Photography in America began in the 1830s and 1840s, shortly after the invention of the daguerreotype process in France. This new process allowed for the creation of highly detailed images on a silver-plated copper sheet. The daguerreotype process was quickly embraced in America, and many skilled artists and entrepreneurs began to experiment with the new medium.

A notable early American photographer was Mathew Brady, who is known for his images of the American Civil War. Brady, born in Johnsburgh, New York, was able to capture the gruesome reality of war through his photographs, which had a profound impact on the public’s perception of the conflict.

Another photographer from Johnsburgh was Oliver H. Perry, son of James Samuel and Mary Cora (Catt?) Perry. Oliver was born in 1853 after his father, James Samuel, left the family and made his way west. In the 1855 census, about 2 years after his father left, the family was living in Galway, Saratoga County NY with James’ father, Sardis Perry. By 1860 his mother had married Robrt Cornell and the family was living in Barkersville NY. According to the US and NY census records, he lived with his stepfather and mother until after 1875. By 1880 he is listed in the census in Skaneateles, New York, living with his employer, photographer Ornando [sp] Wildey. He then traveled to Michigan, where he married Mary Hudson in Ludlington in 1883. The next year, an OH Perry was advertising his photography business in DeWitt NE. Oliver had photography studios in various cities in Nebraska, including Beatrice, but he spent the most time in Wymore, in southern Nebraska. By 1920, Oliver was working as a photographer in Jerome, AZ. He died in Jerome as a result of a fire in 1922 and was buried in Nebraska.