All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

Mr. Stearns

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Ford Street, over H. Church’s Store, Ogdensburgh, New York.

Mr. Stearns was recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 25 to June 18, 1847 in the St. Lawrence Republican (Ogdensburgh, New York).    Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Stearns is on hand and ready from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M., at his Rooms over H. Church’s Store, Ford street, to execute a few more of those nice pictures, of all sizes, for which his apparatus is so well qualified.  Ladies and Gents are respectfully solicited to call and examine specimens, and sit for their likenesses if they choose, by way of experiment.  A reasonable discount will be made where several pictures are taken in the same family.  Come one—come all.

Mr. Stearns is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Starbird & Dodge

Photographs, , , , , , , , , , , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

Starbird & Dodge (Charles H. Starbird) was recorded in one announcement in Oxford Democrat (Paris, Maine) on  September 30, 1859.  Maine State Fair…There is a fair display of plain and colored Photographs exhibiting great perfection in this wonderful art.  Photographs are destined ere long to supersede portraits painted in oil, not only because they can be taken in greater perfection but because they cost so much less.

Burnham Brothers of Portland…

Silsbee, Case & Co., of Boston…

Starbird and Dodge of Augusta occupy the next space and have a fair collection.  Their portraits of the Augusta Clergymen were very fine.

S. W. Sawyer, of Winthrop…

[Simon] Wing of Warterville.

Starbird & Dodge are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Augusta, Maine in 1860.

James L. Stapleton

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs

1856                Rooms over Fuller’s Store, Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont.

James L. Stapleton was recorded in two advertisements in The Middlebury Register  (Middlebury, Vermont).  The firs advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Chrystallographs, Pictures on Isinglass, And Daguerreotypes.  I beg leave to inform the ladies and gentlemen of Middlebury and vicinity, that I have commenced taking the above beautiful pictures.  The Ambrotypes are cemented between two French plate glasses with an imperishable gum, rendering them proof against the effects of any climate and the action of the strongest acids.  They have none of the disagreeable metallic or mirror-like reflection of the daguerreotype, and can be seen with any light.  The Chrystallographs are taken on glass, perfectly secured, and as durable as the Ambrotypes.  My pictures on Isinglass are acknowledged by all who have seen them to be superior specimens of the art. They are the only kind of photograph well adapted to be sent to any distance by mail or otherwise.  They can be inserted between the folds of a letter without apparently increasing the weight or bulk of parcel.

As I intend to locate myself permanently in this place, my patrons will run no risk of being imposed on by inferior pictures, as I will always hold myself in readiness to remedy defects in pictures occasioned by fault of mine free of charge.  I take the above pictures on all sizes of plates, and they will cost no more than their corresponding sizes of daguerreotypes.  Ambrotypes neatly fitted into lockets and pins.  Sick and deceased persons taken at their residences.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms over Fuller’s store, Main st.  Jas. L. Stapleton.  Middlebury, May 20, 1856.

The second advertisement ran from July 16 to August 20, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes!  As the subscriber must positively leave here in a few weeks, all those wishing to possess Ambrotypic Pictures of themselves or friends, would do well to call immediately at his rooms, over Fuller’s store.  My Pictures are no dearer than the common Daguerreotype, are almost as durable as the glass on which the impression is taken.  Unlike the Daguerreotype, the image is not reversed on the plate, and they have none of that peculiar dazzling luster of all Daguerreotypes.  My pictures are warranted not to fade in any climate.  Ambrotypes neatly put up in Lockets and Pins.  Also pictures on Mica—better known as Isinglass Pictures—the only kind of picture well adapted to be sent and distance as they can be put between the folds of a letter or parcel of any kind without apparently increasing its weight or bulk.  Also Landscape and other Views put up at moderate prices.  Sick or deceased persons taken at their residences.  Business hours from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Jas. L. Stapleton. 

James L. Stapleton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Eldridge Stanton

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1856-1857       Pratt’s Block, over Kerr’s Hardware Store, Chatham, Ontario, Canada.[1]

1859                Address Unknown, Moundsville, Virginia.

1859                Address Unknown, Barnesville, Ohio. (?)

1859                Rooms at the Monroe House, Woodsfield, Ohio.

1859                Rooms at Davis’ Hotel, Woodsfield, Ohio.

Eldridge Stanton was recorded in five announcements and one advertisement in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  We are informed that all the handsome ladies about town intend to have their ambrotypes taken by Mr. Stanton.—Pretty much everybody else intends to do the same thing.  His terms are cheaper, and his pictures better, if we may judge from his reputation, than those of any of his predecessors in this place.

The advertisement ran from May 18 to July 13, 1859.  Mr. Stanton Is Taking Pictures For Fifty Cents, At The Monroe House Woodsfield Ohio.

The second announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  Mr. E. Stanton, Photographer.  This gentleman, who has been here for some time, engaged in taking pictures for our citizens took his departure yesterday, bound for Barnesville, Belmont co., Ohio, where he will remain a few weeks before his departure for Canada, his place of residence.  While here he made many warm friends, and we were sorry to give him the parting hand, as we found him to be a worthy friend and fellow, and passed many a pleasant evening with him.  We commend him to those among he may chance to sojourn for a time—not only as a gentleman, but as an artist of the first water.  He has been a practical chemist for many years, and was the first to introduce the photograph (paper picture) into Western Virginia.  We can attest the fact of his skill as an artist from having the most life-like picture of ourselves taken by him, that we ever had taken in our life, although we have tried many artist.  He knows the use of the camera thoroughly.—Moundsville Sentinel.

The third announce appeared on May 25, 1859.  War!  War!  Before you start for the seat of War, give Mr. Stanton a call at Davis’ Hotel, and get your likeness taken to leave with your friends.

The fourth announcement appeared on July 6, 1859.  Interesting To All.—Mr. Stanton will be absent from town till Thursday the 7th Inst., when he will return and close up operating here by the 14th.  His success heretofore is sufficient evidence of his skill, we would advise all desiring those excellent Melainotypes, to give him an early call as the last day will undoubtedly be crowded.

The fifth announcement appeared on July 20, 1859.  Going to Remain.  Mr. Stanton had determined to depart from here on Friday, but such has been the rush of business at his rooms that he has concluded to remain until after court.  He is doing more than double the amount of business that any artist has done before him.  He makes the best pictures, by one half, and the cheapest by seventy-five per cent, that have ever been taken in this place.  That’s so.

Eldridge Stanton is not recorded in other photographic directories during the daguerrean period.  Born in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada on March 7, 1835, died Toronto in 1912.  Stanton was active in Baltimore, Maryland from 1867-1870, and in Detroit, Michigan in 1870.[1]

[1] A Biographical Index of Daguerreotypists in Canada 1839-1871 by Graham W. Garrett.

J. A. & A. B. Stansell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Standing near the Pierson House, Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

J. A. & A. B. Stansell were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Wyandot Pioneer (Upper Sandusky, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on January 19, 1854. 

Daguerreotype Pictures.—Now is the time to get your pictures taken, while the Messrs. Stansell are here.  They have taken some of the best pictures we ever saw.  If the ladies want to send themselves off in mail to their sweet-hearts abroad, no better time will be afforded them than the present.  Gentlemen who would present their beautiful phizes to their loved ones, can do so now, by calling at the Daguerrean Gallery, standing near the Pierson House.  See the advertisement of this establishment in to day’s paper.

The advertisement ran from January 19 to April 6, 1854.  J. A. & A. B. Stansell, Daguerrean Artist, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Upper Sandusky and vicinity, that they will remain here for a short time, and are prepared to take Daguerreotype pictures in the finest and most fashionable style of the art.—Those who would “Secure the shadow ere the substance fades,” can do so, on as reasonable terms as in any place in Ohio, by calling at the Daguerrean Gallery of the above mentioned artist, where you will at all times be welcomed.  We are also prepared to take miniatures in rings, watch-seals, breast-pins, &c., such a manner as to please the most fastidious.           

Instructions given in the Art on reasonable terms.  Pictures warranted not to fade.

J. A. & A. B. Stansell are not recorded in other photographic directories.

John W. Stancliff

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1852                26 & 27 Foots Block, Springfield, Massachusetts.

John W. Stancliff was recorded in one announcement that appeared on August 14, 1852 in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes.—Our neighbor Cooley has lately taken some of the most beautiful pictures we have ever seen in this line.  He has taken pictures of Signor Guidi in six of his principal opera characters, with characteristic costume, which are colored in the most exquisite manner, and are really next to perfection itself.  He has also a picture of our highly popular candidate for Governor, John H. Clifford, taken last week, from life.  Another of Henry Clay taken from life, in Kentucky, about one year since, by J. W. Stancliff, by whom all these pictures were executed, and who is now engaged for Mr. Cooley, and who has had a large experience in his profession, which, combined with his taste and skill, insure work of rare merit.  We are happy to know that Mr. C. is thronged with customers and friends, and the above pictures will form a new attraction to his rooms.

John W. Stancliff is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1852.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a John W. Stancliff active in Hartford, Connecticut and Louisville, Kentucky, there is a possibility that they are the same person.

M. Stamm

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

Ca. 1847-1849            96 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

1849-1850                   East Water Street, over Gardiner’s Jewelry Store, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.           

M. Stamm was recorded in two announcements in the Milwaukee Sentinel (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). (Announcements provided by Greg Drake.)  The first announcement appeared on November 21, 1849.  Daguerreotype Rooms—M. Stamm, for several years an operator in Whipple’s Daguerrian Gallery in the City of Boston, has taken the rooms occupied by Mr. Wood, over Gardiner’s Jewelry Store and offers his services to the public in the art of taking portraits at a moments sitting.  We spent an hour in Mr. Stamm’s rooms yesterday, looking at his Gallery of pictures, which embraces excellent likenesses of Gen. Taylor, Daniel Webster, and other distinguished men.  Mr. Stamm is a skillful and obliging operator, and when he sets about taking a face, never gives up till its done to his and the subjects liking.  He has all the materials, and of the best quality, for the practice of his art and deserves a liberal patronage.

The second announcement appeared on April 6, 1850.  Daguerreotypes;—We saw some capital likenesses yesterday at Messrs. Stamm & Co.’s Rooms on East Water Street, over Gardiner’s Jewelry Store.  They were taken by a new and improved instrument; are of larger size than the usual miniatures, and quite superior in design and execution.

Recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as Willian Stamm.  Stamm was not listed in the Boston City Directory between 1845-1851.

H. A. Stambaugh

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854                Rooms over Mrs. Irland’s Millinery establishment, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

1856-1857       Rooms over Drs. Wood’s Drug Store, Greene, New York.

H. A. Stambaugh was recorded in Three announcements and two advertisements.  The first announcement appeared in the Lewisburg Chronicle (Lewisburg, Pennsylvania) on December 1, 1854.  Mr. H. A. Stambaugh, of Harrisburg, has opened a Daguerrean Gallery in the room over Mrs. Irland’s Millinery establishment.  Give him a call.

The second announcement appeared in The Chenango American (Greene, New York) on October 16, 1856.  New Arrangement.—H. A. Stambaugh has taken the Daguerreotype Rooms formerly occupied by M. M. Wood.  Give him a call and see the latest and most improved style in the art.  See advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from October 16 to December 11, 1856 in The Chenango American  (Greene, New York).  New Arrangement!  H. A. Stambaugh, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Green and the surrounding country, that he has taken the Daguerreotype Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. M. M. Wood, where he is prepared to take Pictures in the Latest and most Improved style of the art.  Having had over four years experience in the art, he is confident of giving entire satisfaction to all that may favor him with a call.  All he asks is a call!

N. B.—Entire satisfaction guaranteed, Or No Pay Expected.  Instructions given in the Art, and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.

The third announcement appeared in The Chenango American (Greene, New York) on December 4, 1856.  Daguerreotypes, H. A. Stambaugh, (at the rooms formerly occupied by M. M. Wood,) is astonishing the people with his superior skill as an Artist.  He is taking splendid pictures, and is fast earning an enviable reputation.  Give him a call and examine his specimens.  We think they excel any we have seen in this vicinity.

The second advertisement ran from December 11, 1856 to January 8, 1857 in The Chenango American (Greene, New York).  Holiday Gifts.  H. A. Stambaugh would respectfully announce that, for reasons unforeseen, he will not be able to remain in this place longer than till the Holidays, and persons wishing pictures of themselves or friends, will please call soon.  He has on hand a general assortment of fine and fancy cases, which, when filled with his superior pictures, are the most suitable Holiday Gifts that can be made for friends or relatives.  Special attention given to taking pictures of children, and to copying pictures.

N. B.—Pay no attention to the weather.  Pictures taken equally well if clear or cloudy.

H. A. Stambaugh is not listed in other photographic directories.

Staffer & Stedman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1856                Over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer & O. F. Stedman) were recorded in two announcements and three advertisements in The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on August 21, 1856.  Pictures.—Those who desire to obtain valuable and correct likenesses of themselves or their friends, should call at the Ambrotype rooms of Staffer & Stedman in Allen’s Block.  See Advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from August 21 to December 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes taken by Staffer & Stedman, at their Rooms over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, O., for seventy-Five Cents, where every variety of likenesses can be obtained.  Ambrotypes inserted in breast pins and lockets.  Whole size likenesses for $5 and $6—former price $10 and $12.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  Having a large sky and side light, impressions taken in from three to five seconds.  Our likenesses are all positive and not reversed. All work warranted.  Likenesses taken either in clear or cloudy weather. 

The second advertisement ran from September 4 to December 11, 1856.  Something New.—Staffer & Stedman are now taking Ambrotypes on Paper.  The finest articles in the picture line to send by mail, as it cost no extra postage. 

The second announcement appeared on September 25, 1856.  Portage Co. Agricultural Society.  At the Portage County Agricultural Fair, held September 17th and 18th, 1856, premiums were awarded as follows…On Miscellaneous Manufactured Art… 

L. V. Staffer & Co., Best specimen daguerreotype pictures,  dip.   

The third advertisement ran from October 16 to December 4, 1856.  Premium Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes.  L. V. Staffer  Co., respectfully invite the public to call at their rooms over Baird’s Jewelry, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, and examine their specimens upon which they received the first premium at the last county fair.  We offer the following reasons why we can produce better pictures than can be obtained elsewhere in this county.  We have the largest and most powerful camera in this section of the state.  Our light is so arranged as not only to give a life like expression to the features, but also drapery of the utmost beauty and richness.  (The want of which is a great fault in the work of some operators.)  We use the genuine chemicals, regardless of expense, and having had ten years experience in the art we know that we can produce better results than the mere tyro of a few months practice.  Those wishing good pictures of themselves or friends will find it to their advantage to call at our rooms and be convinced that this is the place to get a perfect likeness.  Prices as low as in any rooms of good repute in Northern Ohio. Children’s likenesses taken in one or two seconds.  We seldom fail to get a good likeness of the most restless.

Daguerreotypes.—As there are some who still prefer this style, we would say that we are at all times prepared to take them.

Caution.—The public are cautioned against Ambrotypes backed up with black paint or varnished, as the backing will crack eventually and the picture become worthless.  All good operators have discarded this process, we have not used it for many months and all persons having pictures put up by us in that way, are invited to call and when they become cracked and have them made good.  Such pictures can be known by their having a glass over the matting, the position of the setter being reversed, and having a dull appearances at arms length,.

Remember the place, over Baird’s Jewelry Store.  Oct., 16, 1856.  L. V. Staffer  Co.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer &  O. F. Stedman), the partnership is not recorded in other photographic directories. L. V. Staffer is also not recorded, O. F. Stedman is recorded in other directories as being active in 1859-1860.

H. E. Squier

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Rooms over William B. Campbell’s Store, Camden, South Carolina.

1852                Address Unknown, Camden, South Carolina.

1853                Rooms over the Post Office, Camden, South Carolina.

H. E. Squier was recorded in four announcements and five advertisements in the Semiweekly Camden Journal or The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina.)  the first announcement appeared on November 14, 1851in the Semiweekly Camden Journal.  Daguerrean Hall.  We have visited Mr. Squire’s Room, and find some capital likenesses.  Those persons with whom we are acquainted, are excellent pictures, and may be recognized at a glance.  Mr. Squire was awarded a prize by the South Carolina Institute last winter, for the second best Daguerreotypes.

The first advertisement appeared in the Semiweekly Camden Journal and ran from November 14 to December 5, 1851.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Rooms, In the Hall over the Store of Mr. William B. Campbell.  Mr. H. E. Squier would respectfully announce to the citizens of Camden and its vicinity, that he has fitted up a sky and side Light, which is acknowledged by all artist to be far superior, as it softens the light, and perfects the eye, thereby rendering it perfectly easy for persons with weak eyes to sit for a miniature.

Mr. S.’s skill in the art needs no comment.—Persons at all skeptical are requested to call and satisfy themselves by ocular demonstration.

A fine assortment of Medallions and fancy Cases.

Likenesses of children taken in a few seconds, warranted to be perfect.           

The second advertisement appeared in the Semiweekly Camden Journal on December 5, 1851.  Daguerreotypes.  If any of our friends desire a good likeness of themselves they would do well to give Mr. Squier a call, as he contemplates leaving Camden shortly, and another opportunity as favorable may not occur again for sometime to

“Secure the shadow

While the substance lasts.”

The second announcement appeared in the Semiweekly Camden Journal on December 29, 1851.  Daguerreotypes.  We are requested to state by Mr. Squier, that his stay will be limited to ten days longer.  Those who desire good pictures would do well to avail themselves of the present opportunity of getting them.  Mr. S. has succeeded admirably well with his pictures here

The third announcement appeared in The Camden Journal on February 24, 1852.  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Squier will remain a short time longer, and those who are desirous of obtaining a good picture, are requested to give him an immediate call.

The third advertisement ran from September 10 to 21, 1852 in The Camden Journal.  Daguerrean Notice.  Mr. Squier respectfully announces to the citizens of Camden and vicinity, that his Daguerrean Gallery is now open, where he will, for a short time, be happy to wait upon those who may favor him with a call.  Thankful for past patronage, he solicits a continuance of the same.                 

The fourth announcement appeared in The Camden Journal on September 10, 1852. A Boy about 12 or 15 years of age, to wait in an office.  Apply at Daguerrean Gallery.

The fourth advertisement ran from September 24 to November 5, 1852 in The Camden Journal.  

Timely Hints to All.  Friends.—Readers, if you have a valued friend in whose welfare you feel an interest, that friend will prize, as a precious memorial, your Daguerreotype Miniature, if taken in Squier’s peculiar style.

Parents.—If you are still blessed with Parents, and no Artist’s Pencil has or can truly trace the lineaments of his or her familiar face or form, you may well act the part of wisdom to advise or persuade them to visit, without delay, Squier’s Daguerreotype Rooms, and have their Miniature taken in his superior style of art.

To All.—how many have lost a father, a Mother, a Sister, a Brother, or an innocent prattling child, and have not even the shadow of a resemblance to look up on.  After the separation, some “little toy” or trifling article is often kept for years, and cherished as a token of remembrance.  How much more valuable would be one of Squier’s perfect Daguerreotype Miniatures of the “loved and lost.”

There is scarcely any one who does not take pleasure in gazing on the features of a friend, and when that friend has been removed by death, we often hear the exclamation uttered with an expression of deep regret, “Oh, what would I not give for such a picture of my friend.”

Readers, perhaps you cannot do a better thing, while your mind is upon the subject, than take an hour or two now, and visit the gallery; then you may, at some future period, have reason to feel grateful for these “Gentle Hints” from Squier’s Daguerrean Gallery.     

The fifth advertisement ran from May 17 to August 16, 1853 in The Camden Weekly Journal.  Mr. Squier Will remain in Camden for a few days.  During his stay he will open a Room over the Post Office, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotypes, and will be happy to wait on those who may favor him with a call.

Thankful for the liberal patronage which he received during his previous visit to this place, he would still solicit a continuance of the same.

At his room will be found a large collection of specimens, among which is a Daguerreotype of Mr. Calhoun, one of Jenny Lind, and one of Robt. Burns.

Likenesses taken of sick or deceased persons at their residence.

Daguerreotype, Portraits and Engravings copied. 

Instructions given in the art, and apparatus furnished if desired.                  

H. E. Squier is recorded in Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940, P. 41 & 42.