The address and location of George P. Blakesley in 1858 is unknown at this time. The information comes from a newspaper article in the The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan) announcing the premiums awarded at the Cass County Agricultural Society Fair held in Cassapolis Michigan on October 8th and 9th…Class XVI—Painting, Drawing, &C….Best case of ambrotypes, L. D. Smith. 2d best case of ambrotypes, George P. Blakesley…Trans.
On March 3, 1859 he is reported in the following advertisement in The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan.) The advertisement ran from March 3 to July 21, 1859.
Ladies and gentlemen, don’t you know At G. P. Blakesley’s the place to go, Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes he does take, And seldom, if ever, an error does make.
Lithographs and other pictures too, we find, are taken in a style to suit the mind, For a few weeks only, at half price, He will take your picture, and that in a trice.
Then walk right up to the Daguerrean Car, You Ladies and Gents that come from afar, And you that live near should never delay, But quick get a likeness, for you it will pay.
His Car is opposite the Canada Store, Where many likeness he has taken before, And the Canada Store is on Front street, Where George will be happy his friends to greet.
No difference it makes in regard to the weather, If it is cloudy or bright or as light as a feather, For in the business he has been for three years past And every improvement has learned to the last.
Now, in himself, he has great confidence of late, No Artist before in this village so great, Could ever with him begin to compare, For all them he can beat, is the truth, I declare.
Particular attention to children is paid, From 9 A. M., to 4 P. M., so don’t be afraid To bring along your children, and your money likewise, And get a nice picture that will please your eyes.
All are invited to call and examine specimens. Geo. P. Blakesley, Artist. Dowagiac, March 3d, 1859.
Blakesley is recorded as an Ambrotypist in Dowagiac in 1860. Information from the Directory of Early Michigan Photographers (David V. Tinder)
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 