The Earliest Born Person to be Photographed

If you are lucky, you may have an entire treasure trove of old family photographs tucked away somewhere. Do you know who is the oldest person born to be photographed in your family?

Two of the earliest people born known to be photographed are Hannah Gorby (Stilley) and Conrad Heyer.

Hannah Gorby (Stilley)

The exact date of Hannah Gorby (Stilley) is not known, but it is believed she was born around 1746. The photograph is believed to have been taken in 1840, putting her around the age of 94.

Conrad Heyer

Image: Maine Historical Society

Born in 1749, Conrad Heyer holds the distinction of being the only American Revolutionary War veteran who served with George Washington to be photographed. In December 1776, Heyer crossed the Delaware River along with General Washington. The photo is a daguerreotype taken in 1852, making him 103 years old at the time. He died four years later.

Who is the earliest born person to be photographed in your family? Share your stories in the comments below!