All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

William P. Bickel

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1857                Rooms at the Opelousas Varieties, Opelousas, Louisiana.

1858                Rooms at the Opelousas Varieties, Opelousas, Louisiana.

William P. Bickel was recorded in three advertisement and one announcements.  The first advertisement ran from June 20 to July 18, 1857 in  The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Ambrotype Portraits.  Wm. P. Bickel, the Ambrotype Artist, has arrived in Opelousas and opened his Gallery in the Varieties, where he will remain a short time, for the purpose of supplying the citizens of this vicinity with his celebrated new style of pictures, so celebrated at present throughout the world, as being superior to all other styles of Photographic pictures known, not only for its beautiful delineation, its brilliancy of tone , but for its everlasting durability, from whence it takes its name—Ambrotoz (Greek) eternal, imperishable.

The announcement appeared March 27, 1858 in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).  The artist skill will supply all with pictures of the best and newest styles:—call on our friends Millspaugh & Bouchez, who have established a permanent Photographic and Ambrotype Room at Odd Fellows’ Hall in Washington, or on William O. Bickel, who is stopping for a short time at the Varieties, in Opelousas, and get pictures of yourself or friends.  See their advertisements in another column.

The second advertisement appeared on March 27, 1858 in The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Portraits, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes & Photographs.  The Photographic Artist, Wm. P. Bickel, has arrived in Opelousas, where he will remain a short time, for the purpose of supplying the citizens of this vicinity, with his celebrated New Style of Pictures.

Those who want likenesses by this process, should call soon and examine those beautiful emblems of nature, which are Superior to any ever before taken in this place, my method and style of drawing them being the latest out, and, as to coloring they are not surpassed by any in the United States.

Gentle reader have you not a friend for whom you fond emotion cherish?  If so, procure the shadow ere the substance perish.

Gallery always free to visitors.  Children taken in clear weather.  Melainotypes taken on iron plates, and inserted in lockets and breast pins of any size.

Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Drawings, &c., copied.  Rooms at Opelousas varieties.                           

The third advertisement appeared on March 27, 1858 in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Portraits, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Phototypes.  Wm. P. Bickel, The Photographic artist, has arrived in Opelousas, at the “Varieties.” where he will remain a short time, for the purpose of supplying the citizens of this vicinity, with his celebrated new style of Pictures.

Those who want likenesses by this process, should call soon and examine those beautiful emblems of nature, which are superior to any ever before taken in this place, my method and style of drawing them being the latest out, and, as to coloring they are not surpassed by any in the United States.

Gentle reader have you not a friend for whom you fond emotion cherish?  If so, procure the shadow ere the substance perish.

Gallery always free to visitors.  Children taken in clear weather.  Melainotypes taken on iron plates, and inserted in lockets and breast pins of any size.

Daguerreotypes, Paintings, Drawings, &c., copied.  Rooms at Opelousas varieties.   

William P. Bickel is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Ebenezer James Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1844-1845       449 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky.[1]

1846                St Clair Street, Louisville, Kentucky.

Ebenezer James Bennett in an advertisement that was recorded on January 6 & 12, 1846 in the Daily Commonwealth (Frankfort, Kentucky).  Plumbe National Daguerrean Gallery.  Prof. Plumbe purposes having a Daguerreian Gallery opened in this city, on the 27th inst., on St. Clair street, over Pierson & Merriweather’s Confectionary, to be conducted by E. James Bennett, where he will be gratified to wait upon all those who may be desirous of securing a perfect likeness, warranted durable, and possessing all the distinctness and boldness of relief of a good painting.  In proof of this you need but call at his room and examine for yourselves his specimens.

Ladies and Gentlemen are earnestly requested to take the trouble of calling at his rooms.  They will afford him a pleasure in having the honor of waiting upon them, either in exhibiting specimens, or in receiving their sittings.

Founded 1840.  Awarded the Medal, Four First Premiums, and two Highest Honors, by the Institutes of Massachusetts, N. York, and Pennsylvania, respectively, for the most beautiful Colored Daguerreotypes, and best apparatus ever exhibited.

No. 33, Main st., adjoining the Northern Bank of Kentucky, Louisville, Ky.

No. 251, Broadway, New York.

No. 75 Court street, Boston.

No. 136, Chestnut street, Philadelphia.

No. 122, Baltimore street, Baltimore.

Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Lyceum Hall, Alexandria, D. C.

No. 56, Canal Street, New Orleans.

No. 127, Vielle Rue du Temple, Paris.

No. 32 Church Street, Liverpool.

Market St., St. Louis, Mo.

Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa.

Main Street, between 4th and 5th, east side, Cincinnati.

Broadway, Saratoga.

Douw’s Building, Albany.

Middle Street, Portland, Me.

Main Street, Newport, R. I.

Remarks.—“We have been no inattentive observer of the progress of this novel art, and we are free to say, from what we have seen, and personally examined, that Mr. Plumbe has succeeded in this art so as to surpass all others in the line in this country.”—N. Y. Herald.

“Mr. Plumbe has brought the Daguerreotype to absolute perfection; and miniature painting, we regret to say, is scarcely heard of since the admirable specimens of this artist have become known.”—N. Y. Mirror.

“A photograph of a lady by Professor Plumbe, is the finest thing of the kind we have ever seen.”—Phil. Pub. Ledger.

Ebenezer James Bennett is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as J. Ebenezer Bennett active in 1845-1846 at 449 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky, presumably employed by John Plumbe, Jr.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry

Bell

Photographs, Stereoviews, , ,

1858                Address Unknown, Ogdensburgh, New York.

Bell was recorded in one announcement that appeared on September 21, 1858 in The Daily Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York).  New Style.—The Bell’s have just introduced in this place a new arrangement of pictures and a new way of looking at them.  The pictures are photographs duplicated, placed in an arrangement not unlike an opera glass, which is divided by a partition so that each eye takes in a picture and reduces the duplicates to a single view.  The effect is magical and produces a perfectness impossible to imagine. 

Their store was crowded last evening by curious and anxious spectators.

Bell is not listed in other photographic directories.

William Bell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                14 Massachusetts Street, Woodward’s Block, Lawrence, Kansas.

William Bell was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on April 28, 1856 in the Kansas Free State (Lawrence, Kansas).  Now Is Your Best Chance!!  William Bell, Daguerrean.  Would respectfully inform the citizens of Lawrence and vicinity that he has obtained a room in the second story of Woodward’s Block, No. 14 Massachusetts St., where all—especially the ladies, are invited to call, and examine the neatness and skill of his workmanship.

As he intends remaining but a few weeks, those who wish daguerreotypes should call at the earliest opportunity.  no. 49.

William Bell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Beckel Brothers

Retailer, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1858-1859       19 John Street, New York, New York.

Beckel Brothers (Joseph & Lewis) were recorded in four advertisements, one in the New York Daily Tribune, and three in The New York Herald.  The first advertisement appeared in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) on  March 2, 1859.  Stereoscopes and Stereoscopic Views.  Beckel Brothers, No. 19 John-st., Manufacture Stereoscopes and Import the Latest Views taken on glass and paper of all parts of the world.

The second advertisement appeared on April 25, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Stereoscopes and Stereoscopic Views.  Beckel Brothers, 19 John street, keep the largest assortment of glass views.  Also Elliot’s and Sylvester’s colored and illuminated groups and paper views.

The third advertisement appeared on May 22, 1859.  Stereoscopes and Stereoscopic Views.—Beckel & Brothers, No. 19 John street, keep the largest assortment of glass views.  Also Elliot’s and Sylvester’s colored and illuminated groups and paper views.

The fourth advertisement appeared on November 10, 1859. A Great Reduction of Prices in Stereoscopic Goods at Beckel Brothers, 19 John street.

Beckel Brothers are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry under Beckel as being active in Lockport, New York as apparently stereo photographers prior to 1858.  While in New York City they are retailers selling stereoviews.  Joseph Beckel first appears in the New York City directory in 1852 as an Optician at 355 Broadway, from 1853-1855 Joseph is listed as [imp or lmp?] at 19 John.  From 1856-1859 Beckel Brothers (Joseph & Lewis) are listed from (1856-1857) as [imp or lmp?] in 1858-1859 as spectacles at 19 John.

John R. Beard

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Cambridge, Ohio.

John R. Beard was recorded in one announcement on March 1, 1859 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Look Out For Him!—An adroit thief, calling himself J. B. Hawkins, broke into the room of John R. Beard, a daguerrean artist at Cambridge, Ohio, night before last, and stole a valuable gold watch and a considerable sum of money.  Mr. Beard was in town yesterday on the hunt of the rascal who is now supposed to be lurking about this city.  Hawkins is supposed to be the same man who recently broke into Mr. Partridge’s daguerrean gallery in Parkersburg, and stole a sum of money.  He pretends to be a photographer, and has a smattering knowledge of the art.  He is about six feet high, sandy complexion, slightly freckled, grey eyes and decidedly awkward in his general appearance.  He has been pretty extensively engaged in the thieving line, and should be checked in his career before he does something which may entitle him to server punishment than he now deserves.

John R. Beard is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Lothrop G. Bean

Ambrotypes, , ,

1857                234 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

1858-1859       234 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.[1]

Lothrop G. Bean was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on December 10, 1857 in the  Lowell Daily Citizen and News (Lowell, Massachusetts).  Great Attraction At Bean’s Patent Ambrotype Hall, 234 Merrimack Street.  His Patent Ambrotypes are all the rage, as they are taken and finished in superior style, and are sealed between two plates of fine polished plate glass, so that they are secured from air and dampness.  Warranted not to corrode or change in any climate.  His pictures can be colored like the Daguerreotype, but are much more beautiful in finish, more soft and delicate in effect, and come nearer to nature than any other picture.

The public are respectfully invited to call and see the difference, between the genuine and the so called Ambrotype, advertised by others.  The genuine being durable, the other perishable.  Jy23.

Lothrop G. Bean is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Lowell from 1858 to 1859.  Lothrop G. Bean is possibly the same person as L. G. Bean who was active in Westerly, Rhode Island 1853 and in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1856.  

[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

L. G. Bean

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Address Unknown, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1856                Address Unknown, Fall River, Massachusetts.[1]

L. G. Bean was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 24 to April 21, 1853 in

The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Daguerreotypes.  Have you had your Daguerreotype taken?  If not now is your time to step into L. G. Bean’s Daguerrean Saloon, where he is prepared to execute likenesses of every size, shape and description.  He would respectfully announce to the citizens of Westerly and vicinity, that he will remain here a few days longer to give all those who have not secured their likeness an opportunity to do so before he leaves.

My sky-light being composed of ground glass and connected with a beautiful side light, it enables me to produce pictures unsurpasse3d by any other operator.  Perfect satisfaction or no charge.

For A Few Days Only!  L. G. Bean.

L. G. Bean is recorded in other photographic directories, but not in Westerly, Rhode Island and is possibly Lothrop G. Bean who is recorded as being active as L. G. Bean in addition to Westerly, Rhode Island in 1853, Fall River in 1856 and in Lowell Massachusetts as Lothrop G. Bean in 1857-1859.

[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Aaron Bean

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848-1851       290 Main Street, Buffalo, New York.[1]

1852                Address Unknown, Buffalo, New York.

Aaron Bean was recorded in two announcements.  The first appeared in The Freeman’s Journal  (Cooperstown, New York) on January 23, 1852.  Destructive Fire and Loss of Life.  Buffalo, Jan. 18.—At 2 o’clock this morning a fire broke out in the brick block on the corner of Main and Eagle Streets, originating in the saloon kept by Daniel Dix, in the basement of the corner building under the drug store of P. G. Vonght & Co….

Two mournful accidents occurred.  Aaron Bean, Daguerrean artist, who was sitting up in an upper chamber with the corpse of his child, was smothered to death before assistance could be rendered.  It is supposed he fell asleep and from the rapid spread of the fire, his room filled with smoke before he awoke.  His wife and daughter, in another chamber, were rescued….

The second appeared in the Jamestown Journal (Jamestown, New York) on January 23, 1852.

…The upper story was occupied by families.  Mr. Bean residing with his family over his daguerrean room.  We record with pain the death of Mr. Bean, who was infirm, and in saving the life of his wife, was suffocated in the smoke.  When taken out, he had ceased to breath, and every effort to resuscitate him proved unavailing.  Mr. Bean had just lost a child whose corpse was in the house at the time of the fire, but was taken out…

Arron Bean is recorded in other photographic directories.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Beamer & Turton

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854-1855       Main and Biddle Streets, Centre Wheeling, Virginia.

Beamer & Turton were recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 24, 1854 to November 30, 1855 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Messrs. Beamer & Turton, having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. L. Tarbell as a Daguerrean Gallery, corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling, beg leave to solicit a share of patronage from his friends and the public at large.

They make it a rule not to let any pictures go out but what are satisfactory, and well executed.

Gold and Silver plating executed neatly.

Orders left here for sign painting will be attended to J. Turton & Brother.  mr24.

Beamer & Turton are not recorded in other photographic directories.