Williams, John Thomas
John Thomas Williams (August 22, 1820 - January 25, 1905) was a photographer and daguerreotypist active in Baltimore, Maryland, and York, Pennsylvania, in the mid to late 19th century. Williams was born in Baltimore and was of English descent. His parents had emigrated to seek their fortunes, but died shortly after, leaving Williams orphaned. He was active as a photographer in Baltimore from 1850 - 1852, then in York from 1853 - 1857. His business thrived in York, winning numerous awards at the annual York County Fairs, until the Crisis of 1857, at which time he moved away from York, possibly to Harrisburg or back to Baltimore - it isn't clear. He returned to York a few years later to take a position as an adjuster for the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company, a position he held for the next 30 years. During this time, he was active in local fraternal circles and in the Democratic Party. He remained in York until he died in 1905.
Striking early example of Chromolithographic Viewmaking.
View of Harrisburg, Penn.
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- Digital Map Information
- Suitable for large format printing
- File Size: 51.36 MB
- File Type: ZIP / TIFF
- ICC color profile embedded
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This is a rare 1855 J. T. Williams view of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is a stunning early use of chromolithography for viewmaking. The view captures Harrisburg as a prosperous regional railroad hub, fast becoming the nation's 'coal gateway,' connecting the state's vast mineral wealth to the Atlantic coast and beyond. (more details)