Illness and Early Death
In the late 1860s, his health declined rapidly. He took on a partner to help ensure his business would continue, but did not escape the fatal effects: he died at home on April 5, 1871. His death certificate lists diabetes as the cause, but researchers May and Vidal theorize that the many chemicals used in early photographic processes may have contributed to the onset of his illness and early death, one month shy of his 47th birthday.
Read more about this topic: Thomas Richard Williams
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