All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

David A. Wells

Daguerreotypes,

1851                Address Unknown, Cambridge, [Unknown.][1]

David A. Wells appeared in one article in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on August 22, 1851.  American Association for the Advancement of Science, Albany meeting.  Wednesday’s Proceeding.  Wednesday, August 20, 1851.  The following is the order of the programme for the morning’s meeting, in Section No. 1.  Professor Bache presiding….

5. Daguerreotypes of the late Solar Eclipse, and of Spots on the Sun; by David A, Wells of Cambridge.

David A. Wells is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1851 in Cambridge.  Since the State or Country are not recorded in the article one could speculate that the paper was published in N. Y. and Cambridge, N.Y. is only 53 miles away from Albany it has to be in New York.  But, there are 25 cities or towns named Cambridge in America, they are in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont Virginia, Wisconsin. Also in Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.  More research is needed to identify the location and if Wells is a daguerrean or possibly an astronomer, like William Cranch Bond and John Adams Whipple.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list a David Wells in 1857 in Rochester, New York, it is unknown if they are the same person.

Wellman

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1845                Rooms over N. Beckwith’s Store, New London, Connecticut.

1845                Lawrence Building, Bank Street, New London, Connecticut.

Wellman of the firm Payne & Wellman (Elijah H. Payne & Wellman) were recorded in three advertisements in the Morning News (New London, Connecticut).    The first advertisement ran from April 11 to 18, 1845.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Payne & Wellman Would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen of this city to call at their Rooms, over N. Beckwith’s Store, on the Parade, and examine specimens of the Daguerrean Art, whether they contemplate sitting or not.  Their pictures are finished in such a manner that they are Indelible, and will be found to stand the test of a saline atmosphere.

Seaman will find this a favorable opportunity for procuring an imperishable and life-like Miniature of themselves, or friends.

Persons having Likenesses taken by the old process, can have them re-taken at a trifling expense.

The second advertisement ran from April 19 to 29, 1845.  Payne & Wellman Have Removed their Rooms to Lawrence’s Building, on Bank-street, where they are prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, in a manner superior to any heretofore taken in this city.

Ladies and Gents are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

The third advertisement ran from May 3 to 14, 1845.  Payne & Wellman, Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms, Lawrence’s Building, Bank-St.   Likenesses taken in all kinds of weather, warranted durable, and possessing all the beauties and perfection of nature.

Payne & Wellman are not recorded as being active in New London in 1845.  There is a possibly that Wellman is William A. Wellman who is reported in other sources as being active prior to 1850.     

R. H. Wellington

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Room at the City Hall, Columbus, Mississippi.

R. H. Wellington was recorded in one advertisement that ran from August 30 to November 1, 1851 in the Southern Standard (Columbus, Mississippi).  R. H. Wellington, Daguerreotypist, Wishes to inform the citizens of Columbus and the surrounding country, that he is prepared to execute Photographic likenesses in every variety of style, at the City Hall, where he would be happy to wait on those who may wish a perfect reflection of their features to life.

Surprising art, by which we lend

Our countenance to absent friend,

Or leave a token for the bower,

Where love laments the parting hour;

Where childhood, with its winsome face,     

And lovely woman’s queenly grace,

Or lordly man’s imperial frown,

Are, each, adroitly penciled down.

You that have beauty should to——take it,

You that have none, should come and let us make it.

The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.           

R. H. Wellington is not recorded as being active in Columbus Mississippi.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record Robert H. Wellington as being active in Memphis, Tennessee during this time.  It is unknown if they are the same person.  The distance between Memphis and Columbus is 184 miles.

James Welch

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                On the Public Square, Savannah, Ohio.

James Welch appeared in one announcement in The Ashland Union (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) on September, 1856.  Great Democratic Rally—Boarder Ruffianism Triumphant……“Buck and Breck, Constitution and Union,” was the significant motto flung to the breeze, and they gave a pure Buchanier demonstration of their devotion to the Constitution and its guarantees of inalienable rights in a base and ruffianly attack upon the property of an individual for the exercise of his right of free thought.  The Daguerreotype Car of Mr. James Welch has occupied a place upon the public square a sufficient length of time to give it a “local habitation and a name.”  It was asked as a privilege by the Democracy, that they might be allowed to erect their platform upon the shady side of said car.  The privilege was courteously granted, but in doing so he surrendered no right to act with his own property as he saw fit.  He chose therefore to hang out a Republican flag through the sky-light of his car; the moment that this was done the ruffian spirit was predominant;…..

James Welch is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Weiser & Johnston

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Rooms on Market Street, over C. L. Jones’ New Store, Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

Weiser & Johnston were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Lewistown Gazette (Lewistown, Pennsylvania).  The announcement appeared on June 30, 1849.  Messrs. Weiser & Johnston have opened a Daguerreotype establishment in the room over C. L. Jones’ new store, where they exhibit and take beautiful specimens of that art.  Thosde we have seen are certainly as perfect as any heretofore brought to our notice.  Give them a call.

The advertisement ran from June 30 to July 14, 1849. Miniatures For Only $1.50.  Weiser & Johnston, Daguerreotype Artist, Would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Lewistown and vicinity, that they have taken rooms for a short time immediately over the Store of Mr. C. L. Jones, In Market Street, and are prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses in a style superior to any heretofore taken in Lewistown.

Then give us a call—our prices are low; Our work, it is perfect, as specimens show; The Sun is our pencil, with rev’rence we say, Your miniature made by the bright King of day.

Call soon.  Remember that delays are dangerous.

Instruction given in the art with all the late improvements, and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.                             

Weiser & Johnson are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Looking through other photographic directories it is possible that Johnston is Charles M. Johnston who was active in Lancaster, Pa.  (speculation on my part, no collaborating documentation has been found to substantiate this claim.)  

Weiser & Delano

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Steubenville, Ohio.

Weiser & Delano (George W. Weiser and Douglas C. Delano) were recorded in one announcement on June 17, 1857 in the True American (Steubenville, Ohio).  Great Excitement In Steubenville.—Not so much amongst the Bankers, Merchants and Mechanics, but at the Daguerrean Rooms of Weiser and Delano.

These gentlemen have for the last week been doing a business far beyond anything in that line, ever before witnessed in this city.  The reduced prices for which they are taking likenesses, together with the perfect style in which the work is done, have produced a general excitement in the entire community, and caused a general rush to their rooms.  We very much doubt whether any other city can boast of two better artists.

Go then—you are not afraid to look at yourselves precisely taken as you are, and get your likenesses taken for 25 cts. and then get one for each and every country cousin you have in the nation.

Both George W. Weiser and Douglas C. Delano are recorded in other photographic directories but not recorded as partners.  

George Y. Weise

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                Room above the Post Office, Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

1857-1858     Market Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

George Y. Weise was recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in the Sunbury American (Sunbury, Pennsylvania).  The first advertisement ran from April 11 to May 9, 1857. Ambrotype, Melainotype And Ambrograph Gallery.  Geo. Y. Weise, will continue for a few day only, to take pictures upon Glass, Iron, or Paper. At his room on the 3d story Brick Building above the Post Office.  Persons wishing a really good likeness had better come at once and secure those truly beautiful embossed shadows of a living substance.

Persons wishing instructions in the Art, can receive them, by applying immediately. 

The first announcement appeared on May 9, 1857.  Borough Election.  At an election held at the Court House on Monday last, for borough officers for the ensuing year, the following persons were elected…Town Clerk—Geo. Y. Weise.

The second advertisement ran from August 22 to November 7, 1857.  Picture Gallery.  Geo. Y. Weise has again commenced and will continue to take Ambrotypes, &c., at his Room above the Post Office.  Persons wishing to have good likenesses taken, will please call and see us.  We will take pictures at reduced prices and take trade in payment for the same.

All kinds of pictures copied. 

The second announcement appeared on August 29, 1857.  Ambrotypes.—Mr. George Y. Weise informs us that he is getting a new supply of cases and other materials from Philadelphia, and will be able to please the taste of all.  Mr. Weise, who has taken some excellent pictures, is a skillful and intelligent operator, and there is no reason why he should not be able to produce first class pictures.

The third advertisement ran from December 12, 1857 to January 9, 1858.  Ambrotypes!  Geo. Y. Weise has removed his Photographic Gallery to his residence in Market Street, three doors east of Youngman’s Printing Office, where he will take Pictures at prices to suit the times.  His assortment of Plain and Fancy Cases are sufficiently large to suit all who may favor him with a call. 

George Y. Weise is not recorded in other photographic directories.

W. Weibling

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1852-1853       Address Unknown, Connersville, Indiana.

W. Weibling was recorded in two announcement in the Indiana State Sentinel (Indianapolis, Indiana) and one advertisement in the Indiana American (Brookville, Indiana).  The first announcement appeared on October 28, 1852.  The State Fair.  It is supposed that fifty thousand persons visited the Fair yesterday….

S. Rea, of this city, exhibited in two large frames, Daguerreotypes of the members of the last Senate and House, of this State.  Also, likenesses of many of the young ladies of this city—beautiful, of course, or they would not have been likenesses.  These Daguerreotypes were executed in Rea’s best style, which is equivalent to saying that they cannot be excelled in the world.

Mr. Weibling, from Connersville, also exhibits some excellent Daguerreotypes.  Many of his pictures very nearly, if not quite, equaled Rea’s, and were highly creditable productions.

The second announcement appeared on November 4, 1852.  Premiums Awarded at the First Annual State Fair of Indiana, 1852, as Reported by the Several Committees….Manufactured Articles….

Daguerrean Art, four frames, from the studio of S. Rea, Indianapolis.  The crowd of admiring spectators who constantly surrounded these pictures, attested the approbation of the public.  They were justly regarded as admirable specimens of the art, in style of finish, posture, coloring, and design.  They are worthy the general commendation they received.  Premium $10 and diploma.

Daguerreotypes, a case from W. Weibling, of Connersville, containing several creditable portraits, and exhibiting a good degree of taste and skill in the artist.  $2 and diploma.

Fancy Label, attached to Rea’s Daguerrean collection, from the same.  The committee pronounce them creditable specimens of the art.

The advertisement ran from October 21 to November 25, 1853.  Likenesses Only $1.  Beautiful Colored Daguerrean Likenesses.  Weibling’s Sky-Light Gallery, Connersville, Ind. 

Mr. Weibling takes pleasure in announcing to his friends that he is permanently located in Connersville.  His Rooms have been constructed expressly for the Daguerrean Art, and are second to no other Gallery in the West, for Artistic Arrangement of Light; they also possess rare facilities in the Chemical and Mechanical Departments. 

His Reception Room Has been fitted up expressly in view of rendering every convenience—especially to Ladies and Children.  By the use of a large and superior Instrument, Mr. W. is enabled to secure, with ease and accuracy,  Post Mortem Pictures, And every variety of Landscape, in all its Natural Beauty and Grandeur.  Portraits copied, and types taken of all sizes, for insertion in Lockets, Tombstones, &c.

Mr. W. will constantly keep on hand, and sell at standard prices, Instruments, Chemicals, Materials, &c.  Also fine Lithographs, Picture Frames, of all sizes, and Jewelry of every description.  He has a fine whole size instrument (Lewis make) that he will sell, or exchange for a half size instrument.

Odd Fellow’s and Masonic Regalia made to order, and sold cheaper than they can be had at any Establishment in the city.

Rooms open from 8 A. M. till 4 P. M.

W. Weibling is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mrs. Edward Wehnert-Beckman

Photographs, , ,

1849                62 White Street, New York, New York.

Mrs. Edward Wehnert-Beckman (also known as Bertha Wehnert) was recorded in one  advertisement that ran from October 19 to 27, 1849 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  Phototypes On Paper.—Mrs. Edw. Wehnert-Beckmann, from Leipzig, has opened her studio, No. 62 White street, (three doors west of Broadway,) where a gallery of Phototype Pictures on paper, is open for inspection, which will evince the superiority of her discoveries in the chemical preparations, and of her method of applying them.  A collection of portraits made by her may also be seen at the Fair in Castle Garden.  Portraits taken at all hours during the daylight, and perfect likenesses warranted.

Mrs. Edward Wehnert-Beckmann, 62 White street.

Mrs. Edward Wehnert-Beckman is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York city from 1850-1852.

Weeks

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855                Address Unknown, New York, New York.[1]

Weeks of the firm Jackson & Weeks was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal.  (New York, New York) on January 1, 1856 in an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Jackson & Weeks — Some specimens good, some bad, some miserable. Very little attention paid to order and cleanliness.

Weeks is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the first hand account of their (Jackson & Weeks) work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.