Charlotte 'Lottie' Wilson

Born in Niles, Michigan in 1854, Charlotte "Lottie" Wilson, was the daughter of Calvin and Henrietta (Hill) Wilson. Lottie was one of only a few black women artists in the latter part of the 19th century. She taught art classes at her home and also painted china and was a fine sculptress. She painted a portrait of Booker T. Washington and gave it to the Tuskegee Institute, and a portrait of Charles Sumner which she gave to the Provident Hospital in Chicago in 1892.

Wilson painted her interpretation of the meeting between President Lincoln and famed Abolitionist and early women's rights activist, Sojourner Truth when they met in the White House on October 29, 1864. The painting, one of three artistic renditions done by Michigan artists, depicts Lincoln showing Truth a bible that had been given to him by blacks in Boston after he freed the slaves. It's the same bible used by President Obama when he was sworn into office.

The original oil painting was destroyed in a fire in 1902, fortunately a photographer, Frank Perry had taken photos. Lottie took on the monumental task of reproducing the painting from the photos earlier taken. The Niles Community Library purchased the painting in 1982.

Lottie Wilson was no doubt attracted to the pioneering spirit of the intrepid Truth. Her own family also had that same pioneering spirit. Wilson's father, Calvin F. Wilson was a charter member of the first black Masonic Lodge in Michigan. As its chairperson in 1867 he was a strong voice for equal, education for all races. Her father was also one of many black barbers in Niles, Michigan. With his wife Henrietta, reportedly a quiet woman devoted to her home and spiritually guiding her family, Wilson had moved his family from Virginia in the early 1840s. They settled into a modest house on the southwest corner of Ferry and Fifth streets, which was at that time part of a white middle-class neighborhood. Lottie, their only child was born in 1854, attended Niles public schools. After completing her early schooling in Niles, Lottie was the first African American to attend and graduate from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Lottie Wilson maintained her maiden name for her professional work. She was married three times. Her first husband was James Huggart, her children's father. He died not long after their daughter Caletta was born. Lottie painted a picture of her daughter Caletta, after her death, which occurred when she was about eleven years old in 1885. Her second husband was Wesley Jackson, her third and last husband was Daniel Moss.

Following the death of her first husband and daughter, Wilson left Niles, in the late 1890s, moving to Washington, DC, to open her own studio and focus on her work. It was while in DC., she painted the picture of Sojourner Truth and President Lincoln.

Lottie returned to Niles in 1906 and married farmer Daniel Moss. It seems she gave up painting but did teach some art classes at her home. She also painted china, did fine needlework and was a sculptress according to relatives.

Poor health forced her to move back into her childhood home in Niles from the country to be nearer doctor's care. She died there in January 1914. Upon her death many of Lottie's paintings, pottery and sculptures became a mystery as to their location.

Tragically, Lottie's children predeceased her. On Lottie's headstone is the name Dennis Daisy (died 8/30/1876 - age 1 month) and Caletta (1874 to 1885). In the 1910 census, filled out in Niles, Michigan; Lottie states that she had three children, none of which were alive by that time. She is buried with her children at the Silverbrook Cemetery in St. Niles, Michigan.

Lottie's portrait was taken when she lived in Washington DC., The cameo pin around her neck is a portrait of her daughter, Caletta.

Brief bio on Mrs. Wilson from Niles History Center:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak-Y008iXlM

Sources: Berrien County, Tribute to Lottie Wilson by Nelson Hill and USGenWeb Archives by Deanna West and Bay-Journal.com