Skip to main content

Wilcox Photography Studio

 Collection
Identifier: MSS

Scope and Contents

The Wilcox Photography Studio collection is a collection of photographs by N.M. Wilcox dating from the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. The photographs were taken at Wilcox’s studio in Georgetown, Texas, and the majority are believed to have a connection to Southwestern University, also located in Georgetown. The collection consists of women’s portraits, including a series on Laura Kuykendall; men’s portraits; group portraits of men’s organizations at Southwestern University, including literary societies, athletics, and fraternities; baby portraits; unspecified small and large group portraits; and scenic photographs of the Southwestern University campus.

Dates

  • 1887 - 1921

Conditions Governing Access

The materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Southwestern University Distinctive Collections and Archives is the owner of the physical materials in the collections and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from SU Distinctive Collections and Archives before any publication use. Distinctive Collections does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners. Consult repository for more details.

Biographical / Historical

Nathan Miles Wilcox was a Texas photographer and historian. He was born January 28, 1845 in Salem, Mississippi to Mary Ann (Carter) and Nathaniel Miles Wilcox. In 1852, his family relocated to Texas, eventually settling in LaGrange. In the early 1860s, Nathan served in the Confederate Army, although his participation in the Civil War is not heavily documented. After his father’s death in 1867, Nathan and one of his older brothers moved with their mother to Austin, where Nathan worked as a carpenter. In the early 1880s, Nathan moved to Burnet, where he met and married Minnie G. Sneed. They had four children together, including Sebron Sneed Wilcox, who was celebrated later in life for his work on the Spanish Archives of Laredo. While in Burnet, Nathan became interested in photography and began exhibiting his works at various local stores. In 1887, the Wilcox family moved to Georgetown, Texas, where Nathan began his career as a professional photographer. He published his first advertisement for his new photography studio in the January 19, 1888 edition of the Williamson County Sun.

In Georgetown, Wilcox quickly became popular in the community for both his photographic skills and Texas patriotism. He frequently advertised his studio’s ability to take portraits of children and was known for presenting “magic lantern shows” at his gallery. Due to his interest in Texas history, Wilcox was often contracted to photograph Williamson County pioneers both independently and for the Old Settlers Association. In 1906, he also purchased and donated the only known photograph of Joanna Vinson (née Troutman), the creator of the Texas State flag, to the Texas State Library. In 1921, Nathan and Minnie Wilcox relocated to Austin to live with their youngest daughter Fannie, an employee of the Texas State Library. Wilcox retired from photography with the move. However, he continued to study Texas history until his death. He died in Austin on February 7, 1936 and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection consists of photographs taken by Nathan Miles Wilcox at his studio in Georgetown, Texas, between 1887 and 1921. Wilcox was a photographer and historian who worked independently and at times for Southwestern University and the Old Settlers Association. The majority of the photographs in this collection are believed to have a connection to Southwestern University. The collection consists of women’s portraits, men’s portraits, photographs of student organizations at Southwestern University, baby portraits, and photographs of the Southwestern University campus.

Arrangement

Series: Wilcox Photography Studio; Subseries: Women’s Portraits, Women’s Portraits: Laura Kuykendall, Men’s Portraits, SU Men's Organizations: Literary Societies, SU Men's Organizations: Athletics, SU Men's Organizations: Fraternities, Baby Portraits, Miscellaneous Group Portraits, Miscellaneous Group Portraits: Small Groups, SU Campus

Title
Wilcox Photography Studio
Status
Completed
Author
Emily Brown & Megan Firestone
Date
October 9, 2020
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for unwritten documents

Repository Details

Part of the SU Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
1001 East University Avenue
Georgetown TX 78626 United States