son of John Meal, a chemical manufacturer
early career as flax spinner
1843 - first documented daguerreotypes; opened photo studio in Philadelphia
1846 - sells studio to Marcus Root and returns to England (London); establishes studio"American Daguerreotype Institution"
1851 - exhibits 72 daguerreotypes at Great (Crystal Palace) Exhibition and receives honorable mention; attracts attention of Prince Albert, a photo enthusiast
1853 - joins newly established Photographic Society; begins working in wet collodian process
1855 - photographs British royal family
1863 - official photographer of wedding of prince and princess of Wales; sets up studio in Brighton, a seaside tourist resort
1869 - rode velocipede (proto-bicycle) from London to Brighton
1871 - enters politics as town councilman
1877-78 - mayor of Brighton
1881 - pioneer of use of electric lights to illuminate portraits
New York & Philadelphia (1841-46)
portraits of British royal family - Prince Albert