Lerow, John A.

March 19, 2026DaguerreotypesBoston Massachusetts, Daguerreotypist, Jacob H. Lerow, John A. Heard, John A. Lerow, John Plumbe Jr., Robert H. Vance, Vance & Lerowpioneeramericanphotographers

1846-1849 91 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1849-1850 138½ Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.¹

1846 January 9. Christian Watchman. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 9, 1846, Vol. XXVII, No 2, Whole No. 1355, P. 3.

Vance & Lerow, Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 91 Washington Street, Boston. Messrs. Vance & Lerow, respectfully inform the citizens of Boston, and vicinity, that they have recently opened the new and extensive Rooms, Over Bigelow & Brothers, 91 Washington St.

Persons wishing miniatures of themselves or friends are invited to call. The rooms are free to all who wish to examine specimens.

Gold Lockets, of every description, constantly on hand. Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished, R. H. Vance, J. A. Lerow.

Advertisement ran from January 9 to May 15, 1846.

1846 February 3. American Traveler. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 3, 1846, Vol. XXI, No 63, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Miniatures. Pictures taken in any weather, and beautifully colored at extreme low prices. Copies made from paintings, drawings, bust, and daguerreotypes in a beautiful style. Pictures taken of deceased persons at one hour notice.

We have on hand a splendid assortment of Lockets, Frames, Cases, Breastpins, Bracelets and Rings, manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures.

Students received on very moderate terms and furnished with instruments and stock of the first quality Plates, Cases, Frames, Chemicals, Gilding, and every article used in the business constantly on hand, and furnished to the trade at wholesale prices, and warranted. The rooms are free to all persons wishing to examine specimens.

Where several persons are taken in one family, a liberal discount will be made.

Vance & Lerow, Daguerreotype Artist, No. 91 Washington street, Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co.’s. Jewelry Establishment.

Advertisement was recorded twice on February 3 and April 7, 1846.

1846 February 6. Christian Watchman. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 6, 1846, Vol. XXVII, No 6, Whole No. 1359, P. 4.

The Daguerreotype.—Since the discovery of this wonderful, and almost incomprehensible art, by Monsieur Daguerre, it has undergone many new and striking improvements.

In 1839, the specimens which were brought from France to this city, were principally copies of public buildings, views, landscapes, &c., in Paris; and although they excited the most intense curiosity in the public mind at that time, yet they were but faint impressions, hardly discernible, and in fact almost nothing, compared with those that are now taken in this country. It is truly surprising and wonderful thing, that we can seat ourselves before the lens of a camera obscura, and by the action of light alone have an indelible impression of our own form and features stamped upon a silver plate so exact and so precise that it is impossible to mistake it. By the aid of chemical agents, consisting chiefly of Iodine and bromine properly prepared, this wonderful thing is accomplished.

The preparation of the chemicals employed, requires the utmost care and attention, and unless the operator thoroughly understands this thing, he can obtain but a poor impression on the plate. Owing to this cause, we see many pictures that have a deathlike appearance, are [scummy], eye imperfect, and are also very indistinct.

A poor daguerreotype is not worth looking at, but a good one is invaluable. We have seen none better than those executed by Messrs Vance & Lerow at their rooms, 91 Washington street. For clearness, distinctness, and boldness of execution, they are unsurpassed, and they resemble the finest engravings.

Mr. Lerow has for a long time been an operator for Mr. Plumbe, in Washington city and Boston, where by diligent attention to his profession, he has made many great improvements.

1846 February 26. Daily American Eagle. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 26, 1846, Vol. 3, No 384, n.p.

We have on hand a splendid assortment of Lockets, Frames, Cases, Breastpins, Bracelets and Rings, manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures.

Where several persons are taken in one family, a liberal discount will be made.

Vance & Lerow, Daguerreotype Artist, No. 91 Washington street, Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co.’s. Jewelry Establishment.

1846 April 21. Boston Courier. (Boston, Massachusetts.) April 21, 1846, Vol. XXIII, No. 679?, P. 2.

Married. In this city, April 19, Mr. John A. Lerow to Miss Martha A. Lerow.

1846 April 30. The Daily Chronotype. (Boston, Massachusetts.) April 30, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 54, P. 3.

Vance & Lerow, Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 91 Washington street.

Pictures taken in any weather, at extreme low prices, and beautifully colored. We have also on hand a large assortment of Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c., manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures, and which will be taken and inserted in thirty minutes.

Persons wishing pictures of themselves or friends, are invited to call.

Copies taken from Paintings, Drawings, and Daguerreotypes at short notice. Pictures also taken of deceased persons.

Instruction given in the art, and all kinds of Apparatus, Chemicals and Stock furnished.

The Rooms are free to all.

N. B. perfect satisfaction guarantied, or no charge.

Rooms 91 Washington St.——Boston, Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co.’s. Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from April 30 to May 11, 1846.

1846 May 1. The Norfolk Democrat. (Dedham, Massachusetts.) May 1, 1846, Vol. VIII, No. 14, Whole No. 378, P. 3.

Vance & Lerow, Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 91 Washington Street. Pictures taken in any weather, at extreme low prices, and beautifully colored. We have on hand a large assortment of Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c., manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures, and which will be taken and inserted in thirty minutes.

Persons wishing pictures of themselves or friends, are invited to call.

Copies taken from Paintings, Drawings, and Daguerreotypes, at the shortest notice. Pictures also taken of deceased persons.

Instructions given in the art, and all kinds of Apparatus, Chemicals, and Stock furnished. The Rooms are free to all.

N.B. Perfect satisfaction guarantied, or no charge. Rooms 91 Washington St., Boston; Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co’s Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from May 1 to July 10, 1846.

1846 May 15. The Daily Chronotype. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 15, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 67,

P. 3.

Vance & Lerow, Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 91 Washington street.

Pictures taken in any weather, at very low prices, and beautifully colored. We have on hand a large assortment of Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c., manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures, and which will be taken and inserted in thirty minutes.

Persons wishing pictures of themselves or friends, are invited to call.

Copies taken from Paintings, Drawings, and Daguerreotypes at short notice. Pictures also taken of deceased persons.

Instruction given in the art, and all kinds of Apparatus, Chemicals and Stock furnished. The Rooms are free to all.

N. B. perfect satisfaction guarantied, or no charge.

Rooms 91 Washington St., Boston, Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co.’s. Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from May 15 to June 5, 1846.

1846 June 1. Boston Daily Republican. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 1, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 197, P. 1.

Daguerreotype Coloring. Vance & Lerow have recently discovered a mode of coloring the backgrounds to their pictures, so as to render them discernible in any light and at the same time adds a beautiful finish to the picture. Specimens may be seen at their rooms. Ap16.

Advertisement was recorded from June 1 to 17, 1846.

1846 June 1. Boston Daily Republican. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 1, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 197, P. 4.

Vance & Lerow, Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 91 Washington street. Pictures taken in any weather, at very low prices, and beautifully colored. We have on hand a large assortment of Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c., manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures, and which will be taken and inserted in thirty minutes.

Persons wishing pictures of themselves or friends, are invited to call.

Copies taken from Paintings, Drawings, and Daguerreotypes at short notice. Pictures also taken of deceased persons.

Instruction given in the art, and all kinds of Apparatus, Chemicals and Stock furnished. The Rooms are free to all.

N. B. perfect satisfaction guarantied, or no charge.

Rooms 91 Washington St., Boston, Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co.’s. Jewelry Store. Feb27.

Advertisement was recorded from June 1 to 17, 1846.

Ca. 1846-1849. Lerow & Co. Bill (in John McWilliams Collection)

Lerow & Co.’s 91 Washington Street Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 91 Washington Street……Boston.

The public will please bear in mind, that our Rooms are the largest by far of any Daguerreotype Rooms in Boston and that our Operating and Receiving Rooms are both of the same floor, thus making it the most convenient, as well as the largest Room in the City. Pictures taken for $1.50, and put up in a neat Morocco Case.

Please preserve this card, and call and examine our specimens.

1846 June 6. The Daily Chronotype. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 6, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 86, P. 4.

Lerow & Co, Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 91 Washington Street. Pictures taken in any weather, at very low prices, and beautifully colored. We have on hand a large assortment of Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c., manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures, and which will be taken and inserted in thirty minutes.

Persons wishing pictures of themselves or friends, are invited to call.

Copies taken from Paintings, Drawings, and Daguerreotypes, at the shortest notice. Persons also taken of deceased persons.

Instructions given in the art, and all kinds of Apparatus, Chemicals, and Stock furnished. The Rooms are free to all.

N.B. Perfect satisfaction guarantied, or no charge. Rooms 91 Washington St., Boston; Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co’s Jewelry Store.

1846 June 8. The Daily Chronotype. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 8, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 87, P. 3.

Lerow & Co, Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 91 Washington Street. Pictures taken in any weather, at very low prices, and beautifully colored.

Copies taken from Paintings, Drawings, and Daguerreotypes, at the shortest notice. Persons also taken of deceased persons.

Advertisement ran from June 8 to September 2, 1846.

1846 June 12. Christian Watchman. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 12, 1846, Vol. XXVII, No 24, Whole No. 1377, P. 3.

Lerow & Co., Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 91 Washington Street, Boston. Messrs. Lerow & Co., respectfully inform the citizens of Boston, and vicinity, that they have recently opened the new and extensive Rooms, Over Bigelow & Brothers, 91 Washington St.

Persons wishing miniatures of themselves or friends are invited to call. The rooms are free to all who wish to examine specimens.

Gold Lockets, of every description, constantly on hand. Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished, R. H. Vance, J. A. Lerow.

Advertisement ran from June 12, 1846 to February 19, 1847.

1846 June 18. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 18, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 165, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes. Messrs. Lerow & Coi. Of this city, are about establishing a branch of their Daguerreotype rooms in Pawtucket. We congratulate our friends there that they can have their likenesses taken by these artists. Their reputation for executing pictures here is so well known that it needs no comment. The specimens seen at their rooms No. 91 Washington-street speak for themselves.

1846 July 17. The Norfolk Democrat. (Dedham, Massachusetts.) July 17, 1846, Vol. VIII, No. 25, Whole No. 389, P. 4.

Lerow & Co, Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 91 Washington Street. Pictures taken in any weather, at extreme low prices, and beautifully colored. We have on hand a large assortment of Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c., manufactured expressly for Daguerreotype Miniatures, and which will be taken and inserted in thirty minutes.

Persons wishing pictures of themselves or friends, are invited to call.

Copies taken from Paintings, Drawings, and Daguerreotypes, at the shortest notice. Pictures also taken of deceased persons.

Instructions given in the art, and all kinds of Apparatus, Chemicals, and Stock furnished. The Rooms are free to all.

N.B. Perfect satisfaction guaranteed, or no charge. Rooms 91 Washington St., Boston; Next door to Davis, Palmer & Co’s Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from July 17 to October 30, 1846.

1846 December 14. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 14, 1846, Vol. VII, No. 3, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes. Lerow & Co. 91 Washington street, takes most beautiful pictures and puts them up a neat morocco case for two dollars. See their advertisement.

1846 December 14. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 14, 1846, Vol. VII, No. 3, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes For Two Dollars, As good a Daguerreotype as can be obtained in Boston, can be had for Two Dollars, at Lerow & Co.’s 91 Washington Street.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine our specimens.

Advertisement ran from December 14, 1846 to January 6, 1847.

1847 June 5. The Boston Daily Bee. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 5, 1847, Vol. 11, No. 17, P. 1.

Roguery.—A case containing four large daguerreotype miniatures in gilt frames, was stolen between eight and nine o’clock, last evening, from the entrance to 91 Washington street. Lerow & Co. are the losers.

1847 June 5. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 5, 1847, Vol. XXIII, No. 3502, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes can be sent by mail. Ned was requested to have a friend’s likeness sent from here to the interior of Kentucky; he went to Lerow, 91 Washington street, had it taken, neatly enveloped by the said L, and the postage for nearly 2000 miles was only sixty cents.

1847 June 7. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 7, 1847, Vol. XXIII, No. 3503, P. 2.

On Friday evening, the daguerreotype show case of Lerow & Co., 91 Washington street, was taken from the doorway and carried off.

1847 June 7. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 7, 1847, Vol. XXIII, No. 3503, P. 2.

Stolen—From the entrance to 91 Washington street, on Friday night, a Daguerreotype Miniature Show Case, containing four Pictures. A liberal reward will be paid for the detection of the thief or the recovery of the Case, By Lerow & Co.

Advertisement ran from June 7 to 9, 1847.

1847 October 2. The Boston Semi-Weekly Atlas. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 2, 1847, Vol. XIV, No. 27, P. 1.

Mechanics’ Exhibition.—Among other specimens of American inventions to be seen in Quincy Hall…

Some fine specimens of Daguerreotypes, by Lerow & Co.

Joseph Pettee, 113 Washington street, has also some fine Daguerreotype likenesses, among which is one of the City Solicitor, “specs” and all, not quite so large as life, but twice a natural; also a fine one of Alderman Wilkins.

1848 February 8. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 8, 1848, Vol. VIII, No. 33, P. 2.

It is with pleasure that we recommend those of our friends who wish for a correct likeness of themselves, to the Daguerreotype establishment of Mr. Lerow, No. 91 Washington street. Mr. L. guarantees a correct and satisfactory picture to all who desire it.

1848 March 7. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 7, 1848, Vol. XIX, No. 5404, P. 2.

Santa Crus, February 9, 1848. Dear Transcript: Thinking your readers might like to hear from this lovely spot of earth among the waves of the ocean, I avail myself of an opportunity to give you an idea of what “manner of place it is.” Santa Cruz, or St. Croix, is a small island in the West Indies, distance about 1600 miles from New York and 40 from St. Thomas…

The stores furnished a supply of most of the necessaries which are needed and, in fact you can obtain almost anything even to a Daguerreotype and that too in as good style as can be had at home. There is a person here, who I believe hails from ourb good city of Boston, one of the firm of Lerow & Co. and who came out for his health, who is not only doing an excellent business but is taking many views of this charming Island, which he intends to exhibit in Boston on his return…

1848 March 24. Christian Watchman. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 24, 1848, Vol. XXIX, No 12, Whole No. 1521, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Views Of Natural Scenery.—Mr. J. A. Lerow, of the firm of Lerow & Co., of this city, who was passing the winter in Santa Cruz, is taking a large number of daguerreotype views of the scenery of the island, which he will exhibit on his return to Boston. His description of its fruits and fishes, in his communication in this paper, will be read with interest.

1848 May 13. Union Jack! Or Sailor’s Log Book. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 13, 1848, Vol. X, No. 44, P. 3.

Earthquake.—John A. Lerow, of the firm of Lerow & Co. of this city, who is now in St. Thomas, one of the West India islands, writing to his friends here says:—’We had a dreadful shock of an earthquake here this morning (6th inst.) at about 3 o’clock. I was sound asleep when a noise awoke me which sounds very much like the rushing wind accompanied by a low rumbling noise, and I thought a hurricane had made its appearance at the wrong time of the year when, suddenly the house I was in began to shake, dishes to rattle, and furniture to tottering, and the dogs to bark, cats mewing, cattle lowing, negroes screaming, cocks crowing, and such a medly of noises were never heard before in St. Thomas. The whole affair lasted about half a minute, and the oldest inhabitants here say it was the most severe shock they ever experienced even the earthquake that destroyed Guadaloupe which is one of the same chain of islands did not make so serve a shock here.’

Probably trouble may be anticipated from that quarter.

1848 May 27. Union Jack! Or Sailor’s Log Book. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 27, 1848, Vol. X, No. 46, P. 3.

To Obtain a first rate daguerreotype, for the least sum of money, call on Lerow & Co. 91 Washington street.

1848 June 3. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 3, 1848, Vol. XXIV, No. 3807, P. 2.

Worth Seeing.—Call at Lerow’s Daguerrian Gallery, 91 Washington street, where one can have the pleasure of seeing several beautiful architectural and other views of Santa Cruz, taken by Mr. Lerow himself, during a sojourn of several months on this beautiful island of the tropics. He has also a superb likeness of Gen. Taylor, taken from life. Crowds will call at 91, when it is known that the exhibition is gratis. Lerow in No. 1 in the Photographic art.

1848 July 3. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 3, 1848, Vol. XIX, No. 5503, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes. Lerow & Co would respectfully call the attention of the public to their specimens in Rooms 91 Washington street—as they are now taking some of the finest pictures ever produced in the art, and at very low prices.

Perfect satisfaction given, or no charge made—even in cloudy weather.

Advertisement ran from July 3 to August 1, 1848.

1848 July 7. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 7, 1848, Vol. XIX, No. 5506, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes. Some excellent specimens of Daguerreotype may be seen at the gallery of Messrs. Lerow & Co, 91 Washington street. Many well known public and private citizens will at once be recognized, from the life-like copies to be seen. An excellent likeness of Gen. Taylor, taken recently at New Orleans, may also be seen; and some fine specimens of West India scenery, taken at St. Thomas and Santa Croix by Mr. Lerow, are well worthy examination.

1848 July 21. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 21, 1848, Vol. XXV, No. 3845, P. 2.

Strangers visiting the city should not neglect to call at Lerow & Co’s Daguerrian Gallery, 91 Washington street, if for no other reason than to view his exhibition, gratis; scenes in the island of St Thomas and Santa Cruz, taken by himself during a recent sojourn in these delightful places. Besides, if they desire life-like pictures of themselves or friends, at incredibly low prices, here is the place, par excellence, of all other daguerreotype establishments in the city.

1848 July 22. Union Jack! Or Sailor’s Log Book. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 22, 1848, Vol. XI, No. 3, P. 3.

The Daguerreotype art flourishes under the management of Lerow & Co., 91 Washington street. He has a fine exhibition of West Indian scenery, taken by Lerow himself during a recent residence in several of the islands, which he exhibits free to all. No one takes better likenesses than this firm, nor at lower rates.

1848 August 1. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 1, 1848, Vol. XIX, No. 5528, P. 2.

A Simple Invention…Gen Mosely of Kentucky is likely to reap an equally ample pecuniary harvest from an idea hardly more complex. It is of an irregular piece of iron, or eccentric lever, no bigger than an ordinary castor to a table, which forms a perfect window fastener by which weights and pulleys may be entirely dispensed with…

1848 August 2. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 2, 1848, Vol. VIII, No. 176, P. 2.

Old Kentuck. Something New, invented by a true Kentuckian. We were shown yesterday morning, a little irregular piece of brass, which being screwed on to a window sash entirely does away with the use of cords, pullies, weights and fastenings. For one shilling they can be applied to any window, thereby saving an expense of two or three dollars a window. Builders, carpenters and persons having windows without fastners [sic.] or weights to hold them up, should look to this. They may be seen at Lerow & Co’s. Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 91 Washington st.

1848 August 2. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 2, 1848, Vol. XXV, No. 3855, P. 2.

Windo Fastener.—A very simple, yet ingenious article of this character, may be seen at Lerow & Co.’s Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 91 Washington street. It keeps a window in any position, and saves the cost of weights, pulleys, &c. It cost only a shilling a window, thus saving some $2 on each.

1848 August 7. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 7, 1848, Vol. XXV, No. 3859, P. 2.

Something New And Worth Having.—Those patent window locks that we spoke of in our paper last week, are without doubt the best and cheapest things ever applied to any window. The price is only one shilling apiece, and they serve the whole purpose of ropes, pullies, fasteners and weights. Truly, this is an age of inventions. Lerow & Co, No. 91 Washington street, have them. See their advertisement.

1848 August 7. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 7, 1848, Vol. XXV, No. 3859, P. 2.

Lerow & Co. have these Patent Window Locks for sale, at one shilling apiece. All persons having windows that need fasteners, or are without weights or pullies, can apply these Locks to them for they answer every purpose. They save an expense from two to three dollars a window.

Agents wanted to sell Locks. Call early.

1848 November 20. Boston Daily Times. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 20, 1848, Vol. XXV, No. 3918, P. 2.

New Invention—Patent Right For Suffolk County, For Sale.—One of the most valuable inventions ever offered to the Public, the Patent right for which is for sale, is Drummonds Patent Candle Sticks. By means of which any person can use all their common house grease which being melted and poured in at the base of the candlestick, will when cold and forced up through the center, unit with a perfectly dry wick and burn like Sperm at a cost of 4 or 5 cents per week. The right will be sold to any person wishing to make a thousand dollars this winter. Call and see it and satisfy yourselves at Lerow & Co.’s, No 91 Washington st., up stairs.

1848 November 27. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 27, 1848, Vol. XIX, No. 5627, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes. Lerow & Co. 91 Washington st, Boston, would respectfully invite their old patrons, and the public generally, to call at their rooms, and prove that their work is as good as can be produced, and better for the same money.

Copies of Daguerreotypes. Paintings, Engravings, or anything of the kind, warranted perfect and durable.

Advertisement ran from November 27 to December 12, 1848.

1848 December 11. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 11, 1848, Vol. XIX, No. 5638, P. 2.

Messrs. Lerow & Co at 91 Washington street, Daguerreotype Artists, deserve the patronage of the most discriminating part of the community. As their pictures show decidedly that they have arrived to the highest perfection of the art now attained—and their prices are so very low that a man will scarcely miss the change from his pocket that it requires to buy one. Please call and see them.

1849 January 1. Boston Daily Republican. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 1, 1849, Vol. 4, No. 64, P. 4.

Boston Business Illustrated Directory…Daguerreotype Miniatures.

Cannon, John, Blanchard’s Block, Court. Pictures taken in the utmost perfection of the art.[2]

Foss, Plummer, 190 Washington, opp. Marlboro’ Hotel. Perfect satisfaction given or no charge. Please call.

Lerow & Co., 91 Washington, would inform the public that they are now taking better Pictures than formerly on account of some important improvements which they have recently made in the Art. Their work now cannot by surpassed by any in quality, and their prices are extremely low. Particular attention given to copying Paintings, Engravings, &c.

North’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 142 Washington. In consequence of the demand for Daguerreotype Miniatures being more than he could supply at his rooms, 142, Mr. North has opened another splendid Daguerreotype Establishment in connection with Mr. Marshall, 268 Washington st. Likenesses can be procured at either establishment.

Shew, Wm., 123 Washington, Miniatures taken in the best manner and at low rates.

Whipple, John A., 96 Washington, Miniatures beautifully executed.

Advertisement ran from January 1 to April 2, 1849.

1849 February 8. Christian Watchman & Christian Reflector. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 8, 1849, C. W.–Vol. XXX, C. R. Vo. XII, No. 6, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes for California. Persons who are going there, and those who are not going, that wish to procure First Rate Likenesses, in every sense of the term, will please call on Mr. Lerow, at 91 Washington st.

He will also produce copies of Daguerreotypes, or Paintings, Engravings, or crayons, and guarantee perfect satisfaction—on the most reasonable terms.

Advertisement ran from February 8 to October 18, 1849.

1849 February 14. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 14, 1849, Vol. XX, No. 5693, P. 2.

Another Sewing Machine. While we were yesterday giving an account of the new French sewing machine, Mr. Lerow, the Daguerreotypist, of 26 State street, a young gentleman of great mechanical ingenuity, was giving the finishing touches to a “Rotary Sewing Machine,” which he bought into our office complete this morning and which has many decided advantages over the French machine. It will sew a yard a minute, with the “fast stitch” made in sewing the seams of pantaloons, &c. The workmanship is excellent; and unlike that of other similar machines, the stitch will not pull out. It seems as strong and perfect as the best sewing by hand. The machine is simple in its construction, small and portable, and not likely to get out of order. To housewives and tailors we should think the contrivance would be one of great utility.

1849 April 3. Boston Daily Republican. (Boston, Massachusetts.) April 3, 1849, Vol. 4, No. 143, P. 4.

Boston Business Illustrated Directory…Daguerreotype Miniatures.

Cannon, John, Blanchard’s Block, Court. Pictures taken in the utmost perfection of the art.[3]

Foss, Plummer, 190 Washington, opp. Marlboro’ Hotel. Perfect satisfaction given or no charge. Please call.

Whipple, John A., 96 Washington, Miniatures beautifully executed.

Advertisement ran from April 3 to 12, 1849.

1849 May 17. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 17, 1849, Vol. IX, No. 117, P. 4.

Rotary Sewing Machine. Wonderful! We saw it sew a yard of cloth per minute, with a perfectly fast stich. It is the invention of Messrs. John A. Lerow and S. C. Blodgett, of this city. Rights for sale on [application] to Lewis Lerow, No. 9 State street, up stairs.

1849 May 26. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 26, 1849, Vol. IX, No. 125, P. 2.

Rotary Sewing Machine. The inventors, Messrs. Lerow & Blodgett, having disposed of their right to this invention in the state of Massachusetts, are now ready to treat with persons wishing to purchase the right of other states. Mr. Bradford of New Bedford assures us that by the aid of one machine and two girls he makes 12 pairs of common pants per day.—Truly this is an age of steam. Mr. Lerow, No. 9 State st., up stairs, is the Agent.

1849 May 31. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 31, 1849, Vol. IX, No. 129, P. 4.

Gen, Taylor A Friend To Inventors. We understand that Messrs. Lerow & Blodgett, inventors ot the Rotary Sewing Machine, have received an order from Gen. Zackary Taylor, for an entire suit of clothing made by their machine, to be worn by him at his anticipated visit to New England.

1849 October 8. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 8, 1849, Vol. XX, No. 5894, P. 2.

Patents, Issued from the United States Patent Office for the week ending October 2…Sherburne C. Blodgett, Georgetown, Mass., and John A. Lerow, Boston, Masss., improvements in sewing machines.

1849 October 18. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 18, 1849, Vol. XX, No. 5903, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes. Mr. Lerow respectfully invites the attention of his removal, from 91 Washington street to 138½, opposite School st, where he has fitted up a suit of Rooms with a large and elegant Sky Light, for the better accommodation of his friends and all those in want of a superior Likeness, which can only be obtained by a strong and sufficient light. Will open on the 22d of October, and be happy to wait on all those who may favor him with a visit.

Advertisement ran October 18 and 20, 1849.

1849 October 25. Christian Watchman & Christian Reflector. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 25, 1849, C. W.—Vol. XXX, C. R.—Vol. XII, No 43, P. 3.

Removal. Mr. Lerow, so long established in the Daguerreotype business, at 91 Washington street, has removed to 138½ Washington street, (opposite the foot of School street,) where he has at great expense fitted up a beautiful suit of Rooms, with the addition of a splendid sky light, for the better accommodation of his friends and the public whose continued patronage it will be his effort to merit.

Advertisement ran from October 25, 1849 to September 26, 1850.

1849 November 1. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 1, 1849, Vol. XX, No. 5915, P. 3.

Notice. Mr. Lerow having removed to 138½ Washington st, (opposite School st.) Is prepared to furnish to all who wish Daguerreotypes of all sizes, Singly or in Groups, that cannot be surpassed by any, as he has arranged his Rooms especially for the business

Advertisement ran from November 1 to 16, 1849.

1849 November 10. Roxbury Gazette. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 10, 1849, Vol. II, No 46, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes. Mr. Lerow, so long established in the business at 91 Washington st., Boston, would hereby inform his old friends and the public that he has removed to 138½ Washington st., (opposite School street), Boston, where at great expense he fitted up large and commodious rooms with the best arranged sky light in the city. He will take groups or single pictures from the smallest size in rings to the large size in frames, and copy paintings, engravings, crayons, daguerreotypes, &c., &c. Perfect satisfaction given or no charge made.

Advertisement ran from November 10, 1849 to February 2, 1850.

1849 November 24. Roxbury Gazette. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 24, 1849, Vol. II, No 48, P. 3.

Lerow, No. 138½ Washington St., is an accomplished Daguerreotype Artist.—His rooms are pleasant and centrally situated, and visitors will find him attentive and agreeable. His likenesses are excellent and highly finished, his prices moderate, and we commend him to the attention of those wishing to keep or transmit, a fac simile of their countenances, “be them,” to use the favorite idiom of General Taylor, “handsome, or be them ugly.”

1850. Massachusetts State Record and Yearbook of General Information (Boston, Massachusetts) p. 21.

Lerow’s Daguerrian Rooms 138½ Washington Street, 138½ Opposite School Street, Boston.

Established in 1845, at 91 Washington Street; removed to 138½ October, 1849, to Rooms arranged by the Proprietor, expressly for the prosecution of this truly valuable and wonderful art.

Having been so long in the business, we may venture to claim the merit of being not inferior to any engaged in it; and we are prepared to do all that can be done by the Daguerrian process. We can give a Miniature perfect and sufficiently small to place in a ring for a ladies’ finger; or, large a rich enough to occupy the place of a portrait in any gentleman’s parlor. Or we can give a Whole Family In Group, On The Same Plate, and we will give Correct Copies Of Paintings, Crayon s, Engravings, Daguerreotypes, Or Houses & Trees, in fact, Anything In Nature, Animate or Inanimate, that is capable of retaining one position for a very few seconds.

N.B. Our Rooms are always open and free to visitors, and we invite them to call and see our specimens, whether they choose to patronise us or not.

Particular attention given to taking likenesses of sick and deceased persons, at their residences.

Instruction Given In The Art.

1850 July 19. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 19, 1850, No. 8445, P. 4.

Affairs About Home. Daguerreotype of William J. Snelling.—Mr. Lerow, the famous daguerreotype artists, No. 138½ Washington street, opposite School street, has a beautiful and correct likeness of this celebrated man, formerly editor of this paper, whose prose writings have been placed among those of the standard authors of America, at Harvard College. The likeness was taken a short time before Mr. Snelling’s death.

1850 September 26. Christian Watchman & Christian Reflector. (Boston, Massachusetts.) September 26, 1850, Vol. XXXI, No 39, P. 3.

Lerow’s Daguerreotype Rooms, (Sky Light) No. 138½ Washington Street, (Opposite School Street,) John A. Heard, Proprietor. Boston. Pictures taken in any weather, Singly or in Groups, and warranted. Particular attention given to Copying; will also attend to taking likenesses of sick and deceased persons. Instruction given in the art.

1851 January 18. Boston Daily Courier. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 18, 1851, Vol. LV, No. 10,094 P. 2.

List of Patents—Issued from the United States Patent Office, bearing date January 14, 1851…

John A. Lerow of Boston, Mass.—for improvements in sewing machines. Patented Oct. 2, 1849, Re-issued January 14, 1851.

1851 January 25. The Boston Daily Bee. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 25, 1851, Vol. 18, No. 83, P. 2.

Patents.—…S. O. Blodger, Georgetown, Mass., and John A. Lerow, Boston, Mass., improvements in Sewing Machines

1851 October 29. Boston Daily Courier. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 29, 1851, Vol. LV, No. 10,330 P. 2.

Washington, Oct. 28. The following are a few of the prizes awarded to Americans at the Great Exhibition, published in this morning’s Intelligencer, which gives a full list of prize medals: To—Blodget & Lerow, for sewing machine…J. A. Whipple, daguerreotype of the moon;…

1855 March 5. Boston Semi Weekly Courier. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 5, 1855, Vol. XXXI, No. 5025 P. 2.

In Rockford, Ill. Feb. 14, John A. Lerow, 29, youngest son of L. Lerow, Esq., of Boston. His remains were brought to Boston for interment.

1877 July. St. Louis Practical Photographer. (St. Louis, Missouri.) July 1877, Vol. 1, No. 7, P. 220-221.

Days Gone By. By J. W. Black. Friend Fitz.: …My first instruction in daguerreotyping was from Mr. John Leroy, about 1845; at the same time experiments were being made on the sewing machine—since a great success, but at the time thought an impossibility. These two branches were prosecuted in the same room. I remember thinking how impossible it must be to sew by machinery, and I as little thought of the wide range photography would eventually take, as subsequent events have proved. I had better have devoted my time to sewing machines than to daguerreotyping. We used a common window side light, with a large mirror for reflected light, the object being to get a fair outline with the face as white as possible, and also the shirt front…

[1] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

[2] Advertisement ran from January 8 to April 2, 1849.

[3] Advertisement ran from January 8 to April 2, 1849.

Lenox, Edwin S.

March 18, 2026AmbrotypesAmbrotypist, Chicago Illinois, Edwin S. Lenox, Tay;or & Lenoxpioneeramericanphotographers

1855 75 Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois.

1856 February 1. The Daily Democratic Press. (Chicago, Illinois.) February 1, 1856, Vol. IV, No. 105, P. 2 & 3.

Review of the Manufacturers of Chicago for 1855. In presenting our readers with the fourth Annual Review of the Manufactures of Chicago, we are happy to say , that this important arm of our prosperity continues to keep pace with the general growth of the city and country…

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Ambrotypes, &c. The Daguerrean business is not strictly speaking a manufacturing branch of industry, yet as there is in this city a large amount of capital invested in establishments of this kind, we have thought it but proper to include them. During the past two years Daguerrean rooms have increased very rapidly; and we are happy to record the fact, that Chicago has some of the best operators in the United States.

A. Hesler, Daguerrean and Photographer, Metropolitan Block, Lasalle street.

This is the largest Daguerrean establishment in the United States. It consists of 12 large rooms, most appropriately fitted up. The show rooms are luxuriously furnished.

Mr. Hesler’s Daguerreotype likenesses have taken the premium at the World’s Fair, New York, and at several of the State Fairs throughout the United States. He was formerly situated at Galena, in this State, and moved to this city in December, 1854.

The following is a statement of his business during 1855.

Capital Investment…………$22,000

Va. Of Pictures, &c.………..$38,000

Material used……….………$18,000

Wages used………………….$6,500

No. of operators employed….10.

Root, Cook & Fassett, Daguerreotypist and Ambrotypist, 131 Lake street.

This establishment was only commenced las September, since which time they have acquired a good reputation as Daguerreans. Some of their pictures have taken premiums at State Fairs and Industrial exhibitions.

The Following is a statement of their operation from Sept. 1st to Dec. 31st, 1855.

Capital Invested……….$3,000

600 pictures……………$2,000

Raw material used……..$400

H. W. Williams, Daguerrean Artist, 58 West Randolph street.

The amount of business turned out in this establishment during the past year, is as follows:

Capital Invested……$500.

Value of pictures……$1,500.

No. of operators…….2.

Taylor & Lenox, Ambrotypist and Daguerreans, 75 Lake street.

This firm commenced business in September last. They are the proprietors of the patent right of Cutting’s process of Ambrotyping, for this State and Wisconsin. The figures during the few months they have been in business, we did not receive.

C. H. Lillibridge, Photographer, 77 Lake st….No report.

C. C. Kelsey, Daguerrean, 96 Lake st………..Blanks not returned.

G. E. Gordan, Daguerrean, 44 Dearborn st…..No returns.

E. G. Stiles, Daguerrean, 139 Lake st…………Blanks not returned.

P. Von Schneidau, Daguerrean, 142 Lake st….Blanks not returned.

Leigh

March 17, 2026DaguerreotypesDaguerreotypist, Leigh, Leigh & Hamner, Tuscaloosa Alabamapioneeramericanphotographers

1846 Over Dr. Samuel Smith’s Drug Store, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

1846 October 2. State Journal & Flag. (Tuscaloosa, Alabama.) October 2, 1846, New Series–Vol. 3, No. 46, P. 3.

Daguerrian Gallery. Messrs. Leigh & Hamner, are now ready at their Daguerrian Gallery, and offer to the citizens of Tuscaloosa and vicinity, the most favorable opportunity to obtain Miniature Likenesses in the most perfect style of execution, which for life like beauty, distinctness and accuracy, are acknowledged to be unsurpassed. A cordial invitation is extended to all who wish to see specimens of their workmanship, or to gain information pertaining to this truly beautiful, and most wonderful art; and those who wish likenesses of themselves or friends, they guarantee both a perfect likeness and a durable picture. Messrs. L. & H. has furnished rooms over the Drug Store of Dr. Samuel Smith, where they propose remaining only a few days. Their prices are moderate, and a liberal deduction where whole families are taken, their pictures are unsurpassed. Sept. 11, 1846.

Leigh, John

March 16, 2026Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreian Stock and Materials, DaguerreotypesAbbeville South Carolina, Agusta Georgia, Ambrotypist, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreian Materials, Daguerreotypist, Edgefield South Carolina, John Leigh, Leigh & Chalmers, Leigh & Tucker, Leigh tucker & Perkins, New Orleans Louisianapioneeramericanphotographers

1849 Mansion House, Augusta, Georgia.

1849 Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.

1849 Address Unknown, Abbeville, South Carolina.

1850 Spann’s Hotel, Edgefield, South Carolina.[1]

1850-1852 Metcalf’s New Building, Opposite Masonic Hall, Augusta, Georgia.

1851 Rooms at the Spann Hotel, Edgefield, South Carolina.

1853 Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.

1854-1855 Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.

1856 Public Square, Edgefield, South Carolina.

1856 Address Unknown, Augusta, Georgia.

1857 In front of the Odd Fellows & Masonic Building, Edgefield, South Carolina.

1857 Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.

1858 Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.

1858 Address Unknown, Abbeville, South Carolina.

1849 February 6. Daily Chronicle & Sentinel. (Augusta, Georgia.) February 6, 1849, Vol. XIII, No. 32, P. 3.

Last Call. Those Who Wish their lineaments portrayed in life-like colors, that will never fade,

We bid you come, and we will give the hue

Which future ages shall admiring view—

And all for two dollars. Call soon at Leigh & Co.’s. Daguerrean Rooms, Mansion House, and secure the shadow, ere the substance fades. Our stay will be limited to only a few days longer. Come and come quick. Leigh & Co.

Advertisement ran from February 6 to 17, 1849.

1849 July 21. The Abbeville Banner. (Abbeville, South Carolina.) July 21, 1849, Vol. VI, No. 18, P. 3.

Leigh’s Beautiful; Daguerreotype. Mr. Leigh (Late of New Orleans) respectfully announces to the ladies and gentlemen of Abbeville and vicinity that he is now ready for the reception of company and those wishing a fine likeness and a highly finished picture of themselves or friends would do well to embrace this opportunity, as another so favorable may not soon offer.

Mr. L.’s stay will be limited as other engagements will soon call him hence.

Ladies will find it would add much to their Pictures to dress in black or colored dresses. July 6, 1849.

1850 December 21. Daily Chronicle & Sentinel. (Augusta, Georgia.) December 21, 1850, Vol. XIV, No. 302, P. 2.

Premium Daguerreotypes.—Messrs Leigh & Tucker, grateful for patronage received the past season, beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Augusta and vicinity, that as soon as their new Daguerreotype rooms can be completed in the new building now being erected by Mr. Metcalf, opposite the Masonic Hall, they will be prepared (assisted by one of the first artists of New York) to wait upon all who may wish their Premium Sky-light Daguerreotypes. Their Rooms are being arranged expressly for their business, and will afford superior facilities; and they flatter themselves that all will be pleased with the style, beauty, and finish of their pictures.

Advertisement ran from December 21, 1850 to January 17, 1851.

1851 February 6. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) February 6, 1851, Vol. XVI, No. 3, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes. Those who wish an excellent thing of this sort, would do well to call at Mr. Leigh’s rooms in the Spann Hotel. We direct attention to his advertisement. He is a South Carolinian by birth, and, beyond doubt, calculated to come up to his promises.

1851 February 6. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) February 6, 1851, Vol. XVI, No. 3, P. 3.

Premium Daguerreotypes! Mr. Leigh of the firm of Leigh & Tucker, Augusta, Ga., whose Pictures was awarded the first Premium at the State Fair of Georgia, would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Edgefield and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Spann Hotel, and would be pleased to wait on all that may favor him with their patronage.

Advertisement ran from February 6 to May 15, 1851.

1851 April 18. Daily Chronicle & Sentinel. (Augusta, Georgia.) April 18, 1851, Vol. XV, No. 9, P. 3.

Premium Daguerrean Gallery. Messrs. Leigh, Tucker & Perkins would respectfully announce to the citizens of Augusta, and vicinity, that their new and splendid Picture Gallery is now open for the reception of visitors. By the aid of our greatly improved Sky-Light, we can produce a style of Daguerreotypes, unequalled by any that have ever before been offered in this city. We would call attention, particularly to the specimens of our style of fine, large head. Those are numerous other specimens of the Art, the Ladies and Gentlemen are cordially invited to call and examine, at our Rooms in Metcalf’s new Iron Front Building, opposite the Masonic Hall.

Daguerreotype Stock and Instruments for sale at reduced prices.

Advertisement was recorded between April 18 to June 29, 1851.

1851 May 29. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) May 29, 1851, Vol. XVI, No. 19, P. 2.

Daguerreotype Car. Mr. Leigh the Daguerreotypist, who has been for some time occupying rooms in the Spann Hotel at this place, has had a Daguerrean Car constructed at the carriage-manufactory of our enterprising townsman, Mr. Abner Bushnell. It is indeed an admirably arranged and elegantly finished thing, reflecting credit upon those who devised as well as those who built it. We doubt if a neater or more convenient specimen of the kind, has yet been made. Its advantages for the business are manifest. Having lights at the sides, and a sky light which can be regulated easily according to the judgment of the artist, the precise degree of light can be readily attained. In travelling, pictures can be produced without the delay and trouble usually required to make the necessary arrangements. Here is always an elegant little saloon, with velvet-cushioned seats, and silk curtains, ready fixed and exactly adapted to the purpose of operating speedily and successfully. The establishment, although very large and commodious, can be easily drawn by four horses, over any ordinary road. Its entire cost (with harness) is near $1000, and the whole affair is one of those daily increasing proofs, that “some things can be done well as others,” even in the back country of ours.

The front of the car is ornamented with a landscape view, and from the top arises a beautiful vari-colored stain banner, a fit ensign of the taste exhibited below.

We wish for Mr. Leigh, whose sojourn here has won for him the respect of our community, many a pleasant and profitable jaunt in his travelling gallery. The present is Car, No. 2, of the firm of Leigh & Tucker. In their No. 1, the pictures were taken, that bore off the premium at the Georgia exhibition. In their No. 2, others may be taken, that will win the prize at the next annual fair of the South Carolina Institute. We will see.

1852 January 1. Daily Chronicle & Sentinel. (Augusta, Georgia.) January 1, 1851, Vol. XVI, No. 1, P. 1.

Leigh, Tucker & Perkins’ Improved Sky Light Daguerrean Gallery.—The Pictures now being taken at this establishment, by the aid of an entirely new Apparatus and Sky Light, arranged expressly for the purpose, are pronounced by all superior to any that have ever been offered in this city.

We have just received a new stock, consisting of every variety of plain and fancy cases, into which Pictures will be inserted in the neatest and most caring manner.

Particular care will be bestowed on the arrangementbof Family Groups, and to the attitudes of single Pictures.

A general assortment of Plates, Cases, Polishing Materials, &c., constantly on hand for sale. o11.

Advertisement was recorded between January 1 to June 29, 1852.

1853 March 9. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) March 9, 1853, Vol. XVIII, No. 8, P. 2.

Mr. Leigh would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Edgefield and vicinity that he is fitting up a New Car, and will be ready in a few days to offer to them a New and Superior Style of Pictures! having an advantage of a recent improvement in the finish and polish of the Plate, he feels confident that he will be able to offer to them a very Superior Picture.

He has also made arrangements for an instrument, by which he will be enabled to take Pictures of Children in the short time of one second. J. Leigh.

Advertisement ran from March 9 to April 6, 1853.

1853 July 6. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) July 6, 1853, Vol. XVIII, No. 25, P. 1.

Leigh’s Beautiful Daguerreotypes, Mr. Leigh would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Edgefield and vicinity, that he is now ready to serve all that may be desirous of obtaining one or more of his Unrivalled Daguerreotypes.

Mr. L. is prepared to take any of the different styles of Pictures the Art is capable of.

Ladies will find that black or dark dressing will add much to the beauty of the Picture. May 1.

Advertisement ran from July 6, 1853 to February 1, 1854.

1854 November 16. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) November 16, 1854, Vol. XIX, No. 44, P. 3.

The Daguerrean Car, Mr. Leigh would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Edgefield and vicinity that he will be ready by Monday the 20^th inst., to furnish all that may favor him with a call, with a Correct Daguerreotype Likeness, in any of the different styles they may desire.

November 16, 1854 to January 24, 1855.

1856 October 9. Daily Chronicle & Sentinel. (Augusta, Georgia.) October 9, 1856, Vol. XX, No. 241, P. 2.

Pictures! Pictures!!—Run to the Chalmers Daguerrean Gallery, and get a first rate Ambrotype for one dollar.

Photographs taken in superior style. Call and examine specimens.

All kinds of Ambrotype Goods for sale—Sensitive Collodeon [sic.]—a number one article manufactured by ourselves, always on hand fresh. Leigh & Chalmers.

1856 November 12. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) November 12, 1856, Vol. XXI, No. 44, P. 2.

Leigh & Co.’s. Ambrotype Car. This beautiful and most complete Car is now on our Public Square, under the management of Mr. A. T. Lyon, a skillful artist, and one well prepared to take Ambrotypes of every description in a style second to none. We bespeak for Mr. Lyon an extensive patronage, first because he is a native of our Town, and secondly, because his specimens of Ambrotypes are highly creditable to any one. See advertisement in another column.

1857 April 15. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) April 15, 1857, Vol. XXII, No. 14, P. 2.

Serious Loses By Fire. On Sunday morning last, about day-break, Mr. John M. Whitt’s Machine and Cabinet Shop, in this place, was discovered to be in flames past all possibility of being saved. The fire rapidly spread to his Steam-mill adjoining, and to the Coach Manufactory and Black-Smith shops of Mr. John Leigh; also on the other side, to a cottage building occupied by Mr. Stanmore B. Griffin. All of these were entirely consumed, together with a large portion of their contents. The loss in machinery and tools of all kinds was very severe Messrs. Leigh, Witt, Griffin, Riddell, Covar, Paul and Hurlbut being the sufferers. Some of them lost their entire implements of trade. The whole loss is estimated at about twenty-five thousand dollars, and no insurance. Messrs. Leigh and Witt are the principle losers their damages being reckoned by them at a sum not short of twenty thousand dollars. The fire company was out and all possible exertions made lessen the disaster, which came near at one time being much more extensive. It is not known how the fire originated, but supposed to be the work of an incendiary.

1857 April 29. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) April 29, 1857, Vol. XXII, No. 16, P. 2.

Leigh’s Ambrotypes. The Ambrotypes, now being taken by Mr. Leigh in his Car, are pronounced the very best that have yet been exhibited here. Mr. Leigh, our readers know, suffered a heavy loss by the late fire. We suggest that there is a way here to help him in his difficulties and get full value received for the kind act. Sit for one of his very beautiful ambrotype likenesses. It will be a favor to the worthy operator and a gratification to yourself. The car stands in front of the Odd Fellows & Masonic Building.

1857 May 27. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) May 27, 1857, Vol. XXII, No. 20, P. 2.

Absent. Mr. John Leigh requests us to state that he is necessarily compelled to be absent from the Village and his Ambrotype Car until Monday next. All in want of fac simile Ambrotypes will therefore not call until next week when they can be accommodated “pretty briefly,” and in a satisfactory manner.

1857 July 8. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) July 8, 1857, Vol. XXII, No. 26, P. 3.

The Car Is Off! The Subscriber respectfully informs his friends and all indebted to him for Ambrotypes, that he will positively leave Edgefield in a few days, and they are particularly requested to call and settle without delay. John Leigh.

1858 March 17. Edgefield Advertiser. (Edgefield, South Carolina.) March 17, 1858, Vol. XXIII, No. 10, P. 2.

Mr. Leigh’s Daguerrean Car left yesterday and will be located for a short time at Mr. Carson Warren’s. Thence it will proceed towards the Ridge.

1858 December 10. The Independent Press. (Abbeville, South Carolina.) December 10, 1858, Vol. 6, No. 32, Whole No. 292, P. 2.

Ambrotypes. We are requested by Mr. Leigh, the well known Ambrotypist, to say that he will be in our village in the course of 10 or 15 days, and will than give our citizens the opportunity of obtaining Ambrotype Likenesses finished on the highest Style of his art.

Mr. Leigh is an Artist of peculiar aptitude for his profession, and from his long experience has established a high character as a proficient in his art.

[1] Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940. P. 74.

Legal, Eugene

March 15, 2026Daguerreotype plate importer, RetailerDaguerreotype Plates, Eugene Legal, Legal & Bouland, New York City, Retailerpioneeramericanphotographers

1845 William Street, New York, New York.

1846 54 Beaver Street, New York, New York

1847-1853 86 William Street, New York, New York.

1850 September 19. New York Herald. (New York, New York.) September 19, 1850, Whole No. 5945, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Plates.—For sale Cheap, A small consignment of Daguerreotype Plates.

Legal & Bouland, 86 William street, up stairs.

Advertisement ran on September 19 & 20, 1850.

New York City Directories. (New York, New York.)

Published by—John Doggett, Jr., 1854-1850.

Published by—Doggett & Rode, 1851.

Published by—John Fowler Trow1852-1855.

1844. Not listed.

1845. Importer–__ William, h-6 Beach.

1846. Importer (Legal & Bouland)—54 Beaver, h-Hoboken.

1847. Importer (Legal & Bouland)—86 William, h-Hoboken.

1848. Importer (Legal & Bouland)—86 William.

1849. Importer (Legal & Bouland)—86 William.

1850. Importer (Legal & Bouland)—86 William.

1851. Importer (Legal & Bouland)—86 William.

1852. Fancy Goods (Legal & Bouland)—86 William, h-237 Broadway.

1853. Fancy Goods (Legal & Bouland)—86 William.

1854. Secretary—4 Bowling Green, h-Judson’s House.

1855. Not listed.

Leeman, N. S.

March 14, 2026AmbrotypesAmbrotypist, N. S. Leeman, Rockland Mainepioneeramericanphotographers

1857 Crockett Building, Rockland, Maine.

1857 April 16. Rockland Gazette. (Rockland, Maine.) April 16, 1857, Vol. 12, No. 16, P. 3.

Something New. The subscriber wishing his friends and the public generally to know of his whereabouts, takes this method of informing them that he is at present to be found at the Crockett Building, where he is putting up some of the best pictures to be found in the city.

Also,—A new style which in many respects are far in advance of the Ambrotype and which at the present time are taking the lead of all others in large cities where they are best known.

Please call and see for yourselves. N. S. Leeman.

Advertisement ran from April 16 to May 7, 1857.

Letters, James B.

March 13, 2026DaguerreotypesBrooklyn New York, Daguerreotypist, James B. Letterspioneeramericanphotographers

1847-1848 101 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

1849 164 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

1850 101 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

1851-1852 25 Atlantic, Brooklyn, New York.

1847 September 8. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat. (Brooklyn, New York.) September 8, 1847, Vol. 6, No. 213, P. 2.

J. B. Leathers, Daguerreian Artist, respectfully announces to his friends and the public generally, that he is prepared to take Daguerreotypes in his superior style, at the lowest prices of any other establishment in this city of New York. He has made addition to his room, which makes it the largest and best ventilated room in this city.

Persons wishing a likeness, will find it to their advantage to call and examine his specimens, as all his pictures are warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses of invalids, or deceased persons, taken at residences. Call at 101 Fulton st, junction of Main st.

Advertisement ran from September 8 to 15, 1847.

1847 September 27. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat. (Brooklyn, New York.) September 27, 1847, Vol. 6, No. 229, P. 2.

Superior Daguerreotypes, At James B. Leathers’, 101 Fulton street, Brooklyn. Sick or deceased persons taken at their residences. Daguerreotypes copied.

Advertisement ran from September 27 to April 21, 1848.

1847 December 24. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat. (Brooklyn, New York.) December 24, 1847, Vol. 6, No. 304, P. 2.

Local Intelligence: &c. Places Where You Can Buy Good Articles.—….Daguerreotypes.

Leathers, 101 Fulton.

Crowell’s, 63 Fulton.

Stanbury, Corner Fulton and Front.

1848 May 29. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle and Kings County Democrat. (Brooklyn, New York.) May 29, 1848, Vol. 7, No. 127, P. 3.

Burglary.—The daguerreotype establishment of J. B. Leathers, at the corner of Fulton and Front streets, was burglariously entered last evening, and a quantity of apparatus taken.

Brooklyn, New York City Directories. (Brooklyn, New York.)

Published by Lees & Foulkes (1846-1849)

Published by Henry R. & William J. Herrnes (1850-1854)

1846. Not Listed.

1847. Daguerreotypist 101 Fulton.

1848. Daguerreotypist 101 Fulton.

1849. Daguerreian Gallery 164 Fulton.

1850. Daguerreotypist 101 Fulton, h-Franklin House.

1851. Daguerreotypist 25 Atlantic.

1852. Daguerreotypist 25 Atlantic.

1853. Not Listed.

1854. Not Listed.

Le Bleu, F.

March 12, 2026DaguerreotypesDaguerreotypist, F. Le Bleu, Honolulu Hawaiipioneeramericanphotographers

1847 Address Unknown, Honolulu, Hawaii.

1847 January 30. The Polynesian. (Honolulu, Hawaii.) January 30, 1847, Vol. 3, No. 37, P. 3.

Senor F. Le Bleu, the Daguerreotype artist, we hear was robbed on Wednesday night, between 9 and 10 o’clock, of $250.

2021 January 7. Honolulu Magazine. (Honolulu, Hawaii.) January 7, 2021.

The History of Hawai‘i From Our Files: Honolulu’s First Official Photographer Arrived in 1846

HONOLULU Magazine emerged from predecessor “Paradise of the Pacific,” which began in 1888, fulfilling a commission by King Kalākaua. That makes this the oldest continuously published magazine west of the Mississippi with an enviable archive worth diving into each month. Here’s a look back at January 1946. By Christi Young.

Noted photographer Ray Jerome Baker writes about the history of Honolulu’s first photographer in the January 1946 issue of Paradise, 100 years after the ship that arrived in December 1846.

“The passenger list was a very meager one which included the name F. LeBleux, a native of France. Circumstantial evidence indicates that this citizen of France who arrived on the brigantine ʻBeatrice’ two days before Christmas, 1846, was none other than Senor L. LeBleu, Daguerreotype artist and subject of this brief review of Honolulu history.

“Senor LeBleu lost no time in setting himself up in business and he must have prospered from the start. On January 30th, 1847, the Polynesian, a Honolulu newspaper, reported that a couple of days previously LeBleu had been robbed of $250. No information is available as to whether or not the photographer’s money was recovered or the thief apprehended. Neither do we know where LeBleu’s studio was located. Honolulu was a mere village at the time and since everybody knew everybody else it was unnecessary for business people to state their location when soliciting business.

“From the Sandwich Island News, February 3rd, 1847. ‘DAGUERREOTYPE PORTRAITS. The arrival of Senor LeBleu and his camera seems to have created quite an excitement in our little town, and we congratulate him upon the avidity with which our fellow residents naturalized and ‘unnaturalized’ crowd to his room to exchange the coin of the realm for his well executed little specimens of photographic immortality.

“We understand that the Senor has been very successful in his likenesses, producing pictures as accurate as possible and beautiful as may be; and it is certain the Daguerreotype mania is at present the most prevalent among us. Instead of the ordinary greetings of the day, people enquire whether you have ‘been taken yet’ or when you are going ‘to be taken’—questions which to the uninitiated have a somewhat common sound; and we confess that on hearing the other day, before we were up to the new order of things, that His Excellency, the Minister of Foreign Relations had ʻbeen taken,’ an inexpressible shock thrilled through our entire corporosity, and it was with difficulty that we could sufficiently command our nervous sensibility to make the anxious enquiry whether it was with a colic, a constable or a lucid interval.

“Our distress was presently allayed however, by the consoling information that he had only been taken by Senor LeBleu, and that his Excellency’s sole suffering had been the difficulty he found in getting so much of his person as could be crowded into the narrow compass of a photographic portrait, all the ornaments and insignia which his exalted office, the order in council and his own strict sense of propriety necessarily obliges him to wear. We are told, however, that in the exigency of the case, he contented himself with the red riband (four inches wide) across his shoulder, that the white star upon his left breast, those yellow crowns upon the collar of his coat, and the crescent, vying with the moon in size and brilliancy, in his neck kerchief—a carelessness of frivolities and humility in ornament which those who have seen the gold cord with tassels besides, will know how to appreciate.”

Other research found an 1845 ad in The Polynesian in which Theophilus Metcalf offers his daguerreotype services. But LeBleu’s images, including one of Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Crichton Wyllie, are notable additions to the archives. The first reigning monarch to be photographed in Hawai‘i was Kamehameha III. That daguerreotype is in the Hawai‘i State Archives.

Layton, B. F.

March 11, 2026AmbrotypesAmbrotypist, B. F. Layton, Boonesboro Iowa, Fort Dodge iowapioneeramericanphotographers

1857 Address Unknown, Boonesboro, Iowa.

1857 Address Unknown, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

1857 September 24. Fort Dodge Sentinel. (Fort Dodge, Iowa.) September 24, 1857, Vol. 2, No. 4, P. 3.

Ambrotypes! The Undersigned Will be in Fort Dodge, on the 15th of September, with his Ambrotype apparatus, and will remain only one week. Persons who are desirous of obtaining Miniatures, must be prepared at the time of his arrival.—The Type is warranted not to fade. They are beautiful and brilliant, presenting all the natural appearance of the person, showing every feature plain and distinct. Gentlemen and Ladies, old and young, should avail themselves of this opportunity. B. F. Layton, Boonesboro, Aug. 17, 1857.

Lay, Frederic L.

March 10, 2026Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Portrait PainterAmbrotypist, Boston Massachusetts, Daguerreotypist, Frederic L. Lay, Lay & Heywood, Photographerpioneeramericanphotographers

1857-1858 173 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1861-1865 31 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts.¹

1866-1867 36 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts.¹

1857 January 19. Boston Daily Chronicle. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 19, 1857, Telegraph Vol. V, No. 764, Chronicle Vol. X, No. 1353, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype And Daguerreotype Gallery. Messrs. Lay & Heywood will give their attention to making all the different styles of Pictures that are made at the present day.

And Mr. Lay, being an Artist that, received his education in one of the first Academies in Germany, will give his attention to finishing Portraits from Miniatures and Life Size in Oil, Pastile, [sic.] Water Colors and Indian Ink, and would invite all to call and examine specimens at 173 Washington Street, (Formerly Chase’s Old Stand,) Boston.

Advertisement ran from January 19 to April 10, 1857.

1857 January 22. Boston Daily Chronicle. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 22, 1857, Telegraph Vol. V, No. 767, Chronicle Vol. X, No. 1355, P. 2.

Thalberg’s Portraits. Messrs. Lay & Heywood, at 173 Washington street, have succeeded in taking an admirable photographic likeness of this celebrated artist, and are prepared to receive orders from his friends for his pictures in all of the different styles, from miniature to the side of life. Music dealers supplied on reasonable terms.

1857 March 17. The Union Democrat. (Manchester, New Hampshire.) March 17, 1857, Vol. 7, No. 322, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street. Boston.

Advertisement ran from March 17 to April 14, 1857.

1857 March 19. Lowell Daily Journal and Courier. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) March 19, 1857, Vol. XXII, No. 5232, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street. Boston.

Advertisement was recorded five times between March 19 to April 17, 1857.

1857 March 19. St. Albans Messenger. (St. Albans, Vermont.) March 19, 1857, Vol. 20, No. 18, Whole No. 1006, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street. Boston.

Advertisement ran from March 19 to April 16, 1857.

1857 March 20. Vermont Journal. (Windsor, Vermont.) March 20, 1857, Vol. XIII, No. 40, Whole No. 664, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street. Boston.

Advertisement ran from March 20 to April 17, 1857.

1857 March 20. Vermont Watchman and State Journal. (Montpelier, Vermont.) March 20, 1857, Vol. 51, No. 17, Whole No. 2631, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street. Boston.

Advertisement ran from March 20 to April 17, 1857.

1857 March 26. National Eagle. (Claremont, New Hampshire.) March 26, 1857, Vol. XXIII, No. 24, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street. Boston.

Advertisement ran from March 26 to April 23, 1857.

1857 March 27. Ellsworth American. (Ellsworth, Maine.) March 27, 1857, Vol. III, No. 9, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street. Boston.

Advertisement ran from March 27 to May 1, 1857.

1857 April 2. Independent Democrat. (Concord, New Hampshire.) April 2, 1857, Vol. 12, No. 49, P. 4.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype Ad Daguerreotype Gallery, o. 173 Washington Street, Boston.

Advertisement ran from April 2 to 23, 1857.

1857 April 30. Boston Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) April 30, 1857, Vol. XXVIII, No. 8283, P. 4.

Ambrotype, Photograph, And Daguerreotype Gallery. Lay & Heywood 173 Washington street.

Advertisement was recorded between April 30, 1857 to January 7, 1858.

1857 May 9. The Granite Farmer And Visitor. (Manchester, New Hampshire.) May 9, 1857, Vol. IX, No. 18, P. 2.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype, And Dagudrreotxpe (sic.) Gallery. No. 173 Washington St., Boston.

Advertisement ran from May 9 to June 6, 1857.

1857 May 14. Dover Enquirer. (Dover, New Hampshire.) May 14, 1857, Vol. XXX, No. 51, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype And Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street, Boston.

Advertisement ran from May 14 to June 11, 1857.

1857 May 14. National Eagle. (Claremont, New Hampshire.) May 14, 1857, Vol. XXIII, No. 31, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington street, Boston.

Advertisement ran from May 14 to June 11, 1857.

1857 May 15. Bennington Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) May 15, 1857, Vol. XVII, No. 11, Whole No. 843, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington street, Boston.

Advertisement ran from May 15 to June 12, 1857.

1857 June 10. Boston Semi-Weekly Advertiser. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 10, 1857, Vol. CVII, No. 7959, P. 3.

Ambrotype, Photograph, Daguerreotype Gallery. Lay & Heywood 173 Washington street.

Advertisement was recorded on June 10 & July 18, 1857.

1857 June 16. Coos Republican. (Lancaster, New Hampshire.) June 16, 1857, Vol. II, No. 28, Whole No. 70, P. 3.

Lay & Heywood’s Photograph, Ambrotype, And Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 173 Washington Street, Boston.

1857 August 13. Boston Daily Bee. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 13, 1857, Vol. XXXI, No. 4748, P. 1.

Ambrotype, Photograph And Daguerreotype Gallery. Lay & Heywood 173 Washington street.

Advertisement ran from August 13 to December 16, 1857.

1857 August 22. Boston Daily Evening Transcript. (Boston, Massachusetts.) August 22, 1857, Vol. XXVIII, No. 8379, P. 2.

An artistically Executed Picture. The attention of promenaders down Washington street is sure to be directed to the splendid photograph of the Orpheus Glee Club, by Lay & Heywood. Its flue tone, life-like expression and tasteful adornment are acknowledged by all. We think it the best arranged group of large size that ever came under our cognizance. A large number of persons may at any time be seen gazing at the picture in the window of Wade’s music store where it is now placed.

1857 September 11. Vermont Watchman and State Journal. (Montpelier, Vermont.) September 11, 1857, Vol. 51, No. 42, Whole No. 2656, P. 3.

Photograph, Ambrotype & Daguerreotype Gallery, Lay & Heywood, Proprietors, 173 Washington Street, Boston.

Messrs. L. & H. give their particular attention to finishing Portraits of deceased persons, from Daguerreotypes, in Oil, Pastile, Water Colors, and India Ink; and Mr. Lay being an artist that received his education in one of the first Academies in Germany, has the advantage of procuring the best artist in Europe—giving us facilities for the execution of portraits which are not to be excelled at any other establishment. We have a large collection of portraits of distinguished persons from all parts of the country, in various styles, which the public are invited to call and examine. Mr. H. gives his attention to the Photographic department, and in this branch of the art is fully competent to execute orders from College Classes, Societies, and associations of men who may wish to preserve, for future reference, a record of familiar faces.