Receipt for Five Cases of Art Shipped from Italy Via S.S. Acadia, Purchased by Francis Sessions

This is a receipt for five cases of art that were purchased by Francis Sessions and shipped from Italy to New York via the S.S. Acadia. The receipt is dated October 30, 1882. The receipt provides an itemized list of charges for packing, transporting, gallery fees, postage, certificates, etc. for a total cost of $1860.50.

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.