1843-1844 192 Broadway, New York, New York.
1845 233 Broadway, New York, New York.
1845 4 Fountain Row, Over R. Shurtleff’s Auction Store, Springfield, Massachusetts.[1]
1846 5 Dey Street, New York, New York.[2]
1847-1848 181 Broadway, New York, New York.2
1849-1851 187 Broadway, New York, New York.2
1851 North Main Street, Springfield, Massachusetts.1
1853-1858 293 Broadway, New York, New York.2
1859 663 Broadway, New York, New York.2
1861 453 Broadway, Ner York, New York.2
1864-1866 407 Broadway, New York, New York.2
1866 190 Fulton, Brooklyn, New York.2
1843-1866. New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1843-1866, John Fowler Trow, Publisher.
1843. 1843/1844, P. 56. Burgess, Nathan G.—daguerreotypes, 192 Broadway. H.-65 Murray.
1844. 1844/1845, P. 58. Burgess, Nathan G.—daguerreotypes, 192 Broadway.
1845. 1845/1846, not listed.
1846. 1846/1847, P. 63. Burgess, N. G.—daguerreotype, 5 Dey. H.-5 Dey.
1847. 1847/1848, P. 71. Burgess, N. G.—daguerreotypes, 181 Broadway.
1848. 1848/1849, P. 72. Burgess, N. G.—daguerreotypes, 181 Broadway.
1849. 1849/1850, P. 74. Burgess, N. G.—daguerreotypes, 187 Broadway.
1850. 1850/1851, P. 81. Burgess, N. G.—daguerreotypes, 187 Broadway.
1851. 1851/1852, P. 86. Burgess, N. G.—daguerreotypes, 187 Broadway.
1852. 1852/1853. Not listed
1853. 1853/1854, P. 103. Burgess, Nathan G.—daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway.
1854. 1853/1854, P. 103. Burgess, Nathan G.—daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway.
1855. 1855/1856, P. 122. Burgess, Nathan G.—daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway. H.-108 E. 14th St.
1856. 1856/1857, P. 118. Burgess, Nathan G.—artist, 293 Broadway.
1857. 1857/1858, P. 120. Burgess, Nathan G.—photographs, 293 Broadway. H-38 Willow, Brooklyn.
1858. 1858/1859, P. 118. Burgess, Nathan G.—photographs, 293 Broadway. H-49 Cranberry, Brooklyn.
1859. 1859/1860, P. 123. Burgess, Nathan G.—photographs, 663 Broadway. H-49 Cranberry, Brooklyn.
1860. 1860/1861. Not listed
1861. 1861/1862, P. 123. Burgess, Nathan G.—photographs, 453 Broadway. H-49 Cranberry, Brooklyn.
1862. 1862/1863. Not listed.
1863. 1863/1864. Burgess, Nathan G.—Clerk , 56 Broadway. H-119 Henry, Brooklyn.
1864. 1864/1865, P. 128. Burgess, Nathan G.—photographs, 407 Broadway. H-119 Henry, Brooklyn.
1865. 1865/1866, P. 137. Burgess, Nathan G.—photographs, 407 Broadway. H-Brooklyn.
1866. 1866/1867, P. 137. Burgess, Nathan G.—photographs, 407 Broadway & 190 Fulton, Brooklyn.
1867-1870 not listed.
1843 September 19. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) September 19, 1843, Vol. III, No. 139, Whole No. 760, P. 3.
Fair at the American Museum.—The problem of opening a new and spacious Saloon at the American Museum, as a Perpetual Fair or Bazaar for the Exhibition and Sale of Goods, Wares, Merchandize, &c has proved highly successful. It is now one of the most attractive Halls in the Establishment, and is undoubtedly the cheapest Advertising Medium in the world. The name, location and business of all depositors are advertised in 100,000 small bills per annum—also in the principal city papers. The following persons have already made deposites in this Fair, and as nearly all the articles are For Sale, Merchants and others will find it to their interest to make their purchases through this medium. It is obvious that no articles but those of the best quality are deposited here. Persons desirous of depositing specimens of Goods or Cards of Business in the perpetual Fair, can do so on reasonable terms. Circulars of prices, & c. can be obtained at the Office of the Museum.
Daguerreotype Miniatures…..N. G. Burgess, 192 Broadway
Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Gurney, 189 Broadway
Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Plumbe, Jr., 251 Broadway
Daguerreotype Miniatures…..Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham, 235 Broadway
1843 September 20. Connecticut Courant. (Hartford, Connecticut.) September 30, 1843, Vol. LXXIX, No. 4100, P. 2.
Exhibition and Fair. We shall not be thought to give the subject an undue importance, by again reminding our citizens of the Fair now in progress at the City Hall. The list of articles (to the publication of which we give up a large space in our paper this week) shows that the Farmers, Mechanics, Manufacturers and artist of this county, have not forgotten the annual returm of this interesting occasion…
169. Daguerreotype miniatures; N. G. Burgess, Hartford.
1843 October 7. Connecticut Courant. (Hartford, Connecticut.) October 7, 1843, Vol. LXXIX, No. 4107, P. 3.
Hartford County Agricultural Society. List of Premiums. The several committees have awarded the following premiums…
Fine Arts and Arts…
N. G. Burgess, New York, best specimen of Daguerreotype likenesses, silver medal.
1843 October 14. The Hartford Times. (Hartford, Connecticut.) October 14, 1843, Vol. XXVII, No. 1399, P. 1.
Hartford County Agricultural Society. List of Premiums. The several committees have awarded the following premiums…
Fine Arts and Arts…
N. G. Burgess, New York, best specimen of Daguerreotype likenesses, silver medal.
1844 December 27. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) December 27, 1844, Vol. IV, No. 227, Whole No. 1158, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. Burgess’ Gallery Of Colored Daguerreotypes, 192 Broadway. N. Y. N. G. Burgess, Principal Operator.
Advertisement ran from December 27, 1844 to March 1, 1845.
1845 April 14. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) April 14, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 103, Whole No. 4065, P. 2.
The daguerreotype—We had thought that the perfection of this art had been attained, but we find there are still improvements. Among those we have seen recently were some specimens at Mr. Tracy’s rooms, No. 233 Broadway. He has taken some portraits which, for life-like beauty and effect, cannot be excelled. He has, likewise, engaged the services of Mr. Burgess, who formerly occupied rooms at the corner of John and Broadway, and those who wish a picture in his style, which is acknowledged to be superior, will please call soon, as Mr. B. leaves the city in a few days.
1845 April 14. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) April 14, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 103, Whole No. 4065, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Portraits. J. F. Tracy has taken Rooms at No. 233 Broadway, up stairs, second floor, where he is executing some of the most beautiful specimens of the Daguerrian Art in this city. The prices are according to the style and finish, from One To Three Dollars.
Those in want of perfect Pictures are requested to call and examine his specimens. Mr. T. is happy to announce that he has engaged the professional services of N. G. Bingers [sic.], for a short time, and those who wish Pictures in his peculiar beautiful style would do well to call soon.
Plates, Cases, Chemicals, &c., always on hand, and instructions given in the Art on moderate terms.
Advertisement ran from April 14 to May 27, 1845.
1845 June 18. Springfield Gazette. (Springfield, Massachusetts.) June 18, 1845, Vol. 14, No. 25, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—We have pleasure in referring to the card of Mr. Burgess, in another column, who will be in town for a few days, to answer the calls of our citizens who may wish to obtain a perfect and durable impression of their living features by means of the daguerreotype. Mr. B. exhibits some of the best specimens of the perfection of the art that we have ever seen
1845 June 17. Springfield Daily Republican. (Springfield, Massachusetts.) June 17, 1845, Vol. 2, No. 374, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. N. G. Burgess, of New York, has opened his Gallery of Colored Daguerreotypes, for a few days only, at No. 4 Fountain Row, Over R. Shurtleff’s Auction Store.
Mr. B. has been induced to open his rooms in Springfield for a short time, and he is prepared to execute Likenesses in a style sure to please and greatly superior to any before offered in this town.
Miniatures and Portraits taken in all the various sizes, from the smallest breast-pin size to that of the cabinet Portrait.
These pictures are warranted durable colors, and will retain their clearness and distinctness as long as the painted portrait.
The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens of the Art brought to its highest state of perfection. Operations from 8 A. M. until 4 P. M. without regard to weather.
Springfield, June 17, 1845.
Advertisement ran from June 17 to June 30, 1845.
1845 June 18. Springfield Gazette. (Springfield, Massachusetts.) June 18, 1845, Vol. 14, No. 25, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. N. G. Burgess, From New York, Has Opened His Gallery of Colored Daguerreotypes, for a few days only, at No. 4 Fountain Row, Over R. Shurtleff’s Auction Store.
Mr. B. has been induced to open his rooms in Springfield for a short time, and he is prepared to execute likenesses in a style sure to please and greatly superior to any before offered in this town.
Miniatures and Portraits taken in all the various sizes, from the smallest breast-pin size to that of the Cabinet Portrait. These pictures are warranted durable colors, and will retain their clearness and distinctness as long as the painted portrait.
The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens of the Art brought to its highest state of perfection. Operations from 8 A. M. until 4 P. M. without regard to weather.
Springfield, June 17, 1845.
Advertisement ran from June 18 to July 2, 1845.
1845 June 27. Springfield Daily Republican. (Springfield, Massachusetts.) June 27, 1845, Vol. 2, No. 383, P. 2.
Mr. Burgess, the Daguerreotype artist, is to remain in town but two or three day longer, and those who wish to secure their exact pictures by this peculiar and interesting mode must call immediately. We have seen a number of pictures taken by Mr. B., and readily pronounce them far superior to any we ever saw of the kind, before.
1854 June 3. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) June 3, 1854, Whole No. 6492, P. 4.
Burgess, Daguerrean Artist, 293 Broadway, the oldest and most practical in the city, would inform his friends and former patrons, that he has resumed the profession of this beautiful art, in all its branches. Pictures taken in all the various styles. French, German, Italian, &c., spoken.
1854 November 3. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) November 3, 1854, Whole No. 6644, P. 4.
To Daguerreans.—Wanted, A Daguerreotype Operator, at Burgess’ daguerrean rooms, 293 Broadway.
1855 June. The Photographic and Fine Art Journal. Vol. 8, No. 6 p. 190
For the Photographic and Fine Art Journal. Amusing Incidents In The Life Of A Daguerrean Artist. By N. G. Burgess.
The experience of all those who follow the Daguerrean Art, as a profession, will show many amusing and laughable incidents which have been noted down from time to time. For the benefit of the readers of the Journal I will transcribe a few, which may amuse at least if not instruct them.
Persons who sat for pictures, in the early stage of the Art, were of course ignorant of the modus operandi, and they not unfrequently moved during the sitting, although the Artist may have given full directions to the contrary.
An elderly lady was once seated in front of the camera, and was informed that for two minutes she must be in a perfectly passive mood and watch the glasses of the camera. On returning to the camera, the Artist was surprised to find her standing by the window viewing the
passers‑by in Broadway. She remarked that while she was waiting for the picture to come out of the box, she thought, there would be no harm in looking out of the window, as she expected her son to call for her about that time and she was wondering why he did not come.
Another Artist, was called upon to take the likeness of a lady dressed in deep mourning, who when seated in the chair, and the focus of the camera drawn accurately upon the ground glass, and just as he was about to place the plate‑holder in the Box, she called upon him to wait a moment, for her to request him to represent her in the picture, as holding in her lap a dear little child whom she had but a few days before laid in the cold grave.
But a most amusing and laughable anecdote is related of an Artist who was called upon by a volunteer in the late Mexican War. He was just starting for the battle‑fields of glory, when, he bethought himself of his Daguerreotype, that he would leave with his lady‑love. He had imprudently, imbibed too much of those strong drinks repudiated by the Prohibitory Law, and the day being rather cloudy, it required at least three or four minutes sitting. When the time expired, our hero the volunteer, was found to be a sleeper at his post. The Artist however did not disturb him, but quietly removing the plate, he proceeded to bring it out over the mercury bath, when it was found to be very dark, and withal, rather sleepy in appearance: The light was not sufficiently strong for another picture, and it was finished, and the sleeper awakened to receive his image on silver which was deemed rather dark and misty. But the Artist assured him, when the weather became clear and his head also the picture would assume a clearness not then discernable, which fully satisfied the soldier, and he departed for Mexico.
A traveling artist was quite amused by a call from a young man in a country town, late in the afternoon, just as the sun was sinking behind the western hills; when it was too late to produce any impression on the plate. The young man was rather verdant; nor had he seen the wonderful process of Daguerre, much less any paraphernalia of a Daguerrean artist. He was very anxious to obtain his portrait that very evening, as he was just starting for the west. The Artist assured him it was too late to produce a good one, as his labors ceased at dusk. But the youth was incredulous, and insisted on his likeness being then taken. He would be satisfied with anything, if not so good a likeness. The Artist was reluctant to comply, but he bethought himself of some old specimens in his plate‑box, that might answer for a likeness and he requested the young man to be seated, in front of the camera, when he drew the focus and required him to remain still until he returned which would be at least five or ten minutes. He repaired to his plate box, and found a picture that bore the only resemblance to the young man, in the fact that it was taken for another young man in the city of New York. The likeness was sealed up and put into a case—and then carefully laid in the Camera‑box—when five minutes had expired the artist, withdrew the picture from the box, and immediately opened it to the astonished gaze of the sitter. There were several of the artists friends and acquaintances in the room during the occurrence, all anxiously watching the scene, and of course highly amused at the wonder expressed by the subject of the levity. He was quite surprised to learn that he made so good a likeness, and still more so that the artist had given him such a fine suit of clothes; remarking that the coat had more buttons than his, and in fact was a very much better picture than he thought he would make. The artist very complacently informed him that he knew it would please him the more to show his likeness in an improved dress and he accordingly added a few more buttons, and withal put on an entire new suite throughout as he sadly needed one. The youth was much obliged to him, he took the picture and paid his dollar and left for the west.
It may be questioned here whether the conduct of the Artist, on this occasion was strictly correct. But many pictures are delivered daily that do not bear so strong a likeness to the one intended, as this one in question, being executed by those who have no skill or knowledge of
any of the rules of Art.
An instance of forgetfulness was mentioned as occurring many years ago, when it required five or ten minutes sitting. A sitter was requested to await the return of the artist who thoughtlessly went to his dinner, and actually forgot that he had a sitter in his chair. When at least half an hour had expired the sitter’s patience became exhausted, he left the seat, and sought in vain, for the Artist and it was several minutes before he returned when he humbly demanded pardon, for his forgetfulness, and proceeded to take another, which he presented him gratis; for his long forbearance and forgiving disposition. Reprinted from DagNews.
1855 August 25. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) August 25, 1855, Whole No. 6937, P. 5.
Boy Wanted—At Burgess’ Photographic rooms, 293 Broadway, up stairs. Apply between 9 and 10 o’clock A. M.
1855 October 30. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) October 30, 1855, Whole No. 7002, P. 6.
To Daguerreotypists—Wanted—An Operator, who fully understands the business. Apply, between 9 and 11 o’clock A. M., at Burgess’ Photographic rooms, 293 Broadway.
1855 November 20. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) November 20, 1855, Whole No. 7023, P. 4.
Improved Ambrotypes.—Burgess, No. 293 Broadway, is now taking superior pictures by this new process, which rivals all sun portraits heretofore produced. Call and examin specimens. German, French, and Italian spoken.
1856 January 1. Photographic and fine Arts Journal. (New York, New York.) January 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 1, P. 19.
In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America. Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.
N. G. Burgess—Here again we have a first-rate Ambrotyper; one who is theoretically and practically acquainted with this process and seems determined not to be excelled. I believe he has a patent for a peculiar style of picture. A very fine specimen of the process is a portrait of a fair child leaning on a table; it is perfectly life-like.
1856 April 16. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) April 16, 1856, Whole No. 7170, P. 6.
To Artists.—Wanted. An Artist, Who Understands the art of painting photographs, to go to a Southern city, to whom a liberal price will be paid. Apply immediately at Burgess & Beniczky’s photographic gallery. 293 Broadway, up stairs.
1856 May 6. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) May 6, 1856, Whole No. 7190, P. 5.
Pearl Ambrotypes.—A New Discovery in ambrotypes.—Pearl ambrotypes, which possess all the brilliancy and whiteness of a daguerreotype, are taken only at 293 Broadway, by Burgess & Beniczky. Pupils taught this new art. Photographs taken for $1; colored, for $5, by A. Cosmas, artist, from Paris.
1856 June 17. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) June 17, 1856, Whole No. 7237, P. 7.
For Sale—A Splendid Uniform Belonging to an officer of the 69th Regiment N. Y. S. M., consisting of cap, coat, epaulettes, sword, belt, pants, &c. To be sold low, on immediate application at Burgresss and Beniczky’s photographic rooms, 293 Broadway.
1856 October 27. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) October 27, 1856, Whole No. 7363, P. 5.
Fremont, Filmore and Buchanan.—Ambrotype portraits of Presidential candidates for sale, wholesale and retail, by Burgess & Beniczky, No. 293 Broadway. Agents wanted.
1858 January 26. The Evening Post. (New York, New York.) January 26, 1858, Vol. LVII, P. 2.
Wiley & Halsted Published This Day: The Photograph And Ambrotype Manual, A Practical Treatise on the Art of Taking Positive and Negative Photographs on Paper and Glass, By N. Burgess. Fourth Edition.
From Contents:
I History and Progress of Photographic Art, &c.
II Theory and Practice of Photographic Process.
III Photographic Printing, &c.
IV Copy Daguerreotypes and other Pictures into Photographs.
V On Ambrotype Process, &c.
1 Volume, 249 pages. $1.00.
1858 March 15. The Evening Post. (New York, New York.) March 15, 1858, Vol. LVII, P. 3.
The Photograph And Ambrotype Manual; A Practical Treatise on the Art of Taking Positive and Negative Photographs on Paper and Glass, commonly known as Photography, in all its Branches.
Containing all the Various Recipes Practiced by the Most Successful Operators in the United States. By N. G. Burgess [Brugers.] Fourth Edition. New York: Wiley & Halsted.
The wonders of the photographic art have not ceased. It will be applied to many now and important uses, and itself will increase in perfection and power. This little manual is one of the best of its kind, and will help to make the discoveries of Daguerre, Talbot, and Sir John Herschel more widely known and useful.
[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
[2] New York City Directory.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 