William Thurston Black was born in New Jersey in 1815. Black's early life and art training remain unknown; however he may have studied at the National Academy of Design and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts since he exhibited at these institutions. By 1866 he was in Detroit where he was successful as a portrait painter and was active there until 1884 when he headed west. Settling in San Diego, by July of 1885 he had established a portrait studio. He died in San Diego on Aug. 7, 1893.
Exh: National Academy of Design, 1845-52; Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 1850; California State Fair, 1891.
Works held: San Diego Historical Society.
Source: Edan Hughes, author of the book
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