Williams, Mehitable (Mehetabel) Lilly (1807-1899) (1 of 3)

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BRADLEY & RULOFSON’s STUDIO portrait of MEHITABLE LILLY WILLIAMS

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Bradley & Rulofson, 429 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California. Henry William Bradley (1813-1891) opened a photographic studio in San Francisco in 1850 and in 1860 took on his partner William Rulofson (1826-1876). Their studio was considered by many to be the best in California. Bradley retired in 1878.



THE SITTER:

Name: Mehitable Lilly Williams

Description:

Biographical Note: George and Mehetabel Williams were stellar examples of the pioneer spirit of hard work and determination. After testing his luck searching for gold, George sailed up the Petaluma River in 1851 in search for a location to build a family home, and in 1855 he convinced his wife and children to join him. In a strange twist of fate, Mehetabel and the children journeyed west while George was journeying east to fetch them. They eventually rendezvoused in Petaluma in August of 1855.

George was an enterprising developer and community builder. He constructed two of Petaluma’s earliest hotels, the American Hotel in 1852 and the Washington Hotel in 1856, and he was instrumental in constructing one of Petaluma’s first public schools and many of its private homes.

The full story of the adventures of George and Mehetabel is long and intriguing. Portions of their story are recounted in the memoirs of their son, George Roscoe Williams, and a thorough discussion is provided in Adair Lara’s definitive History of Petaluma, A California River Town. Adair Lara succinctly summed up George Williams’ legacy when she wrote, “It is ironic that Williams is remembered most in Petaluma history not for his ambitious hotel schemes, his land dealings, or his civic contributions, but for that idle moment early in 1856 when, out of longing to see his daughter again, or perhaps simply on impulse, he drew a rough sketch of Petaluma Creek and sent it off to John A. McNear, a young cousin who had married his daughter, Clara… In that moment, he changed Petaluma forever.”

George and Mehitable celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in November of 1898. They both died in 1899 and were buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: George Bailey Williams’ mother was Elizabeth “Betsy” Bailey Williams (1792-1882). His wife was Mehitable (Mehetabel)Lilly Williams (1807-1899), and his children were: Clarinda Damsen Williams McNear (1837-1866), George Roscoe Williams (1839-1934), Rosetta Lilly Williams Weeks (1842-1899), and Laura J. Williams Barstow (1842-1904).

Bibliography:


THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back: Hugh Anderson’s imprint is on the center of the back of this carte de visite. Anderson created several versions of his Petaluma imprint. An expanded, possibly later, version appears here. It is printed in red ink and includes four lines of text, each in a different font. The text is embellished above and below with a horizontally flipped, elaborate flourish.

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Williams, Mary Ludwig (1848-1898)(3 of 3)

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BRADLEY & RULOFSON STUDIO Portrait Photograph of Mary Ludwig Williams

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: Bradley & Rulofson, 429 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California. Henry William Bradley (1813-1891) opened a photographic studio in San Francisco in 1850 and in 1860 took on his partner William Rulofson (1826-1876). Their studio was considered by many to be the best in California. Bradley retired in 1878.


THE SITTER:

Name: Mary Ludwig Williams

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:




THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:

Medium:

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Williams, Mary Ludwig (1848-1898) (2 of 3)

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B.F. Howland & Co.’s Portrait Photograph of Mary Ludwig Williams

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: B.F. Howland & Co.

Photographic Studio: 25 & 27 Third Street East Side, San Francisco, Ca


THE SITTER:

Name: Mary Ludwig Williams

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:




THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:

Medium:

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Williams, Mary Ludwig (1848-1898)(1 of 3)

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of Mary Ludwig Williams

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified


THE SITTER:

Name: Mary Ludwig Williams

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:




THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:

Medium:

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Williams, George Roscoe (1839-1934)

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Billings & Hough’s Portrait Photograph of George Roscoe Williams

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer:  Billings & Hough

Photographic Studio: Lebanon, N.H.




THE SITTER:

Name: George Roscoe Williams

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:




THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: carte de visite

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

 

Williams, Mehitable (Mehetabel) Lilly (1807-1899)(3 of 3)

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E. R. HEALY GROUND FLOOR GALLERY’S Photograph of MEHITABLE and George WILLIAMS

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (1856-1923) and ADA “ADDIE” GOSSAGE HEALY (1860-1923)  Edwin and Ada Healy were a married couple, and both were listed in California directories as a photographer. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. The “E. R. Healy Gound Floor Gallery” was opened in 1896 at 816 Main Street, Petaluma, California. It was later relocated to 818 Main Street and sold in June, 1905. In 1906 the Healys moved to Berkeley, California. (To view all portraits in this collection taken at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery and for additional information on Edwin and Ada Healy, click on their names in blue above.)



THE SITTER:

Name: Mehitable (Mehetable) Lilly Williams

Description:

Biographical Note: George and Mehitabel Williams were stellar examples of the pioneer spirit of hard work and determination. After testing his luck searching for gold and building the Globe Hotel in San Francisco, George sailed up the Petaluma River in 1851 in search of a location to build a family home. In 1855, he convinced his wife and children to join him. In a strange twist of fate, Mehetabel and the children journeyed west while George was journeying east to fetch them. They eventually rendezvoused in Petaluma in August 1855.

George was an enterprising developer and community builder. He constructed Petaluma’s Washington Hotel in 1856 and was instrumental in constructing one of Petaluma’s first public schools and many of its private homes.

The full story of the adventures of George and Mehitabel is long and intriguing. Portions of their story are recounted in the memoirs of their son, George Roscoe Williams, and a thorough discussion is provided in Adair Lara’s definitive History of Petaluma, A California River Town. Adair Lara succinctly summed up George Williams’ legacy when she wrote, “It is ironic that Williams is remembered most in Petaluma history not for his ambitious hotel schemes, his land dealings, or his civic contributions, but for that idle moment early in 1856 when, out of longing to see his daughter again, or perhaps simply on impulse, he drew a rough sketch of Petaluma Creek and sent it off to John A. McNear, a young cousin who had married his daughter, Clara… In that moment, he changed Petaluma forever.”

George and Mehitable celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in November of 1898. They both died in 1899 and were buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: George Bailey Williams’ mother was Elizabeth “Betsy” Bailey Williams (1792-1882). His wife was Mehitable (Mehetabel)Lilly Williams (1807-1899), and his children were: Clarinda Damsen Williams McNear (1837-1866), George Roscoe Williams (1839-1934), Rosetta Lilly Williams Weeks (1842-1899), and Laura J. Williams Barstow (1842-1904). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81648868/george-bailey-williams. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81648884/mehetabel_williams.

Bibliography: Primary source: George Roscoe William, My First Fifty Years in California, (The original copy of this memoir is at the Bancroft Library, and a copy is available at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, obituary, October 16, 1899, p.1. Secondary source: Adair Lara, History of Petaluma, A California River Town, 1982, pp. 56-61.


THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: 

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on heavy cardstock

Description, front: The setting of this double portrait attempts to recreate the appearance of a upper-middle-class, domestic interior. The painted backdrop, depicting a large mirror and side table, give the illusion of an adjoining room. The wall to the left adorned with floral wall paper, the potted plant and the rugs all add to the feeling of homey tranquility and comfort.

Description, back: Hugh Anderson’s imprint is on the center of the back of this carte de visite. Anderson created several versions of his Petaluma imprint. An expanded, possibly later, version appears here. It is printed in red ink and includes four lines of text, each in a different font. The text is embellished above and below with a horizontally flipped, elaborate flourish.

Date: 1896-1899. The inscription written on the original frame backing of this portrait states that it was taken either in 1884 on the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary or in 1894 on the couple’s 60th anniversary. Neither of these dates can be correct: the Healy Ground Floor gallery was not opened until 1896. Additionally, both George and Mehitable died in 1899.

Condition: This portrait is in good condition; however, when it was removed from its original frame, the cardstock on which it is mounted was damaged.

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Williams, George Bailey (1809-1899)

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E. R. HEALY GROUND FLOOR GALLERY’S Photograph of George and Mehitable

Williams

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (1856-1923) and ADA “ADDIE” GOSSAGE HEALY (1860-1923)  Edwin and Ada Healy were a married couple, and both were listed in California directories as a photographer. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. The “E. R. Healy Gound Floor Gallery” was opened in 1896 at 816 Main Street, Petaluma, California. It was later relocated to 818 Main Street and sold in June, 1905. In 1906 the Healys moved to Berkeley, California. (To view all portraits in this collection taken at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery and for additional information on Edwin and Ada Healy, click on their names in blue above.)



THE SITTER:

Name: George Bailey Williams

Description:

Biographical Note: George and Mehitabel Williams were stellar examples of the pioneer spirit of hard work and determination. After testing his luck searching for gold and building the Globe Hotel in San Francisco, George sailed up the Petaluma River in 1851 in search of a location to build a family home. In 1855, he convinced his wife and children to join him. In a strange twist of fate, Mehetabel and the children journeyed west while George was journeying east to fetch them. They eventually rendezvoused in Petaluma in August 1855.

George was an enterprising developer and community builder. He constructed Petaluma’s Washington Hotel in 1856 and was instrumental in constructing one of Petaluma’s first public schools and many of its private homes.

The full story of the adventures of George and Mehitabel is long and intriguing. Portions of their story are recounted in the memoirs of their son, George Roscoe Williams, and a thorough discussion is provided in Adair Lara’s definitive History of Petaluma, A California River Town. Adair Lara succinctly summed up George Williams’ legacy when she wrote, “It is ironic that Williams is remembered most in Petaluma history not for his ambitious hotel schemes, his land dealings, or his civic contributions, but for that idle moment early in 1856 when, out of longing to see his daughter again, or perhaps simply on impulse, he drew a rough sketch of Petaluma Creek and sent it off to John A. McNear, a young cousin who had married his daughter, Clara… In that moment, he changed Petaluma forever.”

George and Mehitable celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in November of 1898. They both died in 1899 and were buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: George Bailey Williams’ mother was Elizabeth “Betsy” Bailey Williams (1792-1882). His wife was Mehitable (Mehetabel)Lilly Williams (1807-1899), and his children were: Clarinda Damsen Williams McNear (1837-1866), George Roscoe Williams (1839-1934), Rosetta Lilly Williams Weeks (1842-1899), and Laura J. Williams Barstow (1842-1904). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81648868/george-bailey-williams. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81648884/mehetabel_williams.

Bibliography: Primary source: George Roscoe William, My First Fifty Years in California, (The original copy of this memoir is at the Bancroft Library, and a copy is available at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. Secondary source: Adair Lara, History of Petaluma, A California River Town, 1982, pp. 56-61.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: 

Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on heavy cardstock

Description, front: The setting of this double portrait attempts to recreate the appearance of a upper-middle-class, domestic interior. The painted backdrop, depicting a large mirror and side table, give the illusion of an adjoining room. The wall to the left adorned with floral wall paper, the potted plant and the rugs all add to the feeling of homey tranquility and comfort.

Description, back: Hugh Anderson’s imprint is on the center of the back of this carte de visite. Anderson created several versions of his Petaluma imprint. An expanded, possibly later, version appears here. It is printed in red ink and includes four lines of text, each in a different font. The text is embellished above and below with a horizontally flipped, elaborate flourish.

Date: 1896-1899 The inscription written on the original frame backing of this portrait states that it was taken either in 1884 on the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary or in 1894 on the couple’s 60th anniversary. Neither of these dates can be correct: the Healy Ground Floor gallery was not opened until 1896. Additionally, both George and Mehitable died in 1899.

Condition: This portrait is in good condition; however, when it was removed from its original frame, the cardstock on which it is mounted was damaged.

Owner:  The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Williams, Eliza Jane (1813-1884) (see Garrett)→

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of Eliza Jane williams garrett

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified

THE SITTER:

Name: Eliza Jane Williams Garrett

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: 

Medium:

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner: The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Williams, George Bailey (1809-1899)

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Hugh S. Anderson’s Portrait Photograph of George Bailey Williams

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

HUGH S. ANDERSON  was born in 1826 in Scotland and died in 1900 in San Francisco, California. He was active in Petaluma as early as January 1872, and he departed Petaluma in December 1873. His Sunbeam Gallery was located, “At the Old Stand, Opposite H. C. Taft & Co.’s”. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)



THE SITTER:

Name: George Bailey Williams

Description: In this head-and-shoulders portrait, George Bailey Williams appears as a middle-aged man. His beard, mustache, and eyebrows are grey, but his hair is dark. The hair along his temple has been combed straight down, and the hair above his forehead has been mounded and combed back. George wears a heavy jacket, a white collared shirt, and a dark bow tie.

Biographical Note: George and Mehitabel Williams were stellar examples of the pioneer spirit of hard work and determination. After testing his luck searching for gold and building the Globe Hotel in San Francisco, George sailed up the Petaluma River in 1851 in search of a location to build a family home. In 1855, he convinced his wife and children to join him. In a strange twist of fate, Mehetabel and the children journeyed west while George was journeying east to fetch them. They eventually rendezvoused in Petaluma in August 1855.

George was an enterprising developer and community builder. He constructed Petaluma’s Washington Hotel in 1856 and was instrumental in constructing one of Petaluma’s first public schools and many of its private homes.

The full story of the adventures of George and Mehitabel is long and intriguing. Portions of their story are recounted in the memoirs of their son, George Roscoe Williams, and a thorough discussion is provided in Adair Lara’s definitive History of Petaluma, A California River Town. Adair Lara succinctly summed up George Williams’ legacy when she wrote, “It is ironic that Williams is remembered most in Petaluma history not for his ambitious hotel schemes, his land dealings, or his civic contributions, but for that idle moment early in 1856 when, out of longing to see his daughter again, or perhaps simply on impulse, he drew a rough sketch of Petaluma Creek and sent it off to John A. McNear, a young cousin who had married his daughter, Clara… In that moment, he changed Petaluma forever.”

George and Mehitable celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in November of 1898. They both died in 1899 and were buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park.

Family Affiliation: George Bailey Williams’ mother was Elizabeth “Betsy” Bailey Williams (1792-1882). His wife was Mehitable (Mehetabel)Lilly Williams (1807-1899), and his children were: Clarinda Damsen Williams McNear (1837-1866), George Roscoe Williams (1839-1934), Rosetta Lilly Williams Weeks (1842-1899), and Laura J. Williams Barstow (1842-1904). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/81648868/george-bailey-williams

Bibliography: Primary source: George Roscoe William, My First Fifty Years in California, (The original copy of this memoir is at the Bancroft Library, and a copy is available at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. Secondary sources: Adair Lara, History of Petaluma, A California River Town, 1982, pp. 56-61.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This carte de visite’s portrait is contained within a vertical oval.

Description, back: Hugh Anderson’s imprint is on the center of the back of this carte de visite. Anderson created several versions of his Petaluma imprint. An expanded, possibly later, version appears here. It is printed in red ink and includes four lines of text, each in a different font. The text is embellished above and below with a horizontally flipped, elaborate flourish.

Date: January 1872 to December 1873

Condition: On the front side of this card here is heavy foxing and many yellow stains.

Owner: The James Allen Family Collection, digital copy by permission.

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.