Francis C. Sessions

This photograph of Francis C. Sessions is from the Maynard Johnson Family Photo Album. Francis Sessions was a successful dry goods merchant in Columbus, who prospered in the wholesale wool business, invested in railroads, and eventually became founder and president of the Commercial National Bank. Francis married Mary Johnson on August 18, 1847. Mary was daughter of one of Worthington's founders, Orange Johnson and wife Achsa (Maynard) Johnson. The Sessions were interested in promoting art and art instruction in Columbus. The Sessions art collection formed a basis for the Columbus Museum of Art collection. Francis planned upon his death for his estate to found the Sessions Academy of Fine Arts and museum to foster art education in Columbus.