1849                Rooms at S. S. Scudder’s Hotel, Huntington, New York.

J. S. Van Valsor was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York).  The first announcement appeared on July 27, 1849.  Daguerreotypes.—We refer our readers to the advertisement of Mr. Van Velsor, which will be found in another column.  It will be seen that he has taken Rooms at the hotel of Mr. Scudder, where he is prepared to receive his friends and the public, and furnish a likeness of the “human face divine,” in equal, if not superior style, to any other person who has visited our village for the same purpose.  We have examined some specimens, taken during his sojourn in our village, and are happy to state, that we discover in them a perfectness, which must insure to visitors, a likeness that will give satisfaction in every particular.  The recent improvement in the Daguerrean Art—by which the shade, which formerly partially obscured the relief of the features, is new thrown in the angle—renders a likeness thus procured, not only as beautiful as could be furnished by the brush, but of course, far more accurate.  There are many reasons why this gentleman should receive the patronage of the community, besides his skill as an artist.  We commend him to their kind attention.

The first advertisement ran from July 27 to August 3, 1849.  Daguerreotyping, At the Hotel of S. S. Scudder.  The subscriber would most respectfully announce that from the encouragement he has sustained, since he has been in the village, that it is his purpose to remain as above, for a short time longer where all who wish a good Likeness, by calling early, can be accommodated.

He wishes also to say, that from commanding advantages, viz:  A through Practical knowledge of the system and the use of the late highly improved compound of chemicals, & c., appertaining to the process, flatters himself prepared to furnish to the citizens of Huntington and its vicinity, with Daguerreotypes, in point of tone and development, not to excelled.  The public are aware that Likenesses often present an ill effect, by the features being excessively dark, and in many instances of a dead, blue cast, & c.  It is therefore apparent to all who examine my specimens, that this defect obviated. It is my theory to relieve the features, by a uniform blending of light and shade, rendering the Picture distinct and of a mild, life like tone.

N. B.—Dark dresses and Plaids effect the best drapery.

The best Pictures taken from 8 to 2 o’clock.  J. S. Van Velsor

The second advertisement ran from August 10 to October 12, 1849.  Daguerreotyping At Hotel of S. S. Scudder.  The subscriber would most respectfully announce that from the encouragement he has sustained, since he has been in the village, that it is his purpose to remain as above, for a short time longer where all who wish a good Likeness, by calling early, can be accommodated.

N. B.—Dark dresses and plaids effect the best drapery.

The best pictures taken from 8 to 2 o’clock.  J. S. Van Velsor.

The second announcement appeared on October 19, 1849.  Died in this village at the residence of Mr. Jesse Sammis, On Wednesday last, Mr. Jesse S. Van Velsor, aged 32 years.

Mr. Van Velsor has been engaged for the past few months in this village, at his profession, as a Daguerrean artist.  He had by his urbanity, and gentlemanly deportment, ingratiated himself with our citizens, and though comparatively a stranger received during his sickness, every attention which his situation and humanity could dictate.     

J. S. Van Valsor is not recorded in other photographic directories.