All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

Thomas J. Riley

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                264 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

Thomas J. Riley appeared 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.  Riley, Market St. — Daguerreotypes in the 3rd or 4th style of the art, noticed no ambrotypes or photographs.

Thomas J. Riley is listed 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 and address were added.

 

E. C. Riggs

Ambrotypes, , ,

1856                Rooms at the Post Office, Ouleout, New York.                                                                    1856-1857     Rooms over Elwood’s Store, Delhi, New York.                                                                      1858                Address Unknown, Delhi, New York.

E. C. Riggs  was recorded in four announcements and five advertisements in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York).  The first announcement appeared on September 10, 1856.  Ambrotypes.—We are desired to call attention to the advertisement of Mr. E. C. Riggs, Ambrotype Artists.  The pictures taken by this process are said to be superior to any other.

The first advertisement ran from September 10 to October 15, 1856.  Patent Ambrotypes.  Great Attraction!  E. C. Riggs, Ambrotype Artist, Respectfully informs the inhabitants of Meredith, Delhi and Franklin, that he is the sole proprietor of the Patent Ambrotype in these towns, the genuine Ambrotype can be had of none else in these places.

This new and beautiful process is the invention of Prof. James A. Cutting, of Boston, by whom it is patented in the United States, Great Britain and France.  These pictures are taken on the best plate glass and placed upon a corresponding glass, two being hermetically sealed together with an indestructible cement—the picture being in the center, as durable as glass itself Mr. R. has taken instruction of the best Artist in the State, and is now putting up likenesses that for richness of tone and life like expression, are unsurpassed.

These pictures can be had at no other room in these towns, Mr. R. having purchased the exclusive right.

The public are invited to call and satisfy themselves.  Rooms at the Post Office.

The second advertisement ran from October 29 to December 10, 1856.  Ambrotypes.  Now is the time to get a perfect Likeness E. C. Riggs Would announced to the inhabitants of Delhi and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in the village, and is now prepared to take the likenesses of all who may favor him with a call, and will warrant them not to fade.  Please call and see specimens.

Office hours from 9 A. M. to 8 P. M.                                                                                                                      Rooms over Elwood’s Store, just below Edgerton’s hotel.    Delhi, October 28, 1856.

The second announcement appeared on November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes.—We are requested to call attention to the advertisement of Mr. E. C. Riggs in another column, who has taken rooms over Mr. Elwood’s store.  We have seen some of Mr. Riggs’ pictures, which, to our unsophisticated eye, look remarkably fine.

The third advertisement ran from December 17, 1856 to March 4, 1857.  Immense Excitement!  Ambrotypes at Reduced Prices!!  The subscriber would say to the public that, notwithstanding the Tremendous Exertions of our “up town” philosopher to the contrary, he is alive and attending to business as usual.  And his “ignorance of common philosophy” does not prevent him from selling the most beautiful pictures taken in this county, and at lower prices than they have ever been sold before.

As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false; and I defy the gentleman (?) who takes so much pains to injure me and make himself appear ridiculous, to produce one that has faded in the least.  And I would like to have him give satisfaction to his customers, whose pictures I have taken over and finished off after passing through his philosophic hands.  I will warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merit’s.  I respectfully invite the public to examine both sides—they shall be the judges.

Call in Ladies and gentlemen, and see who takes the cheapest and best pictures.  A poor picture is dear at any price.

My Rooms are over Elwood’s Store.

Office hours from 9 A. M.  to 3½ P. M.  E. C. Riggs.  Delhi, December 11, 1856.

The fourth advertisement ran from December 17, 1856 to February 25, 1857.  Gifts for the Holidays.  If you want to present a lasting memento to a friend call at the Gallery of E. C. Riggs and get a True Likeness.

There is a real value in such gifts, which is more appreciated by all, and now is the time to procure them.

The third announcement appeared on December 24, 1856.  Pictures on Glass.  The subscriber invites the attention of the public to his advertisement in another column, and his assertions therein contained, are in every respect true and correct. But it not his intention to publish here, but to correct misrepresentations which I see in an advertisement signed E. C. Riggs, in which he states as follows: “As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false, and I defy the gentleman to produce one that has faded in the least.”  If I am the man to whom he eludes as the “up town philosopher,” and the man who took so much pains to injure him, then I say the gentleman has stated a wicked falsehood, and he could no be ignorant of it I never said a word about his Ambrotypes fading, for there is not one to be found, probably, that is more than three or four months old.  And how does he know whether he asserts the truth or not?

I did say they were of short duration, and this I am able to maintain.

He further says:  “I warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merits.”  With what degree of propriety does he warrant his work, and what assurance can he give the public of its duration?  Will the few months he has been in business be a sufficient time to test their durability!  Let the public judge.—Yet he is willing to warrant his work, but is careful not to say how long; he is then willing it shall stand upon its own merits.  So am I, but it will not upon its own merit or any other.

If the Patented Ambrotype was of such durability, why did Brady and others of New York give them up?  Because they were worthless, and his information is from one of the best men in this town, taken from his own lips.

I now come to the last italicized sentence.  “A poor picture is dear at any price.”  This is my sentiments exactly; and those who have been so unfortunate as to get one of your Patented Ambrotypes, will probably find out in short time the truth of this assertion to their sorrow.

Gentlemen and ladies, call at my office and get you a fifty cent picture, and I will make it as durable as the rock of Gibraltar.

Yes, when your flesh in dust shall lie,                                                                                                                When death’s grey film o’er spread your beaming eye,                                                                           My life pause mocking at decay,                                                                                                                    Will still be fresh and vivid as to-day.

A Splendid Stock just received.  J. Churchill.  Delhi, Dec. 23, 1856.

The fifth advertisement appeared on November 25, 1857.  T. J. Riggs, Musician and Teacher, Delhi, N. Y.  Instruction given on the Violin, Piano and melodeon.  Music furnished for Exhibition, Anniversaries, Festivals, Social Parties, &c.

Pianos and Melodeons tuned to order.

Orders left at E. C. Riggs’ Ambrotype Rooms, over Elwood’s Store, will received prompt attention.

The fourth announcement appeared on December 24, 1858, Vol. XL, No. 3, P. 4.

List Of Premiums Awarded By The Delaware County Agricultural Society, At The Fair Held At Franklin, September 22d and 23d, 1858….No. 3—Discretionary…

Best Ambrotypes,  N. Taylor, Franklin,                $2.00                                                                                     2d        do                    E. C. Riggs, Delhi,                  $1.00

E. C. Riggs is not recorded in other photographic directories.

 

J. G. Richmond

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                Masonic Hall, Clarksburg, Virginia.

J. G. Richmond was recorded in three advertisements and three announcements in the Cooper’s Clarksburg Register (Clarksburg, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from August 29 to October 3, 1856.  Ambrotypes.  Mr. J. G. Richmond, Respectfully solicits the attention of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Clarksburg and vicinity, to the new style of Likenesses taken on Glass, which, in beauty and life-like appearance, far excel the Daguerreotypes, and no possibility of fading, they may be emersed in water for several weeks without the slightest injury.  Rooms in the Masonic Hall, over Murphey’s and Irwin’s stores.  Instruction given on reasonable terms.  Come and see his specimens.  Daguerreotypes copied I Ambrotype and improved.

The first announcement appeared on September 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.—We would recommend to those who desire a good picture of themselves or friends, to call at the rooms of Mr. Richmond, opposite the Courthouse, in this place.  His specimens embrace some of the finest we ever saw, indeed, he seems to be particularly  fortunate in tracing a life-like representation of the person before him.  This is the first time our citizens have had the opportunity of securing ambrotypes, and we advise them to take advantage of it.  They are decidedly superior to daguerreotypes.

The second announcement appeared on September 26, 1856.  Ambrotype Likenesses.—We understand that Mr. Richmond, the popular artist now in town, contemplates leaving in a few days.  We would advise all those who have not obtained an Ambrotype of themselves, to call at once as they will never have a better opportunity.

The second advertisement ran on November 7 & 14, 1856.  Ambrotype Likenesses.  “Richmond is Himself Again!”  Six Richmond’s have been slain, but one still lives, and will Take Ambrotypes at the Masonic Hall, for one week only.  Mr. R. returns his thanks for favors bestowed during his recent sojourn in this place, and hopes to meet a continuance for one week longer.  All who wish to obtain an endurable likeness had better call at once as Richmond will positively leave at the expiration of the stated time.  The lovers of the fine Arts are acquainted with the style of Mr. R’s work; therefore, it is only necessary to say that “Richmond is himself again!”  November 5th. 1856.

The third advertisement ran on November 7 & 14, 1856.                                                                          Shadows of the Real.                                                                                                                                                At Richmond’s rooms you’re sure to find,                                                                                                        Rare Pictures, just to suit the mind.                                                                                                                    Come One!  Come all! don’t let him wait,                                                                                                        You’ll find him there with polished plates.

In Case of blue, red or green,                                                                                                                        Your face like life, may soon be seen:                                                                                                                Each line portrayed in light and shade,                                                                                                            Come pluck the flower ere it fade.

Secure the chance before it passes,                                                                                                                  You’ll ve’ve regret it charming lasses—                                                                                                              You’ll ne’er regret it gent’s so gay,                                                                                                                        The morrow is not thine, so come to-day.

Old Buck has won, they all pretend to say,                                                                                                    While the exhibition at the Masonic Hall is surely free.                                                                              So now we’ll have filled with money bet so free,                                                                                        Then let us go to Richmond’s and let him squint away.

The third announcement appeared on November 14, 1856.  Fine Pictures.—Mr. Richmond is still making fine pictures at the Masonic Hall in this place.  We understand that he has concluded to remain a few days longer, an we advise all who want correct ambrotypes or daguerreotypes, to give him a call.

Mr. Richmond is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Richmond & Hawkins

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1852                Rooms at the Suffolk Hotel, Huntington, New York.                                                  1852-1853     308 Broadway, New York, New York.

Richmond & Hawkins were recorded in one announcement and three advertisements in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York).  The announcement appeared on June 4, 1852.   Daguerreotypes,

“No Spectre forms of pleasure fled,                                                                                                                   The softening, sweetening tints restored;                                                                                                       For thou cans’t give us back the dead;                                                                                                               E’en with the loveliest looks they wore.”

Thus wrote the Poet, in time past, and in view of a happy reflection, as presented to us, of loved and loving friends, by the Art of the Painter’s [      ].  If thus much be said of the Art, what may we not claim for the imagery as portrayed by the Daguerreotypes of the present day—when all that we looked upon in life, whether of parents, brother, sister or child, as the fairest flowers of Earth, shall bloom in other climes may be made to dwell with those who cherished them here.  Those who would be wise in time, call upon Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins, at the Suffolk Hotel, in this village—and secure a treasure.  The specimens we have seen of the above gentlemanly Artists’ Likenesses, warrant us fully in calling attention to this subject, and the fact of their sojourn among us.  See adv’t.

The first advertisement appeared on June 4, 1852.  Daguerreotypes.  Richmond & Hawkins Daguerrean Artist.  Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Huntington and vicinity that they have taken Rooms at the Suffolk Hotel For A Few days Only, for the purpose of accommodating all those who may be desirous of obtaining a [good] and perfect likeness of either themselves, their families, or their friends—and where they will be pleased to exhibit to all lovers of the Fine Arts—one of the largest and most beautiful collections of miniatures of their own execution ever seen in this Village.

Miniatures taken in this beautiful style, neatly set in Gold Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets, Cases or Frames in a few minutes—and finished in the highest perfection of the Art; and no person will be required to take them unless they are perfectly satisfactory to themselves and friends.

Delay not then as opportunity shall present to secure one, two, three or six of these miniatures of life, which under the trying circumstances of a final separation from friends no price can purchase.

Portraits, Engravings and other Daguerreotypes neatly copied.

Price varying from $1 to $10.

Come Ladies and Gentlemen, one and all and see their specimens, likenesses of Children and Infants taken in three to four seconds between the hours of eleven and Twelve o’clock.

N. B.— Instructions given in the theory and most improved Style.  Stock and Apparatus furnished on liberal terms. Huntington, June 4, 1852.

The second advertisement ran from October 22, 1852 to February 25, 1853.  New and Beautiful Daguerrean Gallery, No. 308 Broadway, NY Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins, Successors to Messrs. W. A. Allen & Brother, would most respectfully call the attention of their friends and the public to their New Rooms, at the above number.  The long experience of Messrs. R. & H. in the art, they flatter themselves will enable them to obtain Daguerreotype Portraits unsurpassed by any Daguerreans in the United States leads them to hope they will receive a liberal share of public patronage.  The Rooms are large, elegant and convenient.

Their Fine Sky Light enables them to take Pictures in the most perfect manner, and in the quickest time, entirely obviating the necessity of a long sitting, and correcting the defects so disagreeable to a refined [     ], in the harsh outlines and color tones so prevalent among the picture taken by the Daguerrean Process.  The Operating Room is well calculated for taking, in a finished and beautiful manner,

Large Groups of Families or Collegiate Classes and also for taking portraits.  For Children—three seconds only being required.

Messrs. R. & H. will give their personal attention to visitors, and most assiduously endeavor to please them with good pictures and perfect Likenesses.

No charge made unless the pictures are perfectly satisfactory.

Their prices are from $1,00 upwards, according to the size, style and finish.

Richmond & Hawkins, 308 Broadway.  Over E. Anthony’s Daguerreotype Depot, East side Broadway, between Pearl and Duane Sts. N. Y.

The third advertisement appeared on November 12, 1852.  Daguerreotypes, At the present time, there are so many pretenders to the Art of Daguerreotyping, and so many of what are called “Pictures.”—tho’ mere daubs—that when one knows where and by whom a real bona fide likeness may be obtained, it is equally an act of justice to the public as to the successful artist, that the same should be made known To those who are looking for the neatest and most convenient rooms for the taking of Daguerreotypes, just step up Broadway to No. 308, where you will be received by Messrs. Richmond & Hawkins—and to their polite attention, they will give you in the shortest possible and most moderate rates a resemblance of your own self to which your friends cannot keep saying that they never saw you looking so well in your life.  The specimens of the above artist work are now rivaling those of the “famed” in their line—and they must soon, if they have not already reached the highest pinnacle, which is their ambition.  Remember the Number—308 Broadway

Richmond & Hawkins are recorded in other photographic directories as being active in New York City in 1852-1853, what is new information is that they also active in 1852 in Huntington, New York.

T. E. Richardson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                Room in the House of Mr. Joshua Parish, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

T. E. Richardson was recorded in one announcement in The Mountain Sentinel (Ebensburg, Pennsylvania) on August 5, 1852.  A thing of Beauty is said to be a joy forever; if so, those Daguerreotypes taken by Mr. T. E. Richardson are illustrations of the truth of the above saying.  He has a room in the house of Mr. Joshua A. Parish where he will be pleased to take your visage at the low price of a dollar.  Call on him.

T. E. Richardson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Richardson & O’Brien

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                Rooms at the Holland House, Woodsfield, Ohio.

Richardson & O’Brien were recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 23 to August 27, 1856 in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio).  Ambrotypes Or Pictures Taken On Glass The subscriber having taken rooms at the Holland House, are prepared to furnish the citizens of Woodsfield and vicinity with Ambrotype miniatures taken in the best style of the art.  By a late improvement Ambrotypes can be beautifully colored in oil, so as to closely resemble the finest oil paintings by hand.

They are also Indestructible, and we will warrant them to never fade.

We are also prepared to take superior Daguerreotypes, which we think will give satisfaction or no charge will be made.  Richardson & O’Brien.

Richardson & O’Brien are not listed in other photographic directories.

Richard

Ambrotypes, Photographs,

1855                71 Cortland Street, New York, New York.

Richard was recorded in one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York)  which appeared on September 21, 1855.  Instruction in Ambrotyping and Photography.—Daguerreotype artists and other desirous of a knowledge of the above processes, may acquire the same in a few days, by addressing a line to Richard, 71 Cortland st.

Richard is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is unknown if Richard was a practicing photographer or not.

Obadiah Rich

Daguerreotype Plate Manufacturer, ,

1840                Court Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Obadiah Rich was recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 14 to May 4, 1840 in the  Boston Daily Evening Transcript (Boston, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Plates made and for sale by O. Rich, Court Avenue.

The following information is from the Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, fourth edition.  Obadiah Rich was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1809 and died in 1888.  He worked as a silversmith in Boston first under the apprenticeship of Moses Morse.  In 1830 he went into business for himself; 1832-1835 in partnership with Samuel L. Ward; 1835-1850 in association with Jones, Low, and Ball.  “Was an outstanding craftsman who produced a number of exceptionally high quality presentation pieces during his career.”  His hallmark appears to have been an oval with concave sides, O Rich at the top, Boston on the bottom, and in the center a dragon.

Obadiah Rich is recorded in other photographic directories the information from Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, fourth edition may possibly help identify any plates in existence.

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

L. M. Rice

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1853                On the Common, Barre, Massachusetts.

L. M. Rice was recorded in two announcements and one advertisement in the Barre Gazette (Barre, Massachusetts).  The first announcement appeared on September 2, 1853.  Rices Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The American Miniature Palace will be in Barre about the 20th of September, and will remain a few days—during which time will be executed, in its neatly and well arranged rooms, work that shall defy competition, from any source whatever.  L. M. Rice. August 26, 1853.

The second announcement appeared on September 23, 1853.  Arrival Of The American Miniature Palace In Barre.  This splendid Daguerreotype establishment is now located on the Common, in this village, and the proprietor cordially invites the citizens of Barre and vicinity, to call and examine specimens of the art whether they are desirous of procuring Daguerreotypes or not.

Ever prompted by a strong desire to give perfect satisfaction to all and a steady determination to excel as an artist.  Mr. Rice has had for the last eight years the most flattering success fully assuring him his efforts have not been in vain.

Prices as cheap as at any other establishment, quality of the work considered.  L. M. Rice.

The advertisement appeared on November 4, 1853.  Pictures at Home Only Two Weeks Longer!!!  Do you wish to procure a first class Daguerreotype, without the trouble and expense of going to Worcester or Boston to obtain it—one quite as good as those taken at either place?  If so, please call at the American Miniature Palace, in Barre, where you will find an Artist that can suit you, if a good picture will do it.  L. M. Rice.  Barre, Oct. 21, 1853

L. M. Rice  is not recorded in other photographic directories as being acting in 1853 in Barre, Massachusetts.  An L. M. Rice is recorded in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900 as being active in Brookfield, Massachusetts, ca. 1864-66,  Information from the reverse of a carte de visite of O. P. Townsend’s “Successor to L. M. Rice.  with a green three cent  U. S. Inter. Revenue Proprietary tax stamp.  Another carte de visite does exist with the same information without a tax stamp.  The only hard date for Townsend is from The New England Business Directory for 1860.  The distance between Barre and Brookfield is a about sixteen miles.  It is possible they are the same person.

W. H. Rhodes

Ambrotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, Plymouth, Indiana.

W. H. Rhodes was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements in the Marshall County Democrat (Plymouth, Indiana).  The first announcement appeared on March 13, 1856.  In another column will be found the advertisement of W. H. Rhodes & Co., Ambrotype Artists.  We have seen specimen pictures taken by this mode, and think they are superior to the Daguerreotype.—Give them a call.  Rooms at J. E. Armstrong’s Daguerrean Gallery.

The first advertisement ran from March 13 to April 10, 1856.  Ambrotype Likenesses!  The attention of the public is called to the fact that W. H. Rhodes is now occupying the rooms of J. E. Armstrong, in this village, where he is taking Ambrotype Likenesses!

The pictures taken by this method are far superior to the Daguerreotype, in life-like appearance—are on glass, and are perfectly durable.  Full satisfaction guaranteed to all who may favor him with their custom.

Those wanting likenesses will please call immediately, as the Rooms will positively be closed in thirty days, Mr. Armstrong having discontinued the business here.  W. H. Rhodes & Co.

The second announcement appeared on April 3, 1856.  W. H. Rhodes & Co. Ambrotype Artist, who have been stopping at the Daguerrean rooms of J. E. Armstrong, will remain in town this week only.  During their stay here, they have given more general satisfaction than any artist who have ever visited this place, and there has been a sufficient number for us to judge of real merit.  The Ambrotype is a great improvement on the Daguerreotype, possessing a greater brilliancy; a more exact life like appearance, and, is not in the least impaired by age.  We have seen a number of their specimens, and can truly say that they excel anything of the kind that we have ever seen got up in Hoosierdom.  Any person desiring a similitude of their physiognomy, will never have a more favorable opportunity than the one new offered.  We have often heard persons say they would give most anything in their possession for a likeness of relatives or dear friends, and to such of our readers we would say that an opportunity like the present may not have a recurrence, as our resident artist contemplates removing in a short time.

The second advertisement ran from November 27 to December 18, 1856.  Ambrotypes.  Those having Ambrotypes, taken by W. H. Rodes & Co., that have failed to be what they were represented, can have them taken again, free of charge, by calling at the Daguerrean Rooms of John E. Armstrong, from the 1st to the 7th of December.  J. E. Armstrong.

W. H. Rhodes is not listed in other photographic directories.