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William Summerhays

1858                            Centre Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Ca. 1860-1865            Main Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts.[1]

1860                            Address Unknown, Nantucket, Massachusetts.[1]

1865-1869                   Address Unknown, Nantucket, Massachusetts.[1]

William Summerhays was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded in the Nantucket Inquire (Nantucket, Massachusetts) on May 4, 1858.  The subscriber is now prepared to take those splendid Milleneotypes, which are far superior to anything yet discovered for lockets.  He also continues to take the Ambrotypes, in a style unsurpassed.  Persons wishing an imperishable picture of themselves or friends can obtain them at the most reasonable prices at the Saloon on Centre Street.

P. S.—The Subscriber will remain in Nantucket, and warrants every picture he puts up.  Wm. Summerhays. 

William Summerhays is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Nantucket, Massachusetts in 1860.


[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Samuel S. Sullivan

1841-1842       Elliot House, Bath, Maine.

Samuel S. Sullivan was recorded in four announcements and two advertisements in the Lincoln Telegraph (Bath, Maine).  The first announcement appeared on September 16, 1841.  Lecture on the Daguerreotype.  We have received a letter from Mr. Purkitt, a gentleman well and favorably known to our citizens as an able and eloquent lecturer, of which the following is an extract, which we commend to the attention of our readers.

“Permit me my dear Clarke, en passant, to inform you that Mr. S. S. Sullivan, of Boston, is intending to visit your place for the purpose of delivering one or more lectures on the novel and exceedingly simple and beautiful discovery of Daguerre.  Mr. S.is well educated, a gentleman of fine talents, of vivid imagination and an excellent writer.  He will be listened to, I am persuaded, with great interest by the intelligent citizens of Bath.

The discovery of Daguerre is new and wonderful.  But strange to say, like many other discoveries, it has fallen into bad hands—into the hands of men who have never investigated, and therefore, cannot be supposed to understand either its principles or its details—men, who are as ignorant of Photography as a science, as a horse is of the principles of the Steam engine—in a word, it has fallen into the hands of men whose only qualification to teach it is, their—ignorance.  Though there be many who practice the Daguerreotype as an art, yet how few are competent to explain it!  Their knowledge appears to be all in their fingers—and alas! that it appears so badly there—no in their heads,—I am persuaded that your citizens need only exercise their own discernment and sound practical good sense to perceive the difference toto caelo—between truth and fiction, knowledge and ignorance, merit and pretension.

I believe I am correct in saying that there never has been but one gentleman who has lectured upon this subject in this country, and he, I think, was a foreigner.  The fact is, there are no books upon the subject; those, therefore who investigate it must have resources within themselves—must be able by a knowledge of details to establish general principles and to carry them out into practice.  It is for this reason that I think that the lectures of Mr. S. will command the attention and receive the approbation of gentlemen of science and all the lovers of the arts.  I hope the good citizens of Bath will give him a hearing, as I doubt not they will find their evening spent in an agreeable and instructive manner.

I understand he intends to lecture on Monday evening next, of which I presume due notice will be given.

With respect to his Daguerreotype Portraitures I can only saying the language of one of your contemporary journals, “they are wonderfully perfect, and surpass in correctness and beauty any that I have ever seen; they as far exceed those that have often times come under my notice, as an exquisitely finished steel engraving does one coarsely and clumsily executed on wood.  Indeed, I can conceive of nothing which can be added to make his pictures more life-like, unless it be the colors and tints of nature itself.  In this respect only, if at all, can a painted portrait be preferred. In all others, in accuracy and and minuteness of delineation, in the striking correctness of the features, in the delicate alternations of light and shade, the Daguerreotype Miniatures is as much superior to a painting, as the veritable productions of Nature are to the pencillings of the most accomplished artist.  These superiorities, together with the ease with which the likenesses are taken, (requiring a sitting of only a few seconds,) and the low price at which they can be obtained, must render them exceedingly popular.”  But your citizens will be able by an inspection of his specimens, to satisfy themselves of the wonderful results of this process.

I doubt not that many of your friends and neighbors will embrace the opportunity that will be presented to them of  ‘seizing the shadow ere the substance fades’—of snatching from oblivion some faces, that are worth saving from the corrosions of time.”  Yours truly. 

The second announcement appeared on September 23, 1841. The Daguerreotype.  The lecture on this new discovery, alluded to in our last, will take place on Monday evening next.  The reason it did not occur on Monday evening last was owing to the providential detention of the Lecturer, Mr. Sullivan, in Boston.  We trust our citizens will give him a full house.    

The third announcement appeared on October 14, 1841.  The Daguerreotype.  We have taken the trouble to examine several specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures in Mr. Sullivan’s room at the Elliot House, with which we were much pleased.  The weather since he has been here has been exceedingly unfavorable, requiring considerable experimenting, in order to turn off perfect likenesses.  His specimens to day are very nearly perfect; and to-morrow he will probably be able to make them first rate.  Every body should call and examine this truly wonderful process.           

The fourth announcement appeared on October 21, 1841.  Particular attention is invited to the advertisement of Mr. Sullivan, who is now prepared to take first rate miniatures at the Elliot House.—Call on, Ladies and Gentlemen.

The first advertisement ran from October 21 to December 2, 1841.  Photography. Mr. Sullivan would inform the citizens of bath and its vicinity, that he has made arrangements to take Daguerreotype Miniatures. at his rooms in the Elliot House, where he will remain for a few days only; and will be happy to show specimens of this beautiful art to any who may favor him with a call.

The second advertisement ran from December 16, 1841 to March 10, 1842.  Photography—Once More.  The Subscriber has returned to Bath, and having availed himself of some recent improvements in the Daguerreotype Art, offers to take Miniatures, better, quicker and cheaper than has been done before; and without regard to weather.  His stay will be short.—Please give him a call, at the Eliot House. 

Samuel S. Sullivan is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. F. Styles

1858                            Location Unknown, St. Albans, Vermont.

1859                            Location Unknown, Burlington, Vermont.

A. F. Styles was recorded in six announcements.  The first announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on September 24, 1858.  The State Fair…A. F. Styles, of St. Albans, exhibited Ambrotypes, plain and colored.

The second announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on  September 24, 1858.  The State Fair…Award of Premiums…A. C. Styles, St. Albans, Photographs in Watercolors, and Ambrotypes, $5.00.

The third announcement appeared in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont) on September 25, 1858.  Eighth Annual Exhibition of the Vermont Agricultural Society.  The Eighth Annual Fair of the Vermont State Agricultural Society was held at Burlington, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week….Premiums Awarded….Floral Hall…

A. F. Styles, St. Albans, Photographs in Water colors, and Ambrotypes    5.00 

C. L. Howe, Brattleboro, Photographs                                                           5.00

Chas. Miller, Burlington, India Ink Photographs                                           5.00

The fourth announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on  September 16, 1859.  The State Fair…Floral Hall…Mr. A. F. Styles of Burlington, also occupies considerable space with Photographs—some of them quite good, especially the views.  A Photographic view of High Bridge is particularly excellent.

The fifth announcement appeared in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont) on September 24, 1859.  Ninth Annual Fair of the Vermont State Agricultural Society.  In accordance with arrangements effected last year, the ninth annual Fair of the Vermont State Agricultural Society was held at Burlington on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th days of September, inst, on the grounds occupied by the Society in 1856 and again in 1858….Premiums Awarded…Floral Hall…

C. Miller, Burlington, Photographs, 1st premium diploma & 5.00

A. F. Styles, Burlington, Photographs, 2nd premium diploma & 3.00           

The sixth announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on  September 23, 1859.  The State Fair…Photographs…Though the committee assign a second place of honor to the plain photographs, exhibited by Mr. A. F. Styles, of Burlington, there are among them many specimens, of great merit. 

A. F. Styles or (A. C. Styles) is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as A.F. or A. J. Styles as being active in Burlington and St. Albans, Vermont in 1860. 

Mr. Stratton

1856                Main Street, Eaton, Ohio.

Mr. Stratton was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Eaton Democrat  (Eaton, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on September 4, 1856.  Daguerreotypist.  It is not often that small towns are visited by skillful daguerreotypist, but we consider that Eaton is very much favored at present, by one who understands the business thoroughly, in the person of Mr. Stratton.  His collection of photographs and daguerreotypes are excellent and faithful, and well worthy of examination.  We advise our readers to give him a call when in town, and examine his pictures, and while there, secure a specimen of his skill.  You will never regret it.

The advertisement ran from September 18 to October 23, 1856.  Who has not heard of Stratton, He who has been making those beautiful Ambrotype Likenesses, for the past three months in Eaton?

Well, that same Stratton may still be found at his Gallery, on Main Street until the second week in October, after which he will be among the missing.  So all you who want a good Likeness had better call on him before that time.  He charges nothing for looking at Specimens, and only a moderate price for a correct picture of your own phiz.                           

Mr. Stratton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Henry K. Stratford

1851-1852       16 and 17 Harrington Block, corner of Main and Front Streets, Worcester,                              Massachusetts.

Henry K. Stratford was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 29, 1851 to February 16, 1852 in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts).  H. K. Stratford would say to all those wishing good Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends, that they can obtain them by calling on him, at the Great Daguerrean Palace, Nos. 16 and 17 Harrington Block, corner of Main and Front sts., where all will be treated with civility and politeness.  Entire satisfaction guaranteed.

Henry K. Stratford is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1852.

William M. Straight

1858-1859       Rooms over the Post Office, Brockport, New York, New York.

William M. Straight was recorder in three advertisements in The Brockport Republic  (Brockport, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on January 7, 1858.  Ambrotypes!  For Ten Cents.  The subscriber, wishing to accommodate himself to the “Hard Times,” proposes to take Ambrotypes, one day in each week, for the small sum of Ten Cents, each.

Those whom the hard times have afflicted so much that they cannot afford a better one, will please call at Straight’s Gallery on Wednesday of any week, Where they can have their Ambrotypes taken at the above price, the weather making no difference.

He also has a variety of Ambrotype Stock, Which he will put up at proportionately low prices, varying from ten cents to ten dollars.  Remember the place is—Straight’s Gallery, sign of the big Camera, over the Post Office, Brockport.  Wm. M. Straight, Artist.

The second advertisement dated April 25, 1858 ran from October 15 to December 17, 1858.

“Secure the Shadow before the Substance fades.”  New Daguerrean Establishment.  The undersigned has opened a very pleasant and convenient suite of Daguerrean Rooms in Randal’s Block, over the Post Office, where he is prepared at all times to do anything in the Daguerreotyping line in an artistic manner and very cheap.  He is putting up neat and well taken pictures in good one-ninth size cases, for the small sum of 50 Cents each.  Also pictures to send by mail, for 25 Cents, which is more than half loss than was ever done before in Brockport.  He also manufactures those beautiful Door Plates at short notice.

Remember the place—Randal’s Block Over the Post Office.  Wm. M. Straight, Brockport, Apr. 25, 1858.

The third advertisement ran on December 24, 1858 to March 11, 1859. Ambrotypes!  For Ten Cents.  The subscriber, wishing to accommodate himself to the “Hard Times,” proposes to take Ambrotypes, one day in each week, for the small sum of Ten Cents, each.

Those whom the hard times have afflicted so much that they cannot afford a better one, will please call at Straight’s Gallery on Wednesday of any week, Where they can have their Ambrotypes taken at the above price, the weather making no difference.

He also has a variety of Ambrotype Stock, Which he will put up at proportionately low prices, varying from ten cents to ten dollars.  Remember the place is—Straight’s Gallery, sign of the big Camera, over the Post Office, Brockport.  Wm. M. Straight, Artist.

William M. Straight is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry under an alternative spelling of “William M. Strait” in Brockport, New York.  He also list him in Lockport in 1859-1860.

L. Tarbell

1853                Corner of Main And Biddle Streets, Wheeling, Virginia.

1855                Address Unknown, Jackson, Ohio.

1855-1856       Address Unknown, Chillicothe, Ohio.[1]

L. Tarbell was recorded in Two advertisements, one announcement and mentioned in another advertisement in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Another announcement appeared in The Jackson Standard (Jackson, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from January 21 to July 13, 1853. Look at This!  All those who are desirous preserving the memory of themselves and [and] friend, can do so, most effectually, by calling without delay, at Tarbell & Co’s. Daguerreotype Rooms, at the corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling, and procure for each those life-like Pictures which cannot be obtained, with the same degree of beauty and excellence, elsewhere in the city.

Tarbell & Co., Daguerreotypists, Corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling. 

The first announcement appeared on June 18, 1853.  Daguerreotypes.—See the advertisement of Mr. L. Tarbell, who has improved his Daguerrean Rooms in Centre Wheeling, and is prepared to accommodate the people down that way with perfect fac similes of themselves and friends.

The second advertisement ran from July 18, 1853 to April 15, 1854.  Look at This!  All those who are desirous preserving the memory of themselves and [and] friend, can do so, most effectually, by calling without delay, at L. Tarbell’s Daguerreotype Rooms, at the corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling, and procure for each those life-like Pictures which cannot be obtained, with the same degree of beauty and excellence, elsewhere in the city.

L. Tarbell, Daguerreotypists, Corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling. 

The advertisement he was mentioned in appeared on March 24, 1854.  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. 

The second announcement appeared on June 21, 1855 in The Jackson Standard (Jackson, Ohio). We visited the daguerrean Gallery of Professor Tarbell, where we were pleased to see some of the finest work in his line, that we have ever examined, among whom we recognized many familiar faces, of both old and young…

L. Tarbell is listed in other photographic directories as being listed in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1855-1856.


[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry & Ohio Photographers, 1839-1900.

Ausborn M. Stover

1859                Rooms next door to Lynch’s Store, Ottawa, Illinois.

Ausborn M. Stover was recorded in one announcement that appeared on September 24, 1859 in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The County Fair.—The County Fair is expected to be the greatest one ever held in La Salle county, and as everybody is expected to do all they can for the success of the fair, and the pleasure of its visitors, the far famed Photographer, Stover, is going to take, during the fair week all of the latest improved styles of pictures for half price, and we would say to the visitors of the fair and every body else, that comes to Ottawa during the fair week, to give Stover a call and procure one or more of his new styles of pictures for dear Kate and dear Mollie.

Rooms next door to Lynch’s store.

Ausborn M. Stover is recorded as being active in Ottawa, Illinois in 1860.

Stoutnour

1857                Rooms on Market st., opposite Hening & Melvin’s Drug Emporium, Steubenville, Ohio.

Stoutnour was recorded in one advertisement dated June 10 and that ran on June 17 & 24, 1857 in the True American (Steubenville, Ohio).  Ambrotypes.  Call at Stoutnour’s Gallery andexamine the new improvements in Ambrotyping introduced by Mr. C. A. Griffin, of New York. Pictures taken at this Gallery are equaled by few and excelled by none.  Perfect pictures taken in from 1 to 3 seconds.  Market st., opposite Hening & Melvin’s Drug Emporium.  je 10.

Stoutnour is not recorded in other photographic directories.

D. M. Stoughton

1857-1858       Doctor Rawson’s Block, Findlay, Ohio.

D. M. Stoughton was recorded in four advertisements in The Hancock Jeffersonian (Findlay, Ohio).  The first advertisement dated April 10, 1857 ran on June 19 and 26, 1857, when he was by himself.

A New & Valuable Discovery. 

Enameled Photographs, 

Enameled Photographs,

Can Be Sent By Mail,

Can Be Sent By Mail,

To Any Part Of The World,

To Any Part Of The World,

Without Injury, or Extra Postage,

Without Injury, or Extra Postage,

And the only place where they can be obtained in perfection is at Stoughton’s, Stoughton’s Doctor Rawson’s Block, Stoughton’s old stand, where he can always be found, ready to wait upon his friends and customers,  having during the past season, repaired and refitted his rooms, he flatters himself that they now possess conveniences, both for himself and customers, superior to any in North-Western Ohio.  He never fails in executing Likenesses of children, by the aid of an improvement of his own, together with a powerful Sky-Light, he is enabled to take them at a sitting of only one second.—Enameled Photographs are superior to anything ever discovered, for locket pictures, &c.  Ambrotypes warranted not to crack.

N. B.—Instructions given in the art.  Findlay, April 10, 1857.

The second advertisement ran from July 17 to October 23, 1857 under the firm name of Stoughton & Hartsock.  Sphereotypes.  The undersigned would respectfully announce to the people of Hancock county that they have formed a co-partnership for the purpose of introducing the celebrated Patent Sphereotype!

This style of picture is unparalleled for beauty, and is acknowledged by all to be the greatest improvement of the age, in the Art Of Picture Taking!!

There is a softness and delicacy and beautiful, and which cannot be surpassed.  Call and examine their specimens.  They will also take Ambrotypes!  With all the latest improvements, together with pictures on paper, Cloth, Leather, &c.  Pictures taking on Leather In a recent discovery, and is very convenient for filing Lockets, or for sending any distance by mail in letters, which may be done without injury to the picture or extra postage.  By the aid of a Powerful Sky-Light, and excellent Chemicals, they are enabled to execute Pictures at a sitting of only one second; hence they seldom fail in getting the likenesses of Children.  Satisfaction warranted in all cases, both in regard to Price and Quality!!  And are determined not to be excelled.  They may be found at Stoughton’s old stand.  Stoughton & Hartsock.  Findlay, O., July 10, 1857.

The third and fourth advertisement appeared under the firm name of Stoughton & Reiterman.  The third advertisement ran on March 12 to October 15, 1858.  Stoughton’s. Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices as they can be obtained at any other place.  There may be some, however, that are ignorant of these facts, and for their benefit they are mentioned.

Particular attention is called to our method of taking Likenesses on Leather, Card, Paper, &c. This is a convenient means of sending likenesses by leather, which can be done without extra postage.

Rooms in Doct. Rawson’s Block, opposite Ewing’s.  Stoughton & Reiterman.  D. M. Findlay, Ohio, March 5, 1858.

The fourth advertisement ran on October 15 & 22, 1858.  Stoughton’s. (Stoughton & Reiterman’s) Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices as they can be obtained at any other place.  There may be some, however, that are ignorant of these facts, and for their benefit they are mentioned.

Particular attention is called to our method of taking Likenesses on Leather, Card, Paper, &c.

This is a convenient means of sending likenesses by leather, which can be done without extra postage.

Rooms in Doct. Rawson’s Block, opposite Ewing’s.  Stoughton & Reiterman.  Findlay, Ohio,

D. M. Stoughton, Stoughton & Hartsock and Stoughton & Reiterman are not recorded in other photographic directories.  W. Reiterman is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Findlay, Ohio in 1860.