Sam Steward: Author

The Talented Mr. Steward
by Jack Fritscher

Sam Steward Short Biography

Samuel Steward (1909–1993) was a multifaceted figure whose life spanned a wide array of disciplines, from literature and academia to the worlds of tattooing and queer culture. Best known as a writer, artist, and tattooist, Steward’s work and personal experiences left an indelible mark on both the literary and LGBTQ+ communities.

Born in Ohio, Steward initially pursued a career in academia, earning a PhD in English and becoming a professor at various institutions. His early writing was largely focused on literary criticism, and he was well-versed in the works of James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and other modernist authors. However, it was in his personal life that Steward found his true passion. He moved to Chicago in the late 1930s, where he became deeply involved in the city’s underground queer scene.

A pivotal moment in Steward’s life came when he became an apprentice to the renowned tattoo artist, Lyle Tuttle, in the 1940s. Steward’s interest in tattoos quickly transformed into a full-fledged career, and he became a respected tattoo artist in his own right, known for his detailed work and for popularizing the tattooing of literary and intellectual figures.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Steward was a prolific diarist, documenting his relationships with a wide range of literary and artistic figures, including Gertrude Stein, Thornton Wilder, and the legendary drag queen, Marsha P. Johnson. His candid and often controversial writings offered a rare glimpse into the life of a queer man navigating the complexities of mid-20th-century America. Today, Samuel Steward is remembered as a trailblazer, an intellectual, and an artist whose contributions to both literature and tattoo culture continue to resonate.