c.1849-1854 Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]
1854 Express Building, Taunton, Massachusetts.
1855 Bank Exchange, Taunton, Massachusetts.[2]
1856 Address Unknown, Taunton, Massachusetts.2
1857-1864 6 Exchange, Taunton, Massachusetts.2
1865 Address Unknown, Taunton, Massachusetts.2
Albert Francis Hawes born April 19, 1821, died February 14, 1897. Married Emily R. Brown May 16, 1877. She was born in 1848, died September 5, 1903. Both are buried in Dell Park Cemetery, Natick, Massachusetts. Brothers Josiah Johnson Hawes & Charles Ebenezer Hawes.
1854 September 1. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) September 1, 1854, Old Series—Vol. XXIII, No. 35, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 2, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—It will be seen by his advertisement that Mr. A. F. Hawes has opened a new Daguerreotype Saloon in Davenport & mason’s new Express Building, where he is prepared to execute work in a very superior manner. He has fitted up a very elegant saloon, and all who call upon him, will, we think, find his establishment one everyway worthy of Patronage.
Our next-door neighbor—Mr. King, has also a few words to his old friends this week. He is so well known to all, that he requires no recommendation from us.
1854 September 1. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) September 1, 1854, Old Series—Vol. XXIII, No. 35, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 2, P. 3.
New daguerreotype Rooms. Mr. A. F. Hawes, Would respectfully inform the citizens of Taunton and vicinity that he has taken Rooms in Davenport & Mason’s, New Building, next door to the Taunton Bank, up stairs, which he has leased for the term of three years and fitted up expressly for the Daguerreotype Business, where he has a large stock of plain and rich fancy cases of every style and price, from $1.25 to $20 each. With the best apparatus to be obtained, he flatters himself that he will be able to do as good work as can be done in the country; and grateful for the patronage he has received, respectfully solicits a continuance of the same.
All work done at my Rooms, I warrant to give perfect satisfaction, or no sale. Please call and examine specimens.
Advertisement ran from September 1 to 29, 1854.
1854 September 15. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) September 15, 1854, Old Series—Vol. XXIII, No. 37, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 4, P. 2.
Mr. Editor:—The time was, and it is yet within the remembrance of every adult, when the only means of preserving the likeness of dear relatives and friends was by means of the portrait, so expensive that its possession was deemed a luxury, and enjoyed only by the rich. But now how changed None, however slender the means, are denied the opportunity of possessing on plate, enduring as the product of the artists pencil, the form, features and expression of those whom in life we loved, and whose memory now we fondly cherish.
The Daguerrian art did not, as the goddess Minerva from the head of Jupiter, at once spring into perfect proportions and symmetry; but like all other arts, has slowly, but perseveringly attained, by a discipline of about fifteen years, its perfect degree of excellence and beauty. ‘Twere a wonder, surely, by the exhibition of Medusa’s head, to transform the object into stone, a wonder greater, by the exhibition of oneself to fix indelibly its like, living, breathing, almost speaking, upon the sensitive tablet.
The preceding remarks, together with the following, were suggested by the recent opening of Hawe’s Daguerrian Rooms, over the Express Office of Messrs. Davenport & Mason.
The city, sir, has removed to the country, and we wish to inform you and the country of it. Said one, and no mean critic,—“Such rooms cannot be found in Massachusetts, out of Boston, and I know of but one there equal to them, but in no degree superior.” Mr. H. has, in the preparation of his rooms, had special regard to convenience and elegance, sparing no expense for the attainment of both. Designing to become a fixture in this community, he only wishes to share with his brother in the reception of public patronage. Mr. H. brings with him the experience of five years, laboriously acquired in one of the oldest and most popular establishments in Boston.
As we enter, from the “Court Side” of Main street, the lower door, we are greeted by many familiar faces, themselves well pleased, seem to invite us in. As we examine the specimens that line the passage way, curiosity and pleasure insensibly allure us up, step by step, till before we are aware, we have reached the floor of the rooms. The door at the left introduces us into a room of moderate dimensions, well and tastefully furnished. This is the common reception room, containing a show case, in which are exhibited miniatures cases of all sizes, patterns, descriptions, and of course prices. The room, however, is but the anti-chamber to the spacious and elegant drawing room. This is the room of the suite.—furnished complete with splendid sofas, mirrors, chairs, tables &c., all of costly material, neatest styles, and highest finish.
Adjoining and continuous with this, is the operating room, which, whenever occasion requires, can be entirely disconnected by letting fall the ample folds of rich damask curtains. These with the ornaments above and around enhance the beauty and of fact of the rest.
Throwing aside now the curtains, we enter the operating room. There is but little here to attract, save the Camera of various sizes, standing on tripods around, the large screens on either hand and above for regulating the quantity and modifying the intensity of the light, and other nondescript fixtures, to gather with the magnificent carpet which also covers the floor of other rooms. Ascending two or three steps you then enter the sanctum of Mr. H. Here more objects are visible than can now be described; but within this, like a nest of boxes, is the innermost retreat of all, where neither eye nor step of the vulgar can intrude.
The style of the pictures taken by Mr. H. differ in some respect from those ordinarily met with, in respect to greater softness and deeper tone of expression; the transition of light and shade being less abrupt but none the less pleasing.
In the perfection of any daguerrian specimen much depends upon the ease and grace of position; for however distinct and perfect the features and expression of the countenance may be, if the body, arms or hands are in a constrained and awkward position, the eye is offended, the picture rejected and the artist disesteemed. In these respects Mr. H. will yield the palm to none.
Mr. H. being by his experience and opportunities initiated into the most recent improvements in his art and possessing Cameras of different sizes and other necessary appliances, is prepared to take pictures of any desirable size, either singly or in groups, also those in which the bust alone appears or those of smaller size suitable for breast-pins, lockets or finger rings.
Much more might be told, but this must suffice; and now we close this communication by advising those wishing daguerreotypes to visit the rooms of Mr. Hawes and verify our description.
Daguerreotypes.—Mr. Hawes, whose new Daguerrean Rooms, are in the Express Building, has a new advertisement this week, calling attention particularly to his facilities for taking pictures of children. He is supplied with the best apparatus for the purpose.
Mr. King, also, who has long been so favorably known to his patrons and their friends, for his superior pictures, is prepared to produce “Stereoscopes” in the best style of the art.
1854 November 24. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) November 24, 1854, Old Series—Vol. XXIII, No. 47, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 14, P. 3.
Hawes’ Daguerreotype Rooms. Just opened, at A. F. Hawes’ Daguerreotype Rooms, in Davenport & Mason’s Express Building, a splendid assortment of Lockets, Pins, Frames and Fancy Cases of all the latest styles. Mr. Hawes would say that he is prepared to do the best work that can be done in his line, in the Country, and having just bought a Quick instrument, expressly for taking Pictures of Children, With which Likenesses can be taken in Two Seconds, the great difficulty from not keeping Children still, will be overcome, and he is consequently able to warrant perfect satisfaction in this, as well as in all other work done by him.
Please call and examine Specimens.
Advertisement ran from November 24 to March 9, 1855.
1855 September 14. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) September 14, 1855, Old Series—Vol. XXIV, No. 37, New Series—Vol. VIII, No. 4, P. 2.
A Fine Daguerreotype.—Mr. A. F. Hawes has a full length daguerreotype of Rev. Mr. Hearne, of St. Mary’s Church, taken in his robes, which may be seen at the rooms of Mr. H. in Davenport & Mason’s Express building. It is one of the very best likenesses we have seen.
1855 October 19. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) October 19, 1855, Old Series—Vol. XXIV, No. 42, New Series—Vol. VIII, No. 9, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—Attention is called to the advertisement of Mr. Hawes, at whose rooms, in Davenport & Mason’s Express Building, may be seen a handsome specimens of pictures upon glass, and also in other styles of art.
1855 October 19. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) October 19, 1855, Old Series—Vol. XXIV, No. 42, New Series—Vol. VIII, No. 9, P. 3.
A. F. Hawes, Daguerreotype Artist, Rooms in Davenport & Mason’s Express Building, Bank Exchange, Taunton. Would most respectfully inform his numerous patrons and the public generally that he has recently bought the right to make Mr. Whipple’s, celebrated Chrystallotypes, [sic.] and is now prepared to make Chrystallotypes from the common size up to the size of Life in the most perfect manner. Also, pictures made on Glass, which took the premium over the Ambrotypes at the Fain in New Bedford.
Also, Stereoscope Pictures, Clouded Crayon Pictures and all other kinds appertaining to his business. Mr. H. would respectfully say to his patrons and the public generally that he feel grateful for their past patronage and hopes by strict attention to business to merit the continuance of the same.
Advertisement ran from October 19 to November 29, 1855.
1859 September 23. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) September 23, 1859, Vol. XXVIII, No. 38, P. 2.
Photographs Of Life Size.—Mr. A. F. Hawes, at his rooms, Exchange street, has some life size Photographs on exhibition; which are well worthy of the notice of visitors. Among them we noticed those of several of our well known citizens, which will be pronounced perfect likenesses. Mr. H. is fully prepared to give satisfaction in the production of pictures in either style of his art, and invites the public to test the merit of his work by examination.
Advertisement ran from September 23, 1859 to April 5, 1860.
1860 March 30. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) March 30, 1860, Vol. XXIX, No. 13, P. 2.
A Jury Daguerreotyped—The First Jury of the present term of the Superior Court, before leaving town for their respective homes, were daguerreotyped by Mr. A. F. Hawes, and a copy of the picture was presented to the Court, and also to Deputy Sheriff Peter C.Thayer, the officer who has attended them through the term.
1860 September 14. Bristol County Republican. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) September 14, 1860, Vol. XXXVIII, New Series–No. 2, P. 2.
Taxes In Taunton For 1860. We subjoin from the books of Mr. Brewster, Town Treasurer, a portion of the highest tax payers of Taunton, which will be continued in our next paper.
The total valuation of real and personal estate of the town of Taunton for 1860, is $7, 778, 166, which is an increase of $774, 433 over last year. The number of polls this year 3, 550, and a poll tax $1.50. Rate of taxation $7.20 per $1000. Total amount of money taxed $58, 000. The State tax is $1,677.50—County tax $6, 598. In School District No. 1, the amount raised is $7, 250; or $1.65 per $1000. Tax on polls $1.00, which we have added to the taxes in this district. The highway tax this year is $10,000—assessed $1.20 per thousand; on polls 35 cents.
Hawes, Albert F. $30.17.
1863 March 13. Bristol County Republican. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) March 13, 1863, Vol. XL, New Series–No. 28, P. 2.
Annual Town Meeting. The annual election of Town Officers took place on Monday. The warrant for the meeting was read at 9 o’clock by James M. Cushman, Esq., Town Clerk, and Abraham Briggs, Esq., the caucus nominee, was chosen Moderator. It was voted to choose 25 constables, and to close the poll at 2 o’clock. The following is the result of the election:
Field Drivers. A. F. Hawes was one of twenty-five elected.
1864 May 13. Bristol County Republican. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) May 13, 1864, Vol. XLI, New Series–No. 37, P. 2.
Taunton Men Drafted. The following is the result of the drafting this morning to fill up Taunton’s quota:
Albert F. Hawes was 110 out of 118.[3]
[1] Possibly active with brother Josiah Johnson Hawes of the firm Southworth & Hawes at 5½ Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.
[2] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
[3] Albert F. Hawes was not listed in Massachusetts Soldiers, Sailors, and marines in the Civil War who listed his occupation as a photographer.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 