1856-1865       Address Unknown, Gloucester, Massachusetts.[1]

1856                23½ Front Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts.

1866-1877       78 Front Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts.¹

1874                72 Front Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts.¹

1878                Address Unknown, Gloucester, Massachusetts.¹

1879                73 Front Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts.¹

1881-1883       120 Main Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts.¹

1884                Address Unknown, Gloucester, Massachusetts.¹

1856 December  13.  Cape Anne Light and Gloucester Telegraph.  (Gloucester, Massachusetts.)  December 13, 1856, Vol. XXX, No. 15, P. 3.

Elwell’s New Photographic Picture Rooms!!  The subscriber having recently erected a First Class Establishment, for carrying on the Photographic art, in all its branches at No. 23½ Front St., (two doors west of the Post Office,) would take this occasion to invite his friends and the public generally to call and examine his new rooms, whether wishing a picture or not.  Having had considerable experience in fitting up rooms of this description, I flatter myself that these are the best ever offered in Gloucester, being far superior to my old place in every respect, and has been pronounced by competent judges, to be one of the most perfect establishments for the purpose in the country.

And in this connection I would suggest to those in search of Presents For Presents For The Holidays, that nothing can be more appropriate for the purpose than a beautiful sun painting, for which purpose I have stocked my rooms with a large assortment of new and beautiful styles of Cases, Frames, Gold Lockets, &c., &c., which I am ready to fill with beautiful counterfeits of the human face divine.

Those having small Daguerreotypes of deceased friends, can have Photographs made from them for frames, and have any number of copies, by leaving them at my rooms.  A perfect likeness warranted in every case.

Remember Elwell is the only place in Gloucester where Daguerreotypes can be procured.

The public will please bear in mind that I do take pictures on glass for those who wish them, (notwithstanding the [terrors] of the law, with which I am constantly threatened,) which are finished by Elwell’s new and durable process, a spurious imitation of which has been called by the absurd and ridiculous name, Ambrotype! Which, being interpreted, means immortal picture; the ridiculous absurdity of calling anything pertaining to this material world, immortal, must be apparent to every one.  And the public are hereby cautioned against buying pictures on glass with another glass stuck to the back of them with a destructible gum which will eventually prove their destruction.  The public may rest assured that there is no gum game about my process.

The subscriber, ever grateful for the liberal patronage he has heretofore received, would solicit a continuance of the same; and having had the honor of introducing into Gloucester the art of Photographing on Glass and Paper, will continue to produce those pictures in all their beauty and perfection, notwithstanding the snapping of any cur who may choose to bark, or the malignity of the meaner spirit that says, “cist-a-boy.”  Wm. A. Elwell, No. 23½ Front St., Gloucester.

Advertisement  was recorded on December 13, 1856 & January 3, 1857.

1857 November  14.  Cape Anne Light and Gloucester Telegraph.  (Gloucester, Massachusetts.)  November 14, 1857, Vol. XXXI, No. 46, P. 1.

The Custom House.—Mr. W. A. Elwell of this town, has executed a fine photograph of the new Custom House, copies of which are for sale by him.  Mr. Elwell is a good artist, and takes some excellent pictures.

1858 November  16.  Cape Anne Advertiser.  (Gloucester, Massachusetts.)  November 16, 1858, Vol. 1, No. 4, P. 2.

Happening up in the Armory of the American Guard a few evenings since3, our attention was attracted to a large frame which contained partings to receive the ambrotype of each member.  About thirty have already had their ambrotype placed in the frame.  When completed it will present as good looking a body of young men as can be found in the country.  W. A. Elwell is the artist engaged in the work of ambrotyping the Guard, which is a sufficient guarantee that it will be done in the best style of the art.

1858 May 1.  Cape Anne Light and Gloucester Telegraph.  (Gloucester, Massachusetts.)  May 1, 1858, Vol. XXXII, No. 18, P. 3.

To Let.  The Room in front of Elwell’s Photographic Rooms, suitable for a Reading Room, Office, or for the Millinery business.  Inquire W. A. Elwell, on the premises.

Information from Mack Lee.

William Elwell was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts April 1828 the son of Henry and Sarah Parson Elwell.  He died on March 31, 1891 of stomach ulcers. 

Inscription scratched into the back of sixth plate daguerreotype plate “Flora Elwell 3 years old Sept. 26, 1854.”

He found an 1860 city directory which list his address at 64 High Street and occupation as daguerrian Artist.

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[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.