All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

James Shaw, Jr.

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1856                127 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1856-1857       128 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Pennsylvania.[2]

1858-1859       606 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[2]

James Shaw Jr. was recorded on April 1, 1856 in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York).  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.

Shaw, Arch St. — Is another excellent artist. His gallery contains many excellent specimens deserving general praise, I cannot however designate any by name, being mostly portraits.

The ambrotypes are not in the first style, not possessing that depth necessary to give effect to pictures on glass. The photographs however are decidedly superior.

James Shaw, Jr. is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.  [2] Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and

James E. Shaw

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                359 Broadway, New York, New York.

James E. Shaw was recorded in one announcement that appeared on December 4, 1851 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Indecent Assault Upon A Little Girl—On Monday last James E. Shaw, a member of the theatrical profession, on a warrant issued by Justice Lothrop, wherein he stands charged with an indecent assault on a little girl only nine years of age.  Fanny Armstrong, residing with her parents.  The accused was brought before the magistrate, through his counsel—a hearing was demanded.  The prosecution took the evidence of the child Fanny, who stated that she visited Shaw’s rooms No. 359 Broadway. (where it seems, he keeps a daguerreotype gallery,) about two months ago, in company with Elizabeth Akin , a small girl of about twelve years of age, residing with her parents.  Fanny said that Elizabeth invited her to go with her to Mr. Shaw’s, to have her likeness taken, and they both went, without telling their mother where they were going.  She says Shaw took them into a private room, and took Fanny on his knees, at which time the indecent assault is alleged to have been perpetrated, the particulars of which are not suitable for publication.  The other witness Elizabeth Akin, also testified to very improper conduct exhibited by Shaw towards her, as well as towards the child Fanny.  Several medical gentlemen were examined, who differed in opinion as to the disease on the child.  The evidence was concluded yesterday, and the magistrate will give his decision on Friday.

James E. Shaw is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. Shaw

Ambrotypes, , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Barre, Massachusetts.

A. Shaw was recorded in one advertisement that ran on August 22, 1856 in the Barre Gazette  (Barre, Massachusetts).  Patent Ambrotypes.  The mammoth Traveling Ambrotype Gallery, is now stationed in Barre, and will remain for a short time.  A. Shaw, Has the Honor to announce to the citizens of Barre and vicinity, that he is prepared to execute Ambrotypes, at his Gallery, equal to any made in any other establishment in the Union.

Rich new style Cases of every description.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens, and judge for themselves.  Pictures taken equally as well in the most cloudy weather.

A. Shaw.  F. A. Shaw, Artist. Barre, Aug. 15, 1856.

A. Shaw is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible, but unknown if F. A. Shaw is the same person who was active in Orange, Massachusetts in 1860. 

I. B. Sharp

Ambrotypes, ,

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

I. B. Sharp was recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 18 to August 15, 1856 in the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio).  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.                                                                                               

I. B. Sharp is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mrs. Harriet Shankland

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1844-1845       149 Broadway, corner Liberty Street, Lafayette Bazaar, New York, New York…. 1845-1846       151 Broadway, New York, New York………………………………………………. 1845                235 Broadway, New York, New York……………………………………………..

Mrs. Harriet Shankland was recorded five advertisements in The New York Herald and one advertisement in The Evening Post (New York, New York.)  The first advertisement ran from December 20, 1844 to January 13, 1845.  Only One Dollar Including Case, or Frame.  Lafayette Bazaar, 149 Broadway, corner of Liberty.  Christmas And New Year Daguerreotype Portraits. 

Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist, respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen that she will take the best Daguerreotype, including a neat case or frame, for one dollar, as good as any.

3000 customers can certify what she advances.                                                        

The second advertisement ran from January 28 to March 12, 1845.  Cheap Daguerreotype Portraits.  Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerreotype Artist, having taken since two years more than 10,000 portraits, and being well known for taking the best style of portraits, respectfully informs her friends and customers and the public, that she gives a beautiful Daguerreotype likeness, including a fine morocco case, or a frame, for only one dollar.  Being always well patronized, and her customers increasing every day, she has, for their convenience, enlarged her establishment, by two Daguerreotype rooms, to the Lafayette Bazaar, 149 Broadway, and by a branch of her establishment, 235 Broadway, third story, front room, No. 1, opposite the Park Fountain Portraits taken from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening, any weather, cloudy or steamy.  Remember, only one dollar, (best style) including case or frame.  

The third advertisement ran from March 17 to April 27, 1845.  Lafayette Bazaar, 149 and 151 Broadway, corner of Liberty st.  This Establishment, founded the 1st of December, 1843, as a public store for the sale of every description of Staple and Fancy Goods, will be enlarged the 1st of May next.  The subscriber having rented the upper part of the building, 151 Broadway, will put in complete repair and fit up in a magnificent manner, two large galleries, where the traders, manufacturers and importers, will be able to obtain at a cheap rent, a fine and convenient store; and the ladies and gentlemen a splendid place of resort and a public and fashionable promenade.

Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist, has already rented the front part of the two galleries as a Daguerreotype Saloon, where she will continue as before, to give the most perfect likeness for One Dollar, including the best kind of Morocco Case or Frame.

Several Counters to let, with glass cases—enquire in the Bazaar.     T. A. Artault.      

The fourth advertisement ran from March 17 to April 27, 1845.  Ladies’ And Families” Daguerreotype Institute, Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist.  Daguerreotype Portraits, including the best style of Morocco Case or Frame, for One Dollar.  Apply at the Lafayette Bazaar, 149 Broadway, or 235 Broadway, Third Story, Front Room, No. 1—opposite the Park Fountain.                                                                                      

The fifth advertisement ran from May 10 to June 17, 1845.  Lafayette Bazaar, 149 and 151 Broadway, cor. of Liberty street, New York.  The cheapest and Most Attractive Store of the City.  For the convenience of the buyers, $10,000 worth of Fancy Goods, Toys, Perfumery, Cutlery, Jewelry and other varieties of goods, are displayed on the counters, and sold On An Entirely New Plan, At the following prices:—

Counter No. 1……….12½ cents each article.

Counter No. 2………..25……do….do….do.

Counter No. 3………..50……do….do….do.

Counter No. 4………..75……do….do….do.

Counter No. 5…………$1.00..do….do….do.

All the goods are warranted to be genuine; the prices are fifty cent below the market prices, and by this new plan you can buy the goods at retail prices a great deal cheaper than at auction.

You will also find in the Bazaar, the most complete assortment of Sugar Plumbs and Candies, from 25 cents to $3 a pound; Jujube Paste, Chocolate, &c.

Two large Saloons have been fitted up in a magnificent style, as Ice Cream Saloons.  A competent person, from a Philadelphia establishment, has been engaged to take the entire management of the Ice Cream Department, and ladies and gentlemen will obtain at the Lafayette Bazaar, a real Ice Cream, Philadelphia Style.

Daguerreotype Portraits.  Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist, has fixed the front part of the two galleries of the Bazaar, as daguerreotype Saloons, where she will continue, to take the most perfect Likenesses For One Dollar, including a neat Morocco Case or Frame.

For further particulars apply to F. A, Artault, At the Lafayette Bazaar.                       

The sixth advertisement ran on December 22, 1846 in The Evening Post (New York, New York). 

The Lafayette Bazaar, 149 and 151 Broadway—This would be a great place for making a selection for presents.  There is a couple of darkies in regimentals at the door, who will hand you catalogues of the articles in the establishment, consisting of toys, fancy boxes, cutlery, Jewelry, perfumery of every kind, with other numerous varieties of goods, and the proprietor states that he will sell fifty per cent lower than any other establishment, and if you cannot obtain any goods to suit, there is a fair lady who will give you a perfect Daguerreotype likeness for one dollar.

Mrs. Harriet Shankland was recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in1846.

Henry Shaft

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, ,

1855                Address Unknown, Buffalo, New York.

Henry Shaft was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on June 20, 1855 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Photographers.—Wanted, A Person Who thoroughly understands the photographing and daguerrean arts, to go to a large Western city.  To a competent man, a permanent situation, with good salary, will be given.  Address Henry Shaft, box 2410 Buffalo Post Office, with specimens of work.

Henry Shaft is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that Henry Shaft was an agent or contact person and not a photographer.  

Further research uncovered in the 1855 Buffalo City Directory residency listing Henry Shaft is listed as a book-keeper at R. J. Compton.  Richard J. Compton is recorded in the residence listing as an Engraver and Lithographer, 209 Main Street. In an advertisement P. 81 Compton’s Lithographing & Engraving Establishment, 209 Main Street, Buffalo, R. J. Compton, Proprietor, Having purchased the entire interest of my Co-partners, and having the most extensive establishment of the kind in the west, I am prepared to fill contracts for the largest kind of work with punctuality and in the best style.

S. H. Sexton

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1844                Room in the Davis’ Building, opposite Phoenix Hotel, Schenectady, New York.

S. H. Sexton was recorded in one advertisement ran from August 6 to 27, 1844 in The Schenectady Cabinet, or, Freedom’s Sentinel (Schenectady, New York).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  S. H. Sexton, Daguerreotypist.  Room in Davis’ Building, opposite the Phoenix Hotel, recently occupied by Mr. Dennison.               

S. H. Sexton is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that this is Samuel H. Sexton a portrait and landscape painter who was active in Schenectady, New York from 1839-1860.[1]         

[1] The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artists In America 1564-1860.

A. J. Severance

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1848-1849       Rooms at Miss Adams’s Brick Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

A. J. Severance was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The advertisement ran from March 27 to April 24, 1849.

Daguerreotype Portraits.  A. J. Severance would announce to the citizens of Middlebury that having purchased the apparatus and other “fixins” of O. Severance &, he is now ready to take Likenesses on short notice, at the old stand of O. Severance & Brother, in Miss Adams’s building.  The subscriber having been patronized liberally thus far, has determined on stopping until the 10th of April,—longer than that will depend upon circumstances.

A splendid lot of Lockets, just received.                   

The announcement appeared on June 12, 1849.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  A. J. Severance, would announce to the ladies and gentlemen of Middlebury and vicinity that he has concluded to remain in town during the session of the Court, and no longer.

All wishing Likenesses will do well to avail themselves of this last opportunity.   

A. J. Severance was recorded in yesterdays post as part of the partnership of Severance & Brother.

Severance & Brother

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1848-1849       Rooms in Miss Adams’s Brick Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

Severance & Brother (O. & A. J.) were recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The first advertisement ran from December 5 to 26, 1848.  O. Severance & Brother, Daguerrean Artist, Occupying rooms in Miss Adams’s brick building, would respectfully announce to their friends, both in the village and surrounding country, that they are prepared to furnish Pictures in every respect equal to any that can be obtained and superior to those generally received.  We feel confident that we can satisfy the most difficult cases.  Give us a call, and if you are not satisfied there will be no charge.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms open from 8 A. M., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Instruction given in the art, and Apparatus furnished, Charges moderate. 

The first announcement appeared on January 2, 1849.  2 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The second advertisement ran from January 9 to 16, 1849.  1 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The second announcement appeared on January 30, 1849.  Positively 1 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The third advertisement ran from February 13 to March 20, 1849.  O. Severance & Brother Are still at their rooms in Miss Adams’s Building, and will remain in town but a Few days longer, to practice taking Daguerreotype Pictures.

A press of business has prolonged our stay in town.  If the good people of Middlebury and vicinity desire our work, they will call sometime within a week, if not, we shall set our faces in some other direction.

O. Severance & Brother are recorded in other photographic directories.

J. Sergrove

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855-1856       140 S. 2nd. Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1856                116 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

J. Sergrove was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York)  on April 1, 1856 in an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.

Sergrove, Chestnut St. — I am sorry that I cannot speak in the highest terms of this gallery, as I think some of the pictures show care and skill. But speaking generally, I noticed great want of improvement in everything relating to the art. I should advise those who are desirous of commencing the practice of the Photographic Art, to take up ambrotyping, as people of the present day, have become more fastidious and better acquainted with daguerreotyping, and will only purchase pictures in the first style of this branch of the art.

J. Sergrove is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name, activity dates and address were added.