(?-c.1876)William Lewis Sr., known as "Grandpop" Lewis in photographic circles, was the father of Wiliam H. Lewis, Henry J. Lewis, and Richard A. Lewis.
One source noted the firm of W. & W.H. Lewis listed as suppliers of daguerreian materials in New York City as early as 1840. The first appearance of the firm in the New York City directories is in 1844, when they were listed with daguerreian rooms at 142 Chatham Street, opposite the Theater. The firm offered instruction in the art, and had apparatus for sale. They also advertised as manufacturers of daguerreian apparatus, galvanic batteries, and hat pressing machines. The firm was also listed at 63-1/2 Division St. in the same year (possibly residence address). The Chatham Street address had been established as early as 1839 as the location of Richard A. Lewis' "Spread Eagle Daguerreian Gallery".
In 1844-1845, W. & W.H. Lewis were listed as machinists at 142 Chatham Street. They were also listed with a "fancy store" at 63-1/2 Division Street, selling daguerreian apparatus. They were also listed as daguerreotypes at 144 Chatham Street. Until 1848 the firm was listed at the 142 and/or 144 Chatham Street address, opposite the Chatham Theater, and advertised daguerreotypes, instruction, and importing and manufacturer of apparatus.
In 1846 they advertised at the 142 Chatham Street address "premium manufactory of daguerreotype apparatus, hat pressing machines, etc... hand, brim and fluting irons, patent heel plates, galvanic batteries, etc." The ad also noted they were the first regularly established manufacturer of daguerreotype apparatus in the United States.
From 1848 to 1852 the firm advertised the "Spread Eagle Daguerreian Gallery" and premium manufactory at 142 Chatham Street. Both were also listed as machinists at the address. In early 1851, it was noted that William Lewis was the general superintendent of the establishment, while his son, W.H. Lewis, was the salesman and filled the orders. Another son was in charge of getting the items, while a gentleman named Dunshee handled the bookeeping job.
On May 8, 1849, W. & W.H. Lewis were issued Patent #6431 for apparatus for gilding daguerreotype plates. On October 23, the pair was issued Patent #6819, an apparatus for holding daguerreotype plates.
In 1850-1851, William H. Lewis lived at 21 Eldridge Street. In 1851, the firm opened manufacturing facilities at Daguerreville, N.Y. That was reported in November. The firm employed 60 to 70 people. Ultimately the expansion of the firm was not successful, and it was sold to Gardner, Harrison (C.C.) & Co. The Lewis' remained with a smaller shop in New York City.
In 1851, they were issued Patent #6819 for a daguerreian buffing wheel. On July 22, 1851, they were issued Patent #8235, for a daguerreotype plate buffing apparatus; on September 2, Patent #8335 for an improvement in mercury baths for photographic purposes. On November 11, they were issued Patent #8513 for daguerreotype apparatus.
The remaining Lewis firm was sold to Gardner, Harrison & Co. approximately April, 1852; on November 15, 1853, W. & W.H. Lewis were issued Patent #10,233, for a box for coating daguerreotype plates.
In 1853-1854 W. & W.H. Lewis were listed as manufacturers of daguerreian apparatus at 63 Elizabeth Street, New York City. From 1853 to 1855, William H. Lewis was listed as a daguerreian on Hester Street at the corner of Elizabeth Street. He still lived at 21 Eldridge Street. In 1855 he lived at 187 Allen Street.
From 1854 to 1860, W. and W.H. Lewis were listed as machinists at 63 Elizabeth Street. In 1856, the firm was also listed at the same addresss as manufacturers of daguerreian apparatus. They continued to be listed with both occupations at the address in 1860.
Notes: Imprinted on velvet liner of sixth plate daguerreotype case, "W. & W.H. Lewis/ 142 Chatham St./ New York".