Tag Archives: Truman Hart

Hart, Truman

1843                Address Unknown, New Haven, Connecticut.

1844-1845       13 Mitchell’s Building, New Haven, Connecticut.[1]

1846                Brewster’s new Building, Hartford, Connecticut.

1847                Rooms 7, 8, & 9 Brewster’s Exchange, New Haven, Connecticut.[2]

1843 October 6.  New Haven Daily Herald.  (New Haven, Connecticut.)  October 6, 1843, Vol. XI, No.235, Whole No. 3143, P. 2.

Among the diplomas awarded at the late fair for specimens of excellence in the various arts, we noticed one awarded to Mr. T. Hart for his beautiful Daguerreotype likenesses.  The distinction was richly merited, as Mr. Hart executes the most perfect specimens of the photographic art we have ever seen.—Those who would avail themselves of his services in procuring faithful likenesses of themselves and friends should make early application, as the present opportunity will soon pass. 

1844 December 11.  New Haven Daily Herald.  (New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 11, 1844, Vol. XII, No.292, Whole No. 3497, P. 3.

T. Hart’s Daguerrean Rooms, No. 13 Mitchell’s Building.  T. Hart, Daguerrean Artist, has returned from New York with all the recent improvements from Paris and London, and is now prepared to execute Daguerreotype Portraits in style not surpassed by any for the general vigor of tone, [unmingled] with the most delicate softness in the shadows and mezzotints.  In case the Portraits are preferred with colors, no extra charge is made for the same, and no portrait is delivered that does not give perfect satisfaction.

A call is respectfully solicited.  T. Hart, No. 13 Mitchell’s Building.

Advertisement ran seven times between December 11 to 20, 1844.

1844 December 21.  New Haven Daily Herald.  (New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 21, 1844, Vol. XII, No.301, Whole No. 3506, P. 2.

Capital, Capital, is the word, Messrs. Editors; but its meaning in this connection is not to be well understood without a direct appeal to the head, and that too with a particular reference to the heart—for it relates to an affair of both.

And not to puzzle you with riddles, I wish to say, thanks to the skill of our fellow-citizen, Mr. Hart, who has just finished me with a capital daguerreotype likeness of a friend.  I hardly know which most to admire, its excellence as a likeness, or as a specimen of art.  And then how trifling the cost for such a beautiful keepsake!  It is indeed a good investment, and one feels the richer for it; that is, if he cares for any body besides himself; and if he does not, he is certainly unworthy the countenance of a friend.

Now I am not merely sporting in a play upon words; for though they bear two meanings, there is great truth in both.  But, punning aside, let me advise those citizens who desire to “go a-head,” and that in the very best style, to be sure and call on Mr. Hart.

Mr. Hart draws his portraits with a pencil of light, which he catches pure from its source, having his studio high above the passing shadows of the street, (in the very upper story of “Mitchell’s elevated building.)—But this is not the whole secret of his superior success.  Mr. Hart, after having profited by much personal experience, has, I understand, been so fortunate as to have placed himself in communication with a gentleman who has been with Mons. Daguerre in Paris, the original discoverer of this wonderful process.  He can therefore avail himself of the recent improvements of Mons. Daguerre.—What these improvements are a secret which I do not pretend to know; but that there are improvements every observer can see at a glance.  Mr. Hart’s recent efforts evince this perfectly.  A Daguerreotype taken in a good light and by skillful hands, is no longer a grim caricature.  Observer.

P. S.  The “holidays” are close by—friends are taxing their ingenuity to select for each other some appropriate token of kindly remembrance.  I venture to suggest a new custom for the occasion, namely—an annual exchange of Daguerreotypes among friends.

1845 May 29.  Herald of the Times.  (Newport, Rhode Island.)  May 29, 1845, Vol. XVI, No. 10, Whole No. 790, P. 3.

Newport Daguerrean Gallery, Thames Street, (Rhode Island Union Bank Building.)  Wm. Henry Franklin, From Plumbe’s Daguerrean Gallery, N. Y. and Wm. A. Judson, From T. Hart’s Daguerrean Gallery, New Haven, Having purchased the interest of Mr. Henry M. Brownell, beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen, of Newport, that they are prepared to execute Daguerrean Likenesses in a style unsurpassed.—Being thoroughly conversant with all the modern improvements, their Pictures cannot fail to please.  No picture will be allowed to leave their Gallery unless it gives perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken for lockets, Broaches, and Finger Rings.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens whether they intend sitting or not.

Instructions given, and apparatus together with chemicals furnished, on reasonable terms.

Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

Messrs. Editors.—Having rambled somewhat this spring, I have had an opportunity to notice many things of interest, among which there have been several specimens of art which have attracted my attention.

Yesterday I accidentally stepped into Hart & Moulthrop’s Daguerreotype Rooms, in Brewster’s new and airy building, and can say, without flattery, that they are fitted up superior to any others, not excepting even Plumbe’s rooms in New York!  These gentlemanly and obliging artists have carried the art to nearly perfection, and I can affirm, without contradiction, that their likenesses are not inferior to those taken by persons whose name are more familiarly known to the public by newspaper puffs.—That they deserve and should receive the support and patronage of the public, will be acknowledged by all.

If our young ladies and gentlemen will call upon Messrs, H. & M. they can see and judge for themselves, and procure a likeness—a correct and beautiful one—for a trifle, not inferior to those taken in New York or Boston; and they can also learn the art of painting for much less money than they can to dance or roam the streets.

This communication, Messrs. Editors, is not intendent as a puff, but as a word of encouragement to our own citizens who are endeavoring in a retiring and modest manner to bring the fine arts to perfection.

1845 July 23.  New Haven Daily Herald.  (New Haven, Connecticut.)  July 23, 1845, Vol. XIII, No.172, Whole No. 3686, P. 2.

The committee on the burying Ground are indebted to Messrs Daggett, Hinman, and Gorham for 24 Engravings, Portraits and Views, which were deposited in the copper box near the Corner Stone; and to Mr. Gorham of the same firm for the inscription.

Also to Mr. Hart, for 11 Daguerreotype impressions, including one of the Gateway, and ten Portraits; among others, those of Judge Baldwin, Dr. John Skinner, Gov. Baldwin, Hon. R. I. Ingersoll, Rev. Dr. Croswell, Rev. Dr. Bacon, &c.

New Haven Connecticut City Directories.

1843.  Not Listed.

1847.  (Moulthrop & H.)  daguerrean, rooms 7, 8, 9 Brewster’s Exchange.  B-52 Elm.

1851.  Not Listed.


[1] Address from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] New Haven City Directory.

William A. Johnson

1845                Address Unknown, New Haven, Connecticut.

1845                Thames & Mary Streets, Newport, Rhode Island.

1845-1846       Union Bank Building, Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

William A. Johnson was recorded in one announcement and five advertisements five in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode Island).  The announcement appeared on May 6, 1845. Daguerreotypes.—A “Daguerrian Gallery” has recently been opened in the building, corner of Thames & Mary-streets by Mr. Wm. A, Judson, an experienced artist, who has been a long time engaged in the business at New Haven, Con.  We have seen a number of specimens taken by Mr. J. and think they are equal, and in some respects superior, to any we have ever seen.  See advertisement.

The first advertisement appeared on May 6, 1845.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  Corner of Thames & Mary streets.  The subscriber respectfully gives notice to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport, and vicinity, that he has opened a Daguerrean Gallery, at the above place, where The Most Superb Photographs, May Be Obtained.

The Miniatures which have been taken at this Gallery, have been universally assigned the position of superiority—each picture clearly presenting the beauties, colors, and expressions of life, and combining all the late improvements of the art.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport are invited to call and examine the specimens, whether they intend sitting for a miniature or not.  The rooms are open from 8 o’clock a. m. till 5 p. m. where likenesses will be taken without regard to weather, at the reduced price of $2.50.

Two or more Likenesses taken on the same plate, & put up either in Pins, Lockets, or Frames.

Persons having portraits, can have them copied to be put in cases, lockets, &c.  Wm. A. Judson.

The second advertisement ran from May 5 to July 17, 1845. Newport Daguerrean Gallery, Thames Street, (Rhode Island Union Bank Building.) Wm. Henry Franklin, From Plumb’s Daguerrean Gallery, N. Y. and Wm. A. Judson, From T. Hart’s Daguerrean Gallery, New Haven. Having purchased the interest of Mr. Henry M. Brownell, beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen, of Newport, that they are prepared to execute Daguerrean Likenesses in a style unsurpassed.–Being thoroughly conversant with all the modern improvements, their Pictures cannot fail to please. No pictures will be allowed to leave their Gallery unless it gives perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken for lockets, Broaches, and Finger Rings.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens whether they intend sitting or not.

Instructions given, and apparatus together with chemicals furnished, on reasonable terms.

Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

The third advertisement ran from September 18 to November 20, 1845.  Newport Daguerrean Gallery, Thames-Street.  Rhode Island Union Bank Building.  William A. Judson, Would respectfully invite all who wish accurate and beautiful Miniatures of themselves or friends to call immediately at his Rooms, Union Bank Building, Thames street.  Delay not, or you may spend years of unavailing sorrow when it is to late to repair the loss.  Many who are in rudy health, and fondly dreaming of a long and prosperous future, ere long will be consigned the affectionate brother or sister, then would be a faithful transcript of the loved and lost.

Miniatures taken without regard to weather between the hours of 8o’clock, a.m. and 4 p.m.  Sept. 4.

The fourth advertisement ran from December 18, 1845 to January 1, 1846.  Photographic Miniatures.  The subscriber has just received from New York, a fresh supply of Plates and Cases, (of the best materials,) and is now prepared to execute likenesses in a superior style, for all who will please to favor him with a call.  Miniatures taken every day, between the hours of 9o’clock A. M. to 4 P. M.  Portraits or Paintings of any description, accurately copied, and at short notice.  William A. Judson.  R. I. Union Bank Building.

The fifth advertisement ran from March 31 to July 23, 1846.  Newport Photographic Depot, R.I. Union Bank Building, Thames-street.  The subscriber would respectfully give notice, to the Ladies and gentlemen of this place and vicinity, that he has taken and refitted the rooms formerly occupied by him, in the R. I. Union Bank Building, for the purpose of executing Miniatures by the Daguerreotype Process,  Having but a short time since returning from New York, with all the latest improvements, he feels confident that he can give those that will honor him with a call, a miniature superior in tone, and finish, to any ever before offered to the public, and at prices that cannot fail to please.

None know how to appreciate these Miniatures, until they are called to part with a near relation, or an intimate friend, when perhaps it may be too late, to catch the light ere their shadow fades; therefore those that wish a correct likeness, as well as a fine picture, of themselves, or friends, will do well to give an early call.

Any person having fine Paintings, Portraits or Miniatures, can have them copied with great accuracy.

These Miniatures can be set in Lockets, Pins, Frames, Cases, &c.to suit the purchaser.

Persons sitting for a Miniature at these rooms, is warranted a perfect Likeness or no charge.

Miniatures can be taken as accurate in cloudy weather, as in pleasant, between the hours of 8 A. M. and 4 P. M.   William A. Judson.

William A. Judson is not recorded as being active in Rhode Island in other photographic directories. 

William A. Judson is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as W. A. Judson and being active in New Haven & New Britain, Connecticut from 1851-1855.

Henry M. Brownell

1845                Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

Henry M. Brownell was recorded in one advertisement and was mentioned in one announcement.  The advertisement ran from May 3 to 24, 1845 in the Newport Mercury  (Newport, Rhode Island).  Daguerrian Gallery Of Inimitable Colored Photographs.  The subscriber would respectfully give notice to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in Thames Street, (One door North of Townsends Hotel.) where the most beautiful photographs may be obtained, and having obtained all the late improvements he feels confident of giving satisfaction to all who may sit at his rooms for Miniatures.

Each picture presents all the colors and expressions of life, and are warranted to be permanent.

No person is expected to take a likeness from his room unless Perfectly Satisfied with the same.

He would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine specimens, whether they intend sitting for a miniature or not.  Henry Brownell.

The announcement appeared on May 29, 1845 in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode Island).  Newport Daguerrean Gallery, Thames Street, (Rhode Island Union Bank Building.)  Wm. Henry Franklin, From Plumbe’s Daguerrean Gallery, N. Y. and Wm. A. Judson, From T. Hart’s Daguerrean Gallery, New Haven, Having purchased the interest of Mr. Henry M. Brownell, beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen, of Newport, that they are prepared to execute Daguerrean Likenesses in a style unsurpassed.—Being thoroughly conversant with all the modern improvements, their Pictures cannot fail to please.  No picture will be allowed to leave their Gallery unless it gives perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken for lockets, Broaches, and Finger Rings.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens whether they intend sitting or not.

Instructions given, and apparatus together with chemicals furnished, on reasonable terms.

Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

Henry M. Brownell is not recorded in other photographic directories.