plates and a like number of key checks; also a lot of hotel room and baggage checks, inks, brushes, boxes, etc., and all tools necessary for working. Every thing complete and ready for traveling. To aa person wishing to travel in a light and profitable business, this is a rare opportunity. Tools, etc., from S. M. Spencer & Co., the best made. For particulars call on, or address, J. S. Sosman, Macomb, Ill.”
On August 29, 1872, the “Macomb Journal” reported, “That beautiful new sign, the handsomest in town, in front of the ‘Journal Office’ is the work of Joe Sosman, of whom there is not a more artistic sign painter in the west.” This was the beginning of Sosman’s intimate relationship with the press, and soon, Sosman was called upon to paint scenery at the local opera house. Sosman’s first scenic art project was at Chandler’s Opera House in Macomb.
Years later, “The Macomb Journal” remembered, “In 1873 [Sosman] was at his home in Macomb, Ill., and had partially painted the Macomb Opera House, when the owner sent to Chicago for an expert to put on the finer finishing touches” (May 26, 1886). Sosman worked as an assistant to Thomas B. Harrison. Harrison’s permanent residence was in Chicago, but like many itinerant artists at the time, he completed projects throughout the region.
After the opera house opened, Harrison went on his way, and returned to sign painting. On Sept. 25, 1873, “The Macomb Journal” announced, “……..New signs have been flung out at the First National Bank, Davis’ grocery store, Philpot’s photograph rooms, and Bowles grocery store; they are artistic in design, and of course the work of that excellent artist, ‘Joe Sosman.” On Oct. 9, 1873, “The Macomb Journal” reported, “Business Directory. Macomb’s talented young artist, Joe Sosman, is engaged in getting up a business directory of our city, different from any heretofore gotten up. It will be some 18×24 inches, then center of which will contain a photograph of McDonough Court House. Around this will be grouped Business Cards. Quite a number of cards will be printed, framed and hung up in the Dept, Hotels, and other prominent places of resort in the county. As an advertising medium, it will surely pay. We bespeak him a liberal patronage among our business men”(page 2).
Sosman’s success prompted him to embark on new business ventures. On April 30, 1874, “The Macomb Journal” reported, “Our enterprising and energetic fellow townsmen, C. Hamilton and Jos. Sosman, have purchased an out-fit and will travel through the states with beautiful and instructive “Sun Picture” entertainment. They have purchased entirely new pictures, and the most powerful magnifying instrument manufactured. They intend giving an entertainment in this city next week, after which we will give them a more extended notice. In the meantime we hope that every citizen of this town will turn out to their exhibition, and give them a good ‘send off’” (page 3).
I need to clarify exactly what Sosman and Hamilton were peddling. Their sun picture entertainment is not to be confused with the photographic process of using the sun to capture and image; that practice was also referred to as “sun pictures.” On October 31, 1874, “The South Bend Tribune” advertised “A Fine Entertainment. Hamilton & Sosman will give an exhibition of colossal sun pictures, representing a tour round the world at Good’s Opera House, on next Monday night, which will be free to all” (page 4). This was a magic lantern show.
I was curious about Sosman’s second business partner, Hamilton, so did a little digging. Charles Wilson Hamilton (1853-1901) was the son of G. W. Hamilton, a hardware merchant in nearby Prairie City, Illinois. For geographical context, Prairie City is located only 10 miles northeast of Macomb. In 1870, the US Federal Census listed Hamilton as living with his family in nearby Prairie City. Sosman and Hamilton’s business venture did not last a year. By 1875, Hamilton returned to his family home. In 1880, he was listed as Dry Goods Merchant in Prairie City, a profession he continued until his passing in 1901.
The downfall of Hamilton & Sosman in 1874 may have been competition. In 1874 there were many other sun picture entertainments, including the the Tremain Sun Picture Troupe and Leslie’s sun pictures and concert troupe. These two touring shows were much more impressive and littered regions with advertisements. From a cultural context, Sun pictures” had been popular for quite a few years by this point. Some Sun pictures blended scenic illusion with projections. On Jan. 27, 1870, “The Baltimore Sun” published an advertisement for Prof. Merchant’s Sun Pictures at the Maryland Institute (page 2). His advertisement promised, “Remarkable, exquisite, instructive and pleasing chemical dissolving diorama of cities, ruins, plains, lakes, mountains, rivers, forest and valley. Depicted with remarkable fidelity. Each picture fourteen feet square, and not hastily drawn and painted, but the combined efforts of the Best Artists in the Country. The public can form no estimate or magnitude of this singular and beautiful entertainment, unless and optical demonstration is had. Admission 25c; Reserved seats 50c. Children accompanied by parents, 15 c. Family Matinee Saturday Afternoon.”
In 1874, Hamilton & Sosmans’ sun pictures entertainment competed with Tremaine’s Colossal Sun Pictures of Travel and Art. On Nov. 4, 1874, “The Times Herald” of Port Huron, Michigan, advertised the themes for daily shows: Wednesday Evening – From New York to Jerusalem; Thursday Evening – The Splendors of Paris, the Ports of the Mediterranean and the old City of Rome; Friday Evening – “Central Europe,” Italy, Switzerland and Germany; and Saturday Evening – From Constantinople to Jerusalem – A Grand Tour through the Bible Lands (page 8). On May 7, 1874, “The Oskaloosa Herald” in Iowa reported, “The Tremaine Sun Picture Troup exhibited at City Hall some half a dozen evenings, and is highly spoken of by all who saw the exhibitions. We can recommend it to our brethren of the press” (page 2).Five years later, on May 6, 1879, “The Junction City Times” reported, “The sun picture entertainment at Centennial Hall, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, next week, will be rendered by the aid of a powerful calcium light, and the views will be as plain and beautiful as the original. The entertainment will consist of views in every part of the world” (page 3). Previously, artists crossed the country with illustrated lectures featuring moving panoramas. This remained
Despite the failure of Hamilton & Sosman, Joe continued to travel. On Jan 7, 1875, “The Macomb Journal” reported, “Joe Sosman, Macomb’s artistic painter, has gone to Mount Sterling to do some fine painting on a new hall in that place” (page 4). Mount Sterling, Illinois, was approximately 40 miles due south of Macomb. 1875 seemed to be a transition point for Sosman, redirecting his focus to scenic art opportunities. His scenic art skills, acquired while assisting Harrison in 1873, became a very valuable asset on the road. Scenic art projects were considerably larger and much more lucrative than commercial signs and decorative painting.
To fully appreciate Sosman’s transition from sign painting to scenic art, I will explore the life and career of Thomas Benjamin Harrison in my next post.
To be continued…
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