J. W. Hirst

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850-1851       Francis Block, North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

1852-1853       Address Unknown, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.[1]

J. W. Hirst was recorded in two advertisements and one announcement in the Culturist and Gazette (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) a second announcement appeared in the Daily Republican  (Springfield, Massachusetts) which is a reprint of the C. & G announcement.  The first advertisement ran from October 9 to December 25, 1850.  Daguerrian Hall.  Daguerreotypes With all the latest improvements in Finishing and Gilding, taken at the rooms of J. W. Hirst, Francis Block, North Street, Pittsfield.

Miniatures set in Lockets, Frames Rings Pins, &c.  Watches, Jewelry, &c., plated with Gold and Silver by the Electro process.

Clocks & Musical Instruments Carefully repaired and warranted to give satisfaction, Umbrellas and Parasols made and repaired.

The second advertisement ran from December 25, 1850 to March 12, 1851.  Hirst’s Sky-Light Daguerreotype Rooms, Francis Block, North-st., Pittsfield.  Up One Flight Of Stairs Only.

Miss. Hirst Tenders her compliments to the citizens of Pittsfield, and vicinity, for the very liberal patronage so kindly bestowed upon her during her practice of the above profession, and would inform her friends and the public generally, that she has added to her rooms a very large Sky-Light, and that they will find her in readiness at all times, and in any weather, to wait on Ladies and gratify their desire to obtain true and pleasing Likenesses of themselves or acquaintances, or Copies Of Portraits, Daguerreotypes, &c., in the shortest space of time requisite, and respectfully solicits, a continuance of like favors.

Miniatures ut up in all the various styles, from the cheap Morocco to the richest and most magnificent Token.

Mr. Hirst will also be in attendance to wait upon gentlemen.

As we are not in the habit of making boasting or flattering speeches about what we can do, we respectfully invite all ladies and gentlemen to call and make a trial and satisfy themselves, and if not pleased no charge is made.

Clocks, Locks, Umbrellas, Parasols, Fans, Musical Snuff Boxes, Accordions, Musical Instruments, &c., carefully repaired.  Also Galvanizing with Gold & Silver,  By the Electro-Process, Done in the best manner and warranted to give satisfaction, by J. W. Hirst. 

The first announcement appeared on March 19, 1851.  A Hard Knot.—Mr. Hirst, Daguerrian Artist, of this village, showed us a few days since, a steel rat-trap, which had been sprung by pressing a stick some five inches long upon the pan, the stick remaining between the jaws of the trap.—It seems that a gentleman rat has very unceremoniously visited his rooms quite frequently of late, but has eluded ever attempt to be decoyed into the “tub of meal.”  The trap has been set for him several nights in succession, but each morning finds the trap sprung with some stick or other hard substance fastened in it, and his Ratship as free as ever.  Mr. H. says the trap is set in the room where no person enters during the night, and in such a position that the rat must pass through it to enter the room.

The second announcement was reprinted on March 24, 1851.  A Hard Knot.—Mr. Hirst, Daguerrian Artist, of this village, showed us a few days since, a steel rat-trap, which had been sprung by pressing a stick some five inches long upon the pan, the stick remaining between the jaws of the trap.—It seems that a gentleman rat has very uncermoniously visited his rooms quite frequently of late, but has eluded ever attempt to be decoyed into the “tub of meal.”  The trap has been set for him several nights in succession, but each morning finds the trap sprung with some stick or other hard substance fastened in it, and his Ratship as free as ever.  Mr. H. says the trap is set in the room where no person enters during the night, and in such a position that the rat must pass through it to enter the room.—Pittsfield Culturist.

J. W. Hirst is recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry records him as being active in 1852.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

R. Hills

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Court House, Ottawa, Illinois.

R. Hills was recorded in three advertisements in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois). The first advertisement appeared on June 2, 1848.  Daguerreotype Miniatures, How Precious to the bereaved are the relics of life. 

The ladies and gentlemen of Ottawa and vicinity are respectfully invited to call at the court house and examine specimens of the Photographic art, which for brilliancy, depth of tone, and outline, it is acknowledged have never been surpassed in this town.

Miniatures taken every day without regard to weather, and neatly set in lockets, pins, rings, bracelets, cases, and frames.  Persons desirous of procuring a life like and correct likeness of themselves or friends will to well to call at Hill’s & Co.’s rooms, as pictures taken by them are warranted not to fade in any length of time.  Old pictures taken over on reasonable terms.  Instruction given in the art if desired.  June 1.  Hills & Co.

The second advertisement ran from June 9 to July 7, 1848.  The ladies and gentlemen of Ottawa and vicinity are respectfully invited to call at the Court House and examine specimens of the Photographic art, which for brilliancy, depth of tone, and outline, it is acknowledged have never been surpassed in this town.

Miniatures taken every day without regard to weather, and neatly set in lockets, pins, rings, bracelets, cases, and frames.  Persons desirous of procuring a life like and correct likeness of themselves or friends will to well to call at Hill’s & Co.’s rooms, as pictures taken by them are warranted not to fade in any length of time.  Old pictures taken over on reasonable terms.  Instruction given in the art if desired.  June 2.  Hills & Co.

The third advertisement ran from July14 to September 15, 1848.  Daguerrean Gallery.—R. Hills respectfully invites the ladies and gentlemen of Ottawa and vicinity to call at the court house and examine his specimens of the Photographic Art.  Miniatures taken every day and neatly set in cases, lockets, or frames.  N. B. please call and examine specimens whether you think of having miniatures or not.  Instruction given if desired.  R. Hills.

R. Hills is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Joseph Hill

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , ,

1857                Address & Location Unknown, Minnesota.

1858                Drew’s Building, Third Street, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Joseph Hill[1]was recorded in two advertisements.  The first advertisement was recorded on October 31, 1857 in the Falls Evening News (Minneapolis, Minnesota).  Great Excitement At The New Photograph And Ambrotype Gallery!!  Pictures for the Million!  50 taken in one day, and more waiting!  J. Hill & Co., successor to J. H. Kelley invite the Public to examine their specimens of Photographs, colored and plain. Ambrotypes by an entire new process.  Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes and Pictures on patent leather. Having a complete stock of cases, Frames, Lockets, &c., we are now prepared to put up pictures in every form—we also have on hand a few oil paintings for sale cheap.

N.B. Particular attention is invited to the clear and life-like expression of the eye, the rich and beautiful softness of tone, the rare and exquisite finish of both plate and picture, and especially to their permanence.  We wish it distinctly understood that we use none but the very best materials.  Those who have favored us with a call, have expressed the most perfect satisfaction, and that they are in point of delineation, boldness and unerring truthfulness, equaled by few.  J. Hill & Co.  Oct. 21.

The second advertisement was recorded on March 13, 1858 in the Saint Paul Financial, Real Estate and Railroad Advertiser (St. Paul, Minnesota).  New Photograph And Ambrotype Gallery.  Hill, Kelly & Company, Having opened a suit of Rooms in Drew’s Building, on Third Street, (next door to Cathcart’s) are now ready to wait on all who may favor them with a call, and prepared to take all the different styles of pictures now in use, consisting of

Photographs, colored and plain, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes, and Pictures on Patent Leather—all of which are warranted.  Perfect satisfaction will be given, or no charge.

A share of the public patronage is respectfully solicited.  St. Paul, Jan. 25th, 1858.

J. Hill is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1858-1859 on Third Street between Robert and Minnesota Streets. 

[1] Minnesota History 52/2 Summer 1990, P. 44.

Henry D. Hill

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, Wheeling, Virginia.

Henry D. Hill was recorded in one inquiry on March 9, 1859 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Information Wanted.—Any person knowing the residence of Henry D. Hill, who followed Daguerreotyping in Wheeling in 1856, would confer a favor upon his relations, by giving information to the Post Master of this city.  He had a daughter about ten years old living near Wheeling.

Henry D. Hill is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Wheeling, Virginia.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a Henry D. Hill in New York city in 1854-1855, but its unknown if they are the same person.

John H. Hess

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855-1856       Main Street, One Door East of Greenbrier House, Lewisburg, Virginia.

John H. Hess was recorded in two advertisements in the Greenbrier Weekly Era (Lewisburg, Virginia).  The first advertisement was recorded on May 20 & October 14, 1856.  Skylight Daguerrean Gallery, On Main Street, One Door East Of Greenbrier House.  The Subscriber would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally that he has recently returned from Philadelphia, to which place he has been for the purpose of receiving instructions in the latest improvements in Daguerreotyping and is now prepared to take likenesses, which will compare favorably with any taken in the State.

His apparatus is entirely new, and has been well tested by some of the best artists in Philadelphia, and pronounced superior to those usually used in the country.

He has on hand a large assortment of beautiful cases, of all sizes, and desires to call particular attention to his Superb Union and magnificent fancy cases, both Single and double.  His Stock was selected with a view to please the most fastidious; and when he assures the public that he is determined to please, he hopes to be rewarded with the patronage of all who may wish a likeness of their friends of themselves.  Every picture warranted to give satisfaction.  Prices from 75 cents and upwards.  Terms Cash.  J. H. Hess.

Instructions given in the Art, and Apparatus and Materials furnished upon the most reasonable terms.  Operating hours from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.  J. H. H.  Dec. 25th, 1855.

The second advertisement was recorded on October 14, 1856. Pictures Taken for almost nothing, and the cost thrown into the bargain.  Call at the Daguerrean Gallery of John H. Hess, if you want your likeness taken, so low that you will think it is too cheap to be good; but remember all work is warranted to give satisfaction.  Having reduced his prices, he will take Pictures lower than they ever were taken before.  Then come one, come all, and examine specimens, Cases, Frames, &c.

*four line poem unreadable.

John H. Hess is not recorded in other photographic directories.   Only 5 issues were available between 1854-1856, 1858.

G.C. Hernandez

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                505 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.

G.C. Hernandez was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on August 6, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Ambrotypist Wanted.—A Good Operator, At Hernandez’s gallery, 505 68th av., between 40th and 41st sts.  One having an instrument preferred.  Apply between the hours of 8 A. M. and 6 P. M.

G. C. Hernandez is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active as a daguerreotypist in 1860 at 567 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.

J. Helion

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855                383 Broadway, New York, New York.

J. Helion was recorded in three advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on July 6, 1855.  To Daguerreans—A Rare Chance—To Be Disposed of, on very easy terms, the daguerrean portion of the photographic and daguerrean business, in Broadway.  Apply at the Helion Gallery, 383 Broadway.

The second advertisement ran on October 19 & 20, 1855.  “Which Nobody Can Deny” With Truth.—Photographs on glass, known as ambrotypes, are taken best and cheapest by far at Helion Gallery 383 Broadway.  Strangers, get your likeness in this new style, at 383 Broadway.

The third advertisement ran on October 30 & November 1, 1855.  “Which Nobody Can Deny” With Truth.—Photographs on glass, known as ambrotypes, are taken best and cheapest by far at Helion Gallery 383 Broadway.  Strangers, get your likeness in this new style, at 383 Broadway.

J. Helion is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1856-1857.

Helia

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1852                Address Unknown, Princeton, New Jersey.

Helia was record in one article in The Photographic Art Journal (New York, New York) and an advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The article appeared in Vol. III, No. 3, March 1852, P. 194.  A Daguerreotype artists, who is one of our subscribers, wishes to construct a traveling saloon, in such a manner that he may be folded within itself when not in use, Ie sufficiently light to be drawn by one horse, and yet large enough for all the purposes of his art, when unfolded and extended.  He desires us to request the publication of the views of such of our subscribers as feel disposed to favor him with their assistance.  His willing to remunerate the inventor of the most approved plan in a suitable manner.

—Since writing the above we have received the following letter from the gentleman alluded to.

Traveling Daguerreotype Wagon.  To The Editor of the Pho. Art-Journal.  Dear Sir,—Though the Photographic Art-Journal is devoted to improvements of general utility in the art, perhaps the present subject from its connection may be worthy of consideration to many Daguerreotypist.

I am and I have been for some time, as you are aware, traveling about with a large Daguerreotype saloon.  I find it inconvenient, expensive, and in some respects, ill-adapted to its purpose.  It is large, heavy and cumbersome, requiring four strong horses to move it.  I hire these horses from place to place, sometimes with more or less difficulty or expense. I have thought it practicable and desirable to build a Daguerreotype Saloon of such materials and dimensions that one strong horse could draw it over all tolerably good roads.  And I am now willing to do so.  But as in union there is strength, so I so I may be greatly benefitted and aided, if, instead of building upon my own plans I first obtain the collective wisdom of those who have already had experience, or thought upon the subject.

I therefore request from all those Daguerreotypist who may be willing to give the subject some little consideration, some plan or idea of how they would build the wagon I desire.  By their united assistance I could build one every way well adapted to its purpose.

To each individual who shall so favor me, I offer a drawing, lithographic or otherwise, fully explanatory of my wagon when completed.

It must be large enough when opened and stationary to operate in, with seats for customers, work-bench, dark-room, stove, sink, sky-light, &c. &c. It must of course be waterproof, and secured as much as possible from changes of temperature or gales of wind.

If it be asked what advantages I propose by such a wagon, I answer, that by keeping my own horse I can move about more independently and with greater activity than with a large one requiring four hired horses.  I can reap harvests at places too small to be visited by my present saloon.  These harvests are rich and rapidly gathered,—few or no reapers have visited their localities.

Any plan, or combination of plans, then that would offer most advantages and give a wagon that could be moved with one horse on common roads, while the publicity it increased the demand for Daguerreotypes in general, would be a desideratum to me and others who may wish to cary the art where it is yet but little known—Yours, Respectfully, Helia.

Gentlemen desirous of favoring me with their communications on the subject will please address, Helia, care of Mr. H. H. Snelling, 308 Broadway, New York.

The advertisement appeared on March 2, 1852.  To Daguerreotypist—Wanted, By A Travelling Artist, an operator of some experience.  He must be of good address, of steady habits, have respectable references, and be contented with a moderate salary.  Address with full particulars, stating age, experience, and salary required, to Helia, Princeton, N. J. Helia is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry with no activity dates or location.   John does reference the article in The Photographic Art Journal.

Hawks & Brother

Retailer, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Cleveland, Ohio.

Hawks & Brother were recorded in one advertisement that appeared on April 1, 1859 in the Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio).  Hawks & Brother have received and have for sale a large number of fine photographs of landscapes, buildings, etc., in various sections of the country, which will make fine ornaments and decorations for the residences of those who purchase.  The views include many in New York, (City and State,) and other States.  Call and look over the collection.

Hawks & Brother are not recorded in other photographic directories.

N. F. Hawkins

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1855-1856       Rooms over Langley’s Store, Jackson, Mississippi.

1860                Corner Pearl & State Streets, over Langley’s Store, Jackson, Maiiissippi.[1]

N. F. Hawkins was recorded in two advertisements in the Weekly Flag of the Union (Jackson, Mississippi).  The first appeared on January 16, 1856.

New Establishment Over Langley’s Store.  Reflected By Sky Light!!!  Having a very large and newly improved Apparatus, together with our new arrangement of Reflected Sky Light and a determination to excel in our beautiful Art, we are now prepared to execute larger and much finer Pictures than those taken by the old process.

Our Stereoscopic Pictures, (something entirely new,) are pronounced by connoisseurs to be as life like as Pictures can be made.  Give us a call, we guarantee satisfaction or no charge. Hawkins & Co.  Jackson, December 28, 1855.

The second also appeared on January 16, 1856.  Call and see us!!!  If you wish a very superior Miniature, with the most life-like color and expression, call at Hawkins & Co. Gallery, Over Langley’s Store.  Our pictures shall be of the very finest quality and shall give entire satisfaction or no charge.  So call at once, and see for yourselves.  The Ladies especially, are solicited to call.

Prices in accordance with the hard times.

Remember our Rooms are over Langley’s Store, nearly opposite the Capital.  [ ? ]Hawkins & Co.

P. S.  We have just received a [ ? ] large lot of the very finest cases.

N. F. Hawkins is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Jackson, Mississippi in 1860.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.