N.D. Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1853 55 Main Street, Emporium Block, Rochester, New York.
1853 22 State Street, Rochester, New York.
1854-1857 55 Main Street, Gaffney’s Block, Rochester, New York.
N.D. The American Daguerreotype by Floyd & Marion Rinhart. (Athens, Georgia.) 1981, P. 398.
Lived in the same boarding house as Myron Shew in Philadelphia in 1850. Worked for Myron Shew, dates unknown.
1853 March 25. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 25, 1853, Vol 9, No. 72, P. 2.
The entire third story of the Emporium Block, corner of Main and St. Paul streets, is occupied by the Daguerrian establishment of Messrs. Heath & Kelsey. The first named gentleman came here a stranger last May, and commenced business. His partner has been here two or three months. Their success and progress for the year is quite remarkable. The rooms rented by this firm are finely situated for their business. The first is a room . The first is a room 45 by 20 feet, whose walls are hung with pictures, engravings, and frames of beautiful daguerreotypes, the handiwork of the establishment. This room is carpeted and well lighted, and is one of the best reception rooms of which we know. At the right of the room is a room 75 by 20 feet, running from front to rear of the Block. This room is about being brought into use. The ceiling is frescoed in Glessing’s best style. The floor will be covered with a handsome carpeting, and on the walls are to be suspended, within a few days now, the 52 portraits of the Pioneers taken by Kimball, and also a large number of other paintings. This Pio [damaged line] in the city and the enterprise of Heath & Kelsey is much to be commended in providing for it. At the extreme left, and opposite the Gallery room, is another large space, divided into rooms for various purposes, viz: a dressing room for ladies, about 15 feet square—a parlor, 35 by 20 feet, which is furnished with superb carpeting, with a piano, a chandelier, &c. &c. Next is a dressing room for ladies, 16 feet square, in which is Kimball’s large painting of the “Judgement of Solomon;” next in order is the work room, 35 by 20, supplied with all the accessories of the art—and finally the operating room, 25 by 25 feet, lighted and furnished with a full assortment of Cameras from smallest to the “mammoth.” A second room is about being constructed, with a large skylight, to meet the claims of the business.
The great advantage of these rooms, aside from the acknowledged excellence of the pictures taken is the fact that the entire suite is on the same floor—a great convenience where ladies and children are concerned. They are fast getting into shape to manage all the business that offers.
1853 March 28. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 28, 1853, Vol 9, No. 74, P. 2.
We learn that Messrs. Heath & Kelsey, who are forming a Gallery of Pioneer Portraits,” at their Daguerreotype Rooms, Emporium Block, recently procured a painting of the late Jared Newell, Esq.
1853 March 29. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 29, 1853, Vol 9, No. 75, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 1. We have such nice rooms, and everything so convenient for the accommodation of our friends, and for taking Daguerreotype likenesses that we cannot hesitate any longer to extend a cordial invitation to everybody to come and see us.—It is worth the while of any person to spend an hour in our rooms simply to look at the fine pictures that adorn the walls, and examine the superior daguerreotypes, that prove the excellence of the art, and the genuineness of the skill that is exercised there. The determination to possess as fine a miniature for one’s self, or one’s friend, is irresistible. Come to the Emporium Block, corner of Main and St. Paul streets, third story.
Advertisement ran from March 29 to 31, 1853.
1853 April 1. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 1, 1853, Vol 9, No. 78, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 2. Notwithstanding our first invitation has brought in upon us a rush of company, we take it is opportunity of inviting others, that we may enlarge the circle of our already extensive acquaintance. Ladies flock in crowds tour rooms to see those noble Daguerreotypes, and to insist upon having one of the same sort for themselves. Such pictures and such rare accommodations for the Ladies, are unknown here.—Come to the Emporium Block, corner Main and St. Paul streets. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement was recorded on April 1 & 2, 1853.
1853 April 5. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 5, 1853, Vol 9, No. 81, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 3. Come and see our prize pictures—they are the greatest attractions in the city. We have any quantity of them and lots of beautiful engravings and paintings, and then such nice operators, such choice instruments, and the very best operating sky-light ever built. There is no mistake about it. You have only to ascend two pairs of stairs, and then you on the level of our rooms, sky-light and all. It is in the Emporium Block, corner Main and St. Paul sts. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement Ran from April 5 to 7, 1853.
1853 April 8. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 8, 1853, Vol 9, No. 84, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 4. And still they come. Our visitors who, by the way, are reckoned by thousands, still insist that there are no such rooms as those occupied by us. A general expression of astonishment that anything so elegant is to be found here prevails. Every day the skill of our experienced operator is put in requisition, to take pictures for persons who are disgusted with the work turned out at the shops in town—where they profess to take Daguerreotypes. All conclude that the only place is in the Emporium Block. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 8 to 11, 1853.
1853 April 12. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 12, 1853, Vol 9, No. 86, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 5. This glorious spring weather is the best time of all the year for taking Daguerreotypes, and for visiting our splendidly furnished rooms, and examining the beautiful pictures and engravings that adorn our walls. The clear sunlight only renders more shining and brings out the brighter coloring the excellences of our pictures, which it gives us such a magnificent operating light that we cannot fail to take the most faithful and life-like likenesses. Indeed all confess that there is no such word as fail, with. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement was recorded on April 12 & 13, 1853.
1853 April 15. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 15, 1853, Vol 9, No. 89, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 6. Of course there is a crowd here today. Walk in—our rooms are on the third floor of the Emporium Block, corner of Main and St. Paul streets. Once here, you have no further flight of stairs to climb to reach a cold and cheerless attic, or a low and poorly lighted back stairs garret. But right in here—hardly 10 feet distance, and close by these sofas, this piano, and these beautiful dressing rooms, is our operator and his instruments. You can have a picture in five minutes, and when you get it, it is a picture worth the money, and not a poor caricature. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 15 to 18, 1853.
1853 April 19. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 19, 1853, Vol 9, No. 92, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 7. Of course there is a crowd here today. Walk in our rooms are on the third floor of the Emporium Block, corner Main and St Paul streets. Once here, you have no further flight of stairs to climb to reach a cold and cheerless attic, or a low and poorly lighted back stairs garret. But right in here—hardly 10 feet distance, and close by these sofas, this piano, and these beautiful dressing rooms, is our operator and his instruments. You can have a picture in five minutes, and when you get it, it is a picture worth the money, and not a poor caricature. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 19 to 21, 1853.
1853 April 22. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 22, 1853, Vol 9, No. 95, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 8. Of course there is a crowd here today. Walk in our rooms are on the third floor of the Emporium Block, corner Main and St Paul streets. Once here, you have no further flight of stairs to climb to reach a cold and cheerless attic, or a low and poorly lighted back stairs garret. But right in here—hardly 10 feet distance, and close by these sofas, this piano, and these beautiful dressing rooms, is our operator and his instruments. You can have a picture in five minutes, and when you get it, it is a picture worth the money, and not a poor caricature. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 22 to 25, 1853.
1853 April 27. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 27, 1853, Vol 9, No. 99, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 9. The reputation acquired by our uniform habit of making the best Daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco , papier-mâché, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic.
Advertisement was recorded on April 27 & 28, 1853.
1853 April 29. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 29, 1853, Vol 9, No. 101, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 10. The reputation acquired by our uniform habit of making the best Daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco , papier-mâché, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic.
Advertisement ran from April 29 to May 6, 1853.
1853 May 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 2, 1853, Vol 9, No. 103, P. 2.
The other day a couple of girls came to Heath & Kelsey’s Rooms to have their pictures taken, and brought with them a daguerreotype case which they said had contained a picture of their brother. They wished their picture to be set in this case, in order to save expense. Suspicion being aroused. Messrs. H. & K. sent word to Mr. Appleby who at once identified the case as having been on his table the day before, when he had missed it and the picture it contained. He also recognized the girls as visitors the day before at his rooms. This was promptly denied. But the affair resulted in a visit to the Post Office and an exposure of the girls. These Petty Larceny offenders seem not to know that detection of such thefts is often very simple. Perhaps this paragraph may be a warning to those who make gain by robbing the show cases of Daguerrians.
1853 May 7. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 7, 1853, Vol 9, No. 108, P. 2.
The World Challenged. The reputation acquired by our uniform habit of making the best Daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco , papier-mâché, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic.
Advertisement ran from May 7 to June 15, 1853.
1853 May 23. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 23, 1853, Vol 9, No. 121, P. 2.
A Card in another column, advertises the dissolution of partnership in the Daguerrean business of Messrs. Heath & Kelsey. Mr. Kelsey will continue the business, and Mr. Heath will remain with him for a time. These gentlemen have been very successful in their business, and have built up a great reputation for enterprise and skill. Mr. K. as also rooms at No. 22 State st., which will be put under good management, and at once made popular. The arrangements for the Gallery of Pioneer Portraits, are fast concluding, and in a few days the portraits will be put up and the rooms opened.
1853 May 23. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 23, 1853, Vol 9, No. 121, P. 2.
Notice Of Dissolution. Notice is hereby given, that the Co-partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned, under the firm name of Heath & Kelsey, in the Daguerrian business, has been dissolved by mutual consent. James Heath, John Kelsey.
The business will be continued at the well-known rooms in the Emporium Block, by the undersigned. John Kelsey.
1854 June 16. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) June 16, 1854, Vol 9, No. 142, P. 2.
The World Challenged. The reputation acquired our uniform habit of making the best daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco, papier machie, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light, shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic. John Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from June 16 to August 19, 1853.
1853 July 8. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) July 8, 1853, Vol 9, No. 160, P. 2.
Kelsey’s Daguerrian Palace in Gaffney’s Block has been radiant for a few days, with a display of flags, such as is seen no where else, to the westward of the N. Y. Museum. They are the work of E. C. Wulliams, and they finely set off and advertise the rooms of Mr. Kelsey, where may be found most admirable facilities for the finest pictures. Among those now in his room we admire chiefly the beautiful views of residences and buildings in the city.
1853 August 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) August 2, 1853, Vol 9, No. 181, P. 2.
There was a fine daguerreotype of Miss Logan, the handiwork of Kelsey, in the Arcade yesterday. Miss L. had her benefit last night.
1853 August 15. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) August 15, 1853, Vol 9, No. 192, P. 2.
Kelsey’s Daguerrian Palace. This Establishment has now assumed a permanency in its proprietorship, as well as in the public climate and confidence, which it has steadily been gaining for the last few months. The proprietor is happy to receive, from those capable of making nice discrimination of comparative merit in the fine art.
Ample Testimonials of Competency to please and satisfy the good taste of the community. It is designed to make No. 55 Main Street, the Daguerrian Palace and Picture Gallery of Rochester and Western New York. No little pains and expenditure of means have already been appropriated for the accomplishment of that object, and still the work is but just begun. One advance has been recently achieved. An additional Suite Of Rooms And Another Splendid Skylight have been joined to the rear of the old establishment.
Twice the amount of work can now be done in the same time of waiting which has been hitherto required of customers. The patronage of the city and surrounding country has hitherto been liberally extended to this institution; and it is no vain presumption, that it will, in future, [be, the] Favorite Resort of the Lovers of Art who have an appreciation of the Quality and Style of articles which tax their purses, and are designed to be admired by good and correct tastes.
Also at No. 22 State Street, those rooms being now under the same proprietorship , it is believed that customers desiring Daguerrian Likenesses can be suited on terms as satisfactory as ay any other establishment in Rochester. John Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from August 15 to October 21, 1853.
1853 October 4. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) October 4, 1853, Vol 9, No. 235, P. 2.
The County Fair at the Court House…
The display of Daguerreotypes was very extentensive [sic.] and very fine. Kelsey’s Mammoth pictures surprised and delighted man who had never seen daguerreotypes of such size. And they were as noticeable for their distinctness and finish, as for their magnitude.
Whitney’s group excited, as they always do, very general attention. His pictures are exceedingly elegant and perfect. Indeed, we think them equal to any we have seen at any Fair, County or State.
1853 December 12. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) December 12, 1853, Vol 9, No. 294, P. 2.
A frame containing a half-dozen beautiful daguerreotypes of out-door scenes in the city, was exhibited by Kelsey in the Arcade Hall, on Saturday.
1854 June 5. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) June 5, 1854, Vol 10, No. 133, P. 2.
Mr. Kelsey, the Daguerrian has a series of Photographic views of the late eclipse, on exhibition in the Arcade Hall. They are very successfully done. Mr. Kelsey is awake to all the improvements in the art, and has paid much attention to the taking of out door views. His Daguerreotypes of residences and other buildings in this city and vicinity have been excellent and have attracted much attention.
Mr. Douglass Hovey, a daguerrian operator from New York, has lately formed a copartnership with Mr. Kelsey. Of the Daguerrian Palace Gallery. The accession of photographic talent, secures to the establishment the well earned reputation hitherto enjoyed for the production of excellent pictures and gives the assurance of a continuance of the confidence and patronage which the public has given its former proprietor. These gentlemen propose to make theirs the continued place of resort for all those who have an eye for the beautiful, and an appreciation for true gems of Daguerrian art.
1855 March 16. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 16, 1855, Vol 11, No. 66, P. 2.
A Trip Across the Suspension Bridge…
We can only speak of the architectural beauty of the bridge. It must be seen to be appreciated. Mr. Kelsey, of this city took several Daguerrian views of it, on Wednesday, which may be see at his room, on Main st. They are very fine representations.
1855 March 17. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 17, 1855, Vol 11, No. 67, P. 2.
Suspension Bridge.—Five perfect views of this bridge were taken on Wednesday by Mr. Kelsey on plates prepared in Rochester, which were kept sensitive for the space of eight hours. The discovery of the chemical compound used for such purposes, Mr. Kelsey claims to have the credit for which the fraternity. The train of cars seen upon the Bridge gives life and interest to the scene. The views we believe are to be sent to Boston, and will appear in Ballou’s Pictorial.
1855 May 4. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 4, 1855, Vol 11, No. 107, P. 2.
We cannot forbear mentioning, in this connection, the superb photograph of the upper Falls, taken by our enterprising townsmen, Messrs. Kelsey & Hovey. We have seen the finest water-views taken by Mr. Black, of Boston, undoubtedly the most skilful Photographer in America; but we remember none in which he has been as fortunate as our Rochester artists in catching the spirit of falling water and spray. Much credit is due these gentlemen for their successful attempt to bring strangers, and not a few of our own citizens, to a better acquaintance with our great cataract. They should neglect the lower Falls, nor the magnificent scenery of Portage.
1855 July 10. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) July 10, 1855, Vol 11, No. 166, P. 2.
Mr. Kelsey, at his Daguerrian Rooms in the Crystal Palace Block, has shown us some specimens of Photograph portraits, of life size, taken in a sitting of one minute, and then painted over.—They are perfect likenesses, and are furnished cheap. He has them also of reduced size. It is a splendid exhibition of the art.
1855 August 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) August 2, 1855, Vol 11, No. 184, P. 2.
A Card—The undersigned, in some article lately published, have claimed the credit of the first introduction of Life Size Photographic Painting in Rochester, and of being the only successful operators by this process.
A presumptuous attempt has lately been made, by advertisements from another quarter, to subvert this claim and delude the public into a belief foreign from the truth. We therefore see it appropriate to make a more formidable protest against any further efforts of a cotemporary artist to thus seek unwarrantable honors for superior Photographic ability, and for appropriating unto himself a credit for skill which he does not possess.
We take occasion to repeat, that Life-size, or even Cabinet size Photographic impressions on Canvass, and colored in oil, are taken at no other establishment in Rochester. We make this statement fearlessly, the truth of which all may easily become satisfied.
We justly expect the credit due to success in this most difficult yet beautiful process, and we hope for no patronage not justified by the actual merit in our productions. Kelsey & Hovey, 55 Main street. July 24, 1855.
Advertisement was recorded between August 2 to 10, 1855.
1855 September 1. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) September 1, 1855, Vol 11, No. 210, P. 2.
Photographic Painting.—These are portraits on canvass and colored in oil, like other paintings. The method by which the portrait is produced differs from that formerly practiced by artists. The likeness is not first drawn with a pencil by the hand, but taken with an instrument on the canvass. In effectually placing the portrait upon the prepared canvass, the work of the artist has been greatly abridged,—he has only to color the portrait and it is done. In a work of art, having to create, requires genius; but a good colorist may save the likeness and expression as given in the Photograph. For these portraits is claimed greater accuracy than is possible to be obtained by any other method. Only one sitting of a few seconds is required in their production. Life and cabinet sizes, on canvass or paper, and colored to life, are taken by Kelsey & Hovey, Gaffney’s block, Main St.
The County Fair held on Thursday and Friday Sept. 20 and 21. The County Fair at Spencerport was better attended than hitherto…
Messrs Kelsey & Hovey, 3 Photographic paintings, one of C. J. Hill, of Rochester, attracted great attention.
1855 September 25. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) September 25, 1855, Vol 11, No. 229, P. 3.
Monroe County Fair. List of Premiums. Awarded by the Monroe County Agricultural Society at the Annual Fair held at Spencerport, Sept. 20th and 21st, 1855…
Domestic Manufacturers…
Discretionary Premiums in this Department…
Photographs in Oil, Kelsey & Hovey, Rochester, Silver Medal.
A fine likeness of his Honor Mayor Hayden, by that accomplished portrait painter Mr. Nelson Cook, is on exhibition in the Arcade Hall—also a fine photographic portrait of the same gentleman by Messrs. Kelsey & Hovey. These pictures attracted no little attention yesterday.
1857 January 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) January 2, 1857, Vol 13, No. 1, P. 1.
In Beauty, Perfection, And Artistic Finish, Are The Richly Painted Photographs And Pictures In every style, made by Kelsey & Hovey. 53 Main street, Gaffney’s Block, corner St. Paul street. Nov. 13, 1856.
Advertisement was recorded from January 2 to February 17, 1857.
1857 March 23. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 23, 1857, Vol 13, No. 68, P. 3.
The County Court room has received a material embellishment recently from the transfer to its walls of the Pioneer Portrait Gallery, heretofore kept in connection with the Daguerrean and Photographic Gallery of Messrs. Kelsey & Hovey, corner of Main and St. Paul streets, who are about to enlarge their establishment. The pictures are still owned by Mr. Kelsey, and are placed in the Court room for safe keeping. Whether they are to remain there permanently or not, we are not informed. There are fifty one of them, which with the one that has long been hanging above the Judge’s bench, representing Hon. Vincent Matthews, and which is owned we believe by the County, make fifty-two portraits. All of them we believe, except that of Judge Matthews, were painted by Mr. Colby Kimble, of this city. The group about the portrait of Judge Matthews, are all the counterfeit presentments of citizens who have occupied seats upon the bench of our County Court. They are Hons. Ashley Sampson, Moses Chapin, E. B. Strong, Wm. Buell, Joseph Sibley, Powell Carpenter, Elisha Ely, and Ralph Parker. All of them are still living, except the three last named.
These portraits are appropriate and beautiful accessions to the already handsome Court room.
1857 April 3. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 23, 1857, Vol 13, No. 77, P. 1.
By Ald. Winslow—Resolved, That Kelsey & Hovey be allowed and paid one hundred and fifty dollars out of the Contingent Fund, when there is money applicable thereto, for the portrait of first Mayor, the Hon. Jonathan Child, executed by them, and now on exhibition in this Council Chamber; conditioned, however, that before the payment of the said one hundred and fifty dollars the said Kelsey & Hovey procure and place in this Chamber, as the property of the city of Rochester, the portraits of at least one-half of the ex-Mayors now living, without further expense to the city.
Adopted—as follows:
Ayes—Ald. Parsons, Winslow, McDonald, Perry, Selye, Morey and Dutton—7.
Noes—Ald. Pancost, Briggs, Morse, Bennett, Fish and Bauer—6.
Adjourned to Friday evening, April 3d.
C. N. Simmons, Clerk.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 