1857                Rooms over H. D. Pratt’s Shoe Store, Penn-Yan, New York.

A. S. Barber was recorded in one announcement and two advertisements.  The announcement appeared on August 27, 1857 in the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Solar Pictures.—Mr. A. L. Barber, a very worthy young gentleman from Geneva has purchased the Daguerrean Rooms of Mr. B. S. Wilson, and put himself in readiness to take pictures painted by the sun, and perfect as life.  Mr. Barber is a man of enterprise and worth, and will commend himself to the good will of the public.

The first advertisement ran from August 27 to November 19, 1857 in the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  New Daguerrean Gallery!   Mr. A. S. Barber, from Geneva, having purchased the Daguerrean Gallery of B. S. Wilson, Next door to the bookstore of James [Boras], invites the patronage of the of Penn Yan, and the Country around, and hopes, by [exceeding] in work, to merit a full share of business.  He has a splendid Sky Light, and all the most approved fixtures, for taking pictures of the best [description], and may be found in him rooms during all [reasonable] hours, prepared to do his best to give satisfaction to his customers.  Call on him and give him a trial.

The second advertisement ran on November 11 & 18, 1857 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Barber’s Mammoth Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  Good Pictures taken or “no Pay.”  Rooms opposite the Yates County Bank, and directly over the Shoe Store of H. D. Pratt, where I am prepared with all the necessary fixtures, together with a most excellent Sky-Light (better cannot be had) to take Pictures Of All Kinds, “Rain or Shine.”  I am satisfied that I can produce Pictures of such an Expression, Tone and Finish as will please the purchaser, otherwise “No Pay.”

A few hints:  Dark Clothes Take Best.  The Hair Should Be Free From Oil Or Moisture.  Children’s Likenesses taken in from 2 to 4 seconds between the hours of 11 A. M. and 2 P. M.

Instructions given in all its branches on very reasonable terms.  Lockets, Pins and Rings Filled, Copying Transfer Pictures &c., &c., taken at the above Gallery.                                                    

A. S. Barber is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Penn-Yan, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list A. S. Barber in Adrian, Michigan in 1860.  David V. Tinder’s on-line Directory of Early Michigan Photographers records Barber being active in Adrian from 1859-1865.  It is unknow at this time if they are the same person.