All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

H. K. Roberts

Daguerreotypes, ,

1842                At his house, South West part of the Village, Cooperstown, New York.

H. K. Roberts was recorded in two advertisement in  The Freeman’s Journal (Cooperstown, New York).  The first advertisement ran from February 7 to April 11, 1842.  Daguerreotype or Photographic Miniatures.  H. K. Roberts would respectfully inform the citizens of Cooperstown and its vicinity that he is prepared to take Miniatures and Views in an improved manner, at his house, in the south west part of the village where he has the advantages of a room lighted expressly for the purpose, and from his success, feels confident that he can produce as good impression as can be found elsewhere—even in cloudy weather.

Specimens may be seen at his room; also at H. & E. Phinney’s Book store.  February 7, 1842.

The second advertisement ran from April 11 to September 26, 1842.  Daguerreotype or Photographic Miniatures.  Preserve a likeness while you may, For all that’s lovely must decay.

H. K. Roberts would respectfully inform the citizens of Cooperstown and its vicinity that he is prepared to take Miniatures and Views in an improved manner, at his house, in the south west part of the village where he has the advantages of a room lighted expressly for the purpose, and from his success, feels confident that he can produce as good impression as can be found elsewhere—even in cloudy weather.

Specimens may be seen at his room; also at H. & E. Phinney’s Book store.  February 7, 1842.

H. K. Roberts is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George W. Roberts

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Lafayette Street, over Booth & Quiggin’s shoe store, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

George W. Roberts  was recorded in two announcements and one advertisements.  The first announcement appeared on June 4, 1854 in The Weekly Comet (Baton Rouge, Louisiana).  Our friend G. W. Roberts Esq. is now fitted up in the old stand of Wilson on Lafayette street, where he is prepared to take daguerreotypes in the number one style of art.  As long as that interesting period of human existence continues to come, when an exchange of daguerreotypes is required, so long will the services of competent artist be required to “catch the substance, ere the shadow fails.”  There is no more accomplished hand at this thing, in this city at this time, than our friend Roberts on Lafayette street.

The advertisement ran from June 14 to August 26, 1854 in The Daily Comet (Baton Rouge, Louisiana).  The undersigned takes pleasure in announcing to the citizens of Baton Rouge and vicinity that he has established a daguerrean Room on Lafayette street over Booth & Quiggin’s shoe store, where he is prepared to take likenesses and copies of likenesses in the very best style.

He is prepared to take landscapes.  All work warranted to give satisfaction.  Charges moderate. To persons furnishing their own cases a liberal deduction will be made.  Geo. W. Roberts.

The second announcement appeared on June 18, 1854 in The Weekly Comet (Baton Rouge, Louisiana).  Persons desiring to have good copies of the original “pictures” should look in at Robert’s Daguerrean rooms, over Booth & Quiggins shoe store, on Lafayette street.

George W. Roberts is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George C. Roberts

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1849-1850       Rooms on Court Street, Over Merrill & Root’s Hat Store, Binghamton, New                                     York.

George C. Roberts of the firm Deyoe & Roberts was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 19, 1849 to January 16, 1850  in the Broome Republican (Binghamton, New York).  Daguerrean Gallery.  The Subscribers respectfully announce that they have taken rooms on Court Street, over Merrill and Root’s Hat Store, where they will remain for a few weeks.  Their experience in the Art, the perfection of their Apparatus, and the superior character of their Chemical Preparations, are sufficient guarantee of their ability to take good and correct Likenesses.  The attention of the public is solicited to the following statement:

First—We have the best quality of materials and a Superior Camera.  This powerful instrument has been pronounced by the author of the American Treatise on daguerreotype, a rare specimen of Optical Skill.

2nd—The process employed by us enables us to produce, at will, pictures of any desired tone.  The rich shading of the Messotint, the Rose hue of Childhood, or the pure Alabaster whiteness of the face of beauty.

Also, a first rate Camera and other Daguerrean Stock for sale.  L. W. Deyoe, Geo. C. Roberts. Dec. 13.

George C. Roberts is not listed in other photographic directories.

G. W. Robbins

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.                                        1859                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.

G. W. Robbins was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).  The first announcement appeared on February 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes.—When the art of Daguerreotyping was discovered, the world was taken by surprise to see the very elements brought to do the work of the portrait painter, exceeding the miniature likenesses of the most eminent masters in giving truly the form and features of the subject.  But there were a few deficiencies in that art—that have now been overcome by the late discovery of the art of Ambrotyping—which, while the features are given with strict fidelity, are susceptible of being viewed from any point, without changing their appearance.

We have been shown several specimens of Mr. Robbins’s proficiency in this art, and can certainly say of them that they are inferior to none.  He evidently has mastered all the intricacies of his business, and understands it thoroughly.

Mr. R. has taken rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, where he will remain for a limited time.  Our neighbors should avail themselves of this chance to preserve their features; they can never do it younger.

The first advertisement ran from February 14 to 28, 1857.  Ambrotypes—Respectfully To All!  G. W. Robbins has taken rooms (for a short time only), at Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, and is ready to execute Ambrotype Likenesses in the latest and most approved style of this new and beautiful art.

Mr. R. solicits Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine specimens of his work, hoping, from twelve years experience as a Daguerrean, and two years practice in Ambrotyping, to be able to please all who may favor him with their patronage.

Correct Likenesses taken in any weather, or no charge will be made.                                            Children’s Likenesses taken only in fair weather.

The second announcement appeared on November 26, 1859.  Photographic.—We invite attention to the advertisement of Mr. G. W. Robbins, who has taken rooms in Washington for the purpose of taking likenesses in the most approved styles of the art.

Mr. Robbins enjoys a high reputation in his line of business, and our citizens should not let the present opportunity pass to secure superlative likenesses.

The second advertisement ran from November 26 to December 31, 1859.  Photographs and Ambrotypes.  G. W. Robbins, would announce that he has taken rooms, for a short time only, at Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, La., and is prepared to execute Ambrotype Likenesses in the best and most approved Styles of the Art.

Having spared no pains nor expense to keep himself well posted in all valuable improvements with more that twelve years successful practice Mr. R. hopes to please all who favor him with their patronage, and guarantees his work to compare favorably with the best work done in New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, or elsewhere, when seen side by side, which will be a sure test.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his work.  Bring your best Pictures to compare with his, and judge for yourselves.

Rooms open from 8 to 12 o’clock A. M., and from half past 1 to half past 4 P. M.                        Children Likenesses taken in fair weather only, 10 o’clock A. M., to 3 o’clock P. M.                      Prices from One to Ten Dollars.                                                                                                                          Terms, Cash on delivery.

Copying in the best manner.  Views made to order.  Last and best of all, Stereoscopic Likenesses and Views, made upon scientific principles, which render them the most perfect Pictures in the world.

G. W. Robbins is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Washington, Louisiana.  Craig’s Daguerreian Register list a G. W. Robbins in Houston in November 1852 and Huntsville, Texas in January 1853, it is possible that they are the same person.

Robb

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                383 Broadway, New York, New York.

Robb was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on August 26, 1859.  20 Cent Ambrotype Likenesses, with Case.  Family groups and children’s likenesses beautifully taken by Robb, 383 Broadway.

The second advertisement appeared on October 1, 1859.  Ten Cent Ambrotype Likeness Well taken.  Now’s your time to get cheap portraits.  Crowded daily at Robb’s, 383 Broadway.

Robb is not recorded in other photographic directories.

William Roads

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms on Broad Street, Corner of 8th Street, Richmond, Virginia.

William Roads was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 25 to 28, 1853 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes.—Road’s Daguerrean Gallery.—Having opened a Gallery on Broad Street, corner of 8th, I would respectfully invite my friends, and the public in general to call and examine the beautiful specimens I have for exhibition.  Ladies and gentlemen, who are desirous of having their portraits taken in the best and most improved style of the art, should not fail to give me a call before trying elsewhere—and I warrant to give them cheap pictures, and such as will give full satisfaction.  Daguerreotypes of Children, of any age, taken in the very best style.  Wm. Roads, Corner of Broad and 8th sts.

William Roads is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in 1855 in Richmond, Virginia with A. W. Osborne.

J. Kinney Rishel

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Niellographs, , , ,

1859                Rooms in the Exchange Block, a few doors above the Hotel, Bloomsburg,                                      Pennsylvania.

J. Kinney Rishel was recorded in one announcement that appeared on August 17, 1859 in The Star of the North (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania).  Pictures Unparalleled—Our estimable young friend, J. Kinney Rishel, successor of Joseph Huckle, is amply prepared to execute work in his branch in such a manner as to compare favorably with any work done in the cities.  His room is in the Exchange Block, a few doors above the hotel.  His prices are moderate; thus affording all an opportunity of having a likeness taken of him or herself.  His facilities are such as to enable him to execute Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Niellographs in the best style of the art.  Attend to this matter, friends, while an opportunity is offered you: tomorrow it may be too late!

When death the soul from body once has torn,                                                                                        No artist’s hand can trace the living form.

J. Kinney Rishel is not listed in other photographic directories.

Charles T. Ripley

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1846                Address Unknown, Troy, New York.                                                                              1846                Rooms over Mr. Steen’s Bookstore, Brattleboro, Vermont.

Charles T. Ripley was recorded in three announcements and one advertisement in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont).  The first announcement appeared on March 19, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Mr. C. T. Ripley, of Troy, N. Y., has been in the village for some days, engaged in taking miniatures by the daguerreotype process; and has succeeded admirably well in obtaining correct likenesses.  He makes an absolutely ugly man appear to be very good advantage; while the ladies look so like themselves, that a bashful friend of ours spends all his evenings at Mr. R’s rooms, gazing at their portraits; it being, he says, “a more quiet and far less dangerous pleasure, than visiting the originals.”  Call, and see for yourselves.  Rooms over Mr. Steen’s Bookstore.

The second announcement appeared on April 9, 1846.  Mr. Editor:  I had the pleasure a day or two since of looking in at Mr. Ripley’s Daguerreotype Rooms, and of seeing some specimens of his skill in the art; and it is no more than justice to Mr. R., to say, that I think his work would not suffer in the comparison with that done by the best city Artist.  Likenesses may now be obtained with such facility, and at such slight expense, that one is hardly excusable for neglecting it. Your’s, &c.     ——

We understand that Mr. Ripley is to remain in town but a few days longer, and those who are desirous of being taken would do well to call soon.

The advertisement ran from April 30 to May 7, 1846.  Mr. C. T. Ripley, now absent, will return the last part of the present week, when he will be prepared to execute likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, of all sizes to suite customers.  Mr. R. is grateful for past patronage, and is confident that he can give satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call.

The third announcement appeared on May 7, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Mr. C. T. Ripley has returned, and is now prepared to execute likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, of all sizes, and set in cases, lockets, &c.  Mr. R. is grateful for past patronage, and is confident that he can give satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call.  Mr. R. will be in town but a few days.  Please call soon.

Charles T. Ripley is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Troy, New York 1845-1847.

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.