Century Cameras 1905, Century Camera Co. (Rochester, NY), dated 1905, ~6½"x8½", 48pp
The officers of the Century Camera Co. were: J.M. Walmsley, pres., Gilbert E. Mosher, secy., and Geo. J. MacLaughlin, treas. In this catalog, the introduction to the product line, page 5,"Century Quality Results from 21 Years Experience". Since the company had only been established five years earlier (hence the name Century), the statement implies that the management had been involved in camera manufacture since 1884.
John M. Walmsley, born about 1864 in MD (father PA, mother MD), can be found in Rochester, NY in the 1910 census as a manufacturer of photographic goods. In 1900, he is listed in Rochester, NY as Jay M. Wamsley, born July 1864 in MD (father NJ, mother MD), occupation Correspondent. In 1880, he is listed in Philadelphia, PA as J. Miller Walmsley, born ~1864 in MD (father PA, mother PA), son of Morris (born ~1835 in PA (father NJ, mother NJ), a dealer in coal) and Mary Walmsley.
This genealogic information indicates that, oddly enough, he doesn't appear to be related to William H. Walmsley, born ~1832 in PA (father PA, mother PA), who had a photographic supply house in Philadelphia, and presumably is responsible for the design of Walmsley's Photo-Micrographic Camera in the Scovill Mfg. Co. catalog, 1886, page 44.
The 21 years experience may mean that, between the three men, they have 7 years experience each for a total of 21 years - kind of a misleading statement. Misleading or not, Century Camera Co. cameras were well made and sturdy.
