Certificate Inducting Francis C. Sessions into the Sons of Temperance

This certificate documents Francis C. Sessions' induction into the Columbus, Ohio Chapter of the "Sons of Temperance." According to the Ohio History Connection, the "Sons of Temperance" was an organization fighting for the prohibition (or as least the limitation) of alcohol in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Joining the cause was seen as an act of morality in a time when alcohol consumption was believed to be causing the downfall of the United States of America.

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.

More information on the Sons of Temperance Movement can be found on the Ohio History Connection website (http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Temperance_Movement).