16 May 1843, Northern Warder:
This calotype portrait is of William Robertson, ‘sub-editor of the Witness’. It was taken by Hill & Adamson in Edinburgh. Trove archive states that ‘it is among the earliest known photographs and, in spite of its age, is a fine example of high artistic expression’. I agree.
William Robertson served as sub-editor of The Witness under its founding editor Hugh Miller [102-1856]. Robertson was Miller’s close colleague and primary assistant during the paper’s most influential years (1840s-1850s). While Miller was the public face and intellectual engine, Robertson handled the essential day-to-day operations and all print work.
3 January 1857, Suicide of Hugh Miller: Edinburgh News and Literary Chronicle:
1 April 1857, Saunders News: It would seem that William Robertson now lives in Dublin:
3 September 1859, The Witness: William Robertson remains in Dublin:
2 March 1964, The Dunfermline Press:
I find myself wondering what happened to William Robertson, former sub-editor of The Witness? I am certain that he would have many stories to tell.