On January 29, 2018 I started sharing my research of new names and new information about early photographers here. April 2, 2023 marks the second complete alphabetical review. While I am continuing this research there are also several projects that I want to devote more time to. The blog with be taking a break and resume in the fall.
All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers
Mr. Wright
1857 Rooms opposite the Store of Barker, Parrish & Co., Aberdeen, Mississippi.
Mr. Wright was recorded I one advertisement that was recorded from June 14 to July 23, 1857 in the Sunny South (Aberdeen, Mississippi). Something New! Sky-Light Ambrotypes! Wright’s Picture Gallery Is at last complete, and vies with any place of the kind in the Southern country. The subscriber is now prepared to take Ambrotypes by the late London Process. By this process, it will be seen that pictures process a strength not inferior to the most celebrated Oil Paintings, yet preserving all the beauty of light and shade which can be found in the finest Mezzzolent Engravings. By a new chemical preparation, the likeness is so protected as to remain unchanged by atmospheric influence, and cannot be tarnished or injured by washing or rubbing.—There is a degree of perfection about these pictures that render them a great more valuable than the ordinary Ambrotype; the likeness is brought out in more full, round, and life-like appearance than by the old process. Eight years constant practice, in the Photographic Art, enables Mr. Wright to state, with confidence, that his pictures cannot be surpassed in any part of the world. The most artistic skill exercised as to position; also, in equalizing the light and shade on the face, so as to give every life-like expression, and entirely obviate that flat, cadaverous expression, so common to Daguerreotypes.
Lovers of nature and of Natures art, and the public generally, are invited to call and examine specimens.
Gallery, opposite the Store of Barker, Parrish & Co.
Al work warranted. May 14, 1857.
Mr. Wright is not recorded in other photographic directories.
Gilbert Wood
C. 1848-1850 Address Unknown, Alstead, New Hampshire.
Gilbert Wood appeared in the same announcement in two different newspapers. The first appeared on November 21. 1850 in the Congregational Journal (Concord, New Hampshire). At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.
For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him. He had been a professor of religion fifteen years. His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation. His trust was in God, and his end was peace. One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.
Gentle thy passing spirit fled,
Sustained by grace divine,
Oh may such grace on us be shed,
And make our end like thine.
The second appeared on November 22, 1850 in the New Hampshire Statesman (Concord, New Hampshire). At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.
For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him. He had been a professor of religion fifteen years. His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation. His trust was in God, and his end was peace. One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.
Gentle thy passing spirit fled,
Sustained by grace divine,
Oh may such grace on us be shed,
And make our end like thine.
Gilbert Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories.
William A. Wisong
1841-1859 2 North Liberty Street, Baltimore, Maryland.
William A. Wisong was recorded in six advertisements. The first advertisement was recorded on November 20, 1841 in the Edenton Sentinel and Albemarle Intelligencer (Edenton, North Carolina). Artists, Painters, And Daguerreotypist’s Depot. William A. Wisong, No. 2 N. Liberty st. Baltimore. Wholesale & Retail Dealers in Window Glass, Paints, Oil, Varnishes, [ ? ], Turpentine, Brushes, & c. Artist Materials, and a full and complete assortment of Daguerreotype Stock, of Cases, Plates, Chemicals, &c., &c. at the very lowest price.
The second advertisement ran from November 25 to December 3, 1849 in the New York Herald (New York, New York). Fine Arts.—To All Professional Daguerreotypers and Amateurs of the Photographic Art throughout the United States.—The subscribers, owners of Talbot’s United States Patent for taking pictures on paper, by aide of the Camera Obscura, considering that it is more consonant with the spirit of the age and the free institutions of this country, to give access to a valuable invention to every one who desires it, have concluded to dispose of this Patent Right, together with their valuable improvements, in individual licenses, at the trifling sum of thirty dollars for each of the first two hundred licenses, and fifty dollars for each subsequent one. For this sum every purchaser receives license to exercise the art throughout the United States, with the exception of the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Texas, for which States the exclusive right has been sold previous to this arrangement; a copy of the original patent and a printed pamphlet containing a full, clear, and minute description of the process, as improved by the scribers. For further particulars, apply to the subscribers or their agents, post paid, who will send by return of mail a full prospectus of all the conditions. W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia. Agent—E. White, 24 Broadway[1], New York City.
A. Q. Browns, 228 Washington Street, Boston.
Hale & Co., Boston.
Eastern Patent Agency, Boston.
W. A. Wisong, Baltimore
W. A. Pratt, Richmond, Va.
John C. Simons, King st., Charleston, S. C.
Peter Smith, Cincinnati, O.
Messrs. Long, St. Louis, Mo.
D. McDonnell, Buffalo, N. Y.
The third advertisement was recorded on May 1, 1850 in the Albemarle Bulletin (Edenton, North Carolina). Artists, Painters, And Daguerreotypist’s Depot. William A. Wisong, No. 2 N. Liberty st. Baltimore. Wholesale & Retail Dealers in Window Glass, Paints, Oil, Varnishes, [ ? ], Turpentine, Brushes, & c. Artist Materials, and a full and complete assortment of Daguerreotype Stock, of Cases, Plates, Chemicals, &c., &c. at the very lowest price.
The fourth advertisement was recorded on June 1,1852 in the Baltimore Pathfinder, Traveler’s Guide, and Business Register (Baltimore, Maryland). Artists, Painters And Daguerreotypists’ Depot. —0—Wm. A. Wisong, No. 2 N. Liberty st., Baltimore, Wholesale And Retail Dealers In Window Glass, Paints, Oil, &c., &c., Artists’ Materials, Daguerreotype Stock.
The fifth advertisement was recorded on June 1, 1852 in the Baltimore Pathfinder, Traveler’s Guide, and Business Register (Baltimore, Maryland).
Daguerrean Galleries.
Marks, R. H. 159 Baltimore.
Marsters, J. D. 147 Lexington st.
Perkins & Bro., 211 Baltimore st.
Perkins’s Rooms, Franklin Hall Building, 1 North street.
Pollock, 155 Baltimore
Whitehurst, J. H. 297 Baltimore.
Daguerrean Stock.
King, F. W. & R. 33 South.
Wisong, Wm. A. 2 N. Liberty.
The sixth advertisement ran from June 30 to December 29, 1859 in the Civilian & Telegraph (Cumberland, Maryland). Artists’, Painters’, and Photographers’ Depot. The subscriber has constantly on hand a full assortment of materials for the use of Artist, Painters, & Photographers. Also on hand a large beautiful assortment of Stereoscopic Instruments and Views Embracing every variety of Foreign and American Landscapes, Statuary, Parlor and Rural Groups, & c. The beauty and interest of the Stereoscopic Views upon the parlor table furnish a never ending source of entertainment both to visitors and the home circle.
Country Merchants supplied on the most reasonable terms. W. A. Wisong, No 2 N. Liberty St., Baltimore, Md.
William A. Wisong is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Baltimore from 1847-1859. A quick note I have not researched the Maryland Newspapers in any comprehensive way, yet. Maryland is rich in photographic history, and is on my to do list.
[1] Possibly a typo for 247 Broadway
G. Wilson
1842 Three doors north of the Cheshire House, Keene, New Hampshire.
1845 3 Lamson’s Building, Keene, New Hampshire.
G. Wilson was recorded in two advertisements. The first appeared on September 14, 1842 in the Cheshire Republican and Farmer’s Museum (Keene, New Hampshire). Photographic Miniatures. Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully informed that rooms are again open, three doors north of the Cheshire House, for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures.
G. Wilson having returned from Boston, and vicinity, where he has devoted his attention to the acquisition of the recent improvements in the above art, flatters himself that he can produce Miniatures that will not fail to please.
N. Wilson, grateful for past favors, would inform the public that the Watch and Jewelry business is carried on in connection with the above business. Also, that the Finest as well as common Watches will be cleaned and repaired in superior style, as usual.
Miniatures taken from Portraits with perfect fidelity.
The second advertisement appeared in October 23, 1845 in the Cheshire Republican and Farmer (Keene, New Hampshire). Cheshire Photographic Institute, G. Wilson, Having returned from Boston, where he has availed himself of the latest improvements, will take Superior Pictures at reduced prices. His long experience he trusts, will secure him public confidence.
Rooms, No. 3, Lamson’s Building.
G. Wilson is not recorded in other photographic directories. There were only three newspapers available between 1842-1845 (he was not listed in the May 8, 1845 issue), and only one issue on July 16, 1856 which he was not recorded in. According to the first advertisement it appears that he was active in Keene before September 14, 1842.
Charles Wilson
1856 Rooms over Mr. McCarty’s Store, Shreveport, Louisiana.
1856 Address Unknown, Little Rock, Arkansas.
1857 Rooms at Hebert’s Hall, Plaquemine, Louisiana.
1857 Address Unknown, Grosse Tete, Louisiana.
1858 Address Unknown, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Charles Wilson was recorded in fourteen announcements and five advertisements in three different newspapers. The first announcement appeared on March 26, 1856 in The South-Western (Shreveport, Louisiana). We take pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to Mr. Wilson’s advertisement, in another column. His pictures are among the finest we have ever seen, and we would advise all who wish to obtain a superior likeness to call on this able artist ere his departure.
The first advertisement ran from March 26 to April 9, 1856 in The South-Western. Ambrotypes. The undersigned begs leave to inform the public that he has rooms over Mr. McCarty’s store, where he is ready at all times to take his beautiful and unparalleled new style of pictures. For brilliancy and fineness they surpass Daguerreotypes, and unlike them, they are not reversed. They can also be produced instantaneously, which is a great advantage in taking children and persons who cannot bear strong light. They can never fade nor change as they are hermetically sealed and rendered impervious to air or dampness. Chas. Wilson. Shreveport, March 26, 1856.
The second announcement appeared on July 22, 1856 in The True Democrat (Little Rock, Arkansas.) Ambrotype Pictures.—Prof. Wilson arrived here a few days since, and is prepared to execute pictures by this new and beautiful process which will combine that relief, distinction and life-like appearance that is truly wonderful.—His advertisement will be found in another column.
The second advertisement ran from July 22 to August 12, 1856 in The True Democrat. Ambrotype Pictures. The undersigned begs leave to inform the public that he has secured a gallery, in Little Rock, for a short time only, for the purpose of introducing Ambrotype Likenesses.
These likenesses have many advantages over the daguerreotype, among which are the following: they are more beautiful—they are more finely delineated—the faces have a softer tone, having greater relief and Can Never Fade! They can be seen in any light, as they have none of the glare of the daguerreotype. Their superiority above the latter is beyond all comparison, so much so that daguerreotypes are entirely abandoned wherever the ambrotype has been introduced. Ladies and gentleman are respectfully invited to call and judge for themselves.
Persons residing in the country would do well to spend a day in Little Rock for the purpose of securing one of these never fading impressions.
Young men of enterprise should embrace this opportunity for learning the art—amount of capital required for a fair start, only $250, which with good management will be replaced in 15 or 20 days. Chas. Wilson.
The third announcement appeared on January 10, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel (Plaquemine, Louisiana).
Ambrotyping. See the card of Messrs. Wilson & Steele, who have just arrived amongst us with a large and complete stock of materials, for practicing their art to the fullest extent. Their pictures speak for themselves, making any remarks from us almost superfluous. Our citizens would be well pleased by visiting their rooms at Hebert’s Hall.
The third advertisement ran from January 10 to 24, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. A Card. The undersigned respectfully informs the citizens of Bayou Plaquemine and vicinity that they have taken rooms at Hebert’s Hall, for the purpose of taking Ambrotype pictures. They respectfully invite ladies and gentlemen to call and examine their specimens. To those wishing pictures, they would say that they need not fear getting any inferior pictures palmed off on them, (a too common practice by men calling themselves artists, who, in reality, neither know or care anything about the art or its progress, further than to suit their own selfish purposes.) Persons having pictures taken in the Eastern States or Europe are respectfully requested to produce them in our rooms for comparison. We are prepared to challenge (superior pictures,) competition with any artist on either continent, as one of the party has experimented in the art from its earliest infancy, having operated with great success in the principal cities in Europe and America. The patronage of those wishing Superior pictures is most respectfully solicited. Call without delay as our stay is limited. Wilson & Steele
The fourth announcement appeared on January 17, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. Ambrotypes. Our readers are referred to the Card of Prof. Wilson, in our advertising columns.
It will be seen that he promises a great deal, but we are prepared to endorse it all, and will guarantee perfect satisfaction to the most fastidious.
We have examined his specimens, and can truly say that we have never yet seen any thing to equal, much less excel them. They are beyond description, and must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Prof. Wilson is justly celebrated in his Art—has given universal satisfaction wherever he has been—and, as he will remain here but a few weeks, we bespeak for him the liberal patronage of our citizens, so eminently due to his merits.
Those who have old Daguerreotype pictures, had better destroy them at once, and get Ambrotypes, if they wish to “preserve the shadow ere the substance fade.” Go and examine for yourselves.—Little Rock Gazette and Democrat.
We heartily endorse the above. The Ambrotypes of Messrs. Wilson & Steele are unsurpassed in point of beauty and correctness of delineation. Our citizens could not fail to spend a half hour delightfully at their rooms at Hebert’s Hall, admiring their numerous specimens; and once witnessing the faithful resemblance impressed upon the glass, we feel quite sure they would also feel inclined, as did their acquaintance, to transmit their features to posterity, for the benefit of the loved ones left behind, when the substance has faded away. The above gentlemen will remain here but a short time, and the present opportunity should not be neglected.
The fifth announcement appeared on January 24, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. The Ambrotype Art. A writer in the Journal of Commerce gives some interesting facts concerning the art of photography, from which it appears that but a short time ago there were one hundred and fifty daguerreotype rooms in New York city, employing on an average five persons; but now, by the introduction of new processes not easily attainable, many of the old operators are irretrievable ruined. The finer texture and subdued coloring of the plate-glass ambrotype led to the relinquishment of the metallic plate, so that the unnatural glare of the latter was avoided, the effect produced being more like that of a fine engraving; nor is the image reversed, as in the daguerreotype. Another advantage is that the impression is taken instantaneously, so that the features are not disturbed by fatigue or impatience. The photograph is another process much in use, which approaches more to the old style of miniature painting, the pencil being employed to a considerable extent, though the lineament and general expression an conveyed by optical apparatus, as in the ambrotype, except that paper is substituted for plate glass.
The above beautiful art of Ambrotyping is now being practiced in our town, in the highest grade of its perfection, by Messrs. Wilson & Steele. Their stay among us cannot be of much longer duration, we learn, and those who have not yet caused their features to be made imperishable, by sitting a few seconds before the camera of these gentlemen, should not lose the opportunity; for it may be years before another chance like this occurs for procuring portraits of such faithfulness and durability, and finished with such skill and beauty by the artist’s brush.
The sixth announcement appeared on January 31, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. Read the card of Wilson & Steel, Ambrotypists; their stay in Plaquemine is limited to but a few days longer. Lose not this, probably, the last opportunity that will occur for a long time.
The fourth advertisement ran from January 31 to February 14 in the Southern Sentinel. A Card. For the liberal patronage extended to us—by the flattering manner in which our Pictures have been received in Plaquemine—we return our sincere acknowledgments, and would say, that whatever good reputation we may have had, has been the result of a constant endeavor to please our patrons, and the persevering study of our art for years. With our extensive facilities and long experience in the business, we are prepared to warrant satisfaction.
Our stay will be limited to a few days longer, during which time we invite all who have not had Portraits taken by our never-fading Ambrotypic process, to call and procure at once so valuable a memento, upon which time can effect no change; and which, for beauty, correctness of delineation, and perfectibility in coloring, we challenge the world to produce superior pictures! Wilson & Steel.
The seventh announcement appeared on February 7, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. The Ambrotype Room of Messrs. Wilson & Steel seems to have been the most popular and fashionable resort for the past week, and to all appearances, likely to continue so for some time. Their portraits appear to give universal satisfaction. The gentlemen artists are very courteous and accommodating, and allow none to leave who extend their patronage without being wholly and entirely satisfied with their work. Their stay here cannot extend to but a few days more, from what we understand, and we again advise procrastinators to hold back no longer.
The eighth announcement appeared on February 14, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. “What would I give to have her Portrait now!”—How many have made this exclamation! —made it, when unexpected Death has stepped in to deprive him or her who was the light of his life. The expression is equally applicable to the female as to the male sex.—This reflection was brought to our mind while on a visit a day or two since to the Ambrotype Room of Prof. Wilson, who was engaged at the time in taking copies of Daguerreotypes of a young couple, by a sudden terrible disaster, had passed from earth to eternity. As the Professor was showing the life-like copy to his visitors, we heard on exclaim, as a reply to a remark of a friend, “Alas! It is too late now—it is too late now!” meaning, no doubt, some dear one who had left this earth without leaving a resemblance of her features behind. Lose not the present opportunity, then, Prof. Wilson will probably leave after he has got through with his present engagements.
The ninth announcement appeared on February 21,1857 in the Southern Sentinel. The Last Week. It will be seen by advertisement of Prof. Wilson that in one more week his stay here will end, and those who have procrastinated thus far had better take advantage of the few days remaining, if they would secure a portrait of such perfectness and beauty as they will not have an opportunity to do, probably, for a long length of time. Prof. Wilson has taken several hundred portraits of all sizes since he has been here, and has given universal satisfaction.
The fifth advertisement ran from February 21 to 28, 1847 in the Southern Sentinel. A Card.—The undersigned, grateful for, and flattered by, the patronage which has been extended him as an Ambrotypist by the citizens of Plaquemine and vicinity, respectfully informs the public that his stay here will not exceed seven or eight days longer, and those who desire portraits, but have been holding back, had better pay him an early visit, so he would have time to take an excellent portrait and finish it properly with the brush. Chas. Wilson.
The tenth announcement appeared on February 28, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. Prof. Chas. Wilson. It is seldom that our country towns are visited by any but mountebanks in the various sciences they pretend to practice, or in the exhibitions they pretend to exhibit. It is, then, as much our duty as our pleasure to record the fact, when a deserving person visits our town and fully performs all that he professes, whether in art, science or amusement. That Prof. Wilson has done this, in the practice of his beautiful art, hundreds of delighted patrons in this town and vicinity will testify. He came here unheralded and unknown, but a few days only elapsed before his great skill as an Ambrotypist was fully understood and appreciated. There is no doubt that his portraits are of the very first class, as to faithfulness, beauty, and life-like appearance—in position, shade, coloring, &c. &c. In fact, the art of coloring (or indeed painting) in connection with his Ambrotyping, is a separate art of itself, which he acquired after studying it in Paris and other cities in Europe, and in examining and studying good paintings in the many galleries of the fine arts to be seen in that country.
We have heard competent judges pronounce Prof. Wilson’s Ambrotypes to be the best they had ever seen—indeed, equal to photographs. To prove this assertion, we refer to one particular portrait among many others of his work, to be seen in his gallery: it is that of a little daughter of a respected clergyman of this town. She is taken full length—her apron hoisted up with one hand, and roses falling out of it on the ground—a beautiful idea—the impression conveyed that she has just returned from the garden, where she had been gathering flowers. We are sure that this beautiful picture cannot be excelled by a photograph, and it is alone sufficient in itself to establish his reputation.
Prof. Wilson is now about to leave us, and we commend him to the good graces of our cotemporaries every where. In his contemplated return to Europe and visit to the Holly Land, in the enthusiastic pursuit of his profession—to take views of celebrated localities, for the purpose of embellishing a work he has in preparation—we wish him continued health and uninterrupted success in the accomplishment of his praiseworthy undertaking.
Since the above was in type we understand that Prof. Wilson will not be enabled to leave here the ensuing week, so much has his business increased.
The eleventh announcement appeared on March 7, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. This gentleman, although he fully expected to have left us a week since, is still here, and as busily engaged in practicing his beautiful art, as he was the first or second week of his visit. Of course he cannot leave while such a flood of patrons flock in upon him as has been characteristic of the past week—yet, as the time is approaching, as we understand, when he has definitely fixed upon for his departure for Europe, he cannot, under any circumstance, considering his pre-engagements, allow himself to be detained here or anywhere else but a very short time longer; it would therefore be well, if there are any yet in this vicinity who have determined upon taking advantage of his present visit (and without doubt his last) to have their features portrayed upon the faithful and fadeless glass, they should not procrastinate a day longer, for he may leave before our paper again goes to press.
The twelfth announcement appeared on March 14, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. Prof. Wilson.—We understand that our friend Prof. Wilson (who, per force, is here still, and whose success here as an Ambrotypist is unprecedented), anticipates visiting the beautiful region of Grosse Tete, where, we are sure, his talents will be equally as well appreciated as they have been here. Our friends up there will no doubt be happy to see him and his cameras in that vicinity.
The thirteenth announcement appeared on May 9, 1857 in the Southern Sentinel. Ambrotypes. If it is not already publicly known, it will be in a few days, that Capt. Verbois, having made himself thoroughly acquainted with the art of Ambrotyping, under the tuition of that celebrated artist, Mr. Chas. Wilson, will commence the practice of his art forthwith on the opposite side of the river. His specimens that we have seen are in no way inferior to those of his tutor, and we feel sure that he can give the highest satisfaction. The Thibodaux Minerva thus speaks of the captain:
The fourteenth announcement appeared on January 27, 1858 in the Southern Sentinel. Mons. Adriene, who was so popular here, is performing in New Orleans, and Wilson, the Ambrotypist, is performing in Shreveport, both seemingly dealing in magic, in their separate arts.
Charles Wilson is recorded in Pioneer Photographers from the Mississippi to the Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary 1839-1865 as being active in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1856. It is unknown if he is the same person recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1860.
Simeon Williams
1848 Clinton House, Clinton, Massachusetts.
1849 82 Main Street, Waits Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]
1851 Address Unknown, Claremont, New Hampshire
Simeon Williams was recorded in two books, two advertisements and one announcement. The first book he was mentioned in was the History of the Origin of the Town of Clinton, Massachusetts 1653-1865 by Andrew E. Ford, 1896. Daguerrean Artists. P. 397…S. Williams, who had a saloon near the Clinton House [Clinton, Massachusetts].
The second book he was mentioned in wasThe Worcester Historical Society Publications (Worcester, Massachusetts.) New Series Vol. I, No. 8, April 1935, p. 438…During the year 1846 we find the firm of White and Andrews located in the Central Exchange. They appear to have remained in business only for a brief period. Other men in the field before 1850 were Lewis Babbitt, Simeon Williams and M. S. Chapin.
The first advertisement ran from January 8 to April 18, 1849 in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts). Daguerreotypes for 75 Cents, S. Williams, the proprietor of the City Daguerreotype Gallery, having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by A. Morse, in Wait’s Block, No. 82 Main Street, nearly opposite the Eagle Hotel, and fitted them up with new and Enlarged Lights, arranged and perfectly adapted to the business, is prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses superior to those taken or exhibited at any other establishment in Worcester. This is the only place in this City where a first rate Daguerreotype can be obtained for Seventy-five Cents—notwithstanding the advertisements to the contrary by Boys who are employed to clean plates at a certain other establishment, the proprietor of which has, for the past seven or eight months, been floating upon the reputation of another Artist.
The object of this advertisement is to inform the public where they can procure a Daguerreotype for the above price, executed by a skillful Artist; instead of being made subjects for the practice of inexperienced Youths.
The announcement appeared on October 23, 1851 in the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire). Daguerreotypes. In another part of this paper may be found the advertisement of Messrs. Bundy & Williams, Daguerreotypists. We have seen some specimens of their work, and they are certainly very fine. We know not that we ever saw Daguerreotype pictures so clear and life-like, as may be found among their specimens. Call and see them.
The second advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1851 in the National Eagle.
Daguerreotypes. The citizens of this village and vicinity are respectfully solicited to visit the Daguerrian Gallery of Messrs. J. K. Bundy and S. Williams, now stopping in this place, where may be found a better assortment of Specimens of the Daguerrian Art than has ever been exhibited here before. The artists guarantee that every judge of Pictures that will call shall feel satisfied that this is the fact, and they shall be shown pictures of some of the most distinguished men of the age, and also some of the most beautiful ladies in New England.
The subscribers are prepared to take and pit up pictures in every variety of style, from the miniature for a finger ring up to as large a size as desired, and at such a reasonable rate that all shall be satisfied. For clearness of tone and strength of likeness, no picture taken in the country have ever surpassed them. A dull, smokey, greasy looking Daguerreotype is worse than nothing, and we wish our pictures compared with those formerly taken in this place.—Will Ladies and Gentlemen give us an early call, as our stay must be very short.
Testimonials of the most flattering character will be shown if desired.
Copying of every description done to order.
Ladies and Gentlemen, will be better satisfied with Pictures in dark drapery.
Children should sit in mid-day in fair weather—all others in any weather and at all hours.
We are also acting agents for the sale of Smith & Green’s Seraphines and Melodeons, a beautiful instrument, manufactured with Carkart’s Improvement, and we are authorized to sell them at a more reasonable rate than they can be purchased at any other place. We have one specimen at our carriage. Also for sale, Sheet Music. J. K. Bundy, S. Williams.
Simeon Williams is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1849.
[1] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
Seth N. Williams
1852-1854 Granite Hall Building, Water Street, Augusta, Maine.
1855 Address Unknown, Rockland, Maine.
Seth N. Williams was recorded in four advertisements, one of which he was mentioned in, in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine). The first advertisement ran from October 21, 1852 to January 13, 1853. S. N. Williams, (Successor to A. J. Pierce,) Daguerreotype Gallery, Granite Hall Building, Water Street, Augusta, Me. Likenesses taken in Clear or Cloudy Weather—Hours for Children from 10 A. M. to 2 P. M. Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied. Mr. Pierce will remain a few weeks at the Room.
Stock and Apparatus for sale at Boston prices.
The second advertisement ran from October 13, 1853 to February 9, 1854. S. N. Williams, (Successor to A. J. Pierce,) Daguerrean Gallery, Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Me. Stock & Apparatus at Boston Prices.
He was mentioned in the third advertisement that that first appeared on June 22, 1854.
Photographs, Stereoscopic Crayon, Crystalotypes, and other Styles of Pictures, May be found at Isaac H. Dupee’s Rooms, Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Me. I. H. Dupee respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that he has taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Pierce & Williams, for the purpose of Daguerreotyping. Having one of the largest Cameras in the city, he is prepared to take large pictures, and especially groups, (no matter how many,) arranged in the most appropriate style. Having paid particular attention to taking Children, and being provided with a quick working Camera, he can take small children in one quarter of the usual time. Hours for Children from 9 A. M. till 2 P. M. Likenesses taken in clear or cloudy weather, and warranted perfect, for the low price of $1 and upwards, including case. Also inserted in Rings, Pins, Lockets, Seals, &c., a large assortment of which he has on hand at all times. H having had long experience in this business, solocots a share of your patronage. All work entrusted to his care will be promptly attended to and warranted as good as the best.
A large assortment of Daguerreotype Materials for sale to the trade at Boston prices. Operators furnished with every thing necessary to carry on business with. Perfect satisfaction given in all cases.
Sick and deceased persons taken at their houses, if wished, as well as at his rooms.
Portraits, Daguerreotypes and Engravings, copied accurately and put in cases or frames. The public are invited to call and judge for themselves. Mr. Dupee, by attention to business, and keeping his rooms open at all hours, hopes to secure Miniatures of all who call and are in want.
I take this opportunity to return my thanks to my friends and patrons for their liberal patronage. I have sold my Rooms to Isaac H. Dupee, formerly of Bath. I can recommend him to all who may wish for a good Daguerreotype of themselves or friends. Mr. D. has had long experience in the Daguerreotype business; he comes well recommended as an artist and a gentleman. S. N. W.
The fourth advertisement ran from July 12 to August 2, 1855. Ambrotypes. Pictures Taken On Glass! These new Pictures differ essentially from the Daguerreotype, as they can be seen at any angle, are not reversed, will not corrode , or change by time, are as permanent as the glass on which they are made, and will retain their brilliancy for ages.
Letters Patent have been obtained for the United States, Great Britain, and France, by J. A. Cutting, the inventor.
The following counties for sale:—Kennebec, Franklin, Piscataquis, Somerset, Lincoln, Waldo, and Aroostook. For particulars apply to S. N. Williams, Agent, Rockland, Me. June 27, 1855.
Seth N. Williams is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Rockland, Maine as a daguerreian in 1855.
S. H. Williams & Co.
1848 Address Unknown, Honolulu, Hawaii.
S. H. Williams & Co. were recorded in two advertisements in the Polynesian (Honolulu, Hawaii). The first appeared on March 18, 1848. Flour, Hides, &c. For Sale by S. H. Williams & Co. 300 barrels superior Columbia River Flour; 2000 Sandwich Island hides; 25 superior Sea Otter Skins; 67 Rolls 40 yards each 4×4 China Matting.
The second appeared on July 1, 1848. For Sale A Daguerreotype apparatus, with chemicals complete. Apply to S. H. Williams & Co.
S. H. Williams & Co. is not recorded in other photographic directories. It appears from the first advertisement the Williams was a purveyor ad not a daguerreotypist.
William Willard
Ca. 1855 Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts
1855 Pennsylvania Avenue, between 4½ and 6th Streets, Washington, D. C.
1856 5½ Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.
William Willard was recorded in two announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C. and one entry from The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artist In America 1564-1860. The first announcement appeared on December 18, 1855. Henry Willard, a Boston artist of great merit, has taken a studio in the same building with Whitehurst’s Daguerreotype establishment, where he is painting the portraits of several of our distinguished men.
The second announcement appeared on December 22. Fine Arts.—Visiting several studios this morning, we found the artists busy at their easels, apparently well content with the patronage they are receiving from an appreciating public… Henry Willard, in the building with Vannerson, was at work on a portrait, in oils, of the Hon. Mr. De Witt, of Mass….
The entry appeared in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artist In America 1564-1860. Willard, William (1819-1904) Portrait painter; born March 24, 1819 at Sturbridge (Mass.) died there November 1, 1904. He was active in Boston during the 1850’s and exhibited at the Athenaeum Gallery. The American Antiquarian Society owns his self-portrait and his portraits of Charles Sumner, Daniel Webster, and George Frisbie Hoar. He also painted a panorama of Boston from Bunker Hill. Weis Checklist of Portraits; Boston CD 1851-60; Swan, BA; Boston Evening Transcript, May 2, 1849 (courtesy of J. Earl Arrington).
William Willard is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry. It is unknown if He was Associated with Southworth and Hawes or if he had a artist studio in the same building.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 