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M. K. Smith

1851                Merchant near Fort Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.

M. K. Smith was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 27 to October 11, 1851 in The Polynesian (Honolulu, Hawaii).  M. K. Smith’s Daguerreotype Gallery, On Merchant, Near Fort St., Is now open for the reception of visitors.

M. K. Smith would respectfully inform the citizens of Honolulu, that after repeated experiments, he has succeeded in getting his apparatus into Prime Working Order, and is prepared to take likenesses “better than the best” and at prices lower than ever known on the Islands.

Operative hours from 9 a. m., to 4 p. m.  Satisfaction guarantied.

Matthew K. Smith is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Portland, Oregon in 1851.  Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865 also mentions smith being active in Honolulu in 1851.

L. K. Smith

1850-1851       Rooms at Hobson’s Hotel, Yazoo City, Mississippi.

1851                Rooms over the Post Office, Yazoo City, Mississippi.

1852-1853       Rooms nearly opposite J. Heard & Co., Yazoo City, Mississippi.

L. K. Smith was recorded in four announcements and five advertisements in The Yazoo Democrat (Yazoo City, Mississippi).  The first announcement and first advertisement is when he was in the partnership of S. E. & L. K. Smith and appeared on October 24, 1850.  We commend all who desire to see their faces “as others see” them, to read the advertisement of S. E. & L. K. Smith.  They warrant perfect likenesses or no charge.  The rapidity with which the impression is taken, enables them to take a correct image of a child, which has heretofore been found to be very difficult.  They exhibit a number of very fine specimens and if their work does not equal them, they ask to pay.  Give them a trial.

The advertisement ran from October 24, 1850 to July 9, 1851.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Messrs. S. E. & L. K. Smith, would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Yazoo city, and the surrounding country, that they have just returned from an absence of 3 months spent in visiting the principal galleries at New York, Philadelphia, Boston, etc., in procuring the latest improvements, and have now opened a gallery at Hobson’s Hotel for the purpose of executing likenesses on an improved style.  Working with our Magnetic Buffs, we are enabled to take pictures in one fourth the time that has been customary heretofore.  By this improvement we will warrant the likenesses of any child.  The difficulty heretofore experienced in taking likenesses of persons with weak or blue eyes is entirely obviated.  These buffs prevent dampness in rainy weather, which is the desired object that operators have long sought for, as a perfect picture can be taken at all times and in any climate.  Among our numerous specimens can be seen the Sweedish Nightingale Jenny Lind.

Ladies and Gentlemen, are invited to call and examine specimens, and sit for pictures.  We have a variety of fancy pins, Lockets, and Frames constantly on hand.  Cameras, Apparatus and instructions, furnished or reasonable terms.

N. B.  Operators by forwarding us $10 can procure these magnetic buffs, with full directions how to use them, which we will warrant to perform according to the above description.             

The second announcement appeared on September 3, 1851.  Mr. L. K. Smith, the popular Daguerreanist, has returned to our city, and will soon have his rooms fitted up over the Post Office, where he will be prepared to furnish good pictures as true to nature as nature’s self.  Mr. Smith informs us that he has all the latest improvements in his art.

In his advertisement, which will appear next week, he will speak for himself.

The second advertisement ran from September 10 to December 3, 1851.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The subscriber respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen of Yazoo City, and vicinity, that he has returned and fitted up rooms over the Post Office, where he will be enabled to take miniatures in an incredibly short time; having been to the expense in perfecting a large and powerful light, expressly for the business, and feels confident in saying that he will warrant miniatures to those who may favor him with a call that cannot be surpassed for tone or brilliancy.

Likenesses taken equally as well in cloudy as in clear weather.  L. K. Smith. 

The third announcement appeared on October 27, 1852.  Mr. L. K. Smith, the well known and excellent Daguerrean Artist, has just returned to Yazoo City with a fresh stock of the best materials for taking pictures, that we have ever seen in the south.  Mr. S. is direct from New York, with all the latest improvements in the science.  He is now fitting up rooms in the same building that he occupied last winter, nearly opposite J. Heard & Co., where he will soon be ready to accommodate all who desire to “procure the shadow ere the substance fades,” in the very best style, and upon terms most favorable.

The fourth announcement appeared on November 3, 1852.  Smith’s Dancing Academy.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Yazoo City and vicinity, that he proposes opening a Dancing School at the Odd Fellow’s Hall, on Friday the 5th inst.  He has, during the past summer, visited some of the most fashionable dancing Academies of New York and Philadelphia, familiarizing himself with many figures and fancy dances, such as the Gorletxia, Schottish & Fancy Polkas, Cotillions, Highland fling, Hornpipes, &c., &c.

Particular attention will be paid to the conduct of the Scholars.

Private lessons given in any of the above named dances if required.   L. K. Smith.

The third advertisement ran from November 10, 1852 to January 12, 1853.  Smith’s Daguerrean Gallery Is Now Opened.  The Subscriber would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Yazoo City and vicinity, that his Gallery is now opened; situated nearly opposite Heard’s Store—where can be seen the finest specimens and stock ever offered in this city.  Having been to the expenses of perfecting a large and powerful light, the greatest attention will be given in taking the miniatures of children.  As I have been absent for the last six months visiting the most celebrated Galleries in the Northern Cities, and securing all the latest improvements—I feel justified in saying that I will warrant pictures that cannot be surpassed for tone or brilliancy.

I would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine the beautiful style of cases.  No charge made for looking on, or taking a miniature for the purpose of showing you how you look at the present time.  L. K. Smith. 

The fourth advertisement ran from January 26 to March 16, 1853.  Notice.  All those who wish Daguerreotypes taken by Smith, before his departure, must make an early application, as I shall leave Yazoo City in a few weeks.  I have a splendid stock of all kinds of fancy cases, which will be sold cheap for cash.  Come one, come all, and I will give you a token for a mere song, that you can leave to those you hold near and dear, when you have gone to return no more.  L. K. Smith.            

The fifth announcement appeared on March 9, 1853.  We are assured by Mr. Smith, that he will only remain here one week longer—during which time, he will furnish daguerreotypes at prices more favorable than have ever been obtained in Yazoo City.  Give him a call before he leaves.

L. K. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.

L. D. Smith

1858                            Address Unknown, Michigan.

L. D. Smith was recorded in one announcement that appeared on October 21,1858 in The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan.  List Of Premiums Awarded by the Cass County Agricultural Society, at Cassapolis October 8th and 9th, 1858….Class XVI—Painting, Drawing, &C….best case of ambrotypes, L. D. Smith…50.

L. D. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.

J. E. Smith

1853                Rooms at the Pierson House, Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

J. E. Smith was recorded in one advertisement that ran from August 11 to 18, 1853 in The Wyandot Pioneer (Upper Sandusky, Ohio).  Smith’s First Premium Daguerreotypes.  J. E. Smith, Would Respectfully inform the citizens of Upper Sandusky and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Pierson House, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype likenesses.—

Citizens and strangers who wish to obtain an accurate, artistic and life-like miniature at a very moderate price, will find it to their interest to call at the above establishment, where entire satisfaction is guaranteed.  Having a very superior light, with instruments of the most powerful kind, and having adopted the system of Daguerreotyping as now practiced by the celebrated Roots, of Philadelphia and New York.  Mr. SD. Flatters himself to be able to offer to the patrons of the art, a style of daguerreotypes either singly or in groups which has never been surpassed.

Room open and operating in all kinds of weather, from 8 A. M. to 6 P. M.

Engravings, paintings, and likenesses of deceased persons copied at short notice.

Persons having inferior pictures can have them re-taken at a trifle cost.

Please call and examine specimens, whether you want a daguerreotype or not.  J. E. Smith, Artist.                 

J. E. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. B. Smith

1851                Public Grounds, near the Court House, Pulaski, New York.

J. B. Smith was recorded in two announcements and one advertisement in theNorthern Democrat (Pulaski, New York).  Yankeeism.—The old custom of fitting off rooms in each village for taking sky-light Daguerreotypes is thrown into the shades.  A Daguerrean establishment, with sky and side-light, was trundled into our village this week, and located on the public grounds near the Court House.  The operator is taking pictures of rare perfectness, and at low prices.  Some of his specimens equal any we have ever seen elsewhere.

See his card in another column.

The advertisement ran from August 28 to Septtember18, 1851.  Empire Daguerriean Gallery!  J. B. Smith, Would respectfully give notice to the inhabitants of Pulaski, and its vicinity, that he will remain for a few days at this place with his portable Gallery, (on wheels) which is fitted up expressly for the business, having Sky and Side Light combined.  In this combination of light which may be used separately if required, the unpleasant shades have been reduced, and mellowness, prominence and richness given to the likeness.  This double arrangement of sky and side light being thus increased in amount, must and does give quick results.  They are now ready and prepared to take in the Most Approved Style, pictures of all sizes, warranted to give satisfaction, and at reasonable prices.  He flatters himself from his long experience and from his thorough knowledge of all the improvements pertaining to the Daguerrean Art, that his work will not suffer in comparison with that of any operator in America.

All those who have not already secured the likenesses of themselves or friends, should not suffer the present opportunity to escape.

Likenesses Of Children taken in from three to four seconds in the morning, when the weather is clear.  Adults at all hours of the day and in all kinds of weather.  Particular attention is paid to taking Family Groups.

Perfect copies taken from old Daguerreotypes or Portraits, warranted to suit in all respects, or no charge.

Persons having sick or deceased friends of whom they wish Miniatures, can be waited upon at their residences.

Miniatures neatly set in Cases, Lockets, Rings, Pins, &c.  Ladies and Gentlemen are solicited to call and examine specimens.

Pictures put in neat cases for $1 each.                       

The second announcement appeared on September 11, 1851.  Smith’s Daguerrian Gallery still remains in town and is immortalizing numbers of pretty faces.

J. B. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Pulaski, New York in 1851.  It is unknown if J. B. Smith is the same person who was active in Nantucket, Massachusetts in 1846.

J. B. Smith

1846                Orange & Main Streets, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

J. B. Smith was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on April 22,1846 in the Nantucket Inquirer (Nantucket, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes.  J. B. Smith respectfully invites the citizens of Nantucket to call at his rooms, corner of Orange and Main Streets, and examine specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures produced by the highly improved German Camera.  The capacities of this instrument are excelled by no other Camera now in this country, and all persons desirous of obtaining a life like miniature of themselves, are invited to sit for a picture.  No charge will be made unless the likeness prove perfectly satisfactory.  Likenesses taken in cloudy or even stormy weather equally good.

Terms—For extra sizes set in frames, cases, or lockets, from $2, to $10.  a15.

J.B. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories as being active in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

H. A. Smith

1855-1856       Rooms in the Buckeye Hall Buildings, Opposite the Post Office, Fremont, Ohio.

H. A. Smith was recorded in five advertisements in the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from December 7 to 21, 1855.  Fremont Picture Gallery.  H. A. Smith, Daguerreotypist, Respectfully informs the citizens of Fremont, and vicinity, that he has opened a suit of rooms, in the building known as the “Buckeye Hall Building, nearly, ” opposite Messrs. S. Buckland & Co.’s Drug Store, where intends operating in the Daguerreian and Ambrotype Business.  He has a fine Sky-Light, together with a large Side-Light, fitted in expressly for his own benefit, and under his own directions.  You will find them just suited for the purpose designed.

Pictures taken in Rainy or Cloudy Weather as well as in Clear.  Children’s Pictures taken in Clear Weather in two seconds.  Patrons may rest assured of getting Perfect Miniatures.

His charges will be reasonable.

To the Aged—to those in Middle Life—to the Young—All, now have an opportunity of obtaining “Choice Lights of Remembrance,” to gladden the future, and more especially so, should Death remove the beloved ones from sight.  His services can be had at any time by those wishing to obtain Likenesses of Deceased or Sick persons.

Hours for Children, from 9 A. M., to 2 P. M., Clear weather.  Rooms Adjoining Dr. Parker’s Dental Office, and directly opposite Roberts & Sheldon’s Hardware store.  H. A. Smith.  Fremont, Ohio.

N. B.—Instruction given in Daguerreotyping, Ambrotyping, Pencil Drawing and Oil Painting.  H. A. S.                                                                          

The second advertisement ran from December 28, 1855 to March 28, 1856.  Good News!  Smith, the new Daguerreian, is now taking those fine Ambrotypes, of which, “you read of.”  They are just The thing—they combine durability with beauty, distinctness with softness of tone, and the color of life without the aid of the painter, they can be seen through the glass and are not reversed, like the daguerreotype.

You can see them in any light.  They are free from the polish of the silver plate, and Cannot Be Defaced.  They are impervious to water, air or acid, and will last for Ages Unimpaired.

You are invited to call and look at them, at the New Gallery in Buckeye Hall Building. H. A. Smith.   

The third advertisement appeared on  January 25, 1856.  Only Fifty Cents!!  You can get at the New Gallery opposite the Post Office, Fremont, a good Daguerreotype Likeness, for Fifty Cents! or a fine Ambrotype, one that is beautiful and life-like, and imperishable, for One Dollar.  Call early, as the Artist’s stay in town is limited to a few weeks.  Now is the time to get Good Pictures, and no mistake.  Children’s pictures taken in two seconds.  Copying neatly executed.  Hours for children, from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m., clear weather.  Adults pictures taken in any weather.  All work Warranted good, or no charge.  Oil Paintings, and fine French Engravings, beautifully framed, for sale.  H. A. Smith.

The fourth advertisement appeared on February 22, 1856.  Only Ten Days!  Pictures On Glass For One Dollar!!  Don’t forget the place.  Rooms in “Buckeye Hall Building,” opposite the Post Office, Fremont.  The Rooms will be closed the first of March.  The Artist leaves for Fostoria (or Rome) in a few days.

“First come, first served.  H. A. Smith, Artist.  Fremont, Ohio, February 22d, 1856.

The fifth advertisement appeared on April 18, 1856.  Fremont Picture Gallery.  I. B. Sharp, successor to H. A. Smith, respectfully informs the citizens of Fremont and vicinity, that he is still taking those Ambrotypes in the Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. Smith.  Pictures taken in Rainy or Cloudy weather as well as Clear.  Children’s Pictures taken in clear weather in two seconds!  Patrons may rest assured of getting perfect miniatures. 

Instructions given in Ambrotyping.  Terms, reasonable.  Rooms in Buckeye Buildings, opposite the Post Office.                                                                                               

H. A. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George J. Smith

1855                Opposite Mr. Kophman’s Store, Port Jervis, New York.

1856-1860      147 Congress, corner Whitaker, Savannah, Georgia.[1]

1856                Bryan & St. Julian, Savannah, Georgia.[1]

George J. Smith was recorded in two advertisements in the Tri-State Union (Port Jervis, New York).  The first advertisement ran from November 8 to 22, 1855.  Something new in Port Jervis.  A Daguerrean Gallery open every day, Sunday excepted, from 8½ o’clock, A. M. to 5 P. M.  Gallery opposite Mr. Kophman’s store.  A share of public patronage is most respectfully solicited, and all are invited to call and examine specimens.  Geo. J. Smith.  Oct. 17, 1855.

P. S.—Stock for sale and instruction given in Glass Pictures and Daguerreotypes.          G. J. S.

The second advertisement appeared on December 6, 1855.  Cassedy’s Daguerrean Gallery.  Open every day. Sunday excepted, from 9 a. m., until 5 o’clock p. m.  Gallery opposite Kophman’s Store, Pike Street, Port Jervis, where Pictures are taken in all the improved styles of the art, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

N. Cassedy. Dec. 6, 1855. N. B.—Having business South I have sold my interest in the Daguerrean Rooms at Port Jervis to Mr. N. Cassedy.  The Rooms which have been neatly fitted up and newly furnished, are now in nice order.  To those that want a good picture I would say give him a call.  G. J. Smith.  Port Jervis, Dec. 1, 1855.

George J. Smith is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Georgia. 


[1] Early Georgia Photographers, 1841 – 1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth

G. K. Smith

1857                At the Wharf, Pomeroy, Ohio.

1858                Rooms over T. O. Crawford’s Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

G. K. Smith was recorded in two advertisements in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from August 25 to September 15, 1857. Ambrotypes.  G. K. Smith, Artist, has opened rooms on the “Floating Gallery,” now lying at Pomeroy, where he will remain two weeks, to enable all to get one of his unrivaled miniatures.  These pictures will be found far superior to any ever before taken at this place; they have a life-like tone, combined with a perfect Stereoscope relief that is rarely met with in Photographic Portraiture, and are pronounced by good judges, perfect gems of the Art.

Those in want of a perfect likeness, should improve this opportunity.

Perfect satisfaction guaranteed.

Rooms open from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M.  Hours for children 9 to 11.  August 18th ’57.

The second advertisement appeared on August 31, 1858.  Life-Size Photographs!  Plain, Or Colored, In Oil, Can Be Had At G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Girls.  Who would have a beautiful Likeness of themselves for a “Cousin,” or a friend, Should go to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Mothers Who would have a life-like Picture of their little loves, should go between the hours of 11 A. M. and 2 P. M., to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Ladies, Whether old or young, should remember that they can get better and cheaper pictures than has ever before been made in Pomeroy, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Young Men Who would be remembered in the days of their youth, should get a dozen Photographs to distribute among their friends.  They are the most durable and cheapest picture ever made.  They are only three dollars per dozen at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Parents Should secure one of those imperishable Photographs, colored in oil, to leave to perpetuate their memory among their descendants, long years hence, when but for the Portrait that hangs on the wall, their once-familiar faces should have faded from the mind of their children and be forgotten.  You who have lost your parents and have no likeness left to remember them by, think what a treasure a perfect Likeness would be to you now, and get one while you may, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Old Daguerreotypes.  Those who have old Daguerreotypes, half faded away, of some dear friend, now gone, can have a beautiful colored Photograph made from them, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

The Public Are respectfully invited, whether wanting pictures or not, to satisfy themselves that the above is not gas or humbug, by calling and examining specimens of work at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store. 

G. K. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.

E. A. Smith

1856                5 Main Street, Warren, Ohio.

E. A. Smith appeared in two advertisements in the Western Reserve Chronicle (Warren, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from September 17 to November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes—Pure Nitrate Silver, Sulphate Iron, Acetic Acid, Colodion, Glass Bottles, Funnels, &. C., at E. A. Smith & Co.

The second advertisement ran from November 12, 1856 to February 17, 1858.  Ambrotype Stock And Chemicals.  Cases of various sizes and styles.  Plates and Convex Glass, all sizes.  Glass funnels, assorted sizes.

Iodized Collodion and Varnishes, Vials, Bottles, Cyanide, Bromide and Iodide Potassium, Proto Sulphate Iron, Nitrate Silver, Concentrated Ether, Sulphuric Acid, Gallic Acid, Acetic Acid, No. 8, and a full assortment of Pure Chemicals.

Having made arrangements with Eastern Manufacturers for a constant supply of the above goods, we invite the attention of Artists and Amateurs to an examination of our stock , guaranteeing to supply them at the lowest market rates.  Orders promptly filled and neatly packaged.  E. A. Smith & Co., Druggist and Apothecaries, No. 5 Main St., Warren.

E. A. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.