Tattooer Cap Coleman
Norfolk's Famous Tattooer
Cap Coleman: Tattooed Man Turned Tattoo Master
By Carmen Nyssen
This post picks up from the previous one paying tribute to Norfolk, Virginia’s well-known lady tattooer Lenora Platt. To recap, Lenora made Norfolk her tattooing base for many years after passing through town with the Sheesley Shows the winter of 1917, during World War I. Lenora wasn’t alone. When John M. Sheesley moved winter quarters to Norfolk that year, there was yet another tattooed tattooer in the shows’ line-up who also took up tattooing in Norfolk……
A.B. Coleman: Tattooed Wonder
The tattoo artist we know as “Cap Coleman” (real name August Bernard Coleman) had been exhibiting as the “Human Picture Gallery” and tattooer with the Sheesley Shows for several years by this time. He and his wife Lena also operated several concessions, including a knife rack and highstriker set.
Coleman’s Father
It’s an established fact that Coleman trouped with carnivals before he became one of the most famous tattooers of his era. But little has been written about when and where he learned the craft or about the details of his earliest career. If we are to believe Coleman’s story, it was his father who gave him initial tattooing instructions. But this might have been a bit of a tall tale.
Coleman was born in Brown, Ohio October 15, 1884 to John Coleman and Anna Lifer. All records indicate they were a farming family. In fact, the 1910 Federal Census lists the 25-year-old August B. Coleman as a farm laborer, still living at home. Within a year, however, that all changed.
J.F. Barber
Sometime in 1910 or 1911, Coleman ventured southwest to Cincinnati and into Jesse F. Barber’s 1019 Vine Street tattoo studio. With the intent of becoming a tattooed attraction, he had himself adorned from neck-toankle in iconic tattoo designs of the day.
Barber, as it happens, was not only the artist behind Coleman’s tattoo work, but apparently also a mentor in tattooing.
As noted in a March 9, 1912, Billboard notice:
“The new tattooed wonder, A.B. Coleman, last season with the Smith Greater Shows, is spending the winter at J.F. Barber’s studio, Cincinnati, Ohio. He will again be seen on the road the coming season.”
In the years following, Coleman trouped with the Johnny J. Jones Shows and finally with the Sheesley Shows.
World War I Tattooing
World War I marked a new beginning for Coleman and the end of his carnival travels. In 1917, the construction of one of the World’s largest naval bases in Norfolk —prompted by the U.S.’s involvement in World War I —brought in sailors by the thousands. Simultaneously, Norfolk’s Main Street became a sailorman’s hub, hosting taverns, billiard halls, burlesque shows, and the all-important tattoo parlors.
As did a few of his cohorts, Coleman envisioned the tattooing potential immediately. An April 1918 Billboard issue reported that “Prof. Coleman” of the Greater Sheesley Shows, “…will remain at Norfolk, as he is laying the foundation for a fortune tattooing soldiers and sailors.” And, he was joined by a partner, fellow show trouper Andy Stuertz.
1918 Mar 30 Billboard p. 29
“Andrew Stuertz, tattooed man with Barnum & Bailey for the past five years, is in Norfolk, Va., tattooing soldiers and sailors. He will not be with the circus this year.”
The team of Coleman and Stuertz (aka Sturtz) set up shop at 429 E. Main Street for a year or two, and made a lucrative business tattooing Uncle Sam’s Navy alongside a slew of Main Street tattoo artists. There were the likes of Harry Lawson, Lew Alberts, Lenora Platt, Jim Wilson, and reputed old-timer, Captain Elmer Getchell (aka ‘Electric’ Elmer Getchell).
Charlie Barrs
By 1920, Coleman and Stuertz had split and Coleman moved to a shop on the next block at 526 E. Main. Though Norfolk tattoo business was still operative, it had slowed substantially in the post-war period, possibly motivating Coleman to up-his-game.
This happens to be when Coleman invited tattoo master Sailor Charlie Barrs to join him in his shop (Barrs is listed in Norfolk in the 1920 Census). Barrs was renowned for his knowledge of machinery and a bold style of tattooing now dubbed American Traditional. It’s said that he greatly influenced Coleman’s tattoo machine set-up and his tattooing technique/style.
Elmer Getchell
In 1920, Coleman was also evidently associated with old-time tattooer Capt. Elmer Getchell, whose shop sat a bit further down the street at 611 E. Main Street (Getchell was located at this address c. 1918-early 1920s). In June of this year, Coleman placed a for sale ad for “sanitary tattoo machine tubes,” listing his address as Getchell’s shop.
What’s more, he’d picked up a smart new moniker. Beforehand, all records and ads list him as “Prof. Coleman” or simply “A.B. Coleman.”
Around the time of the June 1920 ad, he’d adopted the title “Capt.” just like Getchell—a nickname that was later shortened to “Cap.”
1920 June 5 Billboard pg. 75
Tattooers Look-First Time Sold-My new style patented sanitary tubes. Will fit any kind machine. With my new tubes you can do better work. Makes the ink and colors go in easy and better. Best tubes on the market for your machines. Made of special metal highly nickel plated. Will last for years. Outlining and shading Tubes. Both for $5.00.
Capt. A.B. Coleman. 611 Main St., Norfolk, Va.
While the nature of their relationship isn’t clear, given the fact that Coleman was making improved tattoo machine tubes, perhaps Getchell was teaching him a thing or two about machinery. Getchell was celebrated for his alleged innovative (1800s) doorbell tattoo machine invention; he was said to have continued building and selling machines for many years.
Cap Coleman: Norfolk’s Tattoo Master
Anyone remotely familiar with tattoo history knows how this story ends. After settling in Norfolk and studying with a few revered elders of the trade, it didn’t take Coleman long to make a name among the ranks of America’s best tattooers.
With resolve and dedication, he perfected his tattooing methods, mastering the bold American Traditional style with a distinct personal touch. In his heyday, his name was known among sailors from coast-to-coast and on the high seas around the world.
Though many a tattooer has been connected to Main Street Norfolk, the legendary Cap Coleman is the one who will be forever synonymous with the City’s tattoo history.
Related Buzzworthy Tattoo History research related to Cap Coleman’s influencers, etc:
Granddaddy of all Good Tattooing: Sailor Charlie Barrs
J.F. Barber: Tattoo Trade Professional
Battleship Kate, New York City’s Tattooed Sailor Groupie
Also read my indepth research about the invention of Electric Tattooing and Sam O’Reilly vs. Elmer Getchell for Elmer Getchell’s involvement with the development of modern tattoo machines, and his influence on Cap Coleman, et. al.
Questions or Comments? Email:
carmennyssen@buzzworthytattoo.com
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