Monthly Archives: April 2021

V. C. or V. B. Tarbon

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855-1856       Front Street, Rooms over Mayhugh’s Grocery Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

V. C. or V. B. Tarbon was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on December 25, 1855.  V. B. Tarbon & Co., are prepared to take Daguerreotypes in good style.  Go and get your “ugly mug” taken.  His plates are strong. No danger of breaking them, unless you “put on airs.”

The advertisement ran from December 25, 1855 to March 4, 1856.  $100 For A Likeness!  “Hail holy Light!  Of Heaven first-born!!” 

How often we have heard it said, “I would give a hundred dollars, if I had a likeness of my deceased mother, &c.,”  Now one can be had, set in a good case, for only One Dollar, by visiting at any hour in the day, and in Any Weather, from 8 o’clock, A. M., till 4 P. M., at the Pomeroy daguerrean Gallery, front street, over Mayhugh’s Grocery.

The Subscribers keep on hand an assortment of Daguerreotype Stock and Apparatus, with which they will supply artist if desired.

Wanted!  A man to learn the business, to whom liberal inducements will be offered.  V. C. Tarbon & Co.

V. C. or V. B. Tarbon are not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. H. & C. C. Tappana

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855                Old Methodist Church, Glasgow, Missouri.

1855                Address Unknown, Fayette, Missouri.

A. H. & C. C. Tappana were recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri).  The advertisement ran on August 23, 1855.  The Tappana’s Daguerreotypes.  Are you in want of a bold lifelike likeness—that for position, artistic finish or tone, cannot be surpassed by any?  If you are, now is the time to procure one, as our engagements elsewhere will not permit of us remaining here but a short time. 

We would advise all in want of a good picture to give us a call and unless you are perfectly satisfied with our work we will not ask you to take it.—

We think we can safely say we have heretofore given general satisfaction; we therefore feel confident of being able to please the citizens of this place, and all who may honor us with their patronage.

We may be found at the Old Methodist Church.  A. H. & C. C. Tappana.

The announcement appeared on August 30, 1855.  Daguerreotypes.  The Messrs. Tappana will only be here this week, and those desiring their services should call at once.  Their specimens and cases are worth an examination; and if any of our citizens want a finished job, they should embrace the opportunity presented.

They will be at Fayette next week, prepared to attend to all calls.

A. H. & C. C. Tappana are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles E. Tapley

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1856                16 Harrington Corner, opposite the City Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts.

1857-1858       Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]

1860                American Hotel Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

Charles E. Tapley was mentioned in an advertisement that ran from June 14 to September 13, 1856.  B. D. Maxham Would respectfully invite all those wishing superior Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends, to call at his old stand, where they can procure likenesses taken by himself or Mr. Tapley, an old and experienced operator from the City of New York.  No 12½ or 25 cent pictures will be taken by them—their time and talent will be devoted to their profession, which they wish to make honorable, by giving good pictures at reasonable prices to all who may favor them with their patronage.

Ladies and gentlemen, please call at No. 16 Harrington Corner, opposite the City Hall, and examine specimens.  B. D. Maxham, C. E. Tapley.

Charles E. Tapley is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester from 1857–1860.  It is unknown, but possible, that he is the same C. E. Tapley active in Vermont from 1852-1854.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry Information from the Worcester City Directory, residence section.

C. E. Tapley

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1852-1853       Rooms in Mr. Stewart’s Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

1854                Address Unknown, Brandon, Vermont.

C. E. Tapley was recorded in five advertisements and mentioned in two other advertisements in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont). The first advertisement ran from December 22, 1852 to February 23, 1853.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  C. E. Tapley would respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury that he has taken Rooms in Mr. Stewart’s Building, and fitted them up in a respectable manner, with a large Sky-light suitable for securing first class Daguerreotypes.  Mr. T. would therefore solicit the patronage of all who wish to obtain a good likeness of themselves or of friends; and in soliciting this favor he would assure the public that no pains on his part will be spared to afford entire satisfaction.  The demand for first class Daguerreotypes still continues, but it is a demand which can only be satisfied by the life-like, speaking likeness, well secured and well defined—a likeness which will remain fresh and beautiful when the lips of flesh in dust shall rest, and death’s pale film o’erspreads the beaming eye.  People are not satisfied with a mere shadowy representation of their faces—they say, give us a bold, well defined impression, or we want none; and I am glad it is so, for the people have in many cases been villainously imposed upon by men whose ignorance of the principles of this beautiful Art, and imbecility in its execution, are only equaled by their unrivalled impudence and assurance.—Mr. T. boasts not of any particular merit which he may or may not possess in this Art.  He respectfully asks the citizens of this place to call at his rooms and satisfy themselves by sitting for “a picture.”

By the aid of a large Sky-light, pictures can be taken in cloudy as well as fair weather.  Prices, from $1.00 to $5.00.  Sick or deceased persons attended at their residences. 

The second advertisement ran from March 2 to April 20, 1853.  Addison Skylight Daguerrean Gallery, In Mr. Stewart’s Building, A few steps South of the Post Office.  Likenesses taken at this establishment at all hours of the day, and in any kind of weather.

Daguerreotypes of children taken in from four to eight seconds.  The subscriber keeps constantly on hand a neat assortment of the best cases that can be found in the Daguerrean market, and he will put into them pictures which, for faithfulness of outline, depth and brilliancy of tone, and durability, he respectfully asks, not “all creation of operators,” but the operators of this section of the creation, to equal.  C. E. Tapley.              

P. S. Prices from $1.00 to $5.00.  Liberal deductions made to families.

The third advertisement ran from May 25 to July 13, 1853.  Addison Daguerrean Gallery, Stewart’s Building, over R. L. Fuller’s Store!  The citizens of Middlebury are invited to call at the above Establishment, and examine the subscriber’s specimens of the Daguerreotype Art, many of which are faithful likenesses of respectable gentlemen residing in this village.  I would inform the people of M., that I have at considerable expense obtained, and am now using a chemical compound discovered by Mr. Hill, of New York, a man who has probably done more than all others towards bringing this beautiful Art to its present state of perfection.  I have used many compounds for producing the Daguerreotype but have never before used anything that would produce so fine a picture as the above; for proof of its superiority please call and examine some of my late work and if you wish for stronger demonstrations of its virtues just take a seat under my Sky-light, and in a few seconds I will give you an opportunity of convincing yourselves beyond a doubt.  C. E. Tapley.                       

The fourth advertisement ran from July 6 to November 9, 1853.  Addison Daguerrean Gallery, In Stewart’s Building, over R. L. Fuller’s Store!  As good a Daguerreotype Likeness can be obtained at this Establishment as at any other Gallery in Vermont.  C. E. Tapley, Artist.             

The fifth advertisement ran from November 2 to December 7, 1853.  Just Received At C. E. Tapley’s Daguerrean Rooms!  A New And Neat Assortment Of Miniature Cases which will be sold at prices which cannot fail to suit those who are in want of a picture of themselves or their friends.

Mr. T. would respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury and the surrounding country, that he shall positively close up his business here the 1st of January, 1854.  All therefore who wish for one or more of his faithful Daguerreotype Likenesses, should give him an early call, and he will guarantee to give them as good Pictures, as can be purchased at any Gallery in the State.

Remember The Place Sky Light Daguerrean Gallery Stewart’s Building, Over R. L. Fuller’s Store.  Remember Also, that I leave Middlebury soon, and that now is your only chance of getting your Pictures put up in the best style at prices that cannot fail to give satisfaction.  C. E. Tapley. 

First mention in an advertisement that ran from February 15 to October 25, 1854.  Daguerrean Gallery!  Doct. Brockway, has taken into partnership with him a young man, who will practice this Art and assist in Dentistry.

They have obtained the latest and most expensive and approved instrument and apparatus, and will have both Northern and Sky-Light, (regarded as the most perfect,) as well as a first rate assortment of Cases, both single and groups.  They will be in readiness to wait on Gentlemen and Ladies in this department after the present week.  Having the good will, the influence and instructions, of Mr. Tapley, known as a skillful artist, they expect to please, and of course enjoy the patronage of this community.  Josephus Brockway, Wm. W. Ormsbee.         Middlebury, Feb. 14, 1854.

The second time he was mentioned in an advertisement ran from October 25, 1854 to January 31, 1855.  The Best Daguerreotypes.  At the late Fair at Middlebury, the committee on Paintings, &c., Mr. Battell, chairman, (the celebrated portrait painted, Mr. Mason, by invitation, advising) made the following Awards:

1st best Daguerreotypes, W. W. Ormsbee, $2

2d best (being but two exhibitors) Gillmore, 1.

The pictures exhibited by Ormsbee were his 2d best, as they were duplicates; persons sitting having taken their choice.  Several were likenesses of the last graduating class.  This class were at great pains to obtain the best, as they were to be multiplied and perpetuated by lithograph copies.  The reputation of Tapley attracted them to Brandon; but not quite satisfied, some of them set to Gilmore, but after full trial a majority sent to New York for lithographing were of those taken by Ormsbee, the rest were by Tapley.

Five only of the sixteen exhibited were taken with any reference to the Fair.  To judge of pictures, the difference in the eyes of Ormsbee’s and Gillmore picture could not fail to attract attention.  Ormsbee’s present a clear, well defined eye, Gillmore’s owing probably to his instrument, doubly refractory quality, besides giving an eye imperfectly defined, produces one or more extra white spots apparent in all the pictures on exhibition by Gillmore with one exception.

Ormsbee’s rooms are at the dwelling of Doct. Brockway, Dentist.

N. B.  Ormsbee’s Camera is one of the most modern and perfect furnished by the Present market.

C. E. Tapley is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Charles E. Tapley is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857-1860.  See tomorrow’s post.

Harry S. Tanner

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                315 Broadway, New York, New York.

1854                347 Broadway, New York, New York.

Harry S. Tanner was recorded in six advertisements, two in the New York Daily Tribune, and four in The New York Herald (New York, New York.)  The first advertisement appeared on September 7, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Daguerreotypes.—Beautifully colored Daguerreotypes, furnished complete in a neat morocco case, for fifty cents and upwards, better than those taken elsewhere at double the price.  Be sure to call and examine specimens at Tanner’s Daguerreian Gallery, No. 315 Broadway.

The second advertisement appeared on September 7, 1853 in The New York Herald.  To Daguerreotype Artists.—A First Class operator wanted at Tanner’s Daguerrean Gallery, 315 Broadway.  Must give satisfactory references as to qualifications and when and where employed.  None others treated with.  Immediate application necessary.

The third advertisement appeared on September 7, 1853 in The New York Herald.  Secure the Shadow ere the Substance Fade—Every one should avail themselves of the low rates and superior style of the daguerreotypes taken daily at Tanner’s daguerreian gallery, No. 315 Broadway.  Don’t take our word, but call and judge.

The fourth advertisement appeared on September 11, 1853 in The New York Herald.  Magnificent Color Daguerreotypes for fifty cents and upwards, finished complete are taken at Tanner’s Daguerrean Gallery, 315 Broadway.  Fail not to secure a good likeness.  Call and see 315 Broadway.

The fifth advertisement appeared on December 29, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Tanner’s Daguerreian Gallery, No. 315 Broadway.—At this well known Gallery the very best Pictures are produced and at the lowest prices.  Those for 50 cents are done up in handsome morocco cases, and are far cheaper than those obtained at the 25 cent shops, where no cases are given.  For the estimation in which the Picture from this Gallery are held by the public press, we refer to the Times, Dispatch, Courier, Illustrated News, National Democrat, Herald, Atlas, Mercury, &c., &c.  A full assortment of Fancy Cases constantly on hand.

The sixth advertisement appeared on May 17, 1854 in The New York Herald.  Tanner’s Daguerrean Gallery, 347 Broadway.—The new and splendid rooms, just fitted up expressly for this well known concern, southwest corner of Broadway and Leonard street, are now ready for the reception of its friends.  Pictures furnished in every variety, from 50 cents (including case To $10 each—and in a style of unsurpassed excellence.

Henry S. Tanner is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but is included here to clarify activity date for the 315 Broadway address.

J. R. Tankersley

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Location Unknown, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

J. R. Tankersley was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 2 to 16, 1853 in the Democrat and Sentinel (Ebensburg, Pennsylvania).  “Wait for the Wagon.”  Daguerreotypes!  J. R. Tankersley, begs to announce to the citizens of this place and vicinity, that he will arrive with a large and novel travelling Daguerreotype Saloon, and then will be prepared to furnish pictures, made with all the late improvements of the Art, including the combined side and sky-light, by the aid of which he is enabled to produce a life-like resemblance of all who may favor him with a sitting.

His pictures are acknowledged by all who have examined them, to be of the most perfect description both as to fidelity of likeness and shade.  He will remain in this place but a few days, and would advise all who wish to obtain a Faithful Likeness of themselves and friends, to give him an immediate call.  Portraits of Adults taken equally well in cloudy weather, but a clear Sky is preferable for Children.  In Dress avoid all very light colors.

Who has not lost a friend?  And when a friend is gone, how precious every relic of the departed!  The father who is now happy in the possession of his children, should not risk a single day without securing their Miniatures, for they may be snatched away in an instant.  How many times the cost would the bereaved families give for Daguerreotypes of their Children—Children of their Parents, and Sweethearts of their Lovers!  Come One, Come All!

Prices—From One Dollar upwards, according to Size and Style of Case.   Ebensburg,

J. R. Tankersley is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John I. Talman

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

John I. Talman was recorded in one announcement that appeared on July 30, 1846 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Law Courts….[Deferred.]…Margaret Talman against John I. Talman.—Were married in 1845.—The complainant kept and keeps a boarding house, and is about 40 years of age.  Defendant is about 21, and is a daguerreotype artist.  Same complaint and decree.  [Decree of divorce, a venculo matrimonii, (from the marriage tie) on the ground of infidelity.

John I. Talman is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is unknown who he worked for or if he was the principal owner/operator in a photographic gallery.

John A Talmadge

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1850-1851       Rooms at the China’s Hotel, Sumterville, South Carolina.

John A Talmadge of the partnership of Alvord & Talmadge was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 11, 1850 to January 8, 1851 in The Sumter Banner (Sumterville, South Carolina).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The undersigned having taken rooms at China’s Hotel, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Sumterville and vicinity, that they are prepared to take Daguerreotype Pictures in the best style of the art.

Being in the possession of the latest improvements, and using a newly discovered Chemical, we are enabled to produce a picture, which for durability, mellowness, of tone, and beauty of finish cannot be surpassed.

Our Pictures are neatly put up in all varieties of Cases, from the common to the delicate Papier Mache.

For Miniatures we have a good assortment of Lockets, to which the attention of the ladies is invited.  Alvord & Talmadge.                    

John A Talmadge is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in South Carolina and Georgia.

Frank Steel Tallmadge

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854-55           Over Gilman’s Drug Store, Pennsylvania Avenue, District of Columbia.

Frank Steel Tallmadge was mentioned in five advertisement in three different newspapers.   The first advertisement ran from August 22 to 26, 1854 in the Daily Evening Star (Washington D. C.)

25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The cheapest, best, and only place in the city is at the old stand of J. J. Woodbridge, Pa. avenue, where you can get a most perfect and life-like likeness, beautifully colored and finished for the small sum of 25 cents.  We have two of the best operators in the United States.  While the polite and gentlemanly attendance of Prof. Frank Steel Tallmadge, makes it agreeable to all who may wish to favor us with their patronage.  C. D. Stewart, Prop’r.

The second advertisement ran from October 24 to 26, 1854 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The cheapest, best, and only place in the city where you can get

A likeness, a perfect gem for the small price of 25 cents, beautifully colored and finished.  Prof. F. Steel Talmadge has just returned from New York with a varied and beautiful assortment of plain, gilt, oval, velvet, pearl, papier mache, Jenny Lind, and Sontag Cases, selected by him expressly for Mr. Stewart’s Gallery.  Perfect satisfaction warranted in all cases.

Gallery directly over M. W. Galt & Bro’s Jewelry Store, on Penna. Avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets.  C. D. Stewart, Prop’r.                                                   

The third advertisement ran from October 31 to November 4, 1854 in the Evening Star  (Washington, D. C.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The cheapest, best, and only place in the city where you can get A likeness, a perfect gem for the small price of 25 cents, beautifully colored and finished.  Prof. F. Steel Talmadge has just returned from New York with a varied and beautiful assortment of plain, gilt, oval, velvet, pearl, papier mache, Jenny Lind, and Sontag Cases, selected by him expressly for Mr. Stewart’s Gallery.  Perfect satisfaction warranted in all cases.

Gallery directly over M. W. Galt & Bro’s Jewelry Store, on Penna. avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets.  C. D. Stewart, Prop’r.                                                    

The third Advertisement ran from December 2 to 5, 1854 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  N. B.—Nobody’s business if we take an elegant and well finished Picture for the extremely small and insignificant sum of 25 cents, giving satisfaction to every body.  Prof. Frank Steel Talmadge has just returned from New York, having selected a most beautiful assortment of Plain, Double Gilt, Papier Mache, Velvet, Pearl, Oval and Fancy Cases, &c., &c, selected expressly for Stewart’s Gallery, which in price we defy competition.  Remember we are the only opposition gallery in Washington.  If the public will give us a call we will ensure the most perfect satisfaction.  Gallery over M. W. Galt’s Jewelry Store, Penna. Avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets.   C. D. Stewart, Proprietor.                                        

The fifth advertisement ran from January 31 to February 2, 1855 in the Daily American Organ (Washington, D. C.) Sebastopol Not Taken!  But numerous quantities of those beautiful Daguerreotypes are taken every day, unsurpassable in tone, finish, &c.  We have a Sky-Light, which, for softness of light, is not equaled in the United States; this, coupled with Prof. F. S. Talmadge’s long experience in several of the leading galleries in Boston and New York, renders it hardly probable for us to get a poor picture.

All we ask is for the public to call and satisfy themselves.

Pictures for 25 cents and upwards.

Gallery on Pennsylvania avenue, between Ninth and tenth streets, over Galt’s Jewelry Store.  C. D. Stewart, Proprietor.                                                                      

Frank Steel Tallmadge is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Talmage active in Washington, D. C. in 1857, it is possible they are the same person.

Mr. Talbot

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Washington Village, South Boston, Massachusetts.

Mr. Talbot was recorded in one announcement that appeared on April 9, 1853in the South Boston Gazette & Dorchester Chronicle (Boston, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes.  Those of our readers who would secure perfect pictures of themselves and friends, would do well to step in the saloon, of Mr. Talbot, located in Washington Village.

Mr. Talbot is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in South Boston, Massachusetts in 1853.