All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

S. S. Sherrard

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                Address Unknown, Morgantown, Virginia.

1852-1853       Rooms in E. C. Towers’ New Building, corner Main & Walnut Streets, Morgantown, Virginia.

S. S. Sherrard was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Monongalia Mirror (Morgantown, Virginia).  The announcement ran on December 4, 1852.  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Sherrard has removed to the new building of E. C. Tower, corner of Main and Walnut streets, where it will be his pleasure to take Daguerreotype miniatures in fine style.  His room, together with a new supply of chemicals, cases, &c., afford excellent facilities for obtaining correct likenesses.  See his advertisement, and give him a call.

The advertisement ran from December 4, 1852 to October 8, 1853.  The Eighth Wonder of the World!  Call And See.  S. S. Sherrard respectfully informs the citizens of Morgantown and vicinity that he is now prepared to take Daguerreotypes, in the latest and most approved style of the art, at his room in the large new building of E. C. Tower, Main street.

By recent additions to his stock of materials he is better than ever prepared to take life-like pictures.  The room he now occupies affords new facilities for a happy blending of light and shade, a desideratum in getting up good likenesses.

Miniatures put in handsome cases, or set in breast pins, lockets, &c., at very low prices.  Where it is desired he will take the likeness of persons after death.  Call and see specimens.

S. S. Sherrard is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. S. Sheridan

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856-1857       Adjacent to the Union Hotel, Clinton, Louisiana.

J. S. Sheridan was recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 19, 1856 to January 17, 1857 in The Feliciana Democrat (Clinton, Louisiana).  Daguerrean Gallery.  “Of those for whom we fond emotions cherish, Secure the shadow ere the substance perish.” 

The undersigned begs leave to inform the citizens of Clinton and vicinity, that he has opened a saloon adjacent to the Union Hotel, where he is prepared to furnish life like likenesses of those who may favor him with a call.

Pictures taken in cloudy as well as clear weather, Post mortem pictures taken, when required.     J. S. Sheridan.

J. S. Sheridan is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Sherer & Morse

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

1858                Rooms in Sharp’s Block, Front Street, Opposite Post Office, Fremont, Ohio.

Sherer & Morse (Mrs. Sherer & Mrs. B. F. Morse)  were recorded in one announcement that appeared on November 26, 1858 in the  Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio).  Ambrotyping.  We don’t believe there is a man, woman, or child but what likes to look at a good picture, whether it be a landscape, comic, romantic, or the “human face divine.”  Madam Sherer and Mrs. Morse are now taking pictures in Sharp’s building opposite the Post Office, which we think will please all who will take time to examine them.  Madam Sherer is a newcomer here and if she can give our citizens satisfaction in the art, will remain.  Her pictures are very fine.—We advise our friends, particularly the ladies, to call at the rooms of Mrs. Sherer & Morse.

Sherer and Morse are recorded in other photographic directories as Shearer & Morse, and being active in 1859-1860 in Fremont, Ohio.

R.H. Sheppard

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                Near the Western Hotel, McArthur, Ohio.

R.H. Sheppard  was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the M’Arthur Democrat (McArthur, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on December 15, 1859

Pictures.—Persons desiring pictures of almost any style or description, are invited to look at the advertisement of Mr. Sheppard, whose Daguerrean car is situated near the Western Hotel.

The advertisement ran from December 15 to 29, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures!  Sky Light Pictures!   If you wish a picture artistically executed, come to the “Roving Palace.”  My facilities for taking Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes, Sphereographs, &c., are unsurpassed, and it is acknowledged by all persons who know anything about pictures, that the Sky-Light picture for clearness, beauty of light and shade, &c., is far superior to the picture made by a side light.  Another advantage is that Good Pictures can be taken in Cloudy Weather. 

Opinions Of The Press.  “We can say conscientiously, that Mr. Sheppard’s work is of the finest order, and is seldom surpassed.—Jackson Standard.

Mr. Sheppard is an excellent artist, he having been engaged in the business for the last fifteen years.  We can safely recommend him to all.—Iron Valley Express.

He has some specimens of Art, in the way of paintings, Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes, &c. as beautiful as were ever looked upon.—Piketon Union.

From what we have seen we can, without fear of successful contradiction, say that R. H. Sheppard is an excellent artist, and can heartily recommend him and his work to the people whom he may visit.—Waverly Dollar Times.

As I shall remain but a short time in this place, I would say that now is the time.  Tomorrow may be too late.  Life size Photographs, plain or in colors, made to order.  R. H. Sheppard

Drawing and Painting.  R. H. Sheppard, of the Maryland Institute School of Design, would respectfully inform the public of McArthur and vicinity that he is prepared to teach free-hand Drawing.  He will also give lessons in India Ink, Water Colors, Distemper and Oil Colors.  Those desirous of learning either of the above beautiful Arts may rely on through instructions for a moderate price.—For Particulars apply at the Roving Palace.  December 8, 1859.

R. H. Sheppard is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Sheldon

Photographs, ,

1858                Address Unknown, Kingston, New York.

Mr. Sheldon was recorded in one announcement on December 9, 1858 in Tri-State Union (Port Jervis, New York).  An Ingenious Swindle.—A few days since, Mr. Sheldon, a photographic artist of Kingston, was rather cleverly swindled.  A young man presented himself at the rooms and asked to have his portrait taken.  Pending the arrangements, he suggested the propriety of his noble person being decorated with a gold chain.  Having none of his own he made bold enough to ask the loan of one from Mr. Sheldon, who readily granted the favor.  The likeness was taken, the plate was removed from the instrument, and taken to the chamber, where certain processes are performed to develop the picture, occupying a minute or two.  Mr. Sheldon returned to the sitting room, with the full expectation of gladdening the eyes of his customer with a veritable similitude of himself, but was struck with astonishment to discover that the “substance had vanished while the shadow remained.”

Mr. Sheldon in not recorded as being active in Kingston, New York in 1858.

Miss. A. Shedd

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854-1855       Nattinger’s block, south side of the public square, Ottawa, Illinois.

Miss. A. Shedd was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 16, 1854 to March 17, 1855 in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  Daguerrean Gallery!  Miss A. Shedd Would take this opportunity of informing her friends and the community at large, that she has bought out the daguerrean rooms formerly occupied by J. Marston, and would say that she is now prepared to take miniatures in the latest and most approved styles of the art, having the advantage of a large sky light, and one on C. C. Harrison’s best camera.

Always a good supply of plain and fancy cases on hand, from $1.50 to $10.

Hours for operation, from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.  Dark dresses always preferable.  December 16.

Miss A. Shedd is recorded in A Directory of Early Illinois Photographers Compiled by Marie Czach as being active in 1854.

William S. Shaw

Ivorytypes, Photographs, , , , ,


1859                188 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

William S. Shaw was recorded in one advertisement that ran on December 29 & 30, 1859 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Duke’s Southern Photographic Temple Of Art, 188 Main st., cor. Above the Post-Office. Plain Photographs executed for $1 only; Duplicates $9 per doz.  Ivorytypes $10 and up.  Photographs in Indian Ink, pastel, Water Colors, and Oil, from miniatures to life size, on the most reasonable terms.

Mr. Wm. S. Shaw, late of London, who had the honor of being selected by the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Board to photograph the Bishops, Clerical and Lay Delegates of the Episcopal Church of America that met here in convention in October, Is now engaged at the Southern Photographic Temple of Art, and the public may rest assured they will be supplied with first class work in all branches of the art, equal to that of any other establishment in the Union—as Mr. Shaw is well known , and acknowledged one of the first photographers of this Country. Advertisement ran on December 29 & 30, 1859.

William S. Shaw is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Baltimore, Maryland in 1858, and 1858-59, and possibly in Richmond, Virginia in 1860.  

Ross J. Kelbaugh  records in Directory Of Maryland Photographers1839-1900, two listings.  The first entry “Shaw” is from The Photographic And Fine Arts Journal. November 1857, page 331.  Friend Snelling, — I promised to give you a full account of the Exhibition of Photographs and Ambrotypes, at the Maryland Institute Fair this year. Well there is plenty of material to go upon. First, Mr. P. L. Perkins has a grand display, better than last year, and the arrangement of his pictures are more tasteful.  He has life sized photographs painted in oil, some eight or ten; cabinet pictures also.  Mr. Shaw who has been operating at. this establishment, is a good workman and fully understands his business…

The second entry is “Shaw, W., photographer” S. Holliday near Fayette (1858-1859). 

Are they the same person I don’t know, more research is needed to make that determination.

T. Shaw

Sphereotype, ,

1859                Address Unknown, Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

T. Shaw was recorded in one announcement that appeared in The Jeffersonian Democrat (Chardon, Ohio) on October 7, 1859. List of Premiums Awarded by the Geauga Co. Agricultural Society at their Annual Fair for 1859….

Best show of sphereotypes, T. Shaw                          Dip.

Best show of daguerreotypes F. Ford                         Dip.

T. Shaw is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Chagrin Falls, Ohio in 1860.

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.