Photographer: Griffin
Cor 3rd Str. & Lincoln Ave.
Hebron, Neb
There were many photographers named Griffin between 1880 and 1920. They ranged from Maryland to Nebraska, Pennsylvania to Alabama. However there was only one who worked his entire career based in Hebron, NE. This is William Griffin.
Throughout the research on William Griffin, his middle initial or name was never found.
William Griffin
(1852 – 1920)
1852 Jul 12
Hydetown, PA, William Griffin is born to John Griffin and Rose Hacket;
1868
Omaha, NE, city directory, Charles Griffin as photographer, rear of 230 Farnam; not listed in 1867
1870
Omaha, NE, city directory, William Griffin as photographer for Charles Griffin; res over 237 Douglas
(Note that Charles Griffin is named as an uncle in the obituary but no other support for that has been found.)
1870 Feb 07
Omaha, NE, obituary, William Griffin starts in photography as apprentice
1870 Jul 20
Omaha, NE, US census, William Griffin as photographer
1879
Nebraska Gazetteer, William Griffin NOT listed with photographers
1880 Jun 02
Bloomington, NE, US census, William Griffin as photographer (census taker puts occupation on wrong line)
1880 Nov 05
Omaha, NE, obituary, William Griffin comes to Omaha, NE, with partner and opens gallery
1881-1887
Hebron (NE) Champion newspaper item mentions that the Griffin Studio was just a tent (see below)
1882 Mar 30
Hebron (NE) Journal, item Wm Griffin studio is being run by Miss Nellie Parmley during his absence
1882 Nov 19
Fremont, NE, state records, William Griffin and Lydia McCormick are married
1884 May 29 and many times through Jul 17
Hebron (NE) Journal small ad for Wm Griffin as photographer
1885 Jun 12
Hebron, NE, NE state census, William Griffin as photographer
1886 Nov 25
Hebron (NE) Journal ad, Griffin’s Photograph Rooms cor 3rd and Lincoln, Hebron, NE
1890
Hebron (NE) Journal, nostalgic item published in 1916 about Griffin’s new studio being built
1890 Jul 17
Hebron (NE) Journal small item, Wm Griffin is building a large photograph gallery
1891 May 29 thru 1892 Nov 04
Hebron (NE) Journal display ad for Griffin’s Photograph Rooms, cor 3rd and Lincoln
1892
Hebron, NE, newspaper items, William Griffin works on the Hebron Election Board
1892 Feb 19
Hebron (NE) Journal item William Griffin hires new assistant, M G Stoneman of Irving, KS
1892 Apr 08
Hebron (NE) Journal, feature gives detailed description of Griffin “Art Building”
1893 Mar 02
Norfolk (NE) Journal, item says William Griffin has been elected second vice president of the State Photographers Association
1893 Dec 22
Hebron (NE) Weekly Register, display ad for Griffin’s Photography Rooms
1894 Apr 27
Hebron (NE) Register, display ad for Griffin’s Photograph Rooms, cor 3rd and Lincoln
1895 May 29
Hebron (NE) Register, item says graduates are having photographs taken by Wm Griffin
1895 Nov 01
Hebron (NE) Journal, item shows Wm Griffin is running for County Treasurer (sample ballot below)
1898 Sep 09
Hebron (NE) Journal, item says William Griffin has won a gold medal at the photographer’s convention in Omaha, NE
1900 Jun 04
Hebron, NE, US census, William Griffin as photographer
1901 Nov 29
Hebron (NE) Champion item says William Carls of Texas shows tintype of himself taken by Wm Griffin when the studio was just a tent, 1881-1887
1902 May 30
Hebron (NE) Champion item says William Griffin is doing school photographs this week
After working in the Griffin Studio as apprentice from 1899 to 1902, Charles Day and William Griffin form a partnership that continues until about 1916.
1899 Jun 23
Hebron (NE) Register, item says William Griffin and wife have a new son, born 20 Jun 1899
1900 Apr 13
Hebron (NE) Register, item says Griffin apprentice Joseph Bethschieder is going into business in Humphrey, NE
1903 Dec 18
Hebron (NE) Journal item mentions taking on partner J E Day sometime in mid 1902 (cards may be stamped “Griffin and Day” during this period)
1904 Oct 08
Hebron (NE) Register item mentions Joseph Bethschiedr, one of Wm Griffin’s ex assistants
1909 Jul 16
Hebron (NE) Register, item mentions another student of William Griffin, E V King, who is now in business in Concordia, KS
1910 Apr 23
Hebron, NE, US census, William Griffin as photographer
1916 Aug 04
Hebron (NE) Journal, nostalgic item about the Wm Griffin studio being built about 1890
1917
Omaha, NE, city directory, William Griffin as photographer with Charles E Day
1912 Dec 13
Hebron, (NE) Journal, item says William Griffin has taken 407 photographs last week (also says “mostly cabinets” which is doubtful, considering the date.)
1919 Jul 18
Hebron (NE) Journal item says Mr and Mrs Wm Griffin left for the photographer convention in Chicago, IL
1920 Jan 02
Hebron, NE, US census, William Griffin, no occupation shown, res 3rd St; Wife Lydia as laundress
1920 Jul 20
Hebron, NE, newspaper obituary, William Griffin dies at age 83 after a long illness
1920 Sep 17
Hebron (NE) Journal, item says C E Day had bought the Wm Griffin properties and Mrs Griffin and sons have moved to Omaha, NE
From a humble tent studio to a two story building all on the same corner, it looks like William Griffin had only one address in his entire career.
30 mar 1882
Hebron (NE) Weekly Herald -23 Nov 1882
Hebron (NE) Journal -17 Jul 1884
Hebron (NE) Journal -07 Jan 1886
25 Nov 1886
Hebron (NE) Journal -17 Jul 1890
Hebron (NE) Journal -29 May 1891
19 Feb 1892
Hebron (NE) Journal -08 Apr 1892
02 Mar 1893
Hebron (NE) Register -22 Dec 1893
Hebron (NE) Register -27 Apr 1894
Hebron (NE) Journal -01 Nov 1895
Sample Ballot
Hebron (NE) Register -29 May 1896
Hebron (NE) Journal -09 Sep 1898
23 Jun 1899
Hebron (NE) Register -13 Apr 1900
29 Nov 1901
30Hebron (NE) Champion -30 May 1902
18 Dec 1903
08 Jan 1904
Hebron (NE) Register -16 Jul 1909
Hebron (NE) Journal -13 Dec 1912
04 Aug 1916
Hebron (NE) Journal -18 Jul 1919
18 Jul 1919
Hebron (NE) Journal -17 Sep 1920
29 Jul 1920
photographer: Griffin
cor Third Street and Lincoln Ave, Hebron, Neb
example contributed by Gina Covington
Owner date estimate: 1900
photographer: Griffin and Day
Hebron, NE
example contributed by Gina Covington
Owner dated 1904
The work at the left is not a cabinet card but does have the
imprint of "Griffin and Day, Hebron, Neb"
After working in the Griffin Studio as apprentice from 1899 to
1902, Charles Day begins a partnership with William Griffin that
continues until about 1916.
At the right is another example from Griffin and Day. This also may
not be a cabinet card but it is impossible to tell from this cropped
scan.
This also would have been done between 1902 and 1916
photographer: Griffin and Day
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
photographer: William Griffin
cor 3rd st and Lincoln av, Hebron, NE
example from auction site
Photographer: Griffin
Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Photographer: Griffin
Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Photographer: Griffin
Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Photographer: Griffin
Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Photographer: Griffin
Cor 3rd and Lincoln, Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Note that this card design and imprint are the same as the top card on this page.
photographer: Griffin
Cor 3rd Street and Lincoln Av, Hebron, NE
example from auction site
(note that the card has the same imprint as the one at the top of the page but is a plain edged stock)
Photographer: Griffin
Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
(note: same "fence" prop in the card on the right)
Photographer: Griffin
Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
photographer: Griffin
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
photographer: Griffin
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
photographer: Griffin
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
photographer: Griffin
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
photographer: Griffin
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
photographer: Griffin
Cor Third and Lincoln, Hebron, NE
example from auction site
Same card design as card at top
photographer: Griffin
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
reverse of card at left
photographer: W Griffin (blind stamp)
Cor Third and Lincoln, Hebron, NE
example from auction site
reverse of card at left
photographer: W Griffin (blind stamp)
Cor Third and Lincoln, Hebron, NE
example from auction site
reverse of card at left
Photographer: Griffin
Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Photographer: GriffinHebron, Nebr
example from auction site
photographer: Griffin
Hebron, NE
example from auction site
reverse of card at left
Photographer: GriffinCor 3rd and Lincoln, Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Note that this card design and imprint
are the same as the top card on this page.
Photographer: GriffinCor 3rd and Lincoln, Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
Note that this card design and imprint
are the same as the top card on this page.
reverse of cards at left
Photographer: GriffinCor 3rd and Lincoln, Hebron, Nebr
example from auction site
reverse of card at left
Not the one you were looking for? Here's the photographer's
INDEX by name.
All the Cabinet Card photographers of the 19th
century found in LOST GALLERY are listed there.
This is a work always in progress.
Additional information and New examples are always welcome. Any
additional information will help narrow the time that these precious
antiques were made.
All submissions should be free of glare and
shadows.
Do not crop.
Leave a border around each card. The edges are
sometimes an important clue to the age of the card.
Email to the address found in the profile at the bottom of this page.
Some examples on this page have been enhanced or restored for clarity
and presentation here.
This page is free for educational and research purposes only but, as
always, if the original owner of any of these examples objects to the
use on this page, just let me know and they will be immediately
removed.
Thank you for this great post! I’ve recently come into the possession of many old family photos, 7 of them from Griffin of Hebron, between (guessing here) the late 1880’s through mid 1890’s, with 4 different card designs and imprints. You have 3 of the 4 designs that I do. Happy to send you the 4th design, if you’re curious.
ReplyDelete-Danni in Oregon
Danni: Thanks very much for your comment.
DeleteNew additions are always welcome! Send a scan or photograph to the address in the profile at the bottom of the page. Include all the edges, no cropping, as the edges sometimes give a hint to the age of the card. If photographing, avoid shadows and glare. Looking forward to your addition. I’ll add all of your examples if you have time to send them.
I am the Great GrandDaughter of William Griffin...
DeleteDoes anyone want to either donate or sell me any of the photographs in their possession? My number is 907 713 7275...please text me as I am a bit wary of strange #'s...Thanks!!
I recently came across your information about Mr. William Griffin. My mother’s family was from Thayer County, Nebraska. Her maternal grandparents arrived in Hebron in 1870 and her paternal grandparents arrived in1879. I am familiar with some of Mr. Griffin’s photographs. Hopefully this will help with the biographical information for him.
ReplyDeleteThis is a copy of an article from the Hebron Journal-Register, page 1, dated 22 July, 1920, Thursday. I was able to access this paper on newspapers.com.
WILLIAM GRIFFIN DIES FROM STROKE
Pioneer Resident of Hebron and Thayer County
Stricken Monday and Dies Tuesday Morning
RESIDED HERE FORTY YEARS
Opened First Photograph Gallery Here in 1880
Highly Respected and Prominent Citizen
William Griffin, a pioneer resident of Hebron and Thayer County died at his home on South Third street on Tuesday morning shortly before 1 o’clock, resulting from a stroke of paralysis Monday afternoon.
Mr. Griffin had been in poor health for nearly two years, having suffered a stroke of paralysis in August, 1918. Shortly thereafter he retired from business and three months ago he suffered a second slight stroke.
Monday afternoon he came up town and visited friends, returning home shortly after 1 o’clock. Almost as soon as he reached home he was stricken, his entire right side being paralyzed, and shortly after midnight he died.
The funeral will be held this morning from Sacred Heart church and burial will be in the Catholic cemetery.
William Griffin was born July 12, 1852, at Hightown, Pa., the son of John and Rose Griffin. He was the second to the youngest of five sons and one daughter. He grew to young manhood in at the community of his birth, coming to Omaha in 1870 to study photography with an uncle, starting in as an apprentice on February 7 of that year. On November 5, 1880, he came to Hebron, he and a partner driving in with a traveling photograph gallery and intending to stay but a few weeks. They found business so prosperous that they decided to remain and Mr. Griffin later bought out his partner and established the picture gallery at the location of the Day Studio, where he practiced his profession until he retired, selling his business to Mr. Day whom he later took in as a partner.
On November 19, 1882, he was married at Fremont to Miss Lydia C. McCormick. Three sons were born to this happy union, all of whom are living. They are James M., John A., and Louis H. Griffin. The eldest and the youngest were with him at the time of his death, John being out in Wyoming where he is employed in railroad work. Besides the good wife and the sons he leaves two brothers, Thomas, aged 83, of Cedar Bluffs, Neb., and Miles G., of Clay Center, Kas., the youngest brother. There is also a half-brother, Robert, of North Bend, Neb. His parents died during his early manhood and two brothers and one sister have already passed on.
Mr. Griffin held the highest esteem of his friends and acquaintances here and enjoyed a wide friendship from over the state. He was an ever-ready friend to the needy and a steadfast worker for good in the community. The Register-Champion joins with his many friends of this community in extending condolences to the bereaved family, and deeply feels the loss of a true and loyal friend.
The Griffin page has needed an update and your information gives me the nudge to assemble a proper timeline of his whereabouts. Thanks very much! More to come!
DeleteI just happened upon this site yesterday and it is wonderful. William Griffin is my Great Great Grandfather, William's son John my grandfather, John's son William is my father. I have to look in the storage room and see if I can find some of his old photographs, I have original prints of a couple of the photos above including the portraits of William and Lydia four rows up. My family has given several of his photos to the Thayer County Museum.
ReplyDeleteInteresting side note according to my father - when William Griffin decided to marry Lydia McCormick they wanted to be married in the Catholic Church. The priest would not marry them (my dad suspected anti-Irish sentiment) so they got married by Judge Murray on 11-19-1882 (I think I have their original marriage license). Fast forward about 16 years and a new Catholic priest came to town. William and Lydia asked the new priest if he would bless their marriage and he did. About one year later my Great Uncle James was born on 6-20-1899 then John and Louis in quick succession. William was 46 when James was born.
Thanks for your comment! Interesting bit of history! I will identify the photographs you have mentioned and add credit to you. Cabinet cards were often sold by the DOZEN instead of one-at-a-time. So it is not uncommon to find additional copies of the same picture. Additional examples are always welcome!
DeleteI also am a Great GrandDaughter of William Griffin photographer...What I have seen on this site is most wonderful... I have taken after my Great Grandfathers love of photography and am in possession of some of his pieces...and waiting on more to arrive...
DeleteI would love to talk and to learn everything I can of my Grandfather William. Please text me as I am a bit wary of strange phone numbers...907 713 7275
Thank you for the kind words. Good luck in collecting items from this photographer. You will find my email address in the profile below, at the bottom of this page.
DeleteMy mother and I before her death had the great opportunity and pleasure of being able to tour William Griffins home ,( this was her grandfather), Before they chose to destroy the home to make a parking lot addition.. We got to collect antique glass door knobs.
ReplyDeleteSee the outer kitchen quarters which was completely fantastic. And I still have a couple of pieces but there was a fire. So anything my mother and I collect was lost unfortunately and sadly... i tried to purchase the home Before they demolished the it, the Turret was removed from the home
And if i'm not mistaken it is located in Bourne Texas... That's not a promise but think that's where it went... That's where I heard it was supposed to go anyway... So there's a little bit more history for you... I would very much enjoy hearing from you my email is
Toots653@yahoo.com
I would appreciate a more private conversation with you...
My regards
Thanks for the additional information. Of course, all I know about this photographer is what I could find by research of things like city directories and newspapers. It is always nice to hear from someone personally connected to the photographer. I avoid putting my contact information in the comment section as it attracts spam-bots. You will find my email address in the profile on this page.
DeleteI guess I'm not done...
ReplyDeleteMy Great Grandfather was also known as "The Man in the Bow Tie"... I used to be able to.
Pull it up online, I can no longer find it.
What years were the scalloped edge pictures with "extra finish" made?
ReplyDeleteIn general, the fancy edges, beveled, gilt, scalloped, didn't come along until later years. 1890 and later. East coast US had them earlier than the mid-west and west.
Delete