In the Footsteps of a Gentle Giant

Lloyd Mifflin's father, JOHN HOUSTON MIFFLIN (1807-1888) formed the template by which Lloyd followed. Every imprinted footstep left by JH MIFFLIN was stepped in by Lloyd. JOHN did it all and did it earlier and did it against all odds. He wrote poetry. He painted (not as well as Lloyd—even he would admit—but still quite accomplished).

He was also a pioneer photographer—one of Pennsylvania's FIRST. When the Daguerreotype was developed in 1839, John Houston Mifflin was on it. He was taught the technology by the one and only Robert Cornelius of Philadelphia (considered the main who originated the 'selfie' during the same year the process was invented).

Robert Cornelius. This self portrait is considered to be the 'first selfie.'

John even tried his hand as an inventor and entrepreneur when he developed printing inks and attempted to sell the process. John Houston wasn't shy about trying new ways to make a living (although he really didn't need the money) by touring the Southern states to offer his painting and photographic portraiture to wealthy Southerners. Later, when his dear wife became sickly, he gave it all up to care for her. When she passed, he put all of his support behind Lloyd's creative endeavors, admitting Lloyd was far more talented (both in painting and poetry). John Houston donated land to expand Mount Bethel Cemetery and was generally considered a philanthropist to furthering the development of his town. He was born and died in Columbia. Lloyd Mifflin was a talented man, but his father, JOHN HOUSTON MIFFLIN, should be considered the best of fathers by his support and example, and the most devoted of husbands.

John Houston Mifflin, Lloyd's beloved father, as a younger man and older.