Wetherby, Isaac Augustus, 1819-1904

Wetherby was born in Rhode Island. He began painting portraits at the age of 15 and worked as a medical illustrator and a farmer before moving to Iowa City in 1854. He opened a photography studio in 1862, becoming the city's first professional photographer. Wetherby's career was given a boost by the Civil War when soldiers visited his studio to be photographed in their uniforms. In 1874 illness forced him to retire and turn his studio over to his son, although he continued painting. Wetherby's photographs of the state's first capitol have played a part in preserving Iowa's history.

From the description of Isaac Augustus Wetherby daybooks [microform], 1839-1862. (Iowa Sate Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 70968501

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