All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

William H. Worth

Daguerreotypes, ,

1845-1846       45 Seneca Street, Geneva, New York.

William H. Worth was recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 26 to August 7, 1846 in the Geneva Daily Gazette (Geneva, New York).  Photographic Likenesses. 

O, those for whom we fond emotions cherish,

Secure the shadow e’er the substance perish!

The subscriber would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the village of Geneva, and it vicinity, that he has just opened his new rooms, at No. 45 Seneca st., adjoining the Mansion House, with a splendid light fitted up expressly for the purpose of taking Likenesses of the above description, and will be prepared at all hours of the day to wait upon those who may wish to obtain, at a trifling expense, a perfect facsimile picture of themselves or their friends to preserve to future years.  The public are invited to call and examine his specimens, and com[are for themselves the strongly marked, deep-toned impressions produced by his superior Double Achromatic Camera, with the flat and insipid productions of the old fashioned instruments and process.

He commenced the business when the Art was but in its infancy, and has carefully and scientifically followed it up through all its various stages of improvement to its present stage of perfection.  He forms his own chemicals combinations, instead of being obliged to trust the chance of obtaining good articles from abroad; and having been engaged in the business in the city of New York, where the facilities for making improvements are much greater than in the country, he has, by a long course of experimental practice, obtained that through acquaintance with every thing connected with the art, which he feels confident will enable him to give the most perfect satisfaction to those who shall favor him with their patronage.

He is also prepared to impart instructions in this curious and beautiful art; and by a connection with one of the first establishments in the city, to furnish pupils with the best of Apparatus on more reasonable terms than they could obtain them for themselves there,—besides the advantages of having an opportunity to try their instruments to their satisfaction before taking them away.  Wm. H. Worth. Geneva, August 15, 1845.

William H. Worth is not recorded as being active in Geneva, New York in 1845-1846.  Posted yesterday was a W. H. Worth who was active in Cold Springs, New York in 1842, interesting the advertisement was published in Huntington New York which might suggest that he was active in Huntington?  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a W. H. Worth in Geneva in 1857-1858, its unknown if they are the same person.

W. H. Worth

Daguerreotypes, ,

1842                Address Unknown, Cold Springs, New York.

W. H. Worth appeared in one announcement on November 25, 1842 inThe Long Islander  (Huntington, New York).  Daguerreotype Portraits.—Mr. W. H. Worth is now in Cold Springs, with his improved Daguerreotype Apparatus, and is prepared to take miniature portraits by the chemical effect of light.  By this discovery he is enabled to obtain the most perfect facsimile picture of any object that is placed within the field of the instrument for a few moments-without any flattery or exaggeration and all those who are desirous of obtaining a faithful representation.

W. H. Worth is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Cold Springs. New York.  It is possible that William H. Worth (which will be posted tomorrow November 26) are the same person. 

G. Wormser

Daguerreotypes, ,

1858                Ramsey Street, Hastings, Minnesota.

G. Wormser appeared in one announcement on December 30, 1858 in the Hastings Weekly Ledger (Hastings, Minnesota).  G. Wormser, Daguerrean Artists, Ramsey street, between Second and Third, has opened rooms for the reception of visitors, and is prepared to take Daguerreotype likenesses in the best style of the art, and at low rates.

G. Wormser is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Hastings, Minnesota.  G. Wormser is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Wilmington, Delaware in 1854 at the South West corner of Third and Market Street, over the Post Office and in 1856 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 338 Market Street.  It is unknown if they are the same person.

R. B. Woolsey

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Water Street, Geneva, New York.

R. B. Woolsey was recorded in one advertisement that ran on August 13 & 20, 1851 in the  Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York).  Daguerrean Gallery, Water St., Geneva, N. Y.  The subscriber has just fitted up, and got in [entire] operation, a splendid Daguerrean Gallery, in Prouty’s Block, opposite The Temperance House, where he will be happy to see and accommodate all who may wish anything in his line.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather, and on very short notice.  Citizens and strangers are respectfully solicited to call and examine specimens, and make his acquaintance.  Strangers who are traveling thro’ the village can be supplied with a fine likeness in 30 minutes.

Pictures put up in Lockets, Rings, Bracelets, &c., in the best style, varying in price according to stock.   R. B. Woolsey.                                              

R. B. Woolsey is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Solomon Jackson Woolley

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1851                Rooms at A. Stedman’s, Middleport, Ohio.

1851                Address and City Unknown, New York.

1852                Rooms at John Winkelblack’s, Pomeroy, Ohio.

1852                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Franklin, Louisiana.

1854-1855     Near the Market-House, Shreveport, Louisiana.       

Solomon Jackson Woolley was recorded in five advertisements and one announcement.  Three advertisements and the announcement appeared in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio), One advertisement each in The Planters’ Banner (Franklin, Louisiana) and Shreveport Weekly Times (Shreveport, Louisiana).  The first advertisement in the Meigs County Telegraph ran from April 17 to July 17, 1851.  Sir John Franklin—This brave Navigator has not yet been found, and his wife mourns because she has not his Daguerreotype likeness.  Alas! He put it off until it was to late.

Professor Woolly has taken rooms at A. Stedman’s, in Middleport, where he will remain but a few days, ready and happy to wait on those who may be so fortunate as to give him a call.

Professor Woolly has just received from New York the Electro Galvanico, which enables him to take better Pictures than has ever been taken in the West, and warranted to be inferior to none in the world, and cheaper than any before.

Come on, while every thing is ready.  A cloudy day is as good as any.

The second advertisement ran from December 16, 1851 to March 9, 1852 in Meigs County Telegraph.  Important Discovery in Daguerreotypes.—I would respectfully inform the citizens of Pomeroy that I am now receiving the late and wonderful discoveries in taking Daguerreotypes; and I will be in Pomeroy in December for the purpose of taking pictures.  S. J. Woolly.  New York.  December 7, 1851.

The third advertisement ran from January 20 to April 22, 1852.  Professor Woolly’s Daguerrean Gallery, At John Winkelblack’s, one door east of Lowery’s Tin Shop.  The enlightened citizens of this vicinity are respectfully invited to visit and examine the Pictures of the Gallery.

Pictures set in breastpins, lockets, plain and fancy cases, in strict accordance with the most approved mechanical and artistical improvements of the day.

The citizens of Pomeroy are wise: for they catch the image ere the substance flies; and if every citizen would be so wise, they would not mourn at the neglect.

My Pictures are warranted to please in every respect or no charge.

A cloudy day equally as good as a clear day.

I will stay in Pomeroy but a few days.  S. J. Woolly.   Pomeroy.

The announcement appeared on February 10, 1852.  Prof. Woolly, informs us that he intends remaining but a few days longer.—His Daguerrean Rooms are crowded daily, and his pictures give the highest satisfaction.  Woolly is an artist of more than ordinary merit.  Whilst others have been compelled to leave our town with scarcely anything to do, Woolly has always had a splendid run of custom.  He takes pictures, which for tone and finish rival those of the best artist of the country.  No one should fail to visit his rooms.

The fourth advertisement appeared in The Planters’ Banner (Franklin, Louisiana) on February 11, 1852.  Daguerrean Pictures, By The Improved Process.  Professor Woolley has just arrived in Franklin, and taken rooms in the Odd-Fellows’ Hall, where he will remain a few days, for the purpose of taking pictures.  Miniatures set in Breast-pins, lockets, or plain and fancy cases, in strict accordance with the late improvements of the art.

N. B. Ladies and gentlemen can rely on receiving polite attention.  Pictures warranted in the best style of the art, and perfect satisfaction given.  Charges moderate.

Pictures taken without regard to the weather.   Franklin, Dec. 11, 1852.

The fifth advertisement appeared in the Shreveport, Weekly Times (Shreveport, Louisiana) on  February 3, 1855.  Skylight Daguerreotypes.  Dear Reader:—I have just opened a fine Skylight Daguerrean room near the Market-house, where I have a large fine instrument, with a large stock of the best plates and cases.  I have recently made a discovery in the art.  Superior pictures, with full satisfaction or no charge.

Instructions given with apparatus and stock furnished.  Shreveport, Dec. 30th, 1854.

Solomon Jackson Woolley is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here with additional and more specific information creating a more detailed timeline. 

Joel M. Woolley

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Address Unknown, Ogdensburgh, New York

Joel M. Woolley was recorded in one advertisement on May 16, 1848 in The Ogdensburgh Sentinel (Ogdensburgh, New York).  For Sale A superior Daguerreotype Instrument with Apparatus, Chemicals, Plates, Cases &c., complete for operating.  A liberal credit will be given if required.

Apply (if by letter, post-paid) to Joel M. Woolley.  Ogdensburgh, May 15, 1848.

Joel M. Woolley is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is unknown if Woolley was a daguerreotypist, a dealer or an amateur.

A. Woodwort

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Rooms in Prescott’s building, Keeseville, New York.

A. Woodwort appeared in one announcement in the Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York) on May 16, 1846.  Daguerreotype.  Mr. A. Woodwort, would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Keeseville and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at Prescott’s building, where he is now ready to execute pictures in every variety.—These pictures possess all the beauty of paintings and are true to nature.

Mr. W. will also furnish apparatus and instruction on reasonable terms. 

A. Woodwort is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Woodward & Stevens

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1841                Mansur’s Building, Central Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

Woodward & Stevens appeared in one announcement on April 13, 1841 in the Lowell Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We have seen neat and beautiful specimens of these miniatures from Mr. Plumbe, Mechanics’ Hall, and Messrs. Woodward & Stevens, Mansur’s Building, Central Street.

Woodward & Stevens are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Woodruff & Sigourney

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853-1855       New Exchange Building, corner of Washington Street and the Public Square,                              Watertown, New York.

Woodruff & Sigourney (Jonah Woodruff & W. H. Sigourney) was recorded in two advertisements.  The first advertisement ran from December 21, 1853 to December 13, 1854 in the Northern New York Journal (Watertown, New York).  Washington Daguerrean Gallery.  The subscribers have opened a New Daguerrean Gallery in the New Exchange Building, corner of Washington street, and the Public Square, where they are now ready to execute work in a Superior Style.

Their Rooms are beautifully fitted up, and no pains or expense has been spared in procuring the Best Operators, and the latest and most approved apparatus.

Ladies and gentlemen are most respectfully invited to call.  Jonah Woodruff.  W. H. Sigourney.

The second advertisement ran from September 14, 1854 to January 4, 1855 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Washington Daguerrean Gallery.  The subscribers have opened a New Daguerrean Gallery in the New Exchange Building, corner of Washington street, and the Public Square, where they are now ready to execute work in a Superior Style.

Their Rooms are beautifully fitted up, and no pains or expense has been spared in procuring the Best Operators, and the latest and most approved apparatus.

Ladies and gentlemen are most respectfully invited to call.  Jonah Woodruff.  W. H. Sigourney.

Woodruff & Sigourney are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Knight C. Woodley

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1858-1859       312 E Street, near Willards’, Washington, D. C.

1859                Opposite the Star Office, Pennsylvania Avenue & 11 Street, Washington, D. C.

1860                288½ Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.[1]

Knight C. Woodley was recorded in five advertisements and fourth announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.).  The first advertisement ran from June 14 to November 23, 1858.  Portraits For The Million.—A perfect Portrait of yourself for 25 cents, warranted not to fade.  2,000 of these beautiful pictures made by Woodley in nine weeks.  No charge unless the sitter is perfectly satisfied.  Pictures on paper for 50 cents, which can be sent by mail without extra charge.  Every variety of cases kept on hand.  Sun light not required. 

K. C. Woodley, Photographer, No. 312 E. Street, near Willards.                             

The second advertisement ran from August 7 to 11, 1858.  Call At Scott’s Bookstore On Pa. avenue, between 14th and 16th streets, and get a dollar Book and a Daguerreotype for only one dollar….Daguerreotypes will be taken by that excellent artist E. N. Lewis, at Mrs. Redmond’s Gallery, No. 12 Market Space, and by R. C. Woodley, 312 E street.                                                     

The first announcement appeared on October 30, 1858.  Sun Painting.—Woodley, No. 312 E. Street, continues to take those really superior portraits for a quarter of a dollar.  His gallery is thronged from morning until night and he continues to give satisfaction to all his numerous patrons.  Those who wish a likeness in any style of the varied branches of Photographic art, should not omit to give him a call.

The third advertisement ran from November 24 to December 24, 1858.  A Question.—Why do the public from all parts of the city go to Woodley’s Gallery for Portraits?  Because they can there obtain a perfect likeness for 25 cents and upwards, and no charge unless the sitter is perfectly satisfied.

K. C. Woodley wishes to return thanks to his numerous patrons for the very liberal support he has met with, and hopes by strict attention to his profession to merit a continuance of their patronage.

K. C. W. wishes to inform the public that he has made great improvements at his Gallery, which is well warmed and made all snug for the Winter season.  On hand, a good assortment of Cases of the latest design, for Christmas presents.  K. C. Woodley, 312 E. Street, near Willards’ no. 24.

The second announcement appeared on December 24, 1858.  For life-like ambrotypes go to Sand’s and Woodley’s.

The third announcement appeared on January 5, 1859.  By The Advertisement elsewhere it will be seen that some thieves are “taking ambrotypes” from Woodley in a style not satisfactory to that artist.  Among the missing pictures is one of a pretty young bride, perhaps stolen by some rejected lover, who seizes the shadow in lieu of the original.

The fourth advertisement appeared on January 5, 1859.  $10 Reward.—Stolen from Woodley’s Gallery, at different times recently, six fine Ambrotypes—one stolen this morning.  The above reward will be paid on conviction of one of the petty thieves.                                                                                                                     

The fifth advertisement ran from January 24 to December 28, 1859.  Ambrotypes.—Small Profits And Quick Returns.  Portraits, framed 25 cents.  Any size Portraits warranted in best cases or frames at N. York prices.  Come all, and take a sitting for one of those beautiful Pictures, and obtain the ocular proofs, at K. C. Woodley’s Gallery, Pennsylvania avenue, bet. 13th and 14th streets, near Willard’s.                               

The fourth announcement appeared on June 21, 1859.  Woodley, photographer, has found his business increasing to the extent of demanding the opening of a branch establishment opposite the Star office.  See his flag.

Knight C. Woodley is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Washington, D. C. in 1860 at 288½ Pennsylvania Avenue.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.