1858 Address Unknown, Penn Yan, New York.
1858 July 10. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. (Brooklyn, New York.) July 10, 1858, Vol. 17, No. 162, P. 2.
List Of Patents:—The following is a list of Patents issued from the United States Patent Office for the week ending June 29, 1858 …
Charles Ketcham, of Penn Yan, N. Y.—For improvement in machines for cleaning daguerreotype plates. Patent No. 20,718.
N.D. Address Unknown, Newburgh, New York.[1]
1855-1856 421 Broadway, New York, New York.
1856 419 Broadway, New York, New York.
1857 315, 419, & 429 Broadway, New York, New York.
1858 315 Broadway, New York, New York.
1855 December 22. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) December 22, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 4579, P. 8.
Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits. Highest prize $1,000. For particulars see circulars at the Museum. Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.
J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway; Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.
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.
Kertson — I should advise this gentleman to pay more attention to focusing his pictures. As a general thing they are dim and either over or under developed.
1856 July 2. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) July 2, 1856, Whole No. 7247, P. 5.
Kertson’s Large Size Daguerreotypes, For fifty cents, are all the go now-a-days. They are better and larger than any taken in or out of the city of New York. You will find them at 419 and 421 Broadway, corner of Canal street.
1856 July 8. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) July 8, 1856, Whole No. 7252, P. 5.
Kertson’s Large Size Daguerreotypes, For fifty cents, are actually the best pictures in the known world. Call and get one, and judge for yourself, at 419 and 421 Broadway, corner Canal street, entrance in Broadway.
1857 November 1. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) November 1, 1857, Whole No. 7731, P. 1.
Fire In Broadway…Between 2 and 3 o’clock on Saturday morning a fire broke out in the dwelling apartments of Dr. S. B. Henderson, oculist [419] Broadway…
The first floor, on the corner of Canal street…
The store next door…The fourth floor is occupied by Mr. Kertson, ambrotypist, &c. Damaged by water and smoke. The fire was just burning through the flooring of this floor when checked by the firemen. Stock insured for $1,000 in the St. Marks Insurance Company…
1857 November 3. New York Semi Weekly Tribune. (New York, New York.) November 3, 1857, Vol. XIII. No. 71,298, P. 5.
Fatal Conflagration In Broadway.—About a quarter to 3 o’clock on Saturday morning, a fire broke out in the large brick building No. 419 Broadway, corner of Canal street, occupied on the…fourth floor by Mr. Kertson, ambrotypist…
1858 January 17. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) January 17, 1858, Whole No. 7797, P. 3.
Wanted—Two ¼ And Two ½ Sized Cameras, cheap for cash or daguerreotype stock. Apply to Rockwell & sic. Kertser [sic.], 315 Broadway.
1858 April 19. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) April 19, 1858, Whole No. 7899, P. 3.
A Large Store And Basement To Let Or lease; it is about being altered, and will, if applied for immediately, be altered to suit carpet, cabinet, or other business requirements requiring extensive rooms on one, two, three or four floors. Apply H. M. Kertson, daguerreotype establishment, 315 Broadway.
1858 October 23. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) October 23, 1858, Whole No. 8085, P. 3.
List Of Letters Remaining in the New York Post Office, Saturday October 23, 1858…
Kertson, Marcellus.
New York City Directories (New York, New York.) published by John Fowler Trow.
1854. Not Listed.
1855. daguerreotypes, 421 Broadway, h—89 Elm.
1856. daguerreotypes, 419 Broadway, h—36 Macdougal.
1857. daguerreotype, 315, 419 & 429 Broadway, h—36 Macdougal
1858. Not Listed.
[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.
1857 Second Street, Near St. Paul House, Shakopee, Minnesota.
1857 May 2. The Republican Advocate. (Shakopee, Minnesota.) May 2, 1857, Vol. 1, No. 28, P. 2.
Returned.—Messrs. Nathan Storer, William Cressey, C. F. [ ? ], and John Kerlinger, citizens of Shakopee, who spent the winter in the [ ? ] have returned to this place.
1857 September 5. The Republican Advocate. (Shakopee, Minnesota.) September 5, 1857, Vol. 1, No. 46, P. 2.
Omissions.—In our enumeration of the improvements of Shakopee, week before last, we inadvertently omitted to mention the fine two story concrete building, 20 by 40 feet, of our friend John M. Kerlinger, on Second street, near the new hotel. The lower story is designed for a store-room, and the upper one is to be fitted up for the Daguerrean Gallery of Messrs. Kerlinger & Chenoweth.
1857 September 5. The Republican Advocate. (Shakopee, Minnesota.) September 5, 1857, Vol. 1, No. 46, P. 2.
Ambrotyping and Photographing! Ambrotypes For Seventy-Five Cents!! Having located on Second Street, near the St. Paul House, the undersigned would respectfully inform the citizens of Shakopee and vicinity, that they are now in possession of a new and well selected stock of Goods, and are prepared to take pictures of the first quality and most improved style.—Those wishing pictures would do well to give us a call. Satisfaction given or no charge. Instructions also given in the art.
Give us a call. Kerlinger & Chenoweth. Shakopee, August 8th.
1857 Address Unknown, Newbury, Vermont.
1857 November 7. American Traveller. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 7, 1857, Vol. XIX, No. 34, P. 4.
An Artistical Fight.—The little village of Newbury, Vermont, was frightened from its propriety, on Wednesday last, by an affray between the rival Daguerreotypist. It seems that Mr. Kynnee (sic.) pitched his tent or saloon, along side of Mr. Pepperson’s, and neither of them having any heads to “take off,” began incontinently to punch each other. Both parties left the field with eyes blackened by knuckles instead of nitrate of silver, and it is rumored that each will exhibit a pugilistic photograph of himself. We doubt not that the students of Newbury Seminary will derive great benefit from these pictures, which will finely illustrate “light and shade.”
1857 November 13. Bennington Banner. (Bennington, Vermont.) November 13, 1857, Vol. XVII, No. 37, Whole No. 869, P. 3.
An Artistical Fight.—The little village of Newbury, Vermont, was frightened from its propriety, on Wednesday last, by an affray between the rival Daguerreotypist. It seems that Mr. Kennee pitched his tent or saloon, along side of Mr. Pepperson’s, and neither of them having any heads to “take off,” began incontinently to punch each other. Both parties left the field with eyes blackened by knuckles instead of nitrate of silver, and it is rumored that each will exhibit a pugilistic photograph of himself. We doubt not that the students of Newbury Seminary will derive great benefit from these pictures, which will finely illustrate “light and shade.” So says the Boston Traveller.
An Artistical Fight.—The little village of Newbury, Vermont, was frightened from its propriety, on Wednesday last, by an affray between the rival Daguerreotypist. It seems that Mr. Kynnee pitched his tent or saloon, along side of Mr. Pepperson’s, and neither of them having any heads to “take off,” began incontinently to punch each other. Both parties left the field with eyes blackened by knuckles instead of nitrate of silver, and it is rumored that each will exhibit a pugilistic photograph of himself. We doubt not that the students of Newbury Seminary will derive great benefit from these pictures, which will finely illustrate “light and shade.” So says the Boston Traveller.
1853-1854 Odd Fellows’ Hall, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
1853 October 27. The New Era. (Goldsboro, North Carolina.) October 27, 1853, Vol. II, No. 27, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Portraits. M. E. Kennedy, Respectfully informs the citizens of Wayne, and the adjoining counties, that he has located himself in Goldsboro’ for an unlimited period, in Odd Fellows’ Hall, where he will be pleased to see all who desire Likenesses of themselves, children, or friends. His pictures are taken in the latest and most approved style, and he flatters himself he can give entire satisfaction to all who may favor him with a sitting. Call and see specimens. Goldsboro’, Oct. 19, 1853.
Advertisement was recorded on October 27, November 3 & 10, 1853 and March 15, 1854.
N.D. Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1853 55 Main Street, Emporium Block, Rochester, New York.
1853 22 State Street, Rochester, New York.
1854-1857 55 Main Street, Gaffney’s Block, Rochester, New York.
N.D. The American Daguerreotype by Floyd & Marion Rinhart. (Athens, Georgia.) 1981, P. 398.
Lived in the same boarding house as Myron Shew in Philadelphia in 1850. Worked for Myron Shew, dates unknown.
1853 March 25. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 25, 1853, Vol 9, No. 72, P. 2.
The entire third story of the Emporium Block, corner of Main and St. Paul streets, is occupied by the Daguerrian establishment of Messrs. Heath & Kelsey. The first named gentleman came here a stranger last May, and commenced business. His partner has been here two or three months. Their success and progress for the year is quite remarkable. The rooms rented by this firm are finely situated for their business. The first is a room . The first is a room 45 by 20 feet, whose walls are hung with pictures, engravings, and frames of beautiful daguerreotypes, the handiwork of the establishment. This room is carpeted and well lighted, and is one of the best reception rooms of which we know. At the right of the room is a room 75 by 20 feet, running from front to rear of the Block. This room is about being brought into use. The ceiling is frescoed in Glessing’s best style. The floor will be covered with a handsome carpeting, and on the walls are to be suspended, within a few days now, the 52 portraits of the Pioneers taken by Kimball, and also a large number of other paintings. This Pio [damaged line] in the city and the enterprise of Heath & Kelsey is much to be commended in providing for it. At the extreme left, and opposite the Gallery room, is another large space, divided into rooms for various purposes, viz: a dressing room for ladies, about 15 feet square—a parlor, 35 by 20 feet, which is furnished with superb carpeting, with a piano, a chandelier, &c. &c. Next is a dressing room for ladies, 16 feet square, in which is Kimball’s large painting of the “Judgement of Solomon;” next in order is the work room, 35 by 20, supplied with all the accessories of the art—and finally the operating room, 25 by 25 feet, lighted and furnished with a full assortment of Cameras from smallest to the “mammoth.” A second room is about being constructed, with a large skylight, to meet the claims of the business.
The great advantage of these rooms, aside from the acknowledged excellence of the pictures taken is the fact that the entire suite is on the same floor—a great convenience where ladies and children are concerned. They are fast getting into shape to manage all the business that offers.
1853 March 28. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 28, 1853, Vol 9, No. 74, P. 2.
We learn that Messrs. Heath & Kelsey, who are forming a Gallery of Pioneer Portraits,” at their Daguerreotype Rooms, Emporium Block, recently procured a painting of the late Jared Newell, Esq.
1853 March 29. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 29, 1853, Vol 9, No. 75, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 1. We have such nice rooms, and everything so convenient for the accommodation of our friends, and for taking Daguerreotype likenesses that we cannot hesitate any longer to extend a cordial invitation to everybody to come and see us.—It is worth the while of any person to spend an hour in our rooms simply to look at the fine pictures that adorn the walls, and examine the superior daguerreotypes, that prove the excellence of the art, and the genuineness of the skill that is exercised there. The determination to possess as fine a miniature for one’s self, or one’s friend, is irresistible. Come to the Emporium Block, corner of Main and St. Paul streets, third story.
Advertisement ran from March 29 to 31, 1853.
1853 April 1. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 1, 1853, Vol 9, No. 78, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 2. Notwithstanding our first invitation has brought in upon us a rush of company, we take it is opportunity of inviting others, that we may enlarge the circle of our already extensive acquaintance. Ladies flock in crowds tour rooms to see those noble Daguerreotypes, and to insist upon having one of the same sort for themselves. Such pictures and such rare accommodations for the Ladies, are unknown here.—Come to the Emporium Block, corner Main and St. Paul streets. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement was recorded on April 1 & 2, 1853.
1853 April 5. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 5, 1853, Vol 9, No. 81, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 3. Come and see our prize pictures—they are the greatest attractions in the city. We have any quantity of them and lots of beautiful engravings and paintings, and then such nice operators, such choice instruments, and the very best operating sky-light ever built. There is no mistake about it. You have only to ascend two pairs of stairs, and then you on the level of our rooms, sky-light and all. It is in the Emporium Block, corner Main and St. Paul sts. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement Ran from April 5 to 7, 1853.
1853 April 8. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 8, 1853, Vol 9, No. 84, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 4. And still they come. Our visitors who, by the way, are reckoned by thousands, still insist that there are no such rooms as those occupied by us. A general expression of astonishment that anything so elegant is to be found here prevails. Every day the skill of our experienced operator is put in requisition, to take pictures for persons who are disgusted with the work turned out at the shops in town—where they profess to take Daguerreotypes. All conclude that the only place is in the Emporium Block. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 8 to 11, 1853.
1853 April 12. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 12, 1853, Vol 9, No. 86, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 5. This glorious spring weather is the best time of all the year for taking Daguerreotypes, and for visiting our splendidly furnished rooms, and examining the beautiful pictures and engravings that adorn our walls. The clear sunlight only renders more shining and brings out the brighter coloring the excellences of our pictures, which it gives us such a magnificent operating light that we cannot fail to take the most faithful and life-like likenesses. Indeed all confess that there is no such word as fail, with. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement was recorded on April 12 & 13, 1853.
1853 April 15. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 15, 1853, Vol 9, No. 89, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 6. Of course there is a crowd here today. Walk in—our rooms are on the third floor of the Emporium Block, corner of Main and St. Paul streets. Once here, you have no further flight of stairs to climb to reach a cold and cheerless attic, or a low and poorly lighted back stairs garret. But right in here—hardly 10 feet distance, and close by these sofas, this piano, and these beautiful dressing rooms, is our operator and his instruments. You can have a picture in five minutes, and when you get it, it is a picture worth the money, and not a poor caricature. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 15 to 18, 1853.
1853 April 19. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 19, 1853, Vol 9, No. 92, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 7. Of course there is a crowd here today. Walk in our rooms are on the third floor of the Emporium Block, corner Main and St Paul streets. Once here, you have no further flight of stairs to climb to reach a cold and cheerless attic, or a low and poorly lighted back stairs garret. But right in here—hardly 10 feet distance, and close by these sofas, this piano, and these beautiful dressing rooms, is our operator and his instruments. You can have a picture in five minutes, and when you get it, it is a picture worth the money, and not a poor caricature. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 19 to 21, 1853.
1853 April 22. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 22, 1853, Vol 9, No. 95, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 8. Of course there is a crowd here today. Walk in our rooms are on the third floor of the Emporium Block, corner Main and St Paul streets. Once here, you have no further flight of stairs to climb to reach a cold and cheerless attic, or a low and poorly lighted back stairs garret. But right in here—hardly 10 feet distance, and close by these sofas, this piano, and these beautiful dressing rooms, is our operator and his instruments. You can have a picture in five minutes, and when you get it, it is a picture worth the money, and not a poor caricature. Heath & Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from April 22 to 25, 1853.
1853 April 27. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 27, 1853, Vol 9, No. 99, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 9. The reputation acquired by our uniform habit of making the best Daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco , papier-mâché, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic.
Advertisement was recorded on April 27 & 28, 1853.
1853 April 29. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 29, 1853, Vol 9, No. 101, P. 2.
Invitations, No. 10. The reputation acquired by our uniform habit of making the best Daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco , papier-mâché, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic.
Advertisement ran from April 29 to May 6, 1853.
1853 May 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 2, 1853, Vol 9, No. 103, P. 2.
The other day a couple of girls came to Heath & Kelsey’s Rooms to have their pictures taken, and brought with them a daguerreotype case which they said had contained a picture of their brother. They wished their picture to be set in this case, in order to save expense. Suspicion being aroused. Messrs. H. & K. sent word to Mr. Appleby who at once identified the case as having been on his table the day before, when he had missed it and the picture it contained. He also recognized the girls as visitors the day before at his rooms. This was promptly denied. But the affair resulted in a visit to the Post Office and an exposure of the girls. These Petty Larceny offenders seem not to know that detection of such thefts is often very simple. Perhaps this paragraph may be a warning to those who make gain by robbing the show cases of Daguerrians.
1853 May 7. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 7, 1853, Vol 9, No. 108, P. 2.
The World Challenged. The reputation acquired by our uniform habit of making the best Daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco , papier-mâché, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic.
Advertisement ran from May 7 to June 15, 1853.
1853 May 23. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 23, 1853, Vol 9, No. 121, P. 2.
A Card in another column, advertises the dissolution of partnership in the Daguerrean business of Messrs. Heath & Kelsey. Mr. Kelsey will continue the business, and Mr. Heath will remain with him for a time. These gentlemen have been very successful in their business, and have built up a great reputation for enterprise and skill. Mr. K. as also rooms at No. 22 State st., which will be put under good management, and at once made popular. The arrangements for the Gallery of Pioneer Portraits, are fast concluding, and in a few days the portraits will be put up and the rooms opened.
1853 May 23. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 23, 1853, Vol 9, No. 121, P. 2.
Notice Of Dissolution. Notice is hereby given, that the Co-partnership heretofore existing between the undersigned, under the firm name of Heath & Kelsey, in the Daguerrian business, has been dissolved by mutual consent. James Heath, John Kelsey.
The business will be continued at the well-known rooms in the Emporium Block, by the undersigned. John Kelsey.
1854 June 16. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) June 16, 1854, Vol 9, No. 142, P. 2.
The World Challenged. The reputation acquired our uniform habit of making the best daguerreotypes taken in Rochester, or indeed in any place, large or small, has given us an extensive patronage from the liberal admirers of really fine pictures. The invitations extended by us to the public, have been cordially responded to, and our books show an increased number of visitors and customers. Come one, come all—look at our show cases—our splendid casings in morocco, papier machie, pearl and gold—our beautiful array of specimen pictures, our fine gallery of paintings, our noble suite of rooms, and our glorious light, shed down upon us from the blue heavens. These things, combined with our acknowledged skill and experience, make our rooms attractive and our customers enthusiastic. John Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from June 16 to August 19, 1853.
1853 July 8. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) July 8, 1853, Vol 9, No. 160, P. 2.
Kelsey’s Daguerrian Palace in Gaffney’s Block has been radiant for a few days, with a display of flags, such as is seen no where else, to the westward of the N. Y. Museum. They are the work of E. C. Wulliams, and they finely set off and advertise the rooms of Mr. Kelsey, where may be found most admirable facilities for the finest pictures. Among those now in his room we admire chiefly the beautiful views of residences and buildings in the city.
1853 August 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) August 2, 1853, Vol 9, No. 181, P. 2.
There was a fine daguerreotype of Miss Logan, the handiwork of Kelsey, in the Arcade yesterday. Miss L. had her benefit last night.
1853 August 15. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) August 15, 1853, Vol 9, No. 192, P. 2.
Kelsey’s Daguerrian Palace. This Establishment has now assumed a permanency in its proprietorship, as well as in the public climate and confidence, which it has steadily been gaining for the last few months. The proprietor is happy to receive, from those capable of making nice discrimination of comparative merit in the fine art.
Ample Testimonials of Competency to please and satisfy the good taste of the community. It is designed to make No. 55 Main Street, the Daguerrian Palace and Picture Gallery of Rochester and Western New York. No little pains and expenditure of means have already been appropriated for the accomplishment of that object, and still the work is but just begun. One advance has been recently achieved. An additional Suite Of Rooms And Another Splendid Skylight have been joined to the rear of the old establishment.
Twice the amount of work can now be done in the same time of waiting which has been hitherto required of customers. The patronage of the city and surrounding country has hitherto been liberally extended to this institution; and it is no vain presumption, that it will, in future, [be, the] Favorite Resort of the Lovers of Art who have an appreciation of the Quality and Style of articles which tax their purses, and are designed to be admired by good and correct tastes.
Also at No. 22 State Street, those rooms being now under the same proprietorship , it is believed that customers desiring Daguerrian Likenesses can be suited on terms as satisfactory as ay any other establishment in Rochester. John Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from August 15 to October 21, 1853.
1853 October 4. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) October 4, 1853, Vol 9, No. 235, P. 2.
The County Fair at the Court House…
The display of Daguerreotypes was very extentensive [sic.] and very fine. Kelsey’s Mammoth pictures surprised and delighted man who had never seen daguerreotypes of such size. And they were as noticeable for their distinctness and finish, as for their magnitude.
Whitney’s group excited, as they always do, very general attention. His pictures are exceedingly elegant and perfect. Indeed, we think them equal to any we have seen at any Fair, County or State.
1853 December 12. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) December 12, 1853, Vol 9, No. 294, P. 2.
A frame containing a half-dozen beautiful daguerreotypes of out-door scenes in the city, was exhibited by Kelsey in the Arcade Hall, on Saturday.
1854 June 5. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) June 5, 1854, Vol 10, No. 133, P. 2.
Mr. Kelsey, the Daguerrian has a series of Photographic views of the late eclipse, on exhibition in the Arcade Hall. They are very successfully done. Mr. Kelsey is awake to all the improvements in the art, and has paid much attention to the taking of out door views. His Daguerreotypes of residences and other buildings in this city and vicinity have been excellent and have attracted much attention.
Mr. Douglass Hovey, a daguerrian operator from New York, has lately formed a copartnership with Mr. Kelsey. Of the Daguerrian Palace Gallery. The accession of photographic talent, secures to the establishment the well earned reputation hitherto enjoyed for the production of excellent pictures and gives the assurance of a continuance of the confidence and patronage which the public has given its former proprietor. These gentlemen propose to make theirs the continued place of resort for all those who have an eye for the beautiful, and an appreciation for true gems of Daguerrian art.
1855 March 16. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 16, 1855, Vol 11, No. 66, P. 2.
A Trip Across the Suspension Bridge…
We can only speak of the architectural beauty of the bridge. It must be seen to be appreciated. Mr. Kelsey, of this city took several Daguerrian views of it, on Wednesday, which may be see at his room, on Main st. They are very fine representations.
1855 March 17. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 17, 1855, Vol 11, No. 67, P. 2.
Suspension Bridge.—Five perfect views of this bridge were taken on Wednesday by Mr. Kelsey on plates prepared in Rochester, which were kept sensitive for the space of eight hours. The discovery of the chemical compound used for such purposes, Mr. Kelsey claims to have the credit for which the fraternity. The train of cars seen upon the Bridge gives life and interest to the scene. The views we believe are to be sent to Boston, and will appear in Ballou’s Pictorial.
1855 May 4. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) May 4, 1855, Vol 11, No. 107, P. 2.
We cannot forbear mentioning, in this connection, the superb photograph of the upper Falls, taken by our enterprising townsmen, Messrs. Kelsey & Hovey. We have seen the finest water-views taken by Mr. Black, of Boston, undoubtedly the most skilful Photographer in America; but we remember none in which he has been as fortunate as our Rochester artists in catching the spirit of falling water and spray. Much credit is due these gentlemen for their successful attempt to bring strangers, and not a few of our own citizens, to a better acquaintance with our great cataract. They should neglect the lower Falls, nor the magnificent scenery of Portage.
1855 July 10. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) July 10, 1855, Vol 11, No. 166, P. 2.
Mr. Kelsey, at his Daguerrian Rooms in the Crystal Palace Block, has shown us some specimens of Photograph portraits, of life size, taken in a sitting of one minute, and then painted over.—They are perfect likenesses, and are furnished cheap. He has them also of reduced size. It is a splendid exhibition of the art.
1855 August 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) August 2, 1855, Vol 11, No. 184, P. 2.
A Card—The undersigned, in some article lately published, have claimed the credit of the first introduction of Life Size Photographic Painting in Rochester, and of being the only successful operators by this process.
A presumptuous attempt has lately been made, by advertisements from another quarter, to subvert this claim and delude the public into a belief foreign from the truth. We therefore see it appropriate to make a more formidable protest against any further efforts of a cotemporary artist to thus seek unwarrantable honors for superior Photographic ability, and for appropriating unto himself a credit for skill which he does not possess.
We take occasion to repeat, that Life-size, or even Cabinet size Photographic impressions on Canvass, and colored in oil, are taken at no other establishment in Rochester. We make this statement fearlessly, the truth of which all may easily become satisfied.
We justly expect the credit due to success in this most difficult yet beautiful process, and we hope for no patronage not justified by the actual merit in our productions. Kelsey & Hovey, 55 Main street. July 24, 1855.
Advertisement was recorded between August 2 to 10, 1855.
1855 September 1. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) September 1, 1855, Vol 11, No. 210, P. 2.
Photographic Painting.—These are portraits on canvass and colored in oil, like other paintings. The method by which the portrait is produced differs from that formerly practiced by artists. The likeness is not first drawn with a pencil by the hand, but taken with an instrument on the canvass. In effectually placing the portrait upon the prepared canvass, the work of the artist has been greatly abridged,—he has only to color the portrait and it is done. In a work of art, having to create, requires genius; but a good colorist may save the likeness and expression as given in the Photograph. For these portraits is claimed greater accuracy than is possible to be obtained by any other method. Only one sitting of a few seconds is required in their production. Life and cabinet sizes, on canvass or paper, and colored to life, are taken by Kelsey & Hovey, Gaffney’s block, Main St.
The County Fair held on Thursday and Friday Sept. 20 and 21. The County Fair at Spencerport was better attended than hitherto…
Messrs Kelsey & Hovey, 3 Photographic paintings, one of C. J. Hill, of Rochester, attracted great attention.
1855 September 25. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) September 25, 1855, Vol 11, No. 229, P. 3.
Monroe County Fair. List of Premiums. Awarded by the Monroe County Agricultural Society at the Annual Fair held at Spencerport, Sept. 20th and 21st, 1855…
Domestic Manufacturers…
Discretionary Premiums in this Department…
Photographs in Oil, Kelsey & Hovey, Rochester, Silver Medal.
A fine likeness of his Honor Mayor Hayden, by that accomplished portrait painter Mr. Nelson Cook, is on exhibition in the Arcade Hall—also a fine photographic portrait of the same gentleman by Messrs. Kelsey & Hovey. These pictures attracted no little attention yesterday.
1857 January 2. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) January 2, 1857, Vol 13, No. 1, P. 1.
In Beauty, Perfection, And Artistic Finish, Are The Richly Painted Photographs And Pictures In every style, made by Kelsey & Hovey. 53 Main street, Gaffney’s Block, corner St. Paul street. Nov. 13, 1856.
Advertisement was recorded from January 2 to February 17, 1857.
1857 March 23. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) March 23, 1857, Vol 13, No. 68, P. 3.
The County Court room has received a material embellishment recently from the transfer to its walls of the Pioneer Portrait Gallery, heretofore kept in connection with the Daguerrean and Photographic Gallery of Messrs. Kelsey & Hovey, corner of Main and St. Paul streets, who are about to enlarge their establishment. The pictures are still owned by Mr. Kelsey, and are placed in the Court room for safe keeping. Whether they are to remain there permanently or not, we are not informed. There are fifty one of them, which with the one that has long been hanging above the Judge’s bench, representing Hon. Vincent Matthews, and which is owned we believe by the County, make fifty-two portraits. All of them we believe, except that of Judge Matthews, were painted by Mr. Colby Kimble, of this city. The group about the portrait of Judge Matthews, are all the counterfeit presentments of citizens who have occupied seats upon the bench of our County Court. They are Hons. Ashley Sampson, Moses Chapin, E. B. Strong, Wm. Buell, Joseph Sibley, Powell Carpenter, Elisha Ely, and Ralph Parker. All of them are still living, except the three last named.
These portraits are appropriate and beautiful accessions to the already handsome Court room.
1857 April 3. Rochester Daily American. (Rochester, New York.) April 23, 1857, Vol 13, No. 77, P. 1.
By Ald. Winslow—Resolved, That Kelsey & Hovey be allowed and paid one hundred and fifty dollars out of the Contingent Fund, when there is money applicable thereto, for the portrait of first Mayor, the Hon. Jonathan Child, executed by them, and now on exhibition in this Council Chamber; conditioned, however, that before the payment of the said one hundred and fifty dollars the said Kelsey & Hovey procure and place in this Chamber, as the property of the city of Rochester, the portraits of at least one-half of the ex-Mayors now living, without further expense to the city.
Adopted—as follows:
Ayes—Ald. Parsons, Winslow, McDonald, Perry, Selye, Morey and Dutton—7.
Noes—Ald. Pancost, Briggs, Morse, Bennett, Fish and Bauer—6.
Adjourned to Friday evening, April 3d.
C. N. Simmons, Clerk.
1846-1847 Rooms in Mr. Norris’s Building, Corner of Washington and Meridian Streets, Indianapolis, Indiana.
1849-1850 136 Lake, Chicago, Illinois.[1], [2]
1851-1857 96 Lake Street, Chicago, Illinois.
1846 November 11. Indiana State Sentinel. (Indianapolis, Indiana.) November 11, 1846, Vol. II, No. 47, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. The subscriber has opened Daguerreotype Rooms in Mr. Norris’s Building, Corner of Washington and Meridian streets. The Ladies and Gentlemen of Indianapolis are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful Art in its present high state of perfection. Persons sitting for Likenesses are not required to take them unless they are perfectly satisfactory in every respect. Pictures taken equally well in all kinds of weather. C. C. Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from November 11, 1846 to January 2, 1847.
1846 November 12. Indiana State Sentinel. (Indianapolis, Indiana.) November 12, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 21, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. The subscriber has opened Daguerreotype Rooms in Mr. Norris’s Building, Corner of Washington and Meridian streets. The Ladies and Gentlemen of Indianapolis are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful Art in its present high state of perfection. Persons sitting for Likenesses are not required to take them unless they are perfectly satisfactory in every respect. Pictures taken equally well in all kinds of weather. C. C. Kelsey.
1847 February 11. Indiana State Sentinel. (Indianapolis, Indiana.) February 11, 1847, Vol. VI, No. 21, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Kelsey, at his room in Norris’s Block, can show photographic likenesses equal to any that we have ever had the pleasure of seeing here or elsewhere. We advise our friends, and enemies too, if we have any (!) to give him a call if they desire true representations of their phizzes. If they are naturally handsome. He charges nothing extra; and if they are ugly, he will not grumble if the originals charge the defect upon the process. Mr. Kelsey will remain in this city but a few days longer.
1846 November 11. Indiana State Sentinel. (Indianapolis, Indiana.) November 11, 1846, Vol. II, No. 47, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. The subscriber has opened Daguerreotype Rooms in Mr. Norris’s Building, Corner of Washington and Meridian streets. The Ladies and Gentlemen of Indianapolis are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful Art in its present high state of perfection. Persons sitting for Likenesses are not required to take them unless they are perfectly satisfactory in every respect. Pictures taken equally well in all kinds of weather. C. C. Kelsey.
Advertisement ran from November 11, 1846 to January 2, 1847.
1846 November 12. Indiana State Sentinel. (Indianapolis, Indiana.) November 12, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 21, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. The subscriber has opened Daguerreotype Rooms in Mr. Norris’s Building, Corner of Washington and Meridian streets. The Ladies and Gentlemen of Indianapolis are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful Art in its present high state of perfection. Persons sitting for Likenesses are not required to take them unless they are perfectly satisfactory in every respect. Pictures taken equally well in all kinds of weather. C. C. Kelsey.
1847 February 11. Indiana State Sentinel. (Indianapolis, Indiana.) February 11, 1847, Vol. VI, No. 21, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Kelsey, at his room in Norris’s Block, can show photographic likenesses equal to any that we have ever had the pleasure of seeing here or elsewhere. We advise our friends, and enemies too, if we have any (!) to give him a call if they desire true representations of their phizzes. If they are naturally handsome. He charges nothing extra; and if they are ugly, he will not grumble if the originals charge the defect upon the process. Mr. Kelsey will remain in this city but a few days longer.
1853 January 8. The Ottawa Free Trader. (Ottawa, Illinois.) January 8, 1853, Vol. XIII, No. 21, P. 3.
C. C. Kelsey’s Daguerreotypes, So long celebrated for their exquisite beauty and artistic finish, continue as heretofore to take the lead, as will be seen by the award of a Gold Medal at the late Fair, (1852) the judges pronouncing them the Finest Daguerreotypes they had ever seen.
Likenesses taken equally well in the darkest of Weather.
Call and examine his extensive and choice collection.
Artists will find in his Stock Department the largest and cheapest assortment of Daguerreotype Goods in the west. No. 96 Lake st., opposite the Tremont, Chicago. Chicago.
Advertisement ran from January 8, 1853 to January 21, 1854.
1853 August 19. Semi-Weekly Tribune. (New York, New York.) August 19, 1853. Vol. VIII, No. 859. P. 1.
The Exhibition At The Crystal Palace. XVI. American Art—Daguerreotypes. If there be any one department in the whole building which is peculiarly American, and in which the country shines prominent, it is in that of Daguerreotypes, which are exhibited below stairs; and the collection, which is an extensive one, is made up of contributions from almost every section of the Union where the art is practiced. In contrasting the specimens of art which are taken herewith those taken in European countries, the excellence of American pictures is evident, which is [to] be accounted for by several reasons. In the first place, American skies are freer from fogs and clouds—from bituminous coal not being much used, the atmosphere of our cities is free from smoke, at least upon the Atlantic coasts. Then the chemicals and processes are, generally speaking, of a more sensitive character, and the apparatus is more convenient and suitable than that of Europe. Our little inventions come into play and aid in saving time and developing a good picture, and last, though perhaps not least our people are readier in picking up processes and acquiring the mastery of the art than our trans-Atlantic rivals. Not that we understand the science better, but the detail of the work is acquired in a shorter time by us, while the enormous practice which our operators enjoy combines to render the daguerreotype art a necessary adjunct to the comfort of life. Does a child start on the journey of existence and leave his “father’s hall” forthwith the little image is produced to keep his memory green. Does the daughter accept the new duties of matron, or does the venerated parent descend into the grave; what means so ready to revive their recollection? Does the lover or the husband go to Australia or California, and not exchange with the beloved one the image of what afforded so much delight to gaze upon? The readiness with which a likeness may be obtained, the truthfulness of the image and the smallness of cost, render it the current pledge of friendship, and the immense number of operators who are supported by the art in this country shows how widely the love of sun-pictures is diffused. Several thousand industrious artists and artisans are occupied in the preparation of very pure chemicals, as bromine, iodine, gold salts, hyperphosphate of soda. Another class prepare silvered plates, cases, buffs, gilding, cut glass, and a hundred little addenda. Then the manufacture of cameras and the grinding of good lenses is an important branch of the business; for without a camera having good lenses the best operator would fail to produce an image which would be distinct or saleable; and even with a good Voigtlander or Harrison camera, it requires great skill to focus the image; for, strange as it may appear, the point where a good view of the sitter is obtained is not the point best adapted for bringing out a good picture. In other words the focus of vision and the focus of chemical action are not the same, and hence when we have the one we lose the other. This is owing to the fact that it is not the rays of color on the solar spectrum which produce the image, but a different set of rays, viz: those of chemical action; and since this is the case, we submit the opinion that it is not possible to obtain a daguerreotype in its natural colors, as Mr. Hill and others have been trying to delude our operators into believing, and leading themselves and others by the [iguis fatuus] of plates tortured into iridescent colors by chemical oxidation. But we are getting discursive upon this beautiful art, which was intended to subserve many other useful purposes than that of portrait painting.
Everybody known how difficult it is to keep silver from tarnishing, and that the action of the light is to destroy all preparations of silver. Some of these are more readily acted on by light than others—are more sensitive, as it is termed. Such are the iodide, bromide, and chloride of silver. These salts cannot be kept exposed to the light for any reason, even a very short time, without undergoing some change; and when a plate of silver has a thin layer of iodine and bromine on its surface; and is placed in a camera, as soon as the screen is raised the image of the sitter falls on the plate. The silver plate is acted on unequally, producing the effects of light and shade when brought out, as it is termed, by exposure to the vapor of quicksilver. It is then fixed or prevented from undergoing further change, by washing it with a solution of gold.
To produce a daguerreotype picture there are five operations necessary. The first is cleaning the plate. This is the stumbling block of most operators. They are not cleanly enough. Several views in this Exhibition show that the plates were not well enough cleaned. Never was a maxim more true than the old one, that “cleanliness is a virtue”—when it has reference to daguerreotyping. The second the second is the foundation of the sensitive iodide of silver over the surface of the plate. The third is the adjusting the plate in the camera obscura, for the purpose of receiving the impression. The fourth is the bringing out the photographic picture, which is invisible when the plate is taken from the camera. The fifth, and last, is to remove the excess of sensitive coating, and thus prevent that susceptibility to change under luminous influence which would otherwise exist and ultimately effect the picture. The second operation is that which gives tone and warmth to the picture, and when performed by skillful hands makes a daguerreotype a beautiful piece of art. The clearness and distinctness of the image is produced by the third process when carefully conducted, and the whole picture should be distinct over the whole plate. These remarks will serve to illustrate the subjoined notes upon the collections in the Exhibition.
Mr. Lawrence exhibited a case in which softness of tone and distinctness of image are united with artistic arrangement. The latter quality is specially noticeable in “The Three Ages.” The mechanical execution of these pictures is unexcelled. These pictures of Mr. L. were exhibited in London. Mr. Brady’s collection is not very large, but there are a few very good pictures exhibited by him. In Gurney’s collection the coloring of the background has a fine effect; there are some very well executed portraits, among which is one of Mr. Forrest, worth notice as a work of art: taken as a Whole there is less softness and more distinctness in this collection than in that of Lawrence. The picture of Ware and his sister is an instance of a picture well developed when the chemical action extends to the margin of the plate. D. Clark, New Brunswick, N. J., has four pictures of merit; and Van Schneidan a small collection of well-selected heads. J. Brown has a collection of portraits of Commodore Perry and the officers of the squadron for the Japan Expedition, in half-size plates: the interest of this collection is much marred by the names of the officers not being attached underneath the plate; it is not too late to rectify this omission. Haas has a whole-plate allegorical figure of a family man reading the paper at home—an excellent idea and well executed. Besides this, he has a couple of other pictures, though on the whole his show is mediocre. In the cases of Harrison & Hill there is displayed excellent artistic arrangement with very indifferent mechanical execution. In the mammoth plates occupied by allegorical designs, the back-ground is wretchedly brought out—the plates were not properly cleaned, and are full of scratches; there are a few half and whole-sized pictures set in gaudy frames.
Webster, of Louisville, KY., has twenty-three pictures possessing clearness. They have, however, been exposed a little too much in the camera; they lack warmth, but are otherwise well developed and exhibit good mechanical execution. Alex Hesler has a collection of whole plates handsomely executed, possessing a nice arrangement of of the drapery, which has the effect of throwing the head out in good relief. There is artistic arrangement in this collection, especially evinced in the picture “Driving a “Trade,” one of a series illustrating character and passion. The panoramic view of Galena, Ill. Shows that city to advantage; and the three views of the Falls of St. Anthony possess great merit. Mr. North, of Cleveland, O., has a case of pretty fail likenesses, perhaps exhibiting the lights too strongly. Bisbee, of Dayton, O. exhibits a panoramic view of Cincinnati from Newport, upon six large plates. This view is, without exception, the finest thing in the whole room; we might even go further, and say that it is the finest view by the Daguerreian process ever exhibited. The mechanical execution is excellent, the perspective good, and the development unsurpassed. The effect of the smoke over the southern part of the city is very finely given. the distinctness of the letter signs, three-quarters of a mile distance and across the Ohio river, is well brought out. The rest of the collection is fair, possessing no peculiar merit. Williamson exhibits a poor collection. Dobyn, Richardson & Co. have several whole size well-executed specimens, in which the mechanical part, the artistic arrangement and the chemical effect is good. The “Cupid Reposing” is a very ungraceful picture of an ill-formed child, and the coloring is bad. That of the Bateman Children, in character, is a good picture. There are some exceedingly well executed heads in this collection.
Long, of St. Louis, has four frames of 180 heads of Wyman’s School, in that city, with the edifice and Principal; they possess no merit. A likeness of Prof. Mitchell, Cincinnati, is well executed. Some of the pictures in this collection are inverted with papier mache frames inlaid with mother of-pearl and tinsel. As this style of frame appears in a few other collections we may as well here express dissent to the use of this material as being too gaudy and wholly unsuitable for daguerreotype plates. These latter are difficult to be viewed except in one light, and from the brightness of their surface, are much set off by deadened color on the frames, while the glare and iridescence of the papier mache add to the difficulty of discerning the picture; the use of such implies bad taste in the artist. We felt this opinion growing upon us as we looked at them and found our view corroborated by a boarding school miss, who whisked alongside of us and caught by the colors, exclaimed, “Oh my! aint those “frames beautiful?” Fitzgibbon has the richest exposition in the Fair—The most expensive frames with a large and passable collection. The mammoth plate of Judge Colt is very good—That of Jenny Lind the best in the exhibition—those of McAllister, Julia Dean, Kate Hays, and Kossuth, are good pictures. His collection of Indian Warriors, is a very fine one, which we understand is to be forwarded to the Ethnological Society of London, to have copies and busts made from them. Masury & Silsbee, Boston exhibited twelve pretty and tasteful plates, with good arrangement and well finished. The collections of Kilsey, Beals, and Howe do not require notice. Whitehurst has a few good pictures in a large and passable collection; he has ten pictures illustrating the Falls of Niagara, which are very well executed. Some of his large heads have their features out of all proportion. Whipple of Boston, has a collection of photographic pictures, which he calls Crystallotypes, taken from Hyalotypes; there is a plate of the moon daguerreotyped, and one of the spots on the sun. McDonnell & Co., Buffalo, have a very poor collection—so poor as not to deserve a place in the exhibition; the views of Niagara are fair. Hawkins exhibits photographs on paper. Drummond, eight plates of the order of Free masons in their lodge dress. Fitzgibbon (already noticed) exhibits a very interesting case, which is a frame of electrotype copies from daguerreotype plates, very beautifully executed. It should not be over looked upon as a mere curiosity to place a daguerreotype plate in a copper solution and take a copper cast from its surface by means of electricity: the copper cast looks much warmer in tone than the original. It is to be regretted that Fitzgibbon did not complete this frame by the insertion of a third plate, by taking a second copy from the copper copy. This would be in relief, like the original silver-plate, and is succeptible of being treated like an engraved plate; yielding, when inked, prints resembling mezzotint. Besides the above collection of daguerreotypes, there is an assortment of cameras, lenses, stereoscopes and photographic paper, which are of interest to those practicing these beautiful arts.
1853 December 20. Joliet Signal. (Joliet, Illinois.) December 20, 1853, Vol. 11, No. 27, P. 4.
C. C. Kelsey’s Daguerreotypes. So long celebrated for their exquisite beauty and artistic finish, continue as heretofore to take the lead, as will be seen by the award of a Gold Medal, at the late Fair, (1852) the judges pronounced them the Finest Daguerreotypes they had ever seen. Likenesses Taken Equally Well In The Darkest Weather.
Call and examine his extensive and choice selection.
Artists will find in his Stock Department the largest and cheapest assortment of Daguerreotype Goods in the west.
No. 96 Lake-st. (opposite Tremont) Chicago.
1854 March 18. New Covenant. (Chicago, Illinois.) March 18, 1854, Vol. VII, No. 111, P. 4.
C. C. Kelsey, Daguerreotypist, No. 96 Lake Street, (Opposite the Tremont House.) Awarded the Gold Medal for the best Daguerreotype in 1852.
Likenesses taken equally well in the darkest weather. A full assortment of Daguerreotype Stock constantly on hand and for sale at low prices. jan. 8
1854. Illinois And Missouri State Directory for 1854-1855. (St. Louis, Missouri.) 1854, P. 141-142.
1856 February 1. The Daily Democratic Press. (Chicago, Illinois.) February 1, 1856, Vol. IV, No. 105, P. 2 & 3.
Review of the Manufacturers of Chicago for 1855. In presenting our readers with the fourth Annual Review of the Manufactures of Chicago, we are happy to say , that this important arm of our prosperity continues to keep pace with the general growth of the city and country…
Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Ambrotypes, &c. The Daguerrean business is not strickly speaking a manufacturing branch of industry, yet as there is in this city a large amount of capital invested in establishments of this kind, we have thought it but proper to include them. During the past two years Daguerrean rooms have increased very rapidly; and we are happy to record the fact, that Chicago has some of the best operators in the United States.
A. Hesler, Daguerrean and Photographer, Metropolitan Block, Lasalle street.
This is the largest Daguerrean establishment in the United States. It consists of 12 large rooms, most appropriately fitted up. The show rooms are luxuriously furnished.
Mr. Hesler’s Daguerreotype likenesses have taken the premium at the World’s Fair, New York, and at several of the State Fairs throughout the United States. He was formerly situated at Galena, in this State, and moved to this city in December, 1854.
The following is a statement of his business during 1855.
Capital Investment…………$22,000
Va. Of Pictures, &c.………..$38,000
Material used……….………$18,000
Wages used………………….$6,500
No. of operators employed….10.
Root, Cook & Fassett, Daguerreotypist and Ambrotypist, 131 Lake street.
This establishment was only commenced las September, since which time they have acquired a good reputation as Daguerreans. Some of their pictures have taken premiums at State Fairs and Industrial exhibitions.
The Following is a statement of their operation from Sept. 1st to Dec. 31st, 1855.
Capital Invested……….$3,000
600 pictures……………$2,000
Raw material used……..$400
H. W. Williams, Daguerrean Artist, 58 West Randolph street.
The amount of business turned out in this establishment during the past year, is as follows:
Capital Invested……$500.
Value of pictures……$1,500.
No. of operators…….2.
Taylor & Lenox, Ambrotypist and Daguerreans, 75 Lake street.
This firm commenced business in September last. They are the proprietors of the patent right of Cutting’s process of Ambrotyping, for this State and Wisconsin. The figures during the few months they have been in business, we did not receive.
C. H. Lillibridge, Photographer, 77 Lake st….No report.
C. C. Kelsey, Daguerrean, 96 Lake st………..Blanks not returned.
G. E. Gordan, Daguerrean, 44 Dearborn st…..No returns.
E. G. Stiles, Daguerrean, 139 Lake st…………Blanks not returned.
P. Von Schneidau, Daguerrean, 142 Lake st….Blanks not returned.
[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry used for the following dates, 1849, 1851, 1852,1855, 1857
[2] Dated image inscribed on interior of case May 2m 1850 (Getty Museum.)
1853 93 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
1853 August 7. The Daily Delta. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) August 7, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 289, P. 5.
Death Of Mr. James E. Kelly.—We do not remember ever to have been more shocked than when in passing the Daguerrian gallery of Mr. Jacobs’, on Camp street, we saw upon the door the announcement of the death of Mr. Kelly, who had been for many, months Mr. Jacobs’ principal assistant, and into whose charge the latter gentleman left his business during his Northern visit. On Thursday morning few could have believed that one so full of life and health, so gay in spirits, would, on Friday night have been numbered with the dead. But so it is. In little more than twenty-four hours, the fabric which appeared so strong lies disorganized and corrupted. These are indeed fearful times, and well calculated to appal [sic.] the stoutest heart. Mr. Kelly was a generous, kind-hearted young man, and never appeared better pleased than when rendering some service of kindness to his friends. Peace to his manes.
1857-1859 Drew’s Building, Third Street, St. Paul, Minnesota.
1857 October 31. Falls Evening News. (Minneapolis, Minnesota.) October 31, 1857, Vol. 1, No. 26, P. 2.
Great Excitement At The New Photograph And Ambrotype Gallery!! Pictures for the Million! 50 taken in one day, and more waiting!
J. Hill & Co., successor to J. H. Kelley, invite the Public to examine their specimens of Photographs, colored and plain. Ambrotypes by an entire new process. Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes and Pictures on patent leather. Having a complete stock of cases, Frame, Lockets, &c., we are now prepared to put up pictures in every form—we also have on hand a few oil paintings for sale cheap.
N. B. Particular attention is invited to the clear and life-like expression of the eye, the rich and beautiful softness of tone, the rare and exquisite finish of both plate and picture, and especially to their permanency. We wish it distinctly understood that we use none but the very best materials. Those who have favored us with a call, have expressed the most perfect satisfaction, and that they are in point of delineation, boldness and unerring truthfulness, equalled by few. J. Hill & Co.
1858 March 13. Saint Paul Financial, Real Estate and Railroad Advertiser. (St. Paul, Minnesota.) March 13, 1858, P. 3.
New Photograph And Ambrotype Gallery. Hill, Kelly & Company, Having opened a suit of Rooms in Drew’s Building, on Third Street, (next door to Cathcart’s) are now ready to wait on all who may favor them with a call, and prepared to take all the different styles of pictures now in use, consisting of
Photographs, colored and plain, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes, and Pictures on Patent Leather—all of which are warranted. Perfect satisfaction will be given, or no charge.
A share of the public patronage is respectfully solicited. St. Paul, Jan. 25th, 1858.
1858 May 1. Saint Paul Weekly Minnesotian. (Saint Paul,Minnesota.) May 1, 1858, Vol. 7, No. 31, P. 3.
Persons having friends who are members of the Legislature can obtain pictures of them by calling at Hill, Kelley & Co.’s Ambrotype Saloon, Drew’s Building, Third Street.
1859 October 15. Saint Paul Weekly Minnesotian. (Saint Paul,Minnesota.) October 15, 1859, Vol. 9, No. 5, P. 1
The State Fair. Five Thousand People In Attendance. Minneapolis, Thursday Ec=vening, October 6th, 1859…
St. Paul exhibitors as follows…
Hill & Kelley—Case of ambrotypes and melainotypes…
Just thirteen in all! Yet I am glade to say that the St. Paul articles formed a main part of the Fair. The very first thing one sees on going into the main building, is a beautiful display of Photographs, &c. from the well-known St. Paul Artist, Whitney, and another equally fine case from Messrs. Hill & Kelly. A crowd was about these pictures all the time, and they certainly were altogether as fine a gallery of pictures as we ever saw in such a place. They both deserve premiums.
1841 178 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts.
1842 150 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts.
1841 July 27. Salem Gazette. (Salem, Massachusetts.) July 27, 1841, Vol. LV, No. 60, P. 3.
Miniature Portraits By Daguerreotype, Over J. S. Perkins & Co.’s, entrance 178 Essex Street. Messrs. Keene & Cannon respectfully invite the attention of the citizens of Salem and vicinity, to their new Daguerreotype Establishment. Having obtained all the improvements in the photographic process, and procured a Camera, manufactured expressly for themselves, directly from the studio of Professor Morse, of New York, they will guarantee Miniature Portraits, unsurpassed incorrectness and beauty by any like establishment in the Union. And no person will be permitted to take pictures from their room unless perfectly satisfactory.—Their pictures are entirely free from that unnatural and distorted appearance which is so often seen in productions of the kind; nor is the subject detained with long and tedious sittings, but in a few moments after entering the room, he may gaze on a facsimile of himself, of Nature’s own penciling, as perfect as when reflected on a mirror; and far surpassing in precision and minuteness of delineation, the pencil of the most accomplished artist.
In conclusion they would remark, that they esteem the good old proverb, “by their works shall ye know them,” and by it they are willing to be tried. Call at their room, and at Mr. Whipple’s Bookstore, and examine specimens.
Miniatures set in cases, from $4 to $5. Groups taken if required. Instructions $25. Apparatus and materials furnished to pupils of superior quality
Advertisement ran from July 27 to October 8, 1841.
1841 July 29. Salem Register. (Salem, Massachusetts.) July 29, 1841, Vol. XLI, No. 60, P. 3.
Miniature Portraits By Daguerreotype,Over J. S. Perkins & Co’s, entrance 178 Essex Street.Messrs. Keene & Cannon respectfully invite the attention of the citizens of Salem and vicinity, to their new Daguerreotype Establishment. Having obtained all the improvements in the photographic process, and procured a Camera, manufactured expressly for themselves, directly from the studio of Professor Morse, of New York, they will guarantee Miniature Portraits, unsurpassed incorrectness and beauty by any like establishment in the Union. And no person will be permitted to take pictures from their room unless perfectly satisfactory.—Their pictures are entirely free from that unnatural and distorted appearance which is so often seen in productions of the kind; nor is the subject detained with long and tedious sittings, but in a few moments after entering the room, he may gaze on a facsimile of himself, of Nature’s own penciling, as perfect as when reflected on a mirror; and far surpassing in precision and minuteness of delineation, the pencil of the most accomplished artist.
In conclusion they would remark, that they esteem the good old proverb, “by their works shall ye know them,” and by it they are willing to be tried. Call at their room, and at Mr. Whipple’s Bookstore, and examine specimens.
Miniatures set in cases, from $4 to $5. Groups taken if required. Instructions $25. Apparatus and materials furnished to pupils of superior quality
Advertisement ran from July 29 to October 7, 1841.
1841 July 30. Salem Gazette. (Salem, Massachusetts.) July 30, 1841, Vol. LV, No. 61, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Portraits. We invite the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Messrs. Keene & Cannon. We have seen several of the portraits taken by this process, and they have been the most spirited and striking likenesses imaginable.
1841 August 9. Salem Register. (Salem, Massachusetts.) August 9, 1841, Vol. XLI, No. 63, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. We would call the attention of or readers to the new Daguerreotype Establishment of Messrs. Keene & Cannon, in the chamber over the store of J. S. Perkins & Co., entrance No. 178 Essex street. Their apparatus, manufactured expressly for themselves, in complete, and embraces all the improvements in the photographic process, recently introduced into this country.—The miniatures executed by them are wonderfully perfect, and surpass in correctness and beauty any that we have ever seen; they as far exceed those that have ever before come under our notice, as an exquisitely finished steel engraving does one coarsely and clumsily executed on wood. Indeed, we can conceive of nothing which can be added to make these pictures more life-like, unless it be the colors and tints of nature itself. In this respect only, if at all, can a painted portrait be preferred. In all others, in accuracy and minuteness of delineation, in the striking correctness of the features, in the delicate alterternations of light and shade, the Daguerreotype Miniature is as much superior to a painting, as the veritable productions of Nature are to the pencillings of the most accomplished artist.—These superiorities, together with the ease with which the likenesses are taken, (requiring a sitting of only a minute or two) and the low price at which they can be obtained, must render them exceedingly popular. If any one thinks our assertions overwrought, let them call at the studio of Messrs Keene & Cannon, examine some of their specimens, and satisfy himself of the wonderful results of this process. A picture comprising more than one individual can be taken, if required, and this fact will afford families a good opportunity to obtain interesting collections.—Several very beautiful representations of children in groups have been executed by the gentlemen of whose artistical efforts we have been speaking.
What new wonders may be in store for us from further improvements, we know not. Daguerre, the originator of the process, is constantly making important improvements, and the able Paris correspondent of the National Intelligencer writes that he has nearly perfected his invaluable discovery, in obtaining instantaneous impressions by means of electricity. A slight haze, however, is left on the impression, which he wishes to correct before he exhibits the results of his new process. Daguerre’s friends boast that he has now rendered it easy to copy the largest assembly of persons, with their momentary countenances and most animated gestures!
1841 August 24.. Salem Gazette. (Salem, Massachusetts.) August 24, 1841, Vol. LV, No. 63, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Portraits. The operations of Messrs. Keene & Cannon, in taking portraits by the Daguerreotype process, are very successful. Many of the specimens which we have seen have the effect of the most spirited crayon drawings, combined with an accuracy of delineation which the human hand can rarely equal. The time occupied in taking a portrait, is but a few seconds, so that it can be taken by the busiest person, without inconvenience.
1841 September 20. Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association.
Exhibited daguerreotypes at the third exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Fair. No award was given.
1841 October 7. Salem Register. (Salem, Massachusetts.) October 7, 1841, Vol. XLI, No. 80, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Miniatures, By M. Cannon, Over J. S. Perkins & Co.’s, entrance 178 Essex Street.
Miniatures taken in any weather, fair or foul, from 9 o’clock A. M. till three P. M. Instruction given on reasonable terms, and Apparatus and Materials of superior quality furnished and warranted good.
Miniatures from three to five dollars, including a good morocco case, or they will be et in Lockets or Breast Pins.
Groups taken if desired.
Those who have been waiting on Keene & Cannon, for Miniatures, will call on the subscriber, who is authorized to settle all the affairs of the firm. Marsena Cannon
Advertisement ran from October 7 to October 25, 1841.
1841 October 12. Salem Gazette. (Salem, Massachusetts.) October 12, 1841, Vol. LV, No. 82, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. We feel justified in commending to the notice of our readers the specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures upon the table of Mr. Cannon, at his room in Essex Place. Mr. C. has spared no pains in perfecting his knowledge of the art, and the pictures he produces show how admirably he has succeded. They are the best we have seen. A perfect likeness is produced by this process. Mr. C. will give you a complete fac similie of yourself,—whether you are handsome or otherwise,—and all in the short space of forty-five seconds, at most, and at a trifling cost. Those who imagine themselves sufficiently comely to make a good picture,—and there are very few who do not,—cannot do better than to give Mr. Cannon a call. His advertisement will be found in another column.
1841 October 12. Salem Gazette. (Salem, Massachusetts.) October 12, 1841, Vol. LV, No. 82, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures, By M. Cannon, Over J. S. Perkins & Co.’s, entrance 178 Essex Street.
Miniatures taken in any weather, fair or foul, from 9 o’clock A. M. till three P. M. Instruction given on reasonable terms, and Apparatus and Materials of superior quality furnished and warranted good.
Miniatures from three to five dollars, including a good morocco case, or they will be et in Lockets or Breast Pins.
Groups taken if desired. Those who have been waiting on Keene & Cannon, for Miniatures, will call on the subscriber, who is authorized to settle all the affairs of the firm. Marsena Cannon.
Advertisement ran from October 12 to October 26, 1841.
1842 June 2. Salem Register. (Salem, Massachusetts.) June 2, 1842, Vol. XLII, No. 44, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures, No. 150 Essex street, Manning’s Building. Mr. Keene respectfully invite the ladies and Gentlemen of Salem and vicinity, to call at his Rooms and examine specimens of Photographic Miniatures, recently produced by him, which are quite as distinct and bold as the strongest engraving or painting, and in delicacy of tint and minuteness and perfection of delineation far surpass the production of the most able artist. You who are desirous of possessing a fac-simile of yourselves, without misrepresentation or flattery, just drop in, and in a few minutes you can behold “the very image of you,” a thing penciled by nature’s own hand.
Miniatures taken every day, clear or cloudy, from 8 A. M. tp 5 P. M.
From $3 to $5 will secure a beautiful miniature, set in a handsome Morocco case.
Instruction and apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.
Advertisement ran from June 2 to July 25, 1842.
1843 April 17. Salem Register. (Salem, Massachusetts.) April 17, 1843, Vol. XLIII, No. 31, P. 3.
Mr. Keene has taken rooms in the Franklin Building, 118 Essex st, where he will give instruction in Penmanship, Book-keeping, Surveying, Navigation, Stenography, and Arithmetic.
Also Landscape and Card Drawing.
Ladies and Gentlemen of this city are particularly solicited to call and examine specimens of pupils in writing and drawing; the result of 12 lessons only, under his pupilage.
Rooms open day and evening. Ladies taught in select classes. Pupils received from the age of 10 to 60.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 