Tag Archives: Greenfield Massachusetts

Hull, S. W.

1853                Opposite Court Square, Springfield, Massachusetts.

1853-1854       Goodrich Block, Springfield, Massachusetts.

1854                Main Street, over Hollister’s Jewelry Store, Greenfield, Massachusetts.

1855                Address Unknown, Bellows Falls, Vermont.

1854 January 9.  Gazette and Courier.  (Greenfield, Massachusetts.)  January 9, 1854, Gazette—Vol. LXI, No. 3243, Courier—Vol. XVI, No. 43, P. 3.  

New Daguerreotype Rooms, S. W. Hull[1], (Late of Springfield,) Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Greenfield and vicinity that he has opened rooms over Hollister’s Jewelry Store, Greenfield, Mass., where he has put in a Mammoth Sky Light, where he will remain through the winter, and where it will be his purpose to furnish some of the most beautiful pictures ever seen in “Old Franklin,” having an “eye out” for the latest improvements in the ‘Art’ and possessing a practical knowledge of the business, I can warrant to all perfect satisfaction.  By the use of the Electric Chemical process, I am able to secure almost instantaneously, pictures combining the most exquisite shade and finish known to the Art. For taking pictures of little Children I have the best and most convenient place and instruments in Western Massachusetts.  I shall also introduce some new styles of pictures nowhere else to be found this side of Boston.  None but the very best of instruments and stock used, and no one will be expected to take a picture unless perfectly satisfied.  My prices shall be very reasonable.  A great deduction made to families and Groups.  People visiting Greenfield will find it to their advantage to call, and if my work and prices suit, I shall be happy to serve them.  Hours for “the little ones” from 9 A. M. to 2 P. M.  Admission Free.

N. B.  A Daguerrean Saloon for sale for one half the real value, and a small part of the money down.  Instruction in the Art, free of charge.   S. W. Hull1.   

Advertisement ran from January 9 to February 6, 1854.

1854 February 6.  Gazette and Courier.  (Greenfield, Massachusetts.)  February 6, 1854, Gazette—Vol. LXI, No. 3247, Courier—Vol. XVI, No. 47, P. 3.  

Hull’s Sky-Light Daguerreotype Rooms, Greenfield, Mass.  The very best of Pictures taken and neatly set in all styles of Cases, Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., fifty cents cheaper than at any other place in Northern Massachusetts.

The Latest Style of Cases received from Boston and New York, every week.  People wishing No. 1 Daguerreotypes taken, will find it to their advantage to call.

Children Daguerreotyped in from 2 to 5 seconds in fair weather.

All work warranted to give satisfaction, and never fade.

Some New Styles Of Pictures, that cannot be obtained at any other place in Franklin County.

N. B. Cloudy weather preferred except for Children.

Rooms over Hollister’s Jewelry Store.

Remember that I have the best and quickest working Light in this part of the State, and shall always be glad to show specimens to people whether they wish a picture or not.  Admission Free.

Advertisement ran from February 6 to April 3, 1854.

1854 February 20.  Gazette and Courier.  (Greenfield, Massachusetts.)  February 20, 1854, Gazette—Vol. LXI, No. 3249, Courier—Vol. XVI, No. 49, P. 3.  

Born, In this town, Feb. 14, a daughter to S. W. Hull.

1854 April 3.  Gazette and Courier.  (Greenfield, Massachusetts.)  April 3, 1854, Gazette—Vol. LXI, No. 3255, Courier—Vol. XVII, No. 3, P. 3. 

Daguerreotypes, Cheaper than Ever.  For the next thirty days people can obtain Pictures 50 per sent lower than usual, by calling at S. W. Hull’s Permanent Gallery, over Hollister’s Jewelry Store, where there is the best suit of rooms and sky light in Franklin County.

All Pictures warranted to give satisfaction.

Remember, I prefer cloudy weather except for children.  People wishing to save time and money will find it to their advantage to call before sitting at any other Gallery.

Advertisement was recorded six times between April 3 to May 15, 1854. 

1854 May 15.  Gazette and Courier.  (Greenfield, Massachusetts.)  May 15, 1854, Gazette—Vol. LXI, No. 3261, Courier—Vol. XVII, No. 9, P. 3. 

Daguerreotypes Taken over Hollister’s Jewelry Store, In the best possible manner.  People wishing pictures taken can now save from 50 cents to 2 dollars (on each picture) by calling at these Rooms, where is the largest Sky-Light and best Instrument in Franklin County.  All work warranted to be properly finished, or no pay required.  Prices from 50 cents to $15.

N. B.  Cloudy weather preferred except for children.  Call and see before setting at any other Gallery.

Advertisement ran from May 15 to 29, 1854.

1854 August 28.  Gazette and Courier.  (Greenfield, Massachusetts.)  August 28, 1854, Gazette—Vol. LXIV, No. 3276, P. 3.  Courier—Vol. XVII, No. 24. 

Daguerrean and Stereoscopic Gallery.  E. C. Ely, respectfully announces that he has this day entered on the rooms lately occupied by S. W. Hull, over Hollister’s Jewelry Store, in Main Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts, where intends to carry on the art of Daguerreotyping in all its branches.

E. C. E. has been an assistant to Mr. J. D. Wells of Northampton in this State, for the past three years, and during his absence, has had the entire management of his establishment, without, [ ? ] he ventures to believe, in any degree compromising Mr. Wells’ unrivalled reputation.

The advertiser will be always found in attendance during business hours, and will be happy to show his visitors specimens of his art, and receive the orders.

All work done with the utmost promptness and on the most reasonable terms.

1855 October 27.  Vermont Phoenix.  (Brattleboro, Vermont.)  October 27, 1855, New Series—Vol. 1, No. 39, P. 4.

Windham County Fair.  We publish below the list of Premiums awarded, at the late Fair at Westminster…Household Arts….

A beautiful view of Bellows Falls, engraved from a Daguerreotype by Hull, exhibited by S. W, Hull & J. H. Wentworth, is commended by the committee as eminently worthy of much praise as a work of art.

A fine lot of Daguerreotypes from the gallery of Hull, Bellows Falls, are deemed worthy of especial commendation, for the beauty of their artistic finish, and the depth and clearness of the several pictures.

1855 November 3.  Vermont Phoenix.  (Brattleboro, Vermont.)  November 3, 1855, New Series—Vol. 1, No. 40, P. 2.

View of the State House, Montpelier, Vt.—W. Felton has received a few copies of a fine lithograph representing the State House and its surroundings, at Montpelier.  This lithograph is from a Daguerreotype by Mr. Hull, of Bellows Falls, and was executed by Bradford & Co., of Boston.  Both artist have executed their several trusts in a superior manner, and have furnished the public with a very correct and faithful similitude of the building wherein the “assembled wisdom” of the State doth congregate.  Price $1.00.


[1] Recorded as S. W. Hall on January 9, there after as S. W. Hull.

Hawes, Charles Ebenezer

C. 1841           Address Unknown, West Cambridge, Massachusetts.

C. 1841           Address Unknown, Greenfield, Massachusetts.

1842                Address Unknown, Northampton, Massachusetts.

1842                Crandell’s Block, Taunton, Massachusetts.

1842                Address Unknown, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1843                Tallman’s Block, Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1843                110 Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1845                105 Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.[1]

1845                Rooms over the Post Office, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

1848                Liberty Hall, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1849-1852       Liberty Hall, Purchase Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.1

1853-1854       Liberty Hall, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1853                Address Unknown, New Bedford, Massachusetts.1

1855                Corner of Purchase and William Streets, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1856                50 Purchase Street, corner Williams Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.1

1859                Purchase Street corner Williams Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.1

1860                Address Unknown, New Bedford, Massachusetts.1

1860                Purchase Street corner Williams Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1842 October 4.  Hampshire Gazette.  (Northampton, Massachusetts.)  October 3, 1842, Vol. LVII, No. 6, Whole No. 4000, P. 3.

Letters remaining in the Post Office, Northampton, Mass., Oct 3, 1842…

Charles E. Hawes…

1842 December 7.  Taunton Whig.  (Taunton, Massachusetts.)  December 7, 1842, Vol. X, No. 52, P. 2. 

Photographic Miniature Rooms—Crandell’s Block.  Directly over Mr. Cooper’s Dressing Room, entrance from either street, Up Stairs.

C. E. Hawes, would respectfully announce to the ladies and gentlemen of this town, that he has taken the above rooms, for the purpose of taking Miniatures, by a new and beautiful process, never before exhibited here.  Those who are desirous of procuring an exact resemblance of themselves, or friends, in a few moments sitting will be waited upon as above, or if required, at their residences, should a number desire it.  His prices reasonable, and perfect satisfaction given or no pay exacted.  Specimens may be seen at the Bookstores or at his rooms.

1843 June 28.  New Bedford Register.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  June 28, 1843, Vol. V, No. 26, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Pictures.  The perfection to which the remarkable discovery of Daguerre has already been carried, is among the most beautiful triumphs of modern art.  pictures by means of the Daguerreotype are now produced in a few seconds, unsurpassed for truthfulness, and scarcely equalled in beauty by the efforts of the most skiful pencil.  We have had opportunities of examining many of these pictures, done at various establishments and by various of the most eminent professors in the art, but we have never examined any superior to those produced by Mr. Hawes, at his room, Tallman’s Block, Union St.  They have a clearness and distinctness which contrasts very strikingly things palmed off upon the community as Daguerreotype pictures, by the ignorant pretenders who have, heretofore opened their studios here, and taken in the public instead of taking their miniatures.  These pictures are also more durable than is generally supposed.  Mr. Hawes exhibits a number at his rooms produced some years ago, which are as perfect as when new.  Added to all their other excellencies the perfect likeness which is obtained by the Daguerreotype renders these pictures particularly valuable.  We cannot do our friends a better service than advise them to call at Mr. H’s. rooms, and examine the specimens which may there be seen.  

1843 August 4.  New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  August 4, 1843, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 5, P. 3.

For Three Weeks Only!  Hawes Daguerreotype Photographic Miniatures, Taken At Rooms No. 110 Union St. New Bedford Price—from $3.50 to $5.00, Two persons in one Picture, $6.00.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens of this new and beautiful art.—All persons desirous of procuring exact likenesses of themselves or friends, can have an opportunity of so doing, and in a style, which, for durability, neatness of execution, and correct delineation of feature, is unsurpassed by any other method.

Advertisement was recorded on August 4 & 11, 1843.

1843 September 22.  New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  September 22, 1843, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 12, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Pictures.  We are apt to set little value on what costs little.  Yet nothing is more absurd.  Nothing is more striking, the world over, than the difference between the intrinsic value of things and the labor producing them.  It is a distinguishing characteristic of genius, that what it elicits at a stroke is the most brilliant and admirable.  This is emphatically true in the art of painting.  The recent invention in engraving the imitation of statuary, is done by machinery.  The engravers tell us that they can set their machine at work on a head, go home to dinner, and when they get back fine the piece finished.  Daguerreotype pictures come within the range of these remarks.  They are done in a minute and yet they are not only perfect likenesses and true to nature, but have all the delicacy of miniature beauty.  The portraits are not only free from affectation, but have all the grace and ease of nature.  Neither are they wanting in the poetry of painting.  All that is necessary is to feel pleasantly and the expression will be pleasant.  These remarks have been drawn forth by an inspection of Hawes’ Daguerreotypes, at No. 110 Union street.  His short stay is giving him his hands full of employment.

1845 May 27.  New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  May 27, 1845, Vol. VII, No. 22, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Picture Gallery.  No. 105 Union St.—New-Bedford.  C. E. Hawes & Co. give notice to their friends and the public, that they have fitted up a Room expressly for a Public Exhibition Room, where all are invited to call and examine their beautiful specimens, that were taken with their new and improved apparatus.  They have also fitted an Operating Room, which enables them to take Miniatures at all times of the day, and as well in stormy and cloudy weather as in fair.  They have arranged the light so as to give them great advantage over all Daguerreotype artists.  It enables them to give to their pictures just such a shade as the sitter may prefer.  They will color their pictures if desired.

They keep always on hand, a large and splendid assortment of all kinds and sizes of Lockets, such as gold, gold plated, and gold washed.  Also, Morocco Cases and Rosewood Frames, &c., which will be sold very cheap, with or without a picture.

Mr. H. would say that they have Rooms over the Post office, at Nantucket, for the present.

No person is expected to pay for a picture, unless perfect satisfaction is given.

1848 September 29.  The New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  September 29, 1848, Vol. XLI, Whole No. 2140, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.—The Messrs. Hawes have now one of the best Daguerreotype establishments in the country.  Their enterprise, skill, and experience enable them to compete successfully with any artists in their profession.  Some of the finest specimens of the Daguerrian art ever produced may be seen in their picture gallery.

They have recently made great improvements in their establishment at Liberty Hall.  The picture gallery has been elegantly fitted up and furnished.  A new operating room has been built for the , containing both a side light and a sky-light, which can be used separately, or in conjunction with each other.  In planning their operating room they have consulted with the most distinguished members of their profession as to the best method of constructing it, and have adopted all the improvements, and combined all the excellencies, found in any establishment.

The sky-light, (which by the way, is the only one in this city,) is truly a great improvement.  The light striking from above is much more equally diffused over the person  of the sitter, than it is in the old method of operating.  It gives a rich mellow tone to the picture surpassing in beauty the finest engraving.  The finest countenance retains all its transparency of complexion and delicateness of expression.  The eye, so difficult in some persons to be taken well by the old method of operating, can be taken perfectly.  A much more pleasant and life like expression can be obtained by the sky-light than by the side or front light.  A side light, or a front light, is painful to the eye—hence that scowl and stern expression observable in most daguerreotypes.  The sky-light admitting the light from above, throws the eye partially into shade, and by relieving it from the strong glare, obviates that defect. 

Pictures can be taken by the sky-light free from that heavy shade on one side of the face, which is objectionable to some—and still blending sufficient of light and shade to please an eye of correct artistic taste.  One of the great excellences of the sky-light is its power of producing a perfect harmony of light and shade.

In taking groups of persons the sky-light possesses a very great superiority over a side or front light.

1848 November 1.  Independent Press.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  November 1, 1848, Vol. 1, No. 2, P. 4.

Daguerreotype Gallery.  The subscribers would call the attention of the public to their Daguerreotype Establishment at Liberty Hall, in which great improvements have recently been made.  A new operating Room with a large sky-light constructed on the most approved scientific principles has been built expressly for their use.  The Sky-light (the only one in this vicinity) enables them to take Pictures in a style superior to any before taken in New Bedford.  With it they can operate with great certainty and accuracy in all kinds of weather and take groups of individuals—embracing both children and adults—in any number that may be desired.  They have spared no cost in furnishing their establishment with the Best Apparatus And All The Improvements In The Daguerrian Art.

A new and powerful Instrument has been imported for taking Groups and large Pictures.  Paintings and Pictures of all kinds copied without reversing.  Constantly on hand a good assortment of Gold Lockets, Cases, Frames, Plates and Chemicals, which they will furnish to operators at the lowest cash prices.  Pictures Taken At Reduced Prices.

The Public are invited to call and examine their specimens in the Picture Gallery, and the improvements in the Operating Room.  C. E. Hawes & Brother, Liberty Hall, New Bedford, at the Corner of Purchase and William Sts.

1850 November 22.  The New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  November 22, 1850, Vol. XLIII, Whole No. 2352, P. 2.

Improved Daguerreotypes.—It will be seen by an advertisement in our columns, that Mr. Hawes, whose skill as a Daguerreotypist is well known in this community, has introduced an improvement in the art by which the distinctness of the pictures are decidedly improved and the glare from the metallic surface is materially obviated.   The effect of this improvement may be seen at his rooms, at Liberty Hall.

1852 June 12, Before.  Engraving in C. Steele’s Collection.

Engraving of Rowland R. Crocker, Born April 8th, 1770 Died January 12th, 1852.  Engraved by J. C. Buttre, New York after a Daguerreotype by Hawes, New Bedford, Mass.

1853 May 4.  The Daily Evening Standard.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  May 4, 1853, Vol. IV, No. 67, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.—The finest specimens of daguerreotypes we ever saw were taken by C. E. Hawes, at Liberty Hall.  He has recently made great improvements in the art.  No one takes better or more life-like pictures.

1854 November 17.  The Taunton Democrat.  (Taunton, Massachusetts.)  November 17, 1854, Old Series—Vol. XXIII, No. 46, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 18, P. 1.

Fire In New Bedford.—A serious fire occurred in New Bedford, on Thursday morning, the 9th inst.—It commenced about 5 A. M. in the south side of Liberty Hall, and was caused by a lamp in transparency, front of a restorateur [sic.] in the lower part of the building.  Liberty Hall was consumed and the following occupants were suffers by the fire…C. E. Hawes, daguerrean, loss $600—insured…

1855 May 30.  The Daily Evening Standard.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  May 30, 1855, Vol. VI, No. 89, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  Charles E. Hawes has reopened his Daguerreotype Operating Rooms and Exhibition Gallery, opposite his old stand, in the new building corner of Purchase and William streets.

Arrangements have been made for taking Pictures equally as well in stormy days as in fair.

The public are invited to examine his various Pictures in the Daguerrean Art, and their continued patronage respectfully solicited.

P. S.  Especial attention given to copying Pictures of all descriptions.   j13.

1855 October 4.  American Traveller.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  October 4, 1855, Vol. XVII, No. 39, P. 1.

Agricultural Fairs.  Reported For The Traveller.  Bristol County Agricultural Exhibition.  New Bedford, Sept. 26,  The annual Exhibition of the Bristol County Agricultural commences here to-day…

At Mechanics’ Hall are exhibited Domestic Manufactures and Fancy Articles.  A. B. (sic.) King of Taunton, exhibits some very good daguerreotypes; Charles E. Hawes of New Bedford, some good ones also, and some fine Photographs…

1857 January 9.  New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  January 9, 1857, Vol. L, No. 19, P. 2.

Portraits Of Rev. Dr. Peabody.—At the Daguerreotype establishment of Mr. Hawes, corner of Purchase and William streets, may be seen some excellent likenesses of the Rev. Dr. Peabody.  One is from an admirable Crayon portrait (a side view) and the other is a daguerreotype from nature.  We can speak very favorably of the fidelity of these pictures, as excellent portraits of our lamented friend and former pastor and as such, those who want a correct likeness of Dr. Peabody should call on Mr. Hawes and see them.

1857 August 7.  New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  August 7, 1857, Vol. L, No. 1, P. 1.

The Daguerreotype Art.—The public are not generally aware of the amount of skill, and judgement required to produce a good picture in this comparatively new and valuable department of the fine arts.  A correct likeness of a near and dear friend, is one of the most valuable of possessions; and on the other hand, an untrue picture is exceedingly repulsive.  We wish the correct lineaments of our friend’s face, and nothing more, nor less.  To ensure this [a] through knowledge, and long practice in the art is required.

Great improvement has been made in this art since its discovery, and it has now arrived to a degree of perfection, which its most sanguine admirers little expected a few years ago.

Among the enterprising young men who adopted this now and tasteful pursuit, Mr. Chs. E. Hawes, who has been for sixteen years engaged in it in New Bedford, was one of the earliest.  From a long intimacy with the art, Mr. Hawes has become one of the most skillful and successful artist in this country; in fact, we know of no one more so.  His likenesses in Ambrotype are the most elegant and artistic of any we have seen—they stand out like medallions, and the likeness has a most impressive and life like effect.  No artist, so far as the writer of this notice is aware, has paid so much attention to the light and shade of his pictures—so that the right complexion of the person shall be represented, and a soft and agreeable tone given to the likeness.

Many people suppose that any person can take a good likeness.  This is by no means the case.  Great care and skill are required, not only in the taking the likeness, but in the chemical operation thereafter, to develop the picture.  The greatest care, attention, and skill, and herein imperatively necessary.

In all these most important requisions (sic.) Mr. Hawes has for many years shown himself highly qualified.  We do not hesitate to say, that his pictures will bear a favorable comparison with those of the best artist in this or any other land.

Mr. Hawes is a native of Framingham, Mass., and with true New England sagacity, became one of the earliest to interest himself in his art.  Himself and a brother, both farmers, and mechanics, started with a machine of their own construction at West Cambridge—thence our fellow townsman went to Northampton, Greenfield, and other places having obtained from every reliable source, all the information that could be afforded in Boston and New York, by the advocates of Mons. Daguerre’s discovery.  In the year 1841, Mr. Hawes came to New Bedford, and during his sixteen years experience has devoted himself unremittingly to his profession.  Mr. Hawes attends personally to his business, assisted by Mr. Lowden, one of the most faithful and intelligent operators in the business.

In conclusion we would state as a matter of justice to this excellent artist, as well as the public. That Mr. H. not only was the first to introduce the Daguerreotype into New Bedford, but also that elegant and improved style of the art, the Ambrotype.  In this department of his business he took the First Prize at the Bristol Co. Fair two years since.

1858 October 26.  Whaleman’s Shipping List and Merchant Transcript.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  October 26, 1858, Vol. XVI, No. 33, P. 2.

Ship Harvest, of Nantucket, 360 tons, has been purchased by Charles E. Hawes, Esq., of this city and will hereafter hail, and be continued in the whaling business from this port.  She will not be fitted until next spring.

1859 July 8.  Daily Evening Standard.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  July 8, 1859, Vol. X, No. 111, P. 3.

Lost or left by mistake, in Mr. Hawes’ Daguerreotype Saloon, a nice Lace Cape.  Any one having taken said Cape or having it in their possession, are requested to leave it at 86 Middle street, without delay.

1859 November 15.  Whaleman’s Shipping List and Merchant Transcript.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  November 15, 1859, Vol. XVII, No. 36, P. 2.

Sale Of Ships.—Ship Draper, of this port, with all her whaling gear, has been purchased by Charles E. Hawes, and will probably be continues in the whaling business, and fitted next spring.

1860 February 11.  The Daily Evening Standard.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  February 11, 1860, Vol. X, No. 297, P. 2.

Fires…A little before six o’clock this morning fire was discovered in the daguerrean rooms of Mr. Charles E. Hawes, in the second story on the building on the north-east corner of William and Purchase streets.  The firemen rallied promptly, and though the fire had gained considerable headway it was confined to that portion of the building.  Mr. Hawes had a large stock of material on hand which was almost wholly destroyed.

The first floor was occupied by Messrs. Little & Allen, dealers in carpeting.  Their stock was all removed, sustaining but a trifling damage.  The building is owned by Mr. Allen and Mr. Hawes.  Mr. H. had an insurance on his portion of the building, but Mr. Allen was uninsured.  The building was valued at about $1200, the damage to which will not exceed $200.  The stock of Mr. Hawes was insured for $1200 through J. S. Tillinghast, which will cover his loss.

1860 February 18.  The Daily Evening Standard.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  February 18, 1860, Vol. XI, No. 4, P. 2.

Insurance Settled.—We understand that Mr. Joseph S. Tillinghast has settled the claims for insurance on the damage by fire…  The claim for damage to Mr. Hawes’ building on the corner of Purchase and William street, has also been adjusted to the satisfaction of all parties.

1860 May 5.  The Daily Evening Standard.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  May 5, 1860, Vol. XI, No. 69, P. 2.

Good Pay vs. Bad Pay.—Mr. Editor:—Having had some “fiery trials” and practical experience attendant thereon, in settling with the various Insurance Companies from whom I have obtained Policies of Insurance, I deem it a pleasing duty to refer to the subject through your columns.  In 1855, my property was destroyed by the burning of the old Liberty Hall building.  I held a policy thereon for which I paid the premium, and as far as I know, complied with the rules and regulations of the Company.  At the proper time I presented my claim, expecting the loss to be paid with the same promptness and cheerfulness with which I paid the premium, but judge of my surprise to have my claim rejected!  And after months of anxiety and hope deferred, I consulted a legal adviser, whose recommendation was, that rather than have a vexatious law suit I should take up with their offer,—it being a sum less about what it would cost to prosecute my claim in a Court of Justice.  This I was obliged to do, and this I learn has been the experience of several in this city since.

In contrast with the above I will further state that in February last I was again  unfortunate in having my property enveloped in the flames, from which very little was saved.  This time I was fortunate possessor of three policies of insurance, obtained through the agency of Mr. Joseph S. Tillinghast, one on my building, and two on my stock in trade.  The one on the building from the New England Fire and Marine Ins. Co., of Hartford, was paid immediately, and the two on stock in trade by the Springfield Fire and Marine, and the Western Massachusetts Ins. Co. were promptly paid when due.

The contrast in the treatment towards me in the two cases above alluded to is so great that I take great pleasure in recommending my friends and fellow citizens who may wish insurance on their buildings or goods, to the agency of Joseph S. Tillinghast, No. 58 North Water street, where they may expect to be honorably and fairly dealt with, and if unfortunately like myself, obliged to pass through the flames, may promptly and cheerfully expect a plaster as large as the burn, in the shape of a Draft on some good Insurance Company or Bank, which is the only known antidote for such sufferings.  Yours Truly, Charles E. Hawes.

1864 June 21.  Whaleman’s Shipping List and Merchant Transcript.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  June 21, 1864, Vol. XXII, No. 16, P. 2.

Ship Mary Wilder, of this port, 213 tons was sold at auction 18th inst. to Charles E. Hawes, of this city, for $7,125.


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