Category: American Reflector & Lighting Co.

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Joseph Landis (1844-1936) worked as an electrical engineer at Sosman & Landis before he became associated with the American Reflector and Lighting Co. in 1893. At the time of his passing in 1936, his obituary mentioned his work for the “Sosman & Landis Lighting Engineers Company.”

Joseph Landis was born on March 8, 1844, in Fairfield, Iowa. He was the fifth of twelve children born to Henry H. and Catharine Landis. The Landis family never settled in one place for long, and the birth of each child marked the Landis family’s travels between Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. The twelve Landis children included: Mary (1833, Indiana), John A. (1835, Ohio), David J. (1839, Ohio), Jacob H. (1841, Ohio), Joseph (1844, Iowa), Infant daughter (born/died 1846), Julia Ann (born/died 1847), Perry (1848, Indiana), James Henry (1851, Indiana), Edgar (1852, Indiana), Franklin (1856, Iowa), Charles (1858, Iowa).

By the time he was twelve years old, Joseph was living on a farm in Steady Run, Keokuk County, Iowa. The boys sold produce and manned a local fruit stand. For geographical context, Steady Run was due north of Fairfield, Iowa. When the Civil War began, Jacob was seventeen years old; old enough to enlist and fight. Davis, Jacob and Joseph Landis all registered for military duty in Steady Run on the same day. I have yet to locate any information that verifies if Joseph Landis actually fought in the Civil War, but four of his brothers enlisted. David Landis died in 1863 from injuries sustained during battle.  

In the years immediately following the Civil War, Joseph’s older brother, Jacob “Jake” Landis, entered the watch and jewelry business. He established a store in Fairfield, Iowa, and placed advertisements in the “Fairfield Ledger:”

“Jacob Landis, Dealer in and repairer of Watchers, Clocks, Jewelry, & c. North-East Corner Park, Fairfield, Iowa. A strict attention to business, and a desire to please all. He will pay particular attention to the manufacture of Gold and Silver Rings. Oct. 25, ’66-1y44.”

This was a turning point for the Landis family as they gradually transitioned from farmers to merchants. Over the next two decades four of Landis sons entered this jewelry profession. Even at the time of their father’s passing in 1893, Henry H. Landis was listed as a silversmith.

In 1870, Joseph Landis’s occupation was listed as a jeweler in the US Federal Census. At the time, he was 26 yrs. old and living in Liberty, Union, Indiana. Boarding at the United States Hotel, he met and soon married a local Liberty girl named Prudence Mae Hughes. She was the daughter of Francis N. Hughes and Mary Prudence Adams. Joseph and Prudence were married on Oct. 19, 1871, and remained in the area for several years. In 1875, they celebrated the birth Kathryn E. Landis.

By 1880, Henry H. Landis was also working as a jeweler in Rushville, Indiana, founding H. H. Landis & Son. That same year, Joseph was working as a jeweler in Liberty, Indiana, and Jacob Landis was working as a jeweler in Paskenta, California. Edgar would also move to California and work in a variety of trades, including mining.

Meanwhile, Perry Landis embarked on another journey and entered the theatre industry. By 1879 he and Joseph Sosman opened Sosman & Landis Scene Painting Studio at 279 South Clark St. in Chicago. That year, Frank Landis worked for the firm as a traveling salesman. By 1880, Sosman & Landis began to expand their staff as scenic art orders substantially increased. Some of their clients that year included the Turner Hall in Menasha, Wisconsin; the Philharmonic Hall in Winona, Minnesota; and H. D. McCullough’s Hall in Steven’s Point, Wisconsin. Between June 1881 and July 1882, Sosman & Landis delivered scenery to seventy-four stages throughout Illinois, Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, West Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, Wyoming, Dakota Territory and Montana Territory.

            The immediate success of Sosman & Landis drew in other Landis brothers by the mid-1880s. Charles worked for the firm as a foreman in 1885, although it remains unclear in what department, whether it was scenery, lighting or stage hardware. Although I have yet to locate exactly when Joseph moved to Chicago, but he was a resident by 1891. On Aug. 23, 1891, the “Indianapolis Journal” reported, “Joseph Landis and family of Chicago are visiting in Liberty.”

Two years later, Joseph transitioned from working at Sosman & Landis to managing the American Reflector and Lighting Company of Chicago. The American Reflector and Lighting Co. was incorporated on April 5, 1893. The company’s objective was to “manufacture, purchase, sell and deal in all kinds of fixtures, machinery and appliances to be used for the purpose of lighting, heating and cooking and other purposes.”  The timing could not have been better for the firm, as the Columbian Exposition opened on May 1, 1893.  The fair ran until October 31 of that year.

The starting capital stock for the American Reflector and Lighting Co. was $100,000, with the amount of each share being $1,000.  A meeting of the stock subscribers was held on April 4, 1893. Minutes from the meeting showed the following distribution of shares to subscribers: Perry Landis subscribed for 200 shares of stock.

Joseph S. Sosman subscribed for 250 shares of stock.

Joseph Landis subscribed for 300 shares of stock.

Charles Landis subscribed for 200 shares of stock.

William A. Toles subscribed for 50 shares of stock.

Directors of the American Reflector and Lighting Co. were listed as Perry Landis, Joseph Sosman & Charles Landis.  The four officers for the firm elected by the Board of Directors (President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer), rotated between Perry Landis, Joseph Sosman, Charles Landis and Joseph Landis until 1904. These four were frequently listed as the co-founders of the corporation. The first address for factory for the American Reflector & Lighting Company was 215-217-219 South Clinton Street, with offices and salesroom at 80 Jackson Street. Keep in mind that Sosman & Landis’ main studio and offices were located at 236-238 South Clinton Street, just up the block. In 1894, “The Chicago Blue Book” lists the homes of Joseph Sosman, Perry Landis, Frank Landis and Henry Landis on West Congress Street. Perry was at 446, Sosman was at 570, and Frank was at 580.  By this time, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Landis were also living in Chicago on West Congress St (at Frank’s home). Frank had expanded his business interests to real estate.

In 1894, the Sosman & Landis studio catalogue carried a full page of advertisements for the American Reflector & Lighting Co. The advertisement asked, “How are You Going to Light Your Audience Room and Stage? The question of Proper Lighting is a most important one.”  Profits continued to dramatically increase at the American Reflector and Lighting Co. throughout the 1890s. Money poured into the firm, with stockholders greatly benefitting from increased profits.

Between 1898 and 1901, Joseph Landis was listed in the Oak Park Directory as working at the American Reflector and Lighting Co, located at 273 Franklin in Chicago. At this time, the Landis family lived at 244 Home St. in Cicero. Cicero was only three miles southwest of Oak Park. Many Sosman & Landis employees settled in the western suburbs of Oak Park, Cicero, Austin and Berwyn in the late-nineteenth century and early-twentieth-century. It was a short train ride from downtown Chicago. In 1900, the Landis household included his wife Prudence, 15-yrs.-old daughter Kathryn E. and a servant named Ida Neilson. The 1900 US Federal Census listed Joseph Landis as a “manager” in the “lighting factory” industry.

Joseph Landis did quite well for himself during the first decade of the twentieth century. He was able to purchase a summer home and travel in his leisure time. His travels made Oak Park news, and on Aug. 20, 1904, the “Oak Park Reported,” announced “Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Landis and Mrs. John Sargent are spending a few weeks at Winona Lake, Ind.” There was a summer home in Winona Lake.

Joseph and Frank Landis eventually purchased homes on the same street in Oak Park –  215 and 221 South Oak Park. Their homes were only two blocks away from the home of Thomas G. Moses at 233 S. Euclid Ave: a short four-minute walk. The three remained extremely close over the years, especially after Moses was elected President of Sosman & Landis. On August 28, 1915, the “Oak Park Leaves” reported, “President of “Scenery” Company. Thomas G. Moses has become president of the firm Sosman & Landis of Chicago, for many years one of the leading houses in the country engaged in the making and painting of scenery and the making of ‘properties’ for theatrical productions. Mr. Landis dies several years ago, and Mr. Sosman died early this month. Mr. Moses has been identified with the form for thirty-five years, and is recognized as one of the leading artists in this line in the country. The business has grown from the employment of a single artist, when Mr. Moses first took up the work, until now it requires thirty-five artists and fifteen stage mechanics. Mr. Moses first became a stockholder and vice president of the company ten years ago and now succeeds to the active control. Mr. Moses is a well-known citizen of Oak Park and has made his home at 233 South Euclid for twenty-two years” (page 40).

            Life was going extremely well for the Landis families. It appeared as if all of the hard work over the years was paying off. Their daughter Katie grew up and married to Raymond Fritz Harris (1872-1942) on September 7, 1912. A granddaughter, Viola Landis Harris, was born the next year on Dec. 10, 1913. Raymond Harris worked as an accountant in the painting industry in 1917, and the small Harris family lived at the Landis home (221 S. Oak Park). On Dec. 22, 1917, the “Oak Park Leaves” announced, “Mrs. Joseph Landis, Mrs. Raymond Harris and daughter Viola of 221 South Oak Park avenue left Tuesday for Miami, Fla., to spend the winter, Mr. Landis and Mr. Harris are to follow later.” (page 4).

Tragedy struck the Landis family only two years, and lasted until 1923.  On 2 Jan 1919, Kathryn Landis Harris passed away. She was only 44 years old at the time, and the mother of a young child. Her body was brought back to Liberty, Indiana, where she was buried at West Point Cemetery. Her daughter and husband continued to live at Joseph Landis’ house as the extended family grieved the loss of Katie. In 1919 the Landis household included not only Joseph, Prudence, 5-yrs.-old granddaughter Viola, and son-in-law, Raymond Fritz Harris, but also several others. The 1919 Oak Park Directory listed the following individuals residing at 221 South Oak Park avenue: J. Landis, R. F. Harris, L. E. Burr, F. Creek, and J. H. Pallister.

Joseph and Prudence continued to raise their young granddaughter until she graduated from high school and was married. At some point, however, Viola’s father moved out of the home. There is little information about the remainder of Raymond Harris’ personal or business activities over the next few decades, but he remained in the field of accounting. Meanwhile, Joseph, Prudence and Viola continued on with either Katie or RaymondThe three continued to vacation at Winona Lake, Indiana, and managed as best they could without Katie. On Aug. 21, 1920 (page 71), the “Oak Park Leaves” announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Landis and Miss Viola of 221 South Oak Park avenue have returned from a month’s outing at Winona Lake, Ind.”

By 1921, brothers Joseph, Frank and Charles Landis were all listed in the Oak Park Telephone Directory: Charles W. Landis 463 N. Evergreen Ave. Elmhurst; Franklin Landis 215 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park; and Jos Landis 221 S Oak Pk Ave, Oak Park. They were only 10 miles apart. The following year in 1922, Charles Landis relocated to N. Ashland Ave. in LaGrange, still only 8 miles away from his brothers. The close family togetherness was not meant to last. In 1923, both Charles and Frank passed away.

Frank’s obituary remembered his younger brother’s passing the month before:

““Franklin Landis. Funeral services for the late Franklin Landis were conducted last Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock at his residence, 215 South Oak Park avenue, Rev. R. E. Vale officiating. Burial was at Rushville, Ind. Mr. Landis suffered a stroke of paralyses in March, 1918, while he partially recovered and sought relief in warm climates, he never fully regained his health. About two weeks ago he was subjected to a complication which his weak heart was unable to withstand. His condition was aggravated by grief over the death of his youngest brother a month previous. Mr. Landis was born in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1856 and came to Chicago in 1888, He was a land broker, his judgement being taken as authoritative and sound. As recently as last April he made a trip to inspect some large holdings and it was on that trip that he suffered a complete breakdown. Mr. and Mrs. Landis moved to Oak Park in 1903. Mr. Landis was fond of nature and especially flowers. Besides Mrs. Landis, one brother, Joseph Landis, 221 south Pak Park avenue, survives.”         

1923 was also the year that Sosman & Landis closed its doors. Assets were liquidated, the space leased to a new studio, and the firm’s name sold to Thomas G. Moses and Fred R. Megan. Regardless of the economic turmoil, Joseph Landis continued to work as an electrical engineer, raising his granddaughter in Oak Park. Life simply went on for those who survived the trying times. The Landis family only occasionally made news in the 1920s. In 1924, the “Oak Park Leaves” announced a few family vacations to Winona Lake, but little else. I have yet to locate any more information pertaining to Landis’ business endeavors in the 1920s.  After all, in 1920 Joseph Landis was already 76 yrs. old. He would remain in Oak Park for another twelve years, waiting for his granddaughter to reach adulthood. Until the age of 88 yrs. old, he, Prudence and Viola lived in Oak Park. In 1932, however, they all returned to Liberty, Indiana. Viola’s own father remained in Illinois and continued to work as a bookkeeper until his own passing in 1942.

When Joseph Landis returned to Liberty, he was welcomed home by both friends and family. Although it had been more than four decades since he worked as a jeweler there, live fell back into a comfortable rhythm. One of the reasons for their return to family in Liberty was Prudence’s failing health. Fortunately, they were able to enjoy two more years together. Prudence passed away on July 5, 1932.

On July 6, 1934, “The Richmond Item” reported, “Mrs. P. H. Landis, Liberty Resident, Dies at Age of 84.” The article continued, “Liberty, Ind., July 5 – Following a week’s illness Mrs. Prudence Hughes Landis, 84 years old, wife of Joseph Landis, died Thursday afternoon at her residence on East South street. Mrs. Landis was one of the best known residents of the community, She had been in failing health for several years. After they had operated a jewelry store in Liberty for a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Landis disposed of the business and removed to Chicago several years ago but after a time they returned to Liberty for permanent residence. Mrs. Landis, who was a member of the local Presbyterian Church, is survived by her husband and a granddaughter, Miss Viola Harris, at home. Funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday at the residence, Dr. Walter H. Reynolds, pastor of the Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery” (page 9). Other obituary announcements reported, “She is survived by her husband; granddaughter, Miss Viola Harris; and two nephews, Herbert Hughes of Connersville, and Harold S. Hughes. Mrs. Landis was a sister of the late C.E Hughes.
Mr. Landis operated a jewelry store in Liberty for several years. He and Mrs. Landis moved to Chicago years ago, returning to Liberty two years ago for permanent residence.
Mrs. Landis had been in failing health for the past few years. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church and was an active worker in the church until her health failed her.”

Joseph Landis passed away two years later. At the time of his passing his death certificate still listed him as an electrical engineer. On March 17, 1936, “The Richmond Item” of Richmond, Indiana, announced, “Aged Liberty Businessman Dies At Home. Joseph Landis, 92 Years Old, Former Jeweler in Liberty, Chicago Well Known” (page 1). The article went onto report:

“LIBERTY, Ind., Mar. 16.- Joseph Landis, 92 years old on Mar. 8, died at his home on South Street, Monday. He had been confined to his bed only about three weeks. Mr. Landis was one of the early citizens of Liberty, having been engaged for several years in the jeweler’s business here. Later he and his family moved to Chicago where he engaged in the business for some years, later connecting himself with the Sosman & Landis Lighting Engineers Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Landis, with their only granddaughter, Miss Viola Harris, returned to Liberty about five years ago, he having retired from business some ten years before that time. Mrs. Landis’s death occurred after their return to Liberty. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. In addition to the granddaughter, at home, he is survived by a number of cousins, including Mrs. Belle Stevens of Liberty., Mrs. Prudence Wallace and other cousins of Brookville, and Harold Hughes, a nephew, of Liberty. Funeral Services will take place at the residence, Wednesday forenoon at 10:30 o’clock with Dr. Walter H. Reynolds. Pastor of the Liberty Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery.”

Viola Landis Harris was 22 yrs. old at the time of her grandfather’s death. That summer, she married Earl Forest Kitchel (1910-1988). Newspapers announced their wedding on August 1, 1936. Viola and Earl began their married life on a farm, just south of Richmond, Indiana.  Her portrait was published with their wedding announcement “The Richmond Item” on Sept. 6, 1936 (page 7).

To be continued…

Copyright © 2022 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett

Charles Landis worked at Sosman & Landis from approximately 1883 to 1893. He was Perry Landis’ youngest brother.

For context, Joseph Sosman partnered with Perry Landis in approximately 1875.  By 1879 the two leased a studio in Chicago. Sosman & Landis increased their staff, hiring a variety of professionals, friends and family members. In 1879, Perry’s 23-yrs.-old brother Frank Landis, representing the firm as a traveling salesman.  Here is the link to Frank Landis, Sosman & Landis employee No. 1 – Frank Landis: https://drypigment.net2021/03/28/sosman-landis-shaping-the-landscape-of-american-theatre-employee-no-1-frank-landis-salesman/ Frank’s time with the company was short-lived, and he soon returned to Rushville, Indiana, to work for their father in the jewelry business. Frank would again return to Chicago in 1888, this time establishing himself as a land broker. 

Charles Landis, became associated with Sosman & Landis by the mid-1880s. He worked in a variety of capacities for the firm, including foreman, clerk and manager. Three Landis brothers were linked to the business investments of Sosman & Landis: Charles, Frank and Joseph.

Charles was the youngest of twelve children born to Henry H. Landis (1809-1893) and Catherine Johnston Landis (1817-1902). You can trace the Landis family’s travels from 1833 to 1958 by the birth of each child:

Mary (1833-1860, born in Indiana)

John A. (1835-1915, born in Xenia, Ohio)

David J. (1839-1863, born in Ohio)

Jacob H. (1841-1911, born in Ohio)

Joseph (1844-1936, born in Fairfield, Iowa)

Infant daughter (1846-1846, no information beyond the dates)

Julia Ann (1847-1847, no information beyond the dates)

Perry (1848-1905, born in Indiana)

James Henry (1851-1860, born in Indiana)

Edgar (1852-1914, born in Indiana)

Franklin (1856-1923, born in Fairfield, Iowa)

Charles (1858-1923, born in Fairfield, Iowa).

In1856, the Landis family was living in Fairfield, Iowa, where both Frank and Charles were born. For geographical context, Fairfield is located half-way between Mount Pleasant and Ottumwa, Iowa.

In 1875, when Charles had just turned 17 yrs. old, Perry met Joseph S. Sosman. Sosman was painting scenery for Semon’s Opera House in Fairfield. At the time, he was assisted by another gentleman by the name of Blain. Previously he had partnered with another scenic artist named T. B. Harrison. In Fairfield, Sosman and Blain not only painted theatre scenery, but also advertising boards for local businesses. After all of their Fairfield projects were completed, Sosman and Blain headed to Washington, Iowa, where they painted scenery for Everson’s Hall. In Washington they advertised their painting services for sign work, fine signs, and window curtains (“Washington County Gazette,” Nov. 24, 1875).

While Sosman was working with Blain, his permanent residence was listed Macomb, Illinois.  Macomb is located approximately 100 miles southwest of Fairfield; so, not a quick hop, skip, and jump away. Between the fall of 1875 and the spring of 1876, Sosman and Landis began working together. At the time, they were both listed as scenic artist.

By the spring of 1876, the travels of Sosman and Landis were announced in the “Fairfield Ledger.” On May 11, 1876 and announcement in the newspaper’s “Local Miscellany” section reported, “Perry Landis and J. S. Sosman spent a few days in the city last week” (page 3). The same announcement was made the following month, on June 11, 1876. They were fast friends and loyal companions. Even in death they share the same family grave plot.

As with many small businesses, Sosman & Landis relied heavily upon the support of family. In turn, their financial success was shared with family, friends and their respective hometowns. Charles Landis worked with his brother Perry and Joe Sosman until the end of their lives in 1904 and 1915 respectively.

Here is what I have located about the life and career of Charles Landis…

On July 12, 1858, Charles Landis was born in Fairfield, Iowa. By the time Charles was 2 yrs. old, the Landis family moved to Steady Run, Iowa. Steady Run is in Keokuk County, approximately twenty miles northwest of Fairfield (as the crow flies).  The 1860 census listed the Landis household as including eight children: David (21), Jacob (19), Joseph (16), Perry (12), James H. (8) , Edgar (6), Franklin (3) and Charles (2). Keep in mind that the four brothers who would continue to work together over the years were Joseph, Perry, Franklin and Charles.

By 1870, the Landis family relocated to Indiana. The 1870 Census listed the Landis household as including Henry (63), Catharine (52), Jacob (28), Perry (21), Edward (17), Francis (14, Iowa), Charles (11), and Hetta Morrison (13). The family was living on a farm near Connersville, Indiana.  It was about this time that Henry H. Landis began operating a jewelry store in Rushville. This was not an unusual move as Henry’s son, Jacob “Jake” Landis, had been involved in a similar endeavor while living in Fairfield. In 1867, Jake Landis advertised as a “Dealer in & repair of watches, clocks, jewelry, &c. in Fairfield, Iowa (“Fairfield Ledger,” 20 June 1867, page 2). In Rushville, Henry Landis established the firm of H. H. Landis & Son, another jewelry and watch establishment. Joseph continued this trade, eventually leaving Rushville to continue this line of work in other cities, ending up in California by 1880. Over the years, both Henry and Joseph employed several family members. Yet they would both end up in Chicago by the 1890s when a new opportunity presented itself to the Landis family.

When Perry set his sights on Chicago, three of his brothers soon followed. When Sosman & Landis opened their studio in Chicago, Frank hit the road as a traveling salesman for the firm. That being said, he did not last for long, and soon returned to his father’s line of work for a while. He would eventually return to Chicago and invest in real estate.

Going back to the beginning of Sosman & Landis, however, it is easy to see that the opened in the right place at the right time. In 1880, the firm of Sosman & Landis was the only scenic artists listed in the Chicago City Directory. They created a unique category for themselves, which meant their services were set apart from all of the other Chicago artists. What a brilliant marketing move, especially as “Artists (Scenic)” was the first to be listed in the artists category.

On August 15, 1883, the Connersville Examiner  of Connersville, Indiana reported, “Charley Landis, of Rushville, was in the city one day last week mingling with his many friends. He has retired from the jewelry business at Rushville and will travel in the interest of the Landis & Sosman Senic and Art Studio of Chicago. He goes to Texas this week” (page 3).

In 1884, the Chicago Directory listed Charles Landis as a “foreman” at 279 Clark Street, living at 104 Centre Avenue with his brother Perry. From 1885-1886, Charles continued in the same capacity with the firm, but was not boarding at the Farewell House. 279 Clark was the address for Sosman & Landis.

In 1885, Farwell House made newspapers for its new fire escape. On March 19, 1884, the “Inter Ocean” included an article about C. Baker’s fire escape (page 9). This was Chauncy D. Baker, another Sosman & Landis employee. The article reported, “A sensible fire escape was exhibited from the Farewell Block yesterday which is in many ways meritorious, and must soon come into use by owners of large public buildings where many persons are employed, and in hotels and colleges throughout the country. The invention is the result of Chicago ingenuity, and is secured to Mr. C. Baker by letters patent…The cost is but $200, and one escape is sufficient for one building, unless it is unusually large…The escape may be seen in operation any day at the Farewell Block, on Adams street, and any time, and information had of H. Burgheim, at No. 279 South Clark street.”

In 1885, Sosman & Landis prepared to build a new shop, with the “Inter Ocean” announcing, “A permit was issued to Messrs. Sosman & Landis, the theatrical scenic artists, to build a two-story scenic studio, 44×150, at Nos. 236 and 238 South Clinton street, to cost $12,000” (page 8).  They would spend another $38,000 to fully equip the building. By 1889, company catalogues stated, “We have, at a cost of $50,000, built and equipped the largest and most complete painting studio in the world. Our main paint room, 50×150 feet, with 40 feet height of ceiling, fully equipped with every modern appliance, is the wonder of all managers who visit it. Below this are our carpenter shops, sewing and canvas rooms, occupying 50×150 feet, with 20 ft. ceiling.”

Charles Landis remained with the firm after they moved from 279 S. Clark Street to 236-238 South Clinton in 1886. The 1888 Chicago Directory listed Charles Landis as a manager at the firm, still working at 236 S. Clinton. The 1889 Chicago Directory listed Charles Landis as a clerk, again working at 236 S. Clinton. As the company expanded, Charles was shifted from one position to another as needed. While saving up his pennies, Charles frequently returned to Rushville where he began and courting a young lady. On June 10, 1890, Charles married Ella Gregg (1860-1897) in Rushville, Indiana. Ella also went by her middle name, May. She was the daughter of George W. Gregg and Sarah J. Mitchell. She was one of several children born to the couple. The Gregg children included Nancy A. (b. 1844), Lucian Bailey Gregg (b. 1849), George T. (b. 1853), Amanda (b. 1857), Ella M. (b. 1860), Charles (1866), and Ruby (b. 1868). The 1880 US Federal Census listed the Gregg household as including her 12-yrs.-old sister Ruby. The family resided on a farm near Rushville.  On June 11, 1891, the “Rushville Republican” reported, “Mr. Charles Landis and Miss May Gregg were married Wednesday, forenoon, at the residence of Mrs. Nannie Helm [Nancy A. Gregg], on Elizabeth street, by Elder J. H. MacNeill, in the presence of a number of intimate friends. After the marriage they left for Chicago, on the 10:17 train, where they will make their future home. Mr. Landis was formerly one of our best citizens, but is now a successful businessman of Chicago. The bride is one of Rushville’s best young ladies and Mr. Landis is to  be congratulated in securing her for a life’s partner.”

The couple began their life together in Chicago, with Charles continuing to work at Sosman & Landis until 1893, when the Landis brothers embarked on a new adventure. Now keep in mind that by the 1880s, Sosman and Landis did much more than manufacture painted stage settings. Sosman and Landis catalogues featured a variety of stage hardware and lighting equipment for the stage. In regard to lighting equipment, the firm offered a range of oil and gas fixtures.

Products they carried in 1889 included:

Improved Gas Cock, with adjustable by-pass.

Complete Gas Stands

Bunch Lights.

Border Lights.

Footlight pipes and burners.

Products continued to be added each year, and by the 1890s Sosman & Landis lighting equipment also included electrical products.

Their 1894 catalogue featured:

Improved Border Lights for Gas and Electric.

Footlights and Ground Row Lights, for Gas.

Foot and Border Lights, for Oil.

As the demand for lighting instruments increased, Sosman and Landis took the next step to establish a lighting company. The timing of their decision coincided with the opening of the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. 

It is important to remember that electric lighting was a feature, with many of the buildings outlined in lights to form the White City.

Midway One of the features at the exposition was an electric scenic theater. On June 29, 1893, “The Inter Ocean” advertised:

“ELECTRIC SCENIC THEATER,

Midway Plaisance.

A DAY IN THE ALPS.

From early dawn to sunrise, brilliant daylight, thunder storm, twilight. Alpine glowing, rise of the moon, to night with sparkling stars. Wonderful lighting effects unknown in other lands. The most intellectual spectacle on the Midway Plaisance. Admission 25c. Performances every half hour” (page 5).

After the fair closed, Sosman & Landis leased the Masonic Temple Rooftop Garden. The installed two electric scenic theaters and opened a theatrical management firm, known as Sosman, Landis & Hunt. For the 1893 exposition, Sosman & Landis had completed dozens of projects that ranged from Midway attractions to industrial exhibits on the fairgrounds. They also designed and manufactured many painted settings for public spectacles, parades, and other productions marketed to world fair visitors. All the while, they continued to manufacture stock scenery settings for theaters across the country, including stages in Bozeman, Montana; Pocatello, Idaho; Fox Lake, Wisconsin; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Norfolk, Virginia; and Meriden, Connecticut, to name a few.

Sosman & Landis not only specialized in paintings scenery, but also stage machinery and lighting systems. The American Reflector and Lighting Co. was incorporated on April 5, 1893. Established by Perry Landis, William A. Toles. And Robert L. Tatham, the company’s objective was to “manufacture, purchase, sell and deal in all kinds of fixtures, machinery and appliances to be used for the purpose of lighting, heating and cooking and other purposes.”  The timing could not have been better for the firm, as the Columbian Exposition opened on May 1, 1893.  The fair ran until October 31 of that year.

The starting capital stock for the American Reflector and Lighting Co. was $100,000, with the amount of each share being $1,000.  A meeting of the stock subscribers was held on April 4, 1893. Minutes from the meeting showed the following distribution of shares to subscribers: Perry Landis subscribed for 200 shares of stock.

Joseph S. Sosman subscribed for 250 shares of stock.

Joseph Landis subscribed for 300 shares of stock.

Charles Landis subscribed for 200 shares of stock.

William A. Toles subscribed for 50 shares of stock.

Directors of the American Reflector and Lighting Co. were listed as Perry Landis, Joseph Sosman & Charles Landis.  The four officers for the firm elected by the Board of Directors (President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer), rotated between Perry Landis, Joseph Sosman, Charles Landis and Joseph Landis until 1904. These four were frequently listed as the co-founders of the corporation.

By summer 1893, Charles Landis not only served as Secretary and Treasurer for the American Reflector & Lighting Company, but also as General Manager for the firm. The first address for factory for the American Reflector & Lighting Company was 215-217-219 South Clinton Street, with offices and salesroom at 80 Jackson Street. Keep in mind that Sosman & Landis’ main studio and offices were located at 236-238 South Clinton Street, just up the block. Very convenient for all involved.

They not only worked together, but lived near one another. In 1894, “The Chicago Blue Book” lists the homes of Joseph Sosman, Perry Landis, Frank Landis and Henry Landis on West Congress Street. Perry was at 446, Sosman was at 570, and Frank was at 580.  By this time, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Landis were also living in Chicago on West Congress St (at Frank’s home). Charles Landis was not listed in any Chicago Directory at this time. I have yet to locate where he was living while working in Chicago. He may have been living with one of his brothers on West Congress St.

By Feb. 5, 1894, the firm signed a lease to rent the second floor of the Knapp Electrical Works at 271-273 S. Franklin St. for $2000 per annum. This was the address that would remain the firm’s main offices until 1919 when fire swept through the building.

In 1894, the Sosman & Landis studio catalogue carried a full page of advertisements for the American Reflector & Lighting Co.

The advertisement asked, “How are You Going to Light Your Audience Room and Stage? The question of Proper Lighting is a most important one.”  The manufacturing company offered, “a full line of improved Lighting Fixtures for Electricity, Gas or Oil, specially adapted for the lighting of Theatres, Halls, Assembly Rooms and Churches.” The advertisement continued:

“Their Line Comprises:

Inverted Double Cone Corrugates Silvered and Opal Glass Reflectors.

Peerless Sun Burners, which area especially adapted for lighting and ventilating large auditoriums.

Improved Border Lights for Gas.

Improved Border Lights for Combination Gas and Electricity.

Improved Electric Border Lights.

Gas Stands or Tables fitted with polished Brass By-Pass Cocks.

Gas Bunch Lights with Reflectors and Wire Guards.

Improved Electric Bench Lights.

Combination Gas and Electric Border Lights, with Reflectors and Wire Guards.

Patent Eclipse Foot and Border Lights for Oil, that turn up and down same as Gas.

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On March 17, 1894, the “Victoria Advocate” in Victoria, Texas, listed both Sosman & Landis and The American Reflector and Lighting Co. in the same article about Hauschild’s Opera House. The article reported, “The scenery is from Sosman & Landis’ great scene painting studio of Chicago and must be seen to be fully appreciated, As scenic artists that firm stands in the front ranks, and their work for the new opera house will be accepted as an evidence that the high reputation of the house is deserved.

The lights, including a handsome large chandelier for the center, were supplied by the American Reflector and Lighting Company, or Chicago, and are in keeping with the general high characteristic of the furnishings throughout the entire building.”

No one would ever have guessed the intimate link between Sosman & Landis and the American Reflector and Lighting Co.

Profits continued to dramatically increase at the American Reflector and Lighting Co. throughout the 1890s. Money poured into the firm, with stockholders greatly benefitting from increased profits. Although Charles Landis continued to succeed in business, his personal life fell apart in 1897. His wife, Ella May Gregg Landis, passed away on April 16 of that year. On April 20, 1897, the “Rushville Republican” reported, “Mrs. May Landis, wife of Charles Landis, of Chicago, died at Phoenix, Arizona, last Friday afternoon, of Bright’s disease. Mrs. Landis is well-remembered in this city as Miss May Gregg, being a daughter of the late George T. Gregg, She was married in this city to Mr. Landis, on June 10, 1891, who survives her. the remains will arrive in this city tomorrow morning, and will be taken to the home of her sister, Mrs. Nannie Helm on Third Street. The burial will be at East Hill Cemetery. Her many friends in this city are sorry to hear of her death and sympathize deeply with the family in their bereavement” (page 3).

Charles continued to live in Chicago, and by 1898 was listed in the City Directory as Secretary for the American Reflector & Lighting Co. at 271 Franklin, living at 2075 W Adams.  That same year, his older brother Joseph Landis was listed as manager of the firm, living in Oak Park. Many Sosman & Landis employees, including Thomas G. Moses, also lived in Oak Park at the time. The town was a short hop, skip and jump from downtown Chicago, easily accessible by public transit.

Charles remarried in 1899. After more than two years of grieving, he married Ruby Gregg (1868-1937) on Sept. 7, 1899. Ruby was Ella “May” Gregg’s younger sister. I have yet to locate any marriage records for the two, but the couple was listed in the 1900US Federal Census. The census report listed Charles’ employment industry as “gas fixture.” Although living in Chicago, the couple continually returned to Rushville, visiting extended family.  On April 23, 1901, the “Rushville Republican” reported, “Charles Landis and wife, of Chicago, are visiting Mrs. Nannie Helm and daughter, Miss Bertha.”

By August 3, 1903, the American Reflector & Lighting Co. Board of Directors noted that the continued illness of Perry Landis and his consequent inability to act as a director of the company. At Sosman & Landis, Thomas G. Moses returned to the firm at the firm’s vice-president. At the American Reflector and Lighting Co., Perry’s ill health necessitated that his older brother, Joseph Landis, take Perry’s place as Director for the remainder of his term. Records from the same meeting also listed that Joseph Landis was also nominated for the office of president of the company. By now, the offices of the American Reflector and Lighting company were temporarily listed as 52 Jackson in Chicago.

Tragedy struck the American Reflector and Lighting company in 1906 when fire destroyed one of the firm’s buildings at 199-201 Van Buren. On July 4, fire destroyed a four-story structure that was occupied by the American Reflector & Lighting Co.; A. Meisser & Son, hats and caps; and the Ozark Garment Co. This was not the firm’s main headquarters, however, and business was able to continue. Regardless, Perry’s passing caused an upset in both firms, and non a personal front with Sosman. Despite a booming business, Sosman began to gradually withdraw from the daily running of the business. It was as if his heart was no longer in the chase.

By 1908, the American Reflector & Lighting Company decreased its stock value from $100,000 to $10,000. Charles remained with the firm, and the 1910 US Federal Census listed Charles Landis as the manager and treasurer of the Electric Reflector and Light Co. He was living with his wife Ruby at North Ashland Ave, in Lyons, Cook County, Illinois. Interestingly, he was the next door neighbor of a manager for the Otis Elevator Co., Job Fish.

After the passing of Sosman in 1915, two meetings were held in December. The first was a  special meeting of the American Reflector and Lighting Co. Directors, held at 517 W. Jackson Boulevard. Joseph Landis, acting as Secretary, recorded that Charles Landis was nominated President, Perry Lester Landis [Perry’s son] was nominated vice-president, and Mrs. Joseph H. Sosman was nominated secretary and treasurer. The second meeting was held for the stockholders. Present were Mrs. Joseph S. Sosman, Mrs. Nora Landis, Perry Lester Landis [Perry’s son] and Joseph Landis. The following was recorded: “On motion, duly seconded, the Secretary states that owning to the fact that the former Secretary Charles Landis had disposed of his stock in the company in order to keep up equal payments to the various stockholders a special dividend of $2,000 to be divided among the stockholders as per stock held would be made.”

By Nov. 14, 1916, the following officers were elected to the American Reflector & Lighting Co. Board of Directors: Mr. Joseph Landis (president and treasurer), Mr. Charles Landis (vice-president), and Mr. Perry L. Landis (secretary).

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, 1916, a special meeting of the stockholders was held in the firm’s offices at 517 W. Jackson Boulevard. Present were Joseph Landis (50 shares), A. J. Lawson (25 shares), representing three-fourths of the capital stock. The Director of the American Reflector & Lighting Co. were now A. J. Lawson (president), P. L. Landis (vice-president), and Joseph Landis (secretary and treasurer).  On July 16, 1917, a special meeting of the Board of Directors recorded, “Meeting was called to order by A. J. Lawson who advised that as the stock in the corporation formerly held by Mrs. Nora Landis and Perry Lester Landis had been disposed of, it would be advisable to make a record at to the present distribution of the entire stock in the corporation, and on investigation for the records the following were found to hold the entire stock in the corporation consisting of 100 shares:

Joseph Landis (57 ½ shares)

A. J. Lawson (40 shares)

Charles Landis 2 ½ shares”

Then a motion was made to elect Charles Landis to the office of Vice-President, formerly held by Perry L. Landis [Perry’s son]. A. J. Lawson was the president and Joseph Landis secretary and treasurer.

By May 13, 1919, the business offices for the American Reflector & Lighting Co. were cited as 100 S. Jefferson St. in Chicago. This was after the destruction of company offices at their former place of business at 517 W. Jackson Blvd.

So, how did I get the minutes from these meetings? Last year, I received a package from A. J. Lawson’s grandson, Paul Martin. Martin stumbled across my blog and commented. Martin is also researching his grandfather’s involvement with the firm. Arthur J. Lawson (1883-1940) eventually owned the American Reflector and Lighting Co. The family continued to manage the firm until 1988 when all operations ceased. We are still trying to track down how Lawson, a young and relatively unknown individual became a major stockholder in American Reflector and Lighting Co. and sole owner over the course of a few years. I suspect that he started out on staff at either American Reflector and Lighting Co., Sosman & Landis, or a competitor. However, I have yet to directly link Lawson with Sosman & Landis prior to his involvement with the American Reflector and Lighting Co. in 1916. It may have been that he was simply in the right place at the right time too.

And yet…Lawson intimately understood lighting systems for the stage. During the summer of 1918, A. J. Lawson applied for two Border Light patents. His inventions related to improvements in border lights “especially adapted for use along the border of a stage in a theater or as footlights therefor, the object of the invention being to provide a simple and efficient construction of this character adapted to readily supply different colored lights for the stage.”  The two patents were granted on Nov. 12 and Nov. 30, 1918, respectively.

Nov. 12, 1918, Border Light Patent – https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/be/ae/5b/72f6b66e3a83fd/US1284912.pdf

Nov. 30, 1918, Border Light Patent – https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/53/dc/1e/d2286630e7f1e7/US1360417.pdf

What is also fascinating (to me) is current interest in the history of this company. At the Made-in-Chicago Museum, Andrew Clayman is writing about the firm. One of their acquisitions was produced by the American Reflector and Lighting Co. Here is the link: https://www.madeinchicagomuseum.com/single-post/american-reflector-lighting-co/ So far, the website only says, “Research is underway on this one and a full write-up will be coming soon.” I look forward to seeing what he writes about!

To briefly recap stock shares for the American Reflector and Lighting Co. in 1915 before getting back to the life and career of Charles Landis…At the time of Sosman’s passing in 1915, the Joseph S. Sosman estate listed 25 shares American Reflector and Lighting Co. shares, valued at $2500. An additional note nearby states that this was a doubtful face value. Presumably, these 25 shares were purchased by Arthur J. Lawson when the estate was liquidated, likely for less than the estimated $2500. Between 1915 and 1917, Lawson increased these 25 shares to 40 shares. Meanwhile, Charles’ Landis stock holdings with the American Reflector and Lighting Co. were reduced from 200 shares in 1893 to 2 ½ shares in 1917. By 1921, both the Sosman family and Landis family extracted themselves from the American Reflector and Lighting Co. Remember that between 1923 and 1924 Sosman & Landis was also liquidated.

Between 1910 and 1920, I have uncovered very little information about the personal or business dealings of Charles Landis. He remained with the American Reflector and Lighting Co. until at least 1920, working alongside his brother Joseph Landis and Arthur Lawson.

Charles battled cancer, likely prompting a withdrawal from the firm by 1921. Like his older brother Perry, death did not come swiftly nor was it unexpected. Perry had died at the relatively young age of 56 yrs. old in 1904. Charles passed away on Nov. 23 1923, at his home, 27 North Ashland Ave. La Grange Ill. I don’t know when Charles moved from Lyons to LaGrange, but the two cities are only 2.6 miles apart from one another.

On Nov. 24, 1923, the “Rushville Republican” reported:

 “Charles Landis Succumbs. Former Rushville Business Man to be Buried Here Sunday” (page 1). His death announcement reported, “Charles Landis, age about 65 years, formerly a Rushville business man, died at his home in LaGrange, Illinois, and the body will arrived here Sunday afternoon at 3:26 o’clock over the C.I.&W. railroad and be taken directly to East Hill for short funeral services in the chapel, in charge of the Rev. Gibson Wilson. The funeral will not be private. Mr. Landis had been ill for many months with cancer of the stomach and his death was not unexpected. He was in the jewelry business here with his father at one time, but left Rushville a number of years ago. The deceased is survived by the widow who was a sister of the late Nannie Helm [Nancy A. Landis]. He was an uncle by marriage of George Helm and Miss Bertha Helm of this city and uncle of Mrs. Jannetta Carr.” Charles was actually 63 yrs. old when he died.

Charles’ brother, Frank, died a month later that same year. Frank was 67 yrs. old. On Dec. 27, 1923, “The Daily Republican” of Rushville reported:

“Franklin Landis Succumbs. Former Rushville Jewelry Dealer Expires in Oak Park, Chicago” (page 1).

The announcement continued, “Franklin Landis, of Oak Park, Chicago, uncle of Mrs. Jeanette Carr and Mrs. Frank S. Reynolds, of this city, died at six o’clock this morning following a short illness. He was a former resident of this city, having been engaged in the jewelry business with his father, Henry H. Landis, at the place where the Abercrombie Jewelry store is now located.

The deceased was a brother of Charles Landis, who died Nov. 23, at his home in LaGrange, Ill. He is also survived by his wife, who was formerly Miss Mathilda Winship. No definite word has been received here of the funeral arrangements, but it is believed that the body will be brought here for burial.” Other articles about Frank elaborated that he suffered a stroke of paralyses in March 1918, then sought warmer climates, hoping to recover.

Only their older brother, Joseph Landis, lived a long life, not passing away until 1936 at the age of 92 yrs. old.

To be continued…