Monthly Archives: March 2022

Bull & Jonathan

1856                289 Broadway, New York, New York.

Bull & Jonathan (John Bull) were recorded in one advertisement that appeared on May 3, 1856 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Picture Canvassers Wanted.—Photographs for 50c., $1 and $2, improved editions, taken daily by John Bull’s process, the most successful in the art [lamorotypes] 25c. and 50c., taken only at Bull & Jonathan’s gallery 289 Broadway. 

Bull & Jonathan are not recorded in other photographic directories.  They are not recorded in the 1855/1856; 1856/1857; or the 1857/1858 New York City Directories.  289 Broadway is the same address as Silas A. Holmes. 

W. A. Buchanan

N. D.               Address Unknown, Lewisville, Arkansas.

1848                Rooms at the Court House, Washington, Arkansas.

W. A. Buchanan was recorded in two announcements and one advertisement in the Washington Telegraph (Washington, Arkansas).  The first announcement appeared on February 16, 1848. 

Daguerreotype Likenesses.—Mr. Buchanan, whose card appears in another column, is now in this place, and is prepared to take fac similes of those of our citizens who are anxious to see their beautiful phizes in a frame.  We have seen some of his specimens, which are highly creditable.

The first advertisement fan from February 16 to March 8, 1848.  Southern Daguerreotype Miniatures, Taken by W. A. Buchanan, with or without colors.  He respectfully calls the attention of the public, and more particularly the citizens of Washington and its vicinity, to his beautiful specimens, taken at Lewisville.  They surpass by far, in form and texture, any ever taken in the western country.  His rooms are at the Court House, where all are invited to come and see themselves as others see them.

The second Announcement appeared on March 1, 1848.  Daguerreotypes.—During the last eight or ten days, Mr. Buchanan has taken some excellent counterfeit presentments of several of our citizens, and will remain in town a short time longer for the purpose of affording others, who may wish his services in that line, an opportunity to have their likenesses taken.  His specimens warrant us in saying that he is proficient in the art, and we have no doubt his work will be satisfactory to all who may be pleased to patronize him.  The public are invited to call at his room in the court house and examine his specimens.

W. A. Buchanan is recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi to the Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865.  I believe there is a typo, in the entry for W. A. Buchanan they say that he was active in Louisville, Ky., before 1848.  The advertisementclearly says “Lewisville” not “Louisville”.  Just for reference the distance from Louisville, Kentucky to Washington, Arkansas using modern roads is 333.3 miles, where the distance from Lewisville, Arkansas to Washington, Arkansas is 33.3 miles.  To date no .newspaper advertisements have been found from Lewisville, Arkansas to verify this information.

A. Q. Browns

1849                228 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

A. Q. Browns was recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 25 to December 3, 1849 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  Fine Arts.—To All Professional Daguerreotypers and Amateurs of the Photographic Art throughout the United States.—The subscribers, owners of Talbot’s United States Patent for taking pictures on paper, by aide of the Camera Obscura, considering that it is more consonant with the spirit of the age and the free institutions of this country, to give access to a valuable invention to every one who desires it, have concluded to dispose of this Patent Right, together with their valuable improvements, in individual licenses, at the trifling sum of thirty dollars for each of the first two hundred licenses, and fifty dollars for each subsequent one.  For this sum every purchaser receives license to exercise the art throughout the United States, with the exception of the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Texas, for which States the exclusive right has been sold previous to this arrangement; a copy of the original patent and a printed pamphlet containing a full, clear, and minute description of the process, as improved by the scribers.  For further particulars, apply to the subscribers or their agents, post paid, who will send by return of mail a full prospectus of all the conditions.  W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia.  Agent—E. White, 24 Broadway[1], New York City.

A. Q. Browns, 228 Washington Street, Boston.

Hale & Co., Boston.

Eastern Patent Agency, Boston.

W. A. Wisong, Baltimore

W. A. Pratt, Richmond, Va.

John C. Simons, King st., Charleston, S. C.

Peter Smith, Cincinnati, O.

Messrs. Long, St. Louis, Mo.

D. McDonnell, Buffalo, N. Y.

A. Q. Browns is not recorded in other photographic directories.  There were a number of daguerreotypist/photographers who were recorded at 228 Washington Street, Boston most notably in 1849-1850 was Richard Plumbe, brother to John Plumbe, Jr. in 1850-1851 Bates & Guilford who were recorded as running Plumbe’s Daguerreian Gallery.


[1] Possibly a typo for 247 Broadway

Henry M. Brownell

1845                Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

Henry M. Brownell was recorded in one advertisement and was mentioned in one announcement.  The advertisement ran from May 3 to 24, 1845 in the Newport Mercury  (Newport, Rhode Island).  Daguerrian Gallery Of Inimitable Colored Photographs.  The subscriber would respectfully give notice to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in Thames Street, (One door North of Townsends Hotel.) where the most beautiful photographs may be obtained, and having obtained all the late improvements he feels confident of giving satisfaction to all who may sit at his rooms for Miniatures.

Each picture presents all the colors and expressions of life, and are warranted to be permanent.

No person is expected to take a likeness from his room unless Perfectly Satisfied with the same.

He would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine specimens, whether they intend sitting for a miniature or not.  Henry Brownell.

The announcement appeared on May 29, 1845 in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode Island).  Newport Daguerrean Gallery, Thames Street, (Rhode Island Union Bank Building.)  Wm. Henry Franklin, From Plumbe’s Daguerrean Gallery, N. Y. and Wm. A. Judson, From T. Hart’s Daguerrean Gallery, New Haven, Having purchased the interest of Mr. Henry M. Brownell, beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen, of Newport, that they are prepared to execute Daguerrean Likenesses in a style unsurpassed.—Being thoroughly conversant with all the modern improvements, their Pictures cannot fail to please.  No picture will be allowed to leave their Gallery unless it gives perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken for lockets, Broaches, and Finger Rings.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens whether they intend sitting or not.

Instructions given, and apparatus together with chemicals furnished, on reasonable terms.

Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

Henry M. Brownell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Brown

1850                Address Unknown, Havana, New York.

Brown was appeared in one announcement on December 18, 1850 in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York).  Havana.—…On a visit to Havana, the other day, we found our old friend Brown, the accomplished Daguerrean, reinstated there, and, to all appearance, in a flourishing condition.  His room is richly fitted up, and his work—that speaks for itself—speaks beautifully, too.

Brown is not recorded in other directories as being active in Geneve & Havana, New York (New York City)

T. F. Brown

1852-1855       Corner Fifth & Main Streets, Louisville, Kentucky.

T. F. Brown of the firm Hewett & Brown (J. M. Hewett & T. F. Brown) were recorded in three advertisements.  The first advertisement ran from March 10, 1852 to January 13, 1853 in the   Bardstown Herald (Bardstown, Kentucky).  Hewett’s National Daguerrean Gallery.  Louisville, KY.  Next To Northern Bank, Corner of Fifth And Main, And Opposite Louisville Journal Office.

Hewett’s old friends in Bardstown and vicinity will please call and see him when in Louisville, “The latch string is never pulled in.”  J. M. Hewett, T. F. Brown, Operators.  

The second advertisement ran from January 20 to May 31, 1853 in the Bardstown Herald (Bardstown, Kentucky).  Hewett’s National Daguerrean Gallery.  Louisville, KY.  Next To Northern Bank, Corner of Fifth And Main, And Opposite Louisville Journal Office.

Hewett’s old friends in Bardstown and vicinity will please call and see him when in Louisville, “The latch string is never pulled.”  J. M. Hewett, T. F. Brown, Operators.       

The third advertisement ran from June 5 to July 17, 1855 in the Daily Louisville Democrat  (Louisville, Kentucky).  Daguerreotypes and Photographs, Corner of Fifth and main streets.  Hewett & Brown are sending out daily the finest specimens of the two arts.

They will at all times be found ready to fill all orders on short notice, either taken from life or copies from Portraits or Daguerreotypes.  Life-size Photographs made from the smallest Daguerreotypes, and furnished colored in oil or water—the best artist in the city employed to do the coloring.  Call and see specimens.

Hewett’s former customers can here obtain the same superior Daguerreotypes that have secured him premiums over all competitors at the Mechanics Fairs.  my. 9.

T. F. Brown is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Misses Brown

1857                Address Unknown, Shelby, Ohio.

1857                Rooms in Mr. King’s building, Sandusky Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

1857                Rooms in William Ayers’ new building, immediately opposite the court house, on the North side of Wyandot Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 

Misses Brown were recorded in four announcements and two advertisements in The Wyandot Pioneer (Upper Sandusky, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 28, 1857.  Pictures.—The people of Upper Sandusky and vicinity have now an excellent opportunity of procuring correct Daguerreotype impressions of themselves.  Two young ladies, the Misses Brown, late of Shelby, have opened Daguerreian rooms in Mr. King’s (the “Bard’s,”) building, on Sandusky Avenue, opposite Yellow Corner, and are now prepared to furnish life-like pictures to all who may apply.  We called into their rooms the other day, and were highly pleased with their specimens, which indicate a thorough knowledge of an art, which has now attained such a high degree of perfection.  We learn that it is the intention of these ladies to locate permanently in our village, if their business will justify it.  Certainly our town ought to support one establishment of the kind, especially when that one is conducted by lady artist, and ladies who are thoroughly acquainted with their business.  We hope everybody who want pictures, (and everybody and his wife and family should have them,) will call on the Misses Brown and secure accurate copies of themselves.

The second announcement appeared on June 18, 1857.  Pictures on Patent Leather.—The process of taking pictures on leather, is the latest improvement in the Daguerreian art.  You could have your friend’s “phiz” impressed on your patent leather gaiter, and carry it around on your pedal extremities; but as that would be a doubtful mark of respect, these pictures—which are called Photographs—are taken on square pieces of leather, of any size desired, and have all the life-like appearances of other pictures.  They can easily be sent to friends by mail, without extra postage.

The Misses Brown, in King’s building, a few steps north of the Court House, are furnishing all who wish with these photographs, and, from a critical examination of their work, we are prepared to say it is not to be excelled.  Those who prefer Ambrotypes, can have them taken in the best style of the art at their gallery.  Remember, that nobody is compelled to take a picture unless it gives satisfaction.

The third announcement appeared on July 2, 1857.  Beautiful Ambrotypes.—We have repeatedly called attention to the superior Ambrotypes and Photographs, executed by the Misses Brown, at their gallery, in King’s building, on Sandusky Avenue, and are happy to learn that their patronage is commensurate with their merits.  Their pictures give entire satisfaction—in fact, they are decidedly superior to those of most artist, and will stand the severest criticism—while they are sold at prices to suit the times.  Don’t take our word for this, but call at their room and look at their specimens.  If you do this, you will be sure to order a picture.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 1, 1857.  We hope our readers will read the advertisement of the Misses Brown, in to-days paper.  If they wish a picture as is a picture, give them a call.

The first advertisement ran from October 1 to November 5, 1857.  Look At Yourselves!  Ladies and Gentlemen, If you wish to have something nice in the way of pictures, call on Misses Brown who are located in Wm. Ayers’ new building immediately opposite the court house, on the North side of Wyandot Avenue.  They can give satisfaction to all who may give them a call, they are prepared to do work with neatness and dispatch, they are citizens of Upper Sandusky, and they think they have a better claim on the public for their patronage than those who are transient, and sponge their ground rent.  Oct. 1, ’57.

The second advertisement ran from October 8 to November 5, 1857.  People Look To Your Interest.  Now Is The Time To Procure Likenesses In Upper Sandusky.  The Misses Brown, in Wm. Ayers’ New Building, says they are prepared to do neat work and with dispatch, and say they have a right to claim the patronage of the people, above some others.  There is also a car right in front of the Court House, we will not say whether they have a lawful right to the ground or not, whether we understand they take so sort of Pictures.  And T. E. Miller, A square or two North East of the Post Office, At the sign of the Portrait Painting Is doing what he can.  A full description of which would far overrun the bounds of this nation, suffice to say as the workman is known by his chips, and by their fruits, ye shall know them, come and see, and though he is a few steps out of the main thoroughfare of business, he flatters himself that those who wish truthful likenesses will not regret giving him a call.  He will just say that he is prepared to take the indestructible and never fading Ambrotype on Glass, Paper, leather and Sheet Iron, in all their richness of tome, lines, and color of nature, And if any should wish the kind of pearl picture which was exhibited at the late fair from an adjoining Co., they can have they can have them by calling.  As there has of late been something said in reference to who had the best right to claim the patronage of the people in respect to pictures, we would also “show our opinion” and would say that we think those who can serve them the best, let them be of whatever sex they may.  People look before you leap.  T. Miller.       

Misses Brown are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Shelby or Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

J. F. Brown

1855                West’s Block, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

J. F. Brown was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 7 to December 26, 1855 in the Culturist and Gazette (Pittsfield, Massachusetts).  J. F. Brown Daguerrean Artist, West’s Block, Pittsfield, Mass.  None but the very best quality of daguerreotypes are sold by him.  His prices are as low as choice work can possibly be afforded.  Perfect satisfaction or no sale is his motto.

Daguerreotypes and Portraits accurately copied.

Advertisement ran from March 7 to December 26, 1855.

J. F. Brown is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. C. Brown

1858                25 Liberty Street, New York, New York.

J. C. Brown was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on August 4, 1858 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Skirt Manufactures.—Please Call At No. 25 Liberty street, N. Y., and buy our steel springs,…

Daguerreotype Mats, A New Article, sold at wholesale and retail prices, to correspond with hard times.  Please give us a call at 25 Liberty st.  New York, Aug. 2, 1858  J. C. Brown, Agent.

J. C. Brown is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Brown & Baker

1851-1852       56 Broad Street, Harmony Hall, [Duncan’s Block,] Providence, Rhode Island.

Brown & Baker (O. B. Brown & H. Baker) were recorded in one advertisement that appeared in the General Advertiser (Providence, Rhode Island) on February 25, 1852.  Brown & Baker, Daguerreotypists, Harmony Hall, [Duncan’s Block, No. 56 Broad Street, Directly opposite the Arcade.

Our friends and the public generally are respectfully invited to give us a call.  O. Brown, H. Baker.  may 22.

Brown & Baker are not recorded in other photographic directories.