Gustavus Sohon Drawings, 1858

Gustavus Sohon was born in Tilsit, Germany, 1825 December 10. He came to America at the age of 17 and lived in Brooklyn, New York. On 1852 July 2, at the age of 26, he enlisted as a private in the United States Army and was ordered West for service on the Pacific Coast.

A gifted linguist (he spoke English, French, and German), Sohon quickly learned the Salishan languages of the Flathead and Pend D'Oreille Indians. While working on expeditions, he also made drawings of the country and important landmarks. These drawings were useful in later expeditions.

Sohon's work impressed Washington Governor Issac Stevens, and at the Governor's request, Sohon was transferred to his command. Sohon worked as map maker and barometrical observer as well as sketcher and interpreter on various expeditions. Sohon was also involved in the building of the Mullan Road, the first wagon road from Fort Walla Walla to Fort Benton.

On 1863 July 29, Sohon married Juliana Goh and moved to San Francisco, California. There Sohon opened a Photographic and Ambrotype Gallery. In 1865 or 1866, he closed his shop and moved to Washington, D.C., where he died on 1903 September 03.