All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

Mr. Tucker

1855                262 Ninth street, three doors from First Avenue, New York, New York.

Mr. Tucker was recorded in one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on October 20, 1855.  An Immense Business For $100.—A Young Man with the above amount, will be taken as an equal partner by an ambrotypist artist, who intends travelling and wants assistance.  This is a new art that will supersede daguerreotyping.  Immense profits can be realized, as there is scarcely any opposition.  Call or address a note to Mr. Tucker, 262 Ninth street, three doors from First avenue.

Mr. Tucker is not recorded in other photographic directories without more information.

Tucker & Perkins

1858-1859                   Address Unknown, Augusta, Georgia

Tucker & Perkins (Isaac Tucker & J. W. Perkins) were recorded in one announcement and two advertisements.  The announcement appeared in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina) on December 22, 1858.  Art In Perfection.  As illustrated at the Photographic Gallery of Tucker & Perkins in Augusta, Ga.

Happening to call in at the photographic gallery of Messrs. Tucker & Perkins the other day, we cannot delay to notice and applaud its pleasing attractions.  These gentlemen have certainly carried their art to a high degree of perfection.  With the best of materials, and the most skilful of operators, their likenesses are truly to be prized; and when colored by the tasteful hands of their very superior painters, they are invaluable as keepsakes and mementos.  None should fail to avail themselves of the chance here offered to procure accurate and life-like copies of their relatives and friends.  Apropos, we observe in the Southern Banner the following merited encomium of this firm, from one who knows a good thing whenever and wherever he sees it.  Hear what D. Redmond says of them:

“One of the most attractive place in our quite city, is the Gallery of Messrs. Tucker & Perkins, the unrivalled Photographic artist.  Here the lover of the “human face divine,” can behold it in all stages, from the cherub infant, scarcely able to “sit alone,” to the hoary and venerable grand-sire of “three score years and ten”—and in all styles of art, from the dingy, dim and distorted Daguerreotype of ten years ago, to the soft, clear Ambrotype, and radiant and life like colored Photograph of to-day.  Of the beauty and perfection of these latter portraits—the full size Photographs—no description can convey an adequate idea.  They have all the correctness and accuracy of detail of the best Ambrotype, with the delicate flesh tints and expression of the finest oil painting; and may, therefore, as portraits be considered altogether unrivalled.

It is absolutely impossible for even the most skillful portrait painter to produce a likeness as correct as the camera, which gives the actual reflection of the countenance, as in a mirror; and when this reflection, magnified up to the size of life, is colored after nature by such artists as Hunt, Freeman and Tomlinson, (now engaged with Messrs. Tucker & Perkins,) there is nothing left to desire by way of fine portraiture.

It has required years of patient investigation, labor and experiment, on the part of these gentlemen, to obtain their present enviable position in their beautiful art; but I am happy to say that they are now beginning to reap their reward.  Orders are pouring in upon them from every part of this and the adjoining States, and their pictures wherever exhibited, bear off the prizes from all competitors.  The skill with which they change a small, old and faded daguerreotype into an almost speaking, life-size Photograph, is truly marvelous; and the arrangement, coloring and general execution of their pictures, cannot fail to delight all lovers of the fine arts: many of whom, I know, are among your readers.  D. R.  Augusta, Ga.  Dec. 4, 1858.

The first advertisement appeared in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina) on December 28, 1859.  Tucker & Perkin’s Great Southern Photograph & Ambrotype Gallery of Art, Augusta, GA., Is now open for the reception of visitors.  One of the Largest and Finest collections of Photographic Paintings in the world, on exhibition free to visitors.  We have exhibition Free to Visitors.  We have engaged for the season, the Best Corps of Photographic Portrait Painters Ever brought together in the United States.  Our superior Photographs will be sold at prices as low as those at the best Northern Galleries.

Tucker & Perkins’ Celebrated Ambrotypes Taken As Usual.

Stock, Chemicals, and materials Of Every Kind Furnished To The Trade at New York Prices!

Life Size Photographic Paintings Made From Small Daguerreotypes And Ambrotypes.

Our Patrons at a distance from Augusta, and desiring a Picture Copied, will please send it to our address, by Mail or Express, with a description of the color of the hair, eyes, complexion, etc., etc., of the original, and we will return it to them by express or otherwise, without the least injury, with a beautifully colored Photograph copy of any size they may specify.

P. S.—A fine assortment of Steroscopic Pictures and instruments for sale, at Ndew York Prices.

The second advertisement appeared on December 29, 1859 in The Abbeville Banner (Abbeville, South Carolina).  Tucker & Perkin’s Great Southern Photograph & Ambrotype Gallery of Art, Is now open for the reception of visitors.  One of the Largest and Finest collections of Photographic Paintings in the world, on exhibition Free to visitors.

We have engaged for the season, the best Corps of Photographic Portrait Painters Ever brought together in the United States.  Our superior Photographs will be sold at prices as low as those at the best Northern Galleries.

Tucker & Perkin’s Celebrated Ambro’ypes Taken As Usual.  Stock, Chemicals, and Materials Furnished To The Trade At New York Prices.

Life size Photographic Portraits made from small Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes,

N. B.—Our patrons at a distance from Augusta, and desiring a Picture Copied, will please send it to our address, by Mail or Express, with the description of the color of the hair, eyes, complexion, etc., of the original; and we will return it to them by Express or otherwise, without the least injury, with a beautifully colored Photograph copy of any size they may specify.

P. S.—A fine assortment of Stereoscopic Pictures and instruments for sale, at New York Prices.

Tucker & Perkin’s Picture Frame Manufactory Is now in Full Operation.

Every description of Oval and Square Rosewood and Gilt Frames, made to order, at New York Prices.

Old Frames re Gilded and made to look as well as when they were new, at Very Low Rates.

Orders from country Dealers Solicited.  Dec. 22, 1859.

Tucker & Perkins are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as having dissolvedtheir partnership in April of 1853.

Nelson H. Tuck

1854-1855       Pavilion, near Junction Hotel, Clyde, Ohio.

Nelson H. Tuck was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 29, 1854 to April 20, 1855 in the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio).  Sky Light Daguerreotype Pavilion, The subscriber having recently constructed his new and scientifically arranged Sky-Light Daguerreotype Pavilion, with a light for its softness and beautiful shading is not surpassed in northern Ohio.  The Pictures taken under such a light are noted for their smoothness of shading and beautiful delineation of the features.  With the above facilities and several years experience in the South, he feels safe in saying his pictures are not surpassed by any taken in west of New York City.  Citizens of Sandusky and adjoining counties, will have a good opportunity of getting likenesses of themselves or friends true to nature.  Satisfaction given to all, or no pay.

Pictures taken from sunrise until sunset, in cloudy as well as in clear weather.

Likenesses of all sizes from the half size plate to the smallest miniature ring.  Post Mortem cases attended to at the shortest notice.

Pavilion located near Junction Hotel. Nelson H. Tuck. Clyde, Dec. 29, 1854.

Nelson H. Tuck is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Aurora, Indiana, 1858-1861. It is unknown if they are the same person.

Mr. Truth

1853                Address Unknown, Ithaca, New York.

Mr. Truth was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 22 to September 21, 1853 in the  Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  Lost Conscience.  For a poor Fading Miniature character—and night as well have saved it by going to Mr. Truth’s Daguerrian Gallery, No. 1, for my Miniatures.  He has the great Sky Light and works upon the new and beautiful improvements, and has the largest optical instrument in the wide world—but it is done;—and it is my own true life-like likeness, positively made in stereotype form, of light and dark prismatic shades, according to the true laws of Light, &c., and I have most devoutly labelled the same Lost Money, in bold italics on my ‘bare face’—and have adorned it with as assortment of Chinese (large and small) inlaid with Rose French, and all other paints, splendid and rare, doing a first rate business—please see for yourself.  And I have from the bottom of my heart caused a true engraving of print of the same to be published weekly in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser, that all the people can see me, and read me, and know me, and fee me, for my loving galvanic power.  June 17, 1853.

Mr. Truth is not recorded in other photographic directories.

N. Tribou

1853                Knapp’s Block, Malone, New York.

1855                Washington Hall, Main Street, Penn Yan, New York.

1855                Address Unknown, Elmira, New York.

N. Tribou was recorded in three advertisements and two announcements.  The first advertisement ran from August 4 to September 15, 1853 in the Frontier Palladium (Malone, New York).   

Daguerreotypes!  The Subscriber having determined on spending a few week in this vicinity, for the benefit of his health, has made choice of Malone as a temporary residence, and has taken rooms in “Knapp’s Block,” for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Likenesses, Where he would be happy to wait on all who may favor him with their patronage.

He would also take occasion to say that, aided as he is by an experience of nearly nine years, in some of the first establishments of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, and using none but the Best Materials.  He feels no hesitation in saying that the present is an opportunity seldom met with procuring an Accurate And Artistic Picture.

All the newest styles of Plain and Fancy Cases, at the lowest New York Prices.

Persons having had inferior or unsatisfactory pictures taken by inexperienced operators, can have them exchanged at a trifling cost.

Please call and examine for yourselves.

Will positively remain but a few weeks.  N. Tribou. Malone, July 29, 1853.

The second advertisement ran from August 6 to September 27, 1853 in the Franklin Gazette  (Fort Covington, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  The Subscriber having determined on spending a few week in this vicinity, for the benefit of his health, has made choice of Malone as a temporary residence, and has taken rooms in “Knapp’s Block,” for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Likenesses, Where he would be happy to wait on all who may favor him with their patronage.

He would also take occasion to say that, aided as he is by an experience of nearly nine years, in some of the first establishments of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, and using none but the Best Materials.  He feels no hesitation in saying that the present is an opportunity seldom met with procuring an Accurate And Artistic Picture.

All the newest styles of Plain and Fancy Cases, at the lowest New York Prices.

Persons having had inferior or unsatisfactory pictures taken by inexperienced operators, can have them exchanged at a trifling cost.

Please call and examine for yourselves.  N. Tribou.  Malone, July 29, 1853.

The first announcement appeared in the Franklin Gazette (Fort Covington, New York) on August 13, 1853.  Daguerreotypes For Fifty Cents!  At Tribou’s Rooms, “Knapp’s Block.”

Open for only a short time longer.

The third advertisement ran from June 27 to July 11, 1855 in the Penn Yan Democrat.  (Penn-Yan, New York).  Daguerreotypes For 25 Cents!  At Tribour’s Rooms, Washington Hall, Main St., Penn Yan.  The Subscriber has opened a room at the above place, for the purpose of making Daguerreotypes at prices varying from 25 c’s to Six Dollars—which for accuracy of delineation, ease and gracefulness of position, Truth fullness of expression, harmonious blending of Light and Shade, beauty and durability of finish, and in fact all the requisites of an accurate and artistic picture, he confidently assures the public Cannot Be Surpassed.

An early call is respectfully solicited, as his stay is limited to A Few Weeks.  N. Tribou, Artist.  Penn Yan, June 26, 1855.

The second announcement appeared on August 15, 1855 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Pass Him.—A daguerrean Artist, by the name of Tribou, who has been sojourning in our village for several weeks, has left for somewhere else, without paying a bill for advertising, amounting to $2, due us.  He advertised to take pictures for 50 cts.  He is a small sized man, with large dark whiskers.  The craft will please give him the benefit of their circulation.—Elmira Gazette.

The same “small sized man, with large dark whiskers,” owed us something like $3, which he wrote to us he would positively pay on the coming Saturday—but, as he absconded the same night, we presume he forgot it.

N. Tribou is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. F. Tracy

1845                233 Broadway, opposite the Park fountain, New York, New York.

J. F. Tracy was recorded in one announcement and two advertisements.  The announcement appeared in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on April 14, 1845.  The daguerreotype—We had thought that the perfection of this art had been attained, but we find there are still improvements.  Among those we have seen recently were some specimens at Mr. Tracy’s rooms, No. 233 Broadway.  He has taken some portraits which, for life-like beauty and effect, cannot be excelled.  He has, likewise, engaged the services of Mr. Burgess, who formerly occupied rooms at the corner of John and Broadway, and those who wish a picture in his style, which is acknowledged to be superior, will please call soon, as Mr. B. leaves the city in a few days.

The first advertisement ran from April 14 to May 27, 1845 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Daguerreotype Portraits.  J. F. Tracy has taken Rooms at No. 233 Broadway, up stairs, second floor, where he is executing some of the most beautiful specimens of the Daguerrian Art in this city.  The prices are according to the style and finish, from One To Three Dollars.

Those in want of perfect Pictures are requested to call and examine his specimens.  Mr. T. is happy to announce that he has engaged the professional services of N. G. Bingers [sic.], for a short time, and those who wish Pictures in his peculiar beautiful style would do well to call soon.

Plates, Cases, Chemicals, &c., always on hand, and instructions given in the Art on moderate terms.                                                                                                            

The second advertisement appeared on June 13, 1845 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Tracy’s Daguerrean Rooms, 233 Broadway, opposite the Park Fountain.  Portraits from $1 to $5, including case—correct Likenesses, and no other delivered.  Instructions in the art—Plates, Chemicals, &c., &c.

J. F. Tracy does not recorded in other photographic directories.  Nathan G. Burgess association with Tracy was previously unknown.

Benjamin C. Townsend

1843                42 Beaver Street, New York, New York.

Benjamin C. Townsend of the partnership of Welton & Townsend Joseph C. Welton & Benjamin C. Townsend)[1] were recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 20 to 26, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Daguerreotype Plates.  “Scovills” first quality plates, pronounced by the first operators in this country, to be superior to any imported plates, for sale by their agents, Welton & Townsend, 42 Beaver street. 

Benjamin C. Townsend is not recorded in other photographic directories.  According to the 1842/1843 New York City directory their occupation was buttons at 42 Beaver Street, the following directory 1843/1844 their occupation was still listed as buttons but they had moved to 5 William. 


[1] 1842/1843 & 1843/1844 New York City Directory.

Mrs. Townsend

1843                235 West 19th Street, Near 9th Avenue, New York, New York.

Mrs. Townsend was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 14 to 16, 1843 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Daguerrian Miniatures Of every sizes—copies of Pictures, Statues, Bust, &c., &c. (in all weather) by Mrs. Townsend, No. 235 West 19th street, near 9th avenue.

N. B.  Perfect likenesses may be had for breastpins, Lockets, Bracelets, Rings, &c.

Mrs. Townsend is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Horace S. Tousley

1851-1854       Rooms at J. W. Taggard’s Hall, Adirondac Building, Keeseville, New York.

Horace S. Tousley was recorded in four advertisements and ten announcements in the Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York).  The first advertisement ran from November 29, 1851 to April 10, 1852.  Plain and Colored Daguerreotype Miniatures.  H. S. Tousley, Would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Keeseville and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at J. W. Taggard’s Hall, Adirondac Building, for the purpose of taking Miniature Likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, having made himself acquainted with the latest improvements in the Art, and by the use of superior chemicals and gelding, and the advantage of a Sky Light which renders the impression permanent, possessing the appearance of real life.

Mr. Tousley warrants satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call.  His process being the same as those in the principal cities, and equal in style.  An experience four years in the Art enable him to produce the desired effect.

Miniatures taken in any weather, with or without colors, in a superior style and neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets or Cases.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens, and sit for their likenesses, by way of experiment if they choose.

Instruction given in the Art, every thing appertaining to the business furnished at reasonable prices.

Particular attention paid to taking Large Pictures and Groups of any number.  By the same process, he takes perfect pictures of Infants and Children. 

The first announcement appeared on February 14, 1852.  For The Republican. Daguerreotypes.  Keeseville, February 10.  Mr. Editor:—Having been in the Daguerrean rooms of the gentlemanly Artists, Mr. Tousley, during the past week, I was forcibly struck by the life-like and truthful daguerreotypes of some of our distinguished citizens.  Among those which I was particularly pleased with, were the Rev. Mr. Mattocks, A. C. Nelson, Esq., N. G. Sawyer, Esq., and the group of four fine looking young ladies, which we think for tone, color and finish, cannot be surpassed in the Art.  They reflect great credit upon the talented Artist, and we hope our citizens will prove their appreciation of his efforts to please, by their liberal patronage.

The second advertisement ran from July 17 to August 14, 1852.  H. S. Toulsey’s Gallery.  Rooms open from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M. Those In Want Of Daguerreotypes are requested to call, and satisfaction given or no charge made.  Adirondac Buildings, Keeseville, N. Y.  Entrance at M. J. Jenkin’s Jewelry Store.

The second announcement appeared on August 14, 1852.  H. S. Tousley, the accomplished and talented Daguerrean Artist of our village, who’s truthful and artistically executed likenesses haven given such universal satisfaction to our citizens, and which have been pronounced by competent judges superior to any thing of the kind ever exhibited in Keeseville is about to leave us for a short time.  His rooms at this place will be closed until about the 1st of Sept. when he will return.  Due notice will be given.

The third announcement appeared on August 14, 1852.  H. S. Tousley’s Daguerreotype Gallery.  Is closed and will remain closed until about the 1st of Sept. when he will be happy to again meet his numerous friends and customers.  H. S. Tousley.

The third advertisement ran from October 16, 1852 to January 8, 1853.  Tousley’s Sky-Light Daguerreotype Rooms, Adirondac Buildings, Keeseville, N. Y. 

H. S. Tousley, after an absence of several weeks, has returned and reopened his commodious rooms for the reception of visitors.  He has brought with him from the New York market, a splendid assortment of Cases, &c., and being desirous of keeping pace with the spirit of the times, he has made himself familiar with all the recent improvements in the Daguerreotype system.  Those in want of truthful likenesses had better call without delay, as I shall probably close my rooms in 6 or 8 weeks.  Remember that “procrastination is the thief of time.”  The public is cordially invited to call and examine specimens. 

The fourth announcement appeared on April 2, 1853.  Installation of Peru Lodge No. 281.  By invitation of our Peru brethren, and under the sanction of the Grand Master of the State of New York, Peru Lodge No. 281, of Free and Accepted Masons, was according to primitive usage, installed Ausable River Lodge of Keeseville; the following named brethren acting as grand officers.  

Worshipful C. D. Barton, Grand Master. Worshipful David Pitkin, Deputy G. Master. Worshipful George Miller, G. S. W. Worshipful John Nash, G. J. W. Worshipful Oliver [K], 2d G. Secretary. Worshipful Turner Calkins, G. Treasuer. Worshipful S. Allen, M. D., G. S. Deacon. Worshipful H. S. Tousley, G. J. Deacon. Worshipful C. D. Beaumont, G. Marshall. Worshipful ______ Calkins, Grand Tiler….

The fifth announcement appeared on April 30, 1853.  Don’t Fail To Notice That H. S. Tousley’s Daguerreotype Gallery, at Keeseville is always open from Sunrise till sunset.  Call and see him everybody, as your faces can be taken in great shape, and neatly act in the choicest cases at low prices.

The sixth announcement appeared on July 2, 1853.  The courteous Daguerrean Artists, H. S. Tousley, after a short absence, has again returned to his old quarters in the Adirondac Building.  Mr. Tousley is so well known in this vicinity as an Artist of Rare ability, and has given such unqualified approbation for the past two years, that an endorsement from us is unnecessary.

The fourth advertisement ran from July 30 to December 10, 1853.  Daguerreotypes.  Look At This!  Don’t fail to call and see for yourselves, that H. S. Tousley is yet among you, and may be found, as usual, in his rooms from sunrise until sunset, ready to supply patrons with Daguerreotypes, with or without colors.  He is always ready to make your picture on the shortest notice, and is determined that he will not be outdone by any operator in Northern New York, or even in the cities.  Call and try his skill, as satisfaction will be given in all cases or No Charge.

Mr. T., it is well known has occupied rooms in the Adirondac Buildings, for over 2 years, Where he has had the advantage of an excellent Sky Light which is acknowledged by all competent operators to be unequaled in producing a dark rich picture with well arranged lights and shadows, which will make a Daguerreotype not only pleasing as a portrait but as a work of Art.

Mr. T. has also just received a very extensive assortment of well selected stock, of the latest style and the choicest ever offered in this village.  Pictures taken all sizes from the smallest sized Lockets, Pins, Rings, to Full Size, And warranted to remain permanent, and put up in the best style.

N. B. A Dark Dress is preferable to a light one in all cases to ensure a rich picture though a light one may be taken if desired by the sitter.  Horace S. Tousley.

Entrance at M. J. Jenkins Jewelry Store. 

The seventh announcement appeared on September 17, 1853.  Agricultural Fair.  The Agricultural Fair at E-town [Elizabethtown] yesterday…

Mr. Tousley’s daguerreotypes were the observed of all observers’ and received unequivocal praise at all hands….

The eighth announcement appeared on December 17, 1853.  Masonic.  At a regular communication of Ausable River Lodge, No. 149, of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the following named brethren were elected officers for the year ensuing…H. S. Tousley, Senior Deacon…

The ninth announcement appeared on April 29, 1854.  Something New.—At the Daguerreotype Gallery of Mr. H. S. Tousley, may be seen a group of twelve good looking young gentlemen called the ‘nice young men of Keeseville.’  Young Ladies of taste are particularly requested to call and examine as they claim to have More [Hair] than any twelve men in this vicinity.

The tenth announcement appeared on May 13, 1854.  Temperance Meeting.—At a meeting of the citizens of Keeseville called to be held at the Wesleyan Chapel, on Monday evening, the 8th inst., for the purpose of expressing sympathy with and proffering  support to the Poor-masters of this town in their prosecutions against the violators of the excise law, Major Powers, Esq., was chosen Chairman, and Mr. H. S. Tousley, Secretary….

Horace S. Tousley is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list H. E. Tousley active in 1859 in Ausable Chasm and Keesville, New York.  It is unknown if they are the same person.

J. P. & J. A. Todd

1858                Rooms over A. R. Orchard’s Store, Farnham Street, Omaha City, Nebraska.

J. P. & J. A. Todd were recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 3 to September 2, 1858 in the Bellevue Gazette (Bellevue City, Nebraska).  Sky Light Daguerrean Gallery Over A. R. Orchard’s Store, Farnham Street, Omaha City, N. T.  The Public are respectfully invited to call and examine our pictures.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes. And pictures transferred to Leather, taken at reasonable prices.

Pictures taken in from 3 to 5 Seconds.  J. P. Todd, J. A. Todd.

J. P. & J. A. Todd are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Omaha City, Nebraska.  Recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide is a listing for Jacob Todd who is listed as an ambrotypist in Knoxville Iowa in 1860…Jacob Todd, twenty two years old was enumerated twice in the 1860 federal census of Iowa. On June 6  J. P. Todd declared no property and was living at his parents’ home.  On July 6 Jacob Todd, twenty three years old was listed in Newton, Iowa as J. P. Todd, ambrotypist.  He was living in a boarding house or hotel and declared $200 in real estate and $75 in personal property.  It is possible there was a typo and one of the brothers in the census was J. A ?  (Speculation on my part, just thinking out loud.)  The quickest distance from Omaha City, Nebraska to Knoxville, Iowa is 157 miles.  The distance from Knoxville to Newton, Iowa is about 28 miles.