David Thoms

Photographer: Thoms
134 and 136 Grand Av, Milwaukee, Wis.
Nothing on reverse
example from LOST GALLERY

Note that photographer Thoms and J. Brown use the same address at 134 and 136 Grand Avenue, Milwaukee, Wi, but probably not at the same time.

And the studio is very close to Hugo Broich who was at 116-118 Spring (aka Grand) Avenue, Milwaukee, WI. All three were active between 1890-1900.

Only one photographer of the cabinet card era with the name Thoms has been found. It was David Thoms of Milwaukee. WI.

Milwaukee, WI, and Grand Rapids, MI, are not far apart. In modern times only about four hours separates them.

Several listings in the Grand Rapids city directory were found for Thoms spanning 1887 to 1895. Then he appears in the Milwaukee directory for four years in a row 1896 to 1899 as photographer at 319 Third Street.

No listings have been found before 1887 or after 1900. Of course Thoms could have opened a studio in Milwaukee for a short duration anytime in his career. He may have even shared it with photographer J. Brown during his stay there from 1885 to 1888.

No biographical information has been found for Thoms.

David Thoms
( - )
All from city directory listings
1887-1889
as photographer at 126-128 Canal, Grand Rapids, MI
1890-1893
as photographer at 98 Monroe, Grand Rapids, MI
1894-1895
as photographer at 44 Canal, Grand Rapids, MI
1896-1899
as photographer at 319 3rd. Milwaukee, WI
1900
as photographer at 62 Canal, Grand Rapids, MI

Although nothing could be found that places Thoms at 134 and 136 Grand Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, as shown on this cabinet card, it can be assumed that it was probably not during the dates shown above. It would have to be either before or after this period unless he maintained two studios in two separate cities at the same time.

photographer: Thoms
1025 Larkin Street. San Francisco, CA
example from History in Photos blog

It was thought at first that this was another example of David Thoms work. But it is not. It is instead, by Louis Thors of San Francisco, CA.

Not the one you were looking for?
Here's the photographer's INDEX by name. Listed here are all the Cabinet Card photographers of the 19th century found in LOST GALLERY. This is a work in progress. For a look at the original postings go to LOST GALLERY.