Portrait of Hudson Samson
Portrait of Hudson Samson
Portrait of Hudson Samson

Portrait of Hudson Samson

Object number2017.117.3 a,b
Artist
Date1910
MediumPaper; Adhesive; Linen adhesive tape; Wood; Glass; Paint; Brass; Metal
Credit LineGift of Jean L. Carver
DescriptionRectangular black and white portrait on paper. Paper portrait is mounted on a rectangular acidic backing board. Sitter is depicted in slight three-quarter view facing proper left; bust portrait; direct gaze at viewer. Sitter is bearded male in tuxedo black tie dress.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth (a): 22.063 × 17 × 0.063 in. (56 × 43.2 × 0.2 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (b): 30.25 × 25.25 × 1.75 in. (76.8 × 64.1 × 4.4 cm)
Signed(a) SIgned in bottom right quadrant over sitter's proper left breast "P. W. JOHNSTON / STUDIOS".
Inscriptions(b) Brass plaque at bottom center has inscribed text "FROM / EMPLOYEES / DECEMBER 25TH / 1910".
Historical NotesH. Samson, Inc. has administered to the funerals, burials and cremation needs of Pittsburghers for over 135 years. Founded in 1859 by Hudson Samson (1840-1903), the company remained in family control into the 1990s. Hudson Samson is recognized as an innovator in the field of mortuary science. He revolutionized the embalming process by inventing a fluid injecting-device, the “Samson Pump,” which negated the need for ice in the embalming and making it a portable and efficient procedure. This device allowed him to embalm, “on site” in the home of the deceased. Up to the late nineteenth century most funeral services were performed in the home of the deceased. Samson anticipated a change in this procedure and so he built one of the first all-in-one funeral homes in 1884 complete with chapel, another first. He also built the first crematory located within the business section of a large city. His facility was only the fifth crematory built in the country. In his services, Hudson Samson demanded a sense of style not often seen in this profession. He insisted on maintaining his own livery stable in which he kept only the finest horses. The lining for many of his caskets was from merino wool. Harry G.(1870-1948), Hudson’s son, took over as director after the death of his father in 1903. Harry also contributed the innovative nature of the Samson business by implementing the first motorized funeral vehicle, the auto hearse, in 1910. He is also credited with the coinage of the term, “mortician,” according to the American Funeral Director, 1959. Howard S. Samson ( -1974), son of Harry, assumed the leadership in 1948. He held that role until his death in 1974. Howard expanded the Samson business outside the city of Pittsburgh into suburban areas through extensive newspaper advertising and direct mailing of booklets describing Samson services. One of Howard’s most unusual concepts was the institution of the Provident Fund, into which individuals could deposit funds to provide for payment of funeral services at a later time. When Howard died in 1974 his wife, Elinor, became president of H. Samson, Inc. She remained at that position until her death in 1995. After Eleanor’s tenure, Samson was sold to CMS West, the largest funeral home operator in Western Pennsylvania. In March, 1997 the Loewen Group bought Samson from CMS West.
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