Henry Hunt Snelling was a man of many hats: son of a military leader, librarian, photographer, author, and editor. Here's a breakdown of his life:
Early Life and Education (1816- ):
- Born in Plattsburgh, New York in 1816 [Wikitree, Wikipedia].
- Son of Colonel Josiah Snelling and Abigail (Hunt) Snelling [Wikitree, Wikipedia]. His father was instrumental in establishing Fort Snelling, Minnesota, which is named after him [Wikipedia].
- Spent his early years in Minnesota as one of the first white children to grow up in the territory [Wikitree].
- Received education at a military academy in Georgetown, D.C. [Wikipedia].
Career and Achievements:
- Librarian: After his education, Snelling worked for a time as the librarian of the New York Lyceum [Wikipedia].
- Photographer and Author: In New York, he met Edward Anthony, a prominent figure in early photography [Wikipedia]. This encounter sparked Snelling's interest in the field. He learned from Anthony and eventually went on to become a photographer himself [Wikipedia].
- Pioneering Photographer: Snelling is considered a pioneer in American photography [Wikitree].
- Authoritative Figure: His book, "History and Practice of the Art of Photography" (published around 1857) is considered one of the first bound volumes on photography published in the United States [Loyal Books, Amazon]. The book served as a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and aspiring photographers, providing historical context, technical explanations, and artistic considerations [Loyal Books].
- Editor: Snelling's interests extended beyond photography. He edited the "Photographic Art Journal" from 1851 to 1853 and 1854 to 1860 [Wikipedia]. The journal later changed its name to the "Photographic and Fine Art Journal" [Wikipedia].
- Later Life: In 1871, Snelling moved to Cornwall, New York, where he edited and published a local newspaper, the "Reflector of Cornwall" [Wikipedia]. Sadly, by 1887, he had to step away from this role due to blindness [Wikipedia].
Personal Life:
- Married Anna L. Putnam in 1837 [Wikitree].
- Some sources suggest they may have collaborated on writing plays [Wikitree].
Legacy:
- Henry Hunt Snelling's contributions to the field of photography are noteworthy. His book and editorial work helped to educate and inspire early photographers in America [Loyal Books].
Further Research:
- While information exists on Snelling's key achievements, details regarding his personal life and later years might be limited. Exploring historical records or local archives in Cornwall, New York, could offer further insights.
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