George D. Hayes
( 1839 – 1898 )
Photographer & Editor
George D. Hayes had the opportunity to work as a photographer in Oxford, PA for three years, first as the partner of J. B. Gibson in 1867 and then with Alexander McCormick in 1868. Beginning in 1870 he began a new career as an editor of The Oxford Press which continued until his retirement in 1891. Because of ill health he moved to California.
George Dare Hayes was the youngest son of William (1794-1873) and Jane Hayes, born at the family homestead near Spruce Grove in Lancaster County in 1839. He grew up on the family farm in Little Britain where he excelled in school. As a young man he moved to Oxford, PA where he found employment as a teacher. He is recorded as a school teacher on the 1863 Civil War Draft Registration, claiming a disability[1].
Hayes’ career took a detour for three years into photography, when he went into partnership with John B. Gibson to operate the former gallery of Alexander McCormick at Oxford Hall. The April 10, 1867 edition of The Oxford Press announced the opening. A large part of their trade was in carte-de-visite or photographic visiting cards. Their simple imprint on the back of the cards read: “Gibson & Hayes, Successors to A. McCormick, Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania.”
Gibson & Hayes, Unidentified toddler boy, albumen CDV, 1867-1868. Collection of the author.
The partnership of Gibson & Hayes was dissolved on March 1, 1868, when Gibson’s share in the enterprise was purchased by former owner, Alexander McCormick. Announced in the March 18th edition of The Oxford Press was the opening of their Photographic and Fine Art Gallery with “every style of sunlight Pictures taken in great Perfection.” The partners offered the public the fashionable styles of photographs of the day: ambrotypes, sphereotypes, melaniotypes (tintypes) and card photographs. Among their services was retouching and coloring photographs, copying photographs of deceased relatives and outdoor photography.
McCormick & Hayes, Vignetted bust portrait unidentified man, 1868-1869. Collection of the author.
But George Hayes career was to change again when he purchased on January 1, 1870 from H. L. Brinton a half interest in The Oxford Press becoming one of the editors and proprietors. For 21 years he prospered in this role, until ill health prompted him to retire. He sold his interest in the newspaper on December 31, 1891. He decided to move to southern California on the advice of his physician[2].
Hayes purchased a fruit orchard in Spring Valley, four miles outside of San Diego where he grew oranges and lemons. His family joined him in his new endeavor and when he was no longer able to supervise the orchard, his youngest son Victor filled the void. He died at home on April 27, 1898.
George Hayes was survived by his wife Harriet Echternach Hayes (1850-1927) as well as four children: Harry, Caroline, George Victor and Harriet. Hayes was missed by the community in Oxford, where he had been a Past Master of the Oxford Masonic Lodge and a Past High Priest of the Oxford Chapter.
© Pamela C. Powell, 2021.
