All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

L. M. Cyrus

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1843                231 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                  1850                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

L. M. Cyrus was recorded in two advertisements in 1843 and two announcements in 1850. The first advertisement ran from March 16 to April 17, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York). Daguerreotype Likenesses Taken, With All The Beauties Of Natural Colors, And On A Large Size, By Doctor L. M. Cyrus, 231 Broadway, Up Stairs.  Likenesses taken every day, from early morning until 3 o’clock, P. M.

The second advertisement ran from May 10 to June 15, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Photograph Portraits.—Dr. L. M. Cyrus, the inventor of this new art produces by it not only a correct likeness of the original portrait, but a so purity of design a brilliancy of coloring, which far surpass the chief d’oeuvres of the most celebrated artists, whether ancient or modern.—Grateful for the encouragement he has received from his numerous friends and the public generally, Dr. L. M. Cyrus would fain inform them that he has fitted up, for the accommodation of ladies, a suite of rooms in park Place House, corner of Broadway, where he trusts his skill in his profession, and his attention to all who may honor him with their favors, will insure him a continuance of the patronage hitherto so liberally bestowed on him.

The Doctor gives instruction in every department of the Daguerreotype and Photographic art.  Instruments for taking portraits on a large or small scale, for sale, as also the necessary chemical preparations for taking the portraits in Phytographs or colors.  Terms moderate.

The first announcement appeared on June 29, 1850 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  New Discovery in the Daguerreotype Art.—Dr. Cyrus has invented an Electro Galvanic Buff for polishing plates, and preventing them from oxidizing, in every variation of atmosphere.  This buff gives a sensitiveness to plates heretofore unknown, and enables the operator to take pictures in less than half the ordinary time of sitting.  Harrison & Holmes have purchased a right in this new discovery, and will prove the importance of it to all who may demand fine pictures, at their rooms, in the Lafarge building, 289 Broadway.

The second announcement appeared on July 25, 1850 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Daguerreotypist.—Dr. L. M. Cyrus’ newly invented Buff, has been reduced to the very low price of ten dollars, in order to place it in the power of all operators [eo] purchase.  None genuine, except signed by Scoville Mfg. Co., 57 Maiden Lane.

  1. M. Cyrus is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1850-1851.

J. H. Currier

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                Sagamore Building, near the Central Building, Lynn, Massachusetts.

J. H. Currier was recorded in an advertisement on April 26, 1850 in the Lynn News (Lynn, Massachusetts). Daguerreotype Gallery, In The Sagamore Building, near the Central Building, Lynn. J. H. Currier, Daguerrian Artists, having procured of his late partner, Mr. Armington, his large German Instrument, is now prepared to execute Miniatures of all styles, in groups or single, on small or the largest sized plates that are used.

As a most certain guarantee that he will satisfy his customers, he invites a scrutinizing examination of his specimens, and a trial of his skill by patronage, as he warrants his pictures to be satisfactory, and unexcelled at any other gallery in the country—his customers and their friends being the judges.           Lynn, February 1, 1850.

J.H. Currier is not listed in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900 or other photographic directories. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list an H. Armington in Providence, Rhode Island in 1848, but it would be speculation to suggest that they are the same person.

George H. Currier

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

ND                  Address Unknown, New York, New York.                                                                ND                  Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.                                                                          1854               Address Unknown, Sacramento, California.

George H. Currier was reported in Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865.  By Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn.  Their original citation was from the Sacramento Daily Union (Sacramento, California) on November 18, 1854.  Robert H. Vance announced the accession of a new “artist,” or, presumably, operator, for his Sacramento gallery: “the subscriber takes pleasure in announcing to the public of Sacramento and vicinity, that he has engaged the services of Mr. Geo. H. Currier, an experienced artist from the first establishments in New York and Boston…”

This is the only mention of George H. Currier in other photographic directories.  He was not listed in the 1840-1854 Boston City Directory.

W. J. Cunningham

Ambrotype Wagon, Ambrotypes, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

W. J. Cunningham was listed in an announcement on December 7, 1859 in the Democrat and Sentinel (Ebensburg, Pennsylvania). By reference to our advertising column it will be seen that Mr. W. J. Cunningham has arrived in town with his “Big Wagon.” Persons wishing to have a good Ambrotype Likeness taken will do well to give him a call.  His charges are moderate, and his pictures good.

The advertisement ran from December 7 to 21, 1859 in the Democrat and Sentinel (Ebensburg, Pennsylvania).  Arrival of the “Big Wagon!”  W. J. Cunningham would respectfully inform the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity, that he has arrived in town with his “Big Wagon” where he is prepared to take Ambrotype Likenesses in the best manner and on the latest improved styles.  Call and have a picture taken while the “Wagon” is here.  His charges will be low.

W. J. Cunningham is not listed in other photographic directories.

Andrew Cunningham

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1843                235 Broadway, New York New York.

Andrew Cunningham of the firm Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham was listed in an advertisement that ran every other day from May 25 to 29, and every day from June 4 to 6, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Miniature Portraits copied from Daguerreotypes in natural colors on ivory, with perfect accuracy, or with any desired alteration or improvement on very moderate terms.  Specimens to be seen in the Daguerreotype Room, No. 1, at 235 Broadway, near park place.

On September 19, 1843 an announcement appears in the  New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Fair at the American Museum.—The problem of opening a new and spacious Saloon at the American Museum, as a Perpetual Fair or Bazaar for the Exhibition and Sale of Goods, Wares, Merchandize, &c has proved highly successful.  It is now one of the most attractive Halls in the Establishment, and is undoubtedly the cheapest Advertising Medium in the world.  The name, location and business of all depositors are advertised in 100,000 small bills per annum—also in the principal city papers.  The following persons have already made deposits in this Fair, and as nearly all the articles are For Sale, Merchants and others will find it to their interest to make their purchases through this medium.  It is obvious that no articles but those of the best quality are deposited here.  Persons desirous of depositing specimens of Goods or Cards of Business in the perpetual Fair, can do so on reasonable terms.  Circulars of prices, & c. can be obtained at the Office of the Museum.

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..N. G. Burgess, 192 Broadway.                                                            Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Gurney, 189 Broadway.                                                      Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Plumbe, Jr., 251 Broadway.                                            Daguerreotype Miniatures…..Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham, 235 Broadway.

Andrew Cunningham is not listed in other photographic directories.

William H. Cromack

Ambrotypes, ,

Ca.1854-1865             Malden Centre, Malden, Massachusetts.

William H. Cromack information comes from a ninth plate ambrotype & advertising card— William H. Cromack Ambrotypist and Jeweller, Malden Centre.  Ambrotypes taken for 25 cents and upwards and warranted to give satisfaction.  In Matthew Isenburg’s Collection.

Not recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900, or other photographic directories.

Messrs. Crobaugh

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                Rooms at Franklin House, Fremont, Ohio.

Messrs. Crobaugh were recorded in two advertisements, the first advertisement ran from November 30 to December 28, in the Fremont Weekly Freeman (Fremont, Ohio).              Messrs. Crobaugh Would most respectively announce to the People of Fremont and vicinity, that they are prepared to execute Daguerreotypes, By the late Paris Process, entirely superior to any taken by the old Process.  It will be seen that these Pictures possess a strength not inferior to the most celebrated Oil Paintings, yet possessing all the beauties of light and shade that can be found in the finest lineal engravings.  These Pictures are also made indelible, by the Patent Gilding, which gives them that peculiar and beautiful tone, which is seen in no other.  In fact, their beauty is past description.  Persons must examine them, to be able to judge of their perfection.  The subscriber has also a variety of the richest Daguerrean Stock, Of their own selection.  Persons visiting this place, on business or pleasure, should not neglect this rare opportunity of obtaining for themselves and friends, these inestimable mementoes.

P. S. Messrs. C. are also prepared to give instructions to any who may wish to embark in this fascinating vocation, which meets the most favorable approbation and patronage from all possessed of cultivated taste and refinement. Inexperienced operators can receive instructions in the art of making different kinds of Accelerators, Patent Gilding and general improvements.—Also, Galvanic Batteries Furnished, with instructions. All of these are indispensably necessary to compete with artists possessing the above facilities.

Miniatures set in Pins, Rings, Ladies’ Bracelets; &c.  Also, Daguerreotypes and Oil paintings copied with accuracy.  The subscriber will remain in this place a few months only.  Their Rooms may be found at the Franklin House.

The second advertisement ran from November 30 to December 28, 1850 in the Fremont Weekly Freeman  (Fremont, Ohio).  Cotillion Parties.  Messrs. Crobaugh takes this method of notifying the citizens of Sandusky and adjoining counties, that they have located in Fremont for the coming winter, and are prepared to furnish Music to dancing parties on the most favorable terms. Fremont. Nov. 30, 1850. 

In looking at Craig’s Daguerreian Register and Ohio Photographers 1839-1900, three Crobaugh’s are recorded that fit the 1850’s.  Of the three Daniel and Samuel appear to be likely candidates for the above daguerreotypist.

Daniel Crobaugh active 1856-1860

1856                106 Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio.                                                                              1857-1858     4 South Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio.                                                                    1859-1860     113 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio.

John Crobaugh active 1859-1860

1859-1860       Address Unknown, Willoughby, Ohio.

Samuel Crobaugh active 1852-1860+

1852-1853       6 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio.                                                                                  1855                  106 Superior Street, Cleveland, Ohio.                                                                                    1856                  4 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio.                                                                                1859-1860      28 Hoffman’s Block, Cleveland, Ohio.

William H. Crandall

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Room’s in Shaw’s New Building, Clearfield, Pennsylvania,

William H. Crandall was recorded in an announcement on June 8, 1859 in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Ambrotypes!  There is now an opportunity for all to procure pictures of themselves and friends.  The undersigned has fitted up Rooms in Shaw’s new building, where he will remain a short time.  Plating in fine gold or silver done on reasonable terms.

He was also recorded in an advertisement that ran from June 8 to July 11, 1859 in the Raftsman’s Journal (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Ambrotypes.—The undersigned has fitted up rooms in Shaw’s new row, where he is prepared at all times to take pictures in a workmanlike manner.  He will remain until after the coming Courts.  Call and examine specimens.  N. B.  Planting with fine Gold and Silver, done on short notice and reasonable terms.

William H. Crandall is listed in Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 in Berwick, Pennsylvania without activity dates or address.  The distance between the two towns are about 140 miles.

W. Calhoun Cralle

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Rooms at Mansion House, 37 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.                        1855                37 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.[1]

W. Calhoun Cralle was recorded in an advertisement that ran from May 4 to June 7, 1854 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  New Skylight Daguerrean Gallery—W. Calhoun Cralle, Daguerreotypist, having opened Daguerrean Rooms in this city, offers his professional services to the citizens and public generally.  He will give his constant personal attention to his rooms, and hopes by strict application to business to be able to execute Pictures in a style worthy of the art and its professors; yet he will make no promises to excel, but submits his claims to patronage to a discriminating public on his merits.  He can be found at his Rooms, No. 37 (Mansion House) Main street, from sunrise to sunset.  Pictures taken in any kind of weather.  Prices uniform.

W. Calhoun Cralle has been reported in other photographic directories. Craig Daguerreian Registry list him only in 1855. While Photographers in Virginia, 1839-1900 list him in 1854 & 1855.  In both directories he is listed as W. C. Cralle.

[1] Photographers in Virginia, 1839-1900: a checklist.  By Louis Ginsburg