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James F. Chalmers

Ambrotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , , , , , , , ,

1856-1857       145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

James F. Chalmers worked for William A. Pratt and was in partnership of Sanxay (Richard S.) & Chalmers was recorded in twelve advertisements and two announcements in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from May 17 to June17, 1856.  A Card.—For the last ten years I have received a large and increasing patronage from the citizens of Virginia, which I have endeavored to merit by introducing every improvement into my business, in which I have been greatly aided, for some years, by the valuable assistance (more particularly in Ambrotyping) of Mr. R. S. Sanxay and in addition, I shall hereafter have the services of Mr. James F. Chalmers—which, together with my own general superintendence, will enable me to accomplish, I flatter myself, superior work to any I have previously turned out.  I respectfully request the public to call and examine my specimens at Pratt’s Gallery, No. 145 Main st., Richmond, Va.

The second advertisement ran from September 25 to October 9, 1856.  Something New!—An Improvement on Ambrotypes, by which process the picture is made to stand out like the stereoscope, without the use of the lens.

This is an entirely new invention, and is infinitely superior in every respect to the Balsom Pictures, being much more durable and not at all liable to spot, (the great objection to the Balsom Picture.)

This style of Picture is taken at Pratt’s Virginia Gallery, 145 Main street.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.  All pictures warranted to please. R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.                                                             

The third advertisement ran from October 10 to 25, 1856.  Returned from Europe.—We beg leave to inform the public thatour Mr. Pratt has returned from England and France, bringing with him all the late improvements in our beautiful art. 

The Ambrotype finished in oil, in the style of the old masters, far exceeds in perfection any thing ever before attempted, and throws the Balsom pictures completely into the shade.

Mr. Pratt will again render us the assistance of his valuable services.  All pictures warranted to please.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.      

p. s.  The Altoscopic Ambrotype may also be had at Pratt’s Gallery.                       

The fourth advertisement ran from October 28 to November 3, 1856.  Pratt’s Virginia Daguerrian Gallery, No. 145 Main street, sign of the Gothic Window, where in the last 12 years, upwards of 30,000 portraits have been taken in all the varied styles of Ambrotype and Daguerreotypes.

The latest improvements have been obtained by Mr. Pratt in his late trip to Europe, and are now successfully practiced in this establishment, where we guarantee finer pictures than have been turned out in Richmond.

R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers, Operators.  Former pupils of the University, visiting Richmond will please call on Mr. Pratt, as above, and obtain their free tickets.                                                  

The fifth advertisement ran from November 10 to December 3, 1856.  Something New and Beautiful.—Acknowledged by all to be superior to anything yet discovered in the Photographic art as a proof of which all of the most celebrated artists north are taking Ambrotypes by no other process.  These pictures are to be had at Pratt’s Gallery, 145 Main street, where the public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes copied in any way to suit customers, and all pictures warranted to please.  Sanxay & Chalmers, Operators.

The sixth advertisement ran from November 28 to December 29, 1856.  Co-partnership Notice.—We the undersigned, having on the 5th if May, 1856, purchased the business Stock and Fixtures of Wm. A. Pratt, in the Daguerrian and Ambrotype Gallery, No. 145 Main street, hereby enter into a co-partnership, to carry on said business on the cash system, we respectfully solicit a share of the patronage of the public, and only ask for an examination of our work.  R. S. Sanxay, Jas. F. Chalmers.

N. B.  I have great pleasure in recommending the above gentlemen, my successors, as the satisfaction which my pictures have given, is mainly ascribable to their efforts-having personally done but little in the business for some years past.  Respectfully, Wm. A. Pratt.            

The seventh advertisement ran from December 23, 1856 to January 22, 1857.  Christmas And New Year Presents.—There is nothing more acceptable than a correct life-like picture of a friend.  And we ask the public to give us a call and try us.  All our pictures are warranted to please.  Call at the Big Gothic Window, 145 Main street, and call early.  Sanxay & Chalmers.                                                                                                 

The eighth advertisement ran from April 9 to 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes!  This great improvement in the Photographic art, far surpasses anything ever yet brought out, for durability and life-like appearance—never fading, but always retaining their original brilliancy.  They can be seen in any light and for softness of tone and durability, they far surpass the old worn  Daguerreotype, which, in many instances, fade in a few months, and in a year or two become entirely extinct.  All in want of a good Ambrotype, will do well to call on Sanxay & Co., At the Gallery 145 Main street, Formerly occupied by W. A. Pratt.

Pictures put up in the best style, at very moderate prices.  A few very fine Engravings of the Rev. T. V. Moore.  Price $1 each.     S & Co.                                                                                               

The first announcement appeared on July 3, 1857.  A Sign Worth Looking At.—Several handsome ambrotypes of Phoenix Engine, No. 3, were taken yesterday by R. S. Sanxay.  The picture thus obtained, is to be copied by Mr. Montague upon a sign which he is executing for the Virginia Fire and marine Insurance Company, the Design of which is highly appropriate.  One side represents a shipwreck, and the reverse a block of buildings on fire.  “Phoenix” will occupy a prominent position, playing away upon the flames.

The ninth advertisement ran from July 7 to 13, 1857.  Photographs!  Photographs!  Photographs!—We take great pleasure in informing  our friends and the public, that we are now prepared to make the above most beautiful style of Portraits.  They have entirely superseded all other known styles wherever introduced.  They are better, cheaper and more artistic.  Five hundred copies may be struck off from a single sitting, surpassing the finest steel engraving.  Sanxay, & Chalmers, 125 Main st., Sign of Gothic Window.                

The tenth advertisement ran from September 7 to 11, 1857.  Photographing.—This art is fast taking the place of Lithographing.  An Extensive glass factory in this city has just ordered 500 copies of a diploma, to be taken by photography, the copying being done as well as if by a lithograph.—Dispatch of Thursday.

We respectfully inform the public that we are prepared to execute any style of copying from Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Engravings, or Drawings in the best manner, at the most reasonable rates.  Views of residences, churches, and places of business taken in the most artistic manner.

Sanxay & Chalmers, Photographists, 145 Main street.                                 

The eleventh advertisement ran from September 18 to 25, 1857. 

“A thing worth doing at all,

Is worth doing well!”

So if you wish a good Picture of yourself, go where an artist will make a miniature representation of yourself—not as a caricature, as is so often the case.  Sanxay & Chalmers’ Photographers, at 145 Main street, seem to excel in the life-like expression of their portraits, while they have a graceful ease that is perfectly bewitching.                                                         

The twelfth advertisement ran from September 28 to October 3, 1857.  Choice Styles Of Pictures.—At Sanxay & Chalmers, 145 Main street, may be obtained Photographs of the greatest accuracy and beauty, Ambrotypes, Stereographs, Mezzographs and Likenesses on patent leather, which may be sent by mail to friends, &c.  Every picture taken at this popular establishment must be of the best quality and please the sitter, otherwise they will not be sent out of the Gallery.

Copies of the Portraits of the Convention of ’49 and ’50 will be ready in a few days.  All orders by mail promptly attended to.                                                                                          

The second announcement appeared on November 7, 1857.  List of Premiums Awarded At The Fair Of The Va. Mechanics’ Institute, November 5th, 1857…Class 26.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes, and Ambrotypes.

Albert Litch, for color photographs, a silver medal.

Tyler & Co., for daguerreotypes, a silver medal.

Sanxay & Chalmers, for ambrotypes, a silver medal.

E. Powers, for ambrotypes and photographs, first class diploma.

John F. Chalmers is not listed in other photographic directories.

Mr. Cary

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1843                Sterling Block, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Mr. Cary appeared in two advertisements in the Republican Farmer (Bridgeport, Connecticut).  The first advertisement appeared on August 15, 1843,.  Splendid Colored Daguerreotypes.  Single or in groups, taken by Cary at the Sterling Block.

The second advertisement was recorded on August 22, 1843.  Daguerreotypes.—This method of taking likenesses, is one of the most astonishing discoveries of the age.  Had the discovery been made in the seventeenth century, the author would no doubt have been regarded as a witch, and perhaps been hung or burnt at the stake.  The improvements that have been recently made in the art, are very great.  Not only are the form and features correctly given, but those taken by Mr. Cary, now at Sterling’s Building, give also, to a remarkable degree, the colors of the face.  We examined some dozen or more likenesses, in an unfinished state, at his room, last week, and were surprised at the improvement in this respect.  Some of them were almost as true as life.—We recognized every face with which we were acquainted, at the very first glance.  Among the number, were the likenesses of two children, (brother and sister,) on one plate.—They were complete.  Mr. Cary remains here another week.  

Mr. Cary is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1843 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  It is possible that this is Preston M. Cary, but further research is needed to verify this.

J. W. Carter

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Rooms at Britt’s Hotel, Washington, Arkansas.

J. W. Carter is recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Washington Telegraph (Washington, Arkansas). the announcement appeared on October 31, 1849. Miniatures.—Mr. J. W. Carter, daguerreotypist, as taken rooms at Britt’s Hotel, where he is prepared to take Miniatures for those that wish to “see themselves as others see them.”  His specimens, some of which we have examined, are highly creditable.

The advertisement ran from October 31 to November 21, 1849.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mr. J. W. Carter would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of this place, and the surrounding country, that he has taken rooms at Britt’s Hotel, where he will remain about 20 days only.  He flatters himself owing to long and successful experience at the business, that he will be able to furnish those wishing it an exact likeness, carefully colored.  Persons wishing to see specimens of this beautiful art brought to perfection, are invited to call at his rooms and judge for themselves.—Likenesses taken at all times without regard to weather.  My pictures are warranted never to fade, or lose the beauty of their expression.  Invalids waited on at their residences if desired—Apparatus for sale and instructions given in the art at moderate prices.

J. W. Carter is recorded in Pioneer Photographers from Mississippi to the Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary 1839-1865.

Carter and Grant

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Savory’s Hall, Georgetown, Massachusetts.

Carter and Grant were recorded in two advertisements in the Massachusetts Observer  (Georgetown, Massachusetts).  The first appeared on June 23, 1848.  To The Citizens of Georgetown and Vicinity.  Savory’s Hall.  June 22, 1848.  Messrs. Carter & Grant, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Georgetown and vicinity, that they have leased Savory’s Hall, for two weeks, where they would invite All who wish to obtain good Likenesses of themselves or friends to call and examine specimens.

Daguerreotype Miniatures taken in any weather with or without colors, and perfect satisfaction warranted or no charge, for the low price of One Dollar.

Pictures taken of Sick or Deceased persons on reasonable terms.

Instructions given in the Art and apparatus furnished.

Miniatures neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Cases or Frames to suit customers.

Rooms open from 8 o’clock, A. M. to 6 o’clock P. M.

The second advertisement appeared on June 30, 1848.  For This Week Only.  To The Citizens of Georgetown and Vicinity.  Savory’s Hall.  June 22, 1848.  Messrs. Carter & Grant, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Georgetown and vicinity, that they have leased Savory’s Hall, for two weeks, where they would invite All who wish to obtain good Likenesses of themselves or friends to call and examine specimens.

Daguerreotype Miniatures taken in any weather with or without colors, and perfect satisfaction warranted or no charge, for the low price of One Dollar.

Pictures taken of Sick or Deceased persons on reasonable terms.

Instructions given in the Art and apparatus furnished.

Miniatures neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Cases or Frames to suit customers.

Rooms open from 8 o’clock, A. M. to 6 o’clock P. M.

Carter & Grant are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles T. Carney

Retailer, ,

1856                138 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

Charles T. Carney was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on November 4, 1856 in the  Boston Morning Journal (Boston, Massachusetts). November 4, 1856.  To Photographers and Daguerreotypists.  The subscriber offers to trade a full supply of Pure Chemicals and Preparations used in the Photographic Art—the Bromides, Iodides, Fluorides, Silver Nitrate, Collodion, Gold Chloride, &c., &c., and trusts, by always supplying Chemicals of warranted purity, to merit a share of your patronage.  Charles T. Carney, Wholesale Druggist and Chemist.  138 Washington street.

Charles T. Carney is not recorded in other photographic directories.

E. F. Carleton

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Rooms Over R. Pope’s Jeweler’s Shop, Hallowell, Maine.

E. F. Carleton was recorded in one advertisements and one announcement in the Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette (Hallowell, Maine. The advertisement ran from February 13 to March 6, 1847.  Daguerreotype!!  With or without Color, without regard to weather.—E. F. Carleton, invites the attention of the citizens of Hallowell to the splendid Miniatures which he is now executing at his rooms, over R. Pope’s Jeweler’s shop.

Prices, from 1.75 to 10.00. 

By the aid of New Chemical Agents, most splendid results are obtained; and multitudes are being delighted daily at the astonishing perfection to which, in point of delineation, boldness and unerring truthfulness, this art has so suddenly attained.  In an instant, as it were, upon the shining silver surface is portrayed the laughing countenance of Joyous youth, with all its freshness.  From the most aged to the verist child, it is equally applicable as the unerring delineator of life.  Delay not, then, as opportunity shall present, to secure one, two, three or six of these mementoes of life, which under the trying circumstances of a final separation from friends, no price can purchase.

Miniatures taken every day, in any style, in Lockets of any size or description, or in common cases, in a superior manner.

N. B.  Instruction in the art given, all articles necessary to the miniature furnished of the best quality.  Please call and examine specimens.

The announcement appeared on February 20, 1847.  E. F. Carleton, is doing wonders in the Daguerreotype line, at his rooms over Mr. Pope’s shop.  Those who have handsome faces will improve this opportunity to obtain a representation of their loveliness.  See advertisement in another column.

E. F. Carleton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

William Campbell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms over J. H. Lewis & Co. Store, Main Street, Westerly, Rhode Island.

William Campbell was recorded in one advertisement that ran on September 1 & 8, 1853 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Daguerreotypes, From 50 Cents and Upwards.  Wm. Campbell begs to thank the inhabitants of Westerly and vicinity for their kind support, and to inform them that he still continues to take pictures at the low price of 50 cents.  These Daguerreotypes are equal to any worth double the amount, and Are Warranted not to Fade, the materials being all of the best description and the instrument the finest New York can produce.  By it a picture can be taken in less than six seconds, thus affording an excellent opportunity for children.

It is recommended to those wanting pictures, to avoid light dresses and to make an early call at the Rooms over the Store of J. H. Lewis & Co., in the New Brick Store, on Main street.

William Campbell is not recorded as being active in Westerly, Rhode Island.

L. D Campbell

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

N. D.-1858      3d Street, Burlington, Iowa.

1858                Jefferson Street, Between Third and Fourth, Burlington, Iowa.

L. D Campbell was recorded in two advertisements. The first appeared on April 27, 1858 in the Hawk-Eye and Iowa Patriot (Burlington, Iowa). Campbell’s New Photographic Gallery.  Having removed from 3d Street, Campbell has opened a Picture Gallery on the 2d floor of Ripley’s Building, opposite Corse’s Book Store, Jefferson st., where he has every facility for taking first class Likenesses, including all the various styles of Collodeon Pictures, from the smallest miniature to half size.

Campbell’s new Premium Process of Natural Coloring, practiced at his Rooms only, far excels the old method.

Parents wishing Pictures of their children should call at Campbell’s Rooms, as he never fails to procure accurate and highly [finished] Likenesses.

Remember you will have to ascend only one flight of stairs.  All Pictures warranted.  [apr 20.

The second advertisement was recorded on July 14, and August 25, 1858 in the Iowa Territorial Gazette and Burlington Advertiser (Burlington, Iowa).  Burlington Picture Gallery.  Jefferson Street, between Third and Fourth, over Criswell & Hillhouse’s store.  The subscriber having purchased the stock and fixtures of the above rooms, formerly occupied by A. G. Gaige has the pleasure of announcing to the public, that having refitted the rooms, he is prepared to execute pictures in all kinds of weather, in the finest style of the art; and would solicit attention to his large and splendid assortment of Ambrotypes, Photographs, Melainotypes, Crayon Portraits.  Also Leather pictures for sending by mail.

Great car taken in setting pictures in Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c.

Hours from 8 A. M. to 6 P. M.  L. D. Campbell.  june 27.

L. D. Campbell is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Burlington, Iowa in 1859.

James Cady

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1854-1855       233 Broadway, New York, New York.

1856                139 Nain Street, Wheeling, Virginia.

1858-1864       343 Canal Street, New York, New York.

James Cady was mentioned in two advertisements and fourteen New York City Directories.  In the 1853/54 & 1854/55 New York City Directory he was not listed in the residence section.

The first advertisement that he was mentioned in appeared on September 28, 1854 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Mr. James Cady. our Principal Daguerreotype artist, has returned from his summer trip, and will be found at his old post in our establishment.  The celebrity of pictures taken by this celebrated artist need no eloquence from us.  Pictures taken daily.  Meade Brothers, artists and importers, 233 Broadway, four doors above the Astor House.

In the 1855/1856 New York City Directory, residence section he was listed as a daguerrian, 233 Broadway, H-Howard House. 

1856/57 & 1857/58  New York City Directory he was not listed.

The second advertisement that he was mentioned in ran from April 21 to August 6, 1856 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  One Hundred Dollars, Will be given to any artist in Virginia who will exhibit twelve pictures, vix: six Ambrotypes and six Daguerreotypes of equal merit to twelve of which Mr. Adams will select from his collection.  He has opened a new Gallery over Forb’s Jewelry Store, 139 Main St., with a skylight arranged on the most approved principles, which cannot be equaled unless similarly situated fronting on the river.  With rooms easy of access, large and well arranged, with every convenience for making first class pictures of every style and size.  He is happy to announce that he will be assisted by Mr. Cady the artist who made the pictures that were awarded the highest premium, a Gold medal, at the last fair of the American Institute at Castle Garden, New York, also the only premium awarded for Daguerreotypes at the Worlds Fairs at Paris.  Mr. A. has received five medals and eight diplomas for the best daguerreotypes exhibited at different fairs in the United States, which fully attest to the superiority and having been honored with a large proportion of the business in Wheeling the past year he expects with increased facilities not only to retain but enlarge the number of his patrons, more especially as he relies on the intristic merits of his productions rather than a display of furniture.  Ambrotypes either on single or double glass.  Daguerreotypes plain or colored equal to painting on Ivory.  Photographs from the lowest prices up to fifty dollars.  Our light being made of French Plate Glass and being unobstructed by other buildings, pictures can be made      from sunrise to sunset.  Pictures of children taken instantaneously from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.  Yet the light is so soft and mild that persons with weak eyes can sit by it with perfect ease.  Cloudy days as good as any by this light.  Call and examine before engaging elsewhere.

1858/1859 New York City Directory an advertisements on page 7 reads Ambrotypes, Photographs, Niellographs, &c.  No. 343 Canal Street, three doors West of Greene St., New York.

Niellographs may be enclosed in letters, and sent to any part of the world, without additional charge.

1858/1859 New York City Directory, residence section he is recorded as a daguerreotypes, 343 Canal.

1859/1860 New York City Directory, residence section he is recorded as a daguerreotypes, H-79 Sullivan. He is also recorded as Cady & Adams, (James Cady & George Adams), photographist, 343 Canal.

1860/1861 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as a daguerreotypes, 343 Canal.

1861/1862 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as an artist, 343 Canal

1862/18631 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as photographs, 343 Canal, H-43 E. 28th.

1863/1864 New York City Directory residence he is recorded as a photographer, 343 Canal.

1864/1865 New York City Directory residence section he is recorded as a  photographer, 343 Canal.

1865/1866, or the 1866/1867  New York City Directory residence section he is not listed.

James Cady is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1858-1860.  It is possible that the George Adams who was active in Worcester, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island; Washington, D. C.; Morgantown, Virginia and Wheeling, Virginia is the same George Adams who Cady was in partnership with in 1859.

Mr. Bush

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1852-1853       77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.[1]

1853                Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

Mr. Bush (probably Henry S. Bush) was recorded in one announcement that appeared on March 31, 1853 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Mr. Bush, the Daguerrean agent of Whitehurst’s Gallery in Petersburg, Va., died suddenly on Friday.

Mr. Bush is recorded as Henry S. Bush in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry working for Jesse Harrison Whitehurst in Richmond, Virginia in 1852-1853. 

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.