All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

Peter G. Clark

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1850                Address Unknown, [Boston], Massachusetts.[1]                                                1851                247 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]                                                      1851-1852     36 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[3]                                                      1852-1854      in San Francisco, California.[4]                                                                          1853                Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]                                                  1854                103 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[3]                                                    1854-1856      in New York City.[4]                                                                                                1855                158 Bowery, New York, New York.[5]                                                                      1857                Lower Great George Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.[4]  1859-1862      in San Francisco, California.[4]

Peter G. Clark first appeared in the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Report for September 1850.  He exhibited daguerreotypes at the sixth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, no award was given.

Reported on December 20, 1851 in The Carpet Bag (Boston, Massachusetts). A Present.—We have received from the artist, Mr. P. G. Clark, No. 247 Washington street, an elegant and faithful likeness of Mrs. H. M. Stephens, of this city, and we take pleasure in exhibiting the treasure to our many visitors. [We have an adjourned promise of the transcript of another fair face from the East—“down east,”—when the “sometimes operator” shall get back.] Of course we are proud of it, and of course we thank the donor, and commend him to the notice of that public which always patronizes those who favor the printers.

Reported in the September 1853 report of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association.  Peter G. Clark exhibited daguerreotypes at the sixth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. Award a bronze medal for daguerreotype views of California.

Reported in an advertisement on December 22, 1855 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York). Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits.  Highest prize $1,000.  For particulars see circulars at the Museum.  Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.

J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway; Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.

Peter G. Clark is known see the following publications for more information Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, A Biographical Dictionary 1840-1865,  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

The new Information, is the fact that he showed at the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association in 1850 and in 1853, the advertisement in the Carpet Bag newspaper with the 247 Washington Street address, and the December 22, 1855 New York Daily Tribune advertisement with address of 156 Bowery, New York.

[1] Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association records, 1850 & 1853.                                        [2] The Carpet Bag (newspaper).                                                                                                                        [3] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.                                                                          [4] Pioneer Photographers of the Far West.                                                                                                        [5] New York Daily Tribune (newspaper).

Mr. Clark

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1855                3 Hathaway Building, Lansingburgh, New York.

Mr. Clark was recorded in an announcement on November 15, 1855 in the Lansingburgh Democrat (Lansingburgh, New York).  The Daguerrian Saloon formerly occupied by Mr. Judd, has passed into the possession of Mr. Clark, who is ready at all times to secure “the shadow, ere the substance perish,” for all those who wish it.—We noticed an Ambrotype of one of our active citizens hanging at his door a few days since—and if we can form an opinion from that, we judge that Prof. Judd’s mantle has fallen upon no unworthy successor.

After checking the photographic directories the only possible identification for Mr. Clark is Charles R. Clark, who was listed in Troy, New York in 1856 to 1861.  The distance between the two towns is only sixteen to seventeen miles away.  But as always this is only speculation on my part.

 

Mr. Clark

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1851                26 Foot’s Building, Springfield, Massachusetts.

Mr. Clark was recorded in an advertisement that ran from December 9, 1851 to January 22, 1852 in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts).  Kossuth Has Come!  And while this illustrious exile is being received with distinguished honor and shouts of welcome, let Cooley’s Daguerrian Gallery not be forgotten.  While the countenance is lighted up by the soul-inspiring eloquence of this great man step into Cooley’s, and in a few moments he will give you one of those superb Daguerreotype Likenesses for which his Gallery is famed, the world over.—His Sky-light needs no puffing—it can’t be beat—and those who have any eyes at all may be sure of obtaining a good picture.

The Professor may be found at his old station, and with our gentlemanly Operator, Mr. Clark, will be ready to wait upon visitors and sitters, and will give entire satisfaction to all.

Lockets, Keys, Rings, Pins, and every style of Case may be obtained at his Establishment, at the lowest prices; also, all kinds of material used in the business.  Call at Cooley’s, No. 26 Foot’s Building, and he will try to suit you.         O. H. Cooley.

Mr. Clark was not recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900 or in other photographic directories.

Mr. Clark

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1846                Rooms over Pomeroy’s Book Store, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh, New York.  1846-1847     Rooms over Mr. N. S. Pitkin’s Hardware Store, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh, New                            York.                                                                                                                                      1847                Rooms over Law Offices of Messrs. Hopkins and Chapin, Ford Street,                                                Ogdensburgh, New York.

Mr. Clark was recorded in three advertisements in the St. Lawrence Republican (Ogdensburgh, New York).  The first advertisement ran from August 18 to September 1, 1846.

“Secure the shadow ere the substance fade.”                                                                            Improved daguerreotypes.  Mr. Clark, Would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Ogdensburgh, and vicinity, that he has just taken Rooms for a short time, Over Pomeroy’s Book Stork, Ford street, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, in the latest and most approved style, with or without colors, and warranted not to fade or change by age.

He has within a few weeks made some valuable improvements in the art, which very much beautify the Pictures, giving them the most life-like expression, the most perfect flesh-color, showing the variegated eye, with all the perfection and beauty of life itself.

Ladies and Gentlemen are particularly invited to call at his rooms and examine Specimens, whether they intend to have Likenesses or not.

Children that are old enough to keep still twenty or thirty seconds, can be taken as well as older persons.  Miniatures taken every day without regard to weather, In Cases, Lockets, or Bosom Pins, of any size.  Hours for operating, from 8 A. M. till 5 P. M.

The second advertisement ran from January 29, 1846 to January 19, 1847 in the same newspaper.   Daguerreotypes!  Mr. Clark, Would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of this place and vicinity, that he has returned to Ogdensburgh and taken rooms for a short time, Over Mr. N. S. Pitkin’s Hardware Store, Ford street, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, without regard to weather, in Cases, Lockets, Rings or Bosom Pins, of any size.

Rooms open, from 8 A. M. till 5 P. M.  Instructions given in the Art, on reasonable terms, with the latest improvements; and the best instructions furnished at New York prices.

The third advertisement ran on June 22 and 29, 1847 in the same newspaper.  “Bock Agen.”  Mr. Clark, Daguerrean Artists, has returned to Ogdensburgh, and taken rooms over the Law Offices of Messrs. Hopkins and Chapin, Ford street, where he is prepared to take Miniature Portraits, as usual.  He has on hand a fine assortment of Gold and Plated Lockets.

The public are invited to call and examine for themselves, and after sitting for a picture it will not be expected that they will take it unless they are satisfied with it.

Mr. Clark does not appear in other photographic directories in upstate New York.  It is a possibly that Mr. Clark is Frederick J. or John M. Clark, who at this time were in listed in Utica 132 miles away from Ogdensburgh, but at this time it is only speculation on my part.

Hiram S. Clark

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853                Room at Mr. H. Bean’s Dwelling House, Franklin Street, Grand Haven,                                              Michigan.                                                                                                                      1857                Address Unknown, Neenah, Wisconsin.[1]                                                                      1859                Milwaukee Hotel, Grand Haven, Michigan.

Hiram S. Clark Was recorder in an advertisement that ran from November 23 to December 7, 1853 in the Grand River Times (Grand Haven, Michigan).  Daguerreotypes.  The undersigned would inform the public that he will remain in town but a few days longer, and those wishing likenesses, please call and get them.  The artist will give entire satisfaction both in his art and the reasonableness of his prices.—Call and examine for yourselves.  Room at Mr. H. Bean’s dwelling house, Franklin Street.

Recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 6 to August 10, 1859 in The Grand Haven News (Grand Haven, Michigan).  Ambrotypes:  The subscriber in returning thanks to his many friends and patrons, for the liberal encouragement extended to him, begs leave to call their attention to his Gallery of Art, at the Milwaukee Hotel, where he will remain a few days and take pictures of various styles, at corresponding prices.  He has also every variety of Cases, &c.  The public are invited to call and examine his specimens.

Not recorded in any photographic directory in 1853, listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, and in the research provided by David V. Tinder, Directory of Early Michigan Photographers.

[1] Directory of Early Michigan Photographers by David V. Tinder.

F. C. Clark

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1849-1850       37 Owego Street, Ithaca, New York.                                                                                    1852                   49 Owego Street, Ithaca, New York.                                                                            1855-1856        94 Owego Street, Ithaca, New York.

F. C. Clark was listed in four advertisements in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York). The first advertisement for Lawyer & Clark ran from August 22, 1849 to February 13, 1850. Albany Daguerrean Gallery.  The Subscribers would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ithaca and vicinity, that they have opened a Daguerrean Gallery, in the room lately occupied by Messrs. Watson & Ryder, No. 37 Owego-st, where they will be at all times in readiness to furnish the public with better work than ever before done in Ithaca.

Being in possession of all the improvements in the art, they fear no competition, and invite the strictest examination and criticism.  The idea held out by indifferent operators that light eyes cannot be well taken, and linen cannot be made white is expelled at once by an examination of the work in this Gallery.

Miniatures can be obtained here of any size or price, at which they ought honestly to be afforded, but always of a superior quality.  The senior partner of the establishment have been employed as the operators in Meade & Bro’s. Gallery in Albany, in 1848, the best in the state feels confident of being able to give the public better Miniatures than have ever been furnished, and satisfy all that they have heretofore been outrageously humbugged.  The following recommendation is from Messrs. Meade, Albany:

We confidently recommend Mr. J. H. Lawyer to the public as a first rate Daguerrean Artist, understanding all the late improvements in the art.  Mr. L. has taken pictures in our establishment and has given general satisfaction.  Meade & Brother.  Albany, July 10, 1848.

The experience of the senior partner for the last three years in the business in the best Galleries, is sufficient to entitle him to the confidence of public when those around him are but beginners in the business without experience or taste.

Instructions given in the art on reasonable terms, and chemicals, &c. kept constantly on hand for sale.         J. H. Lawyer,              F. C. Clark.                 Ithaca, August 20, 1849.

The second advertisement ran from April 21 to September 15, 1852 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  for Clark & Graves.  Something New.  Messrs. Clark & Graves, Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ithaca and its vicinity, that they have just opened a beautiful and convenient suit of rooms for taking Daguerreotypes, at No. 49 Owego-st., Over T. C. Thompson’s Tailor Store, where they are prepared to furnish those who will favor them with their patronage Perfect Likenesses, and at the same time rich mellow toned pictures, and entirely different style of type than has heretofore been offered to this public.  We have spared no expense or pains in arranging and furnishing out rooms, and from experience can say; that we have better arranged light, and rooms, than any Gallery in this Vicinity.— We have a large Sky-Light connected with a Side-light, either of which we can use, or both in connection, therefore the most fastidious can be suited.  Our Instruments are the best that can be procured—one whole size; and a ¼ size quick worker, by which pictures of children can be made in from 1 to 4 seconds.  We have also purchased a large stock of cases and frames, of the latest styles and patterns, which will enable us to accommodate individuals with pictures of all prices, varying from $1 to $20.  Ladies and gentlemen in the country are particularly invited to call and examine our specimens.  Pictures taken in cloudy weather equally as good as in clear.  Please give us a call and try.

Do not forget the place No. 49 Owego-street, over T. C. Thompson’s Tailor Shop—entrance first door east of L. S. Blue’s shoe store.  Please observe the big sign marked F. C. Clark’s Daguerrean Gallery.

The third advertisement for F. C. Clark ran from September 20 to October 6, 1852 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  Something New.  Mr. L. C. Clark, Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ithaca and its vicinity, that he has just opened a beautiful and convenient suit of rooms for taking Daguerreotypes, at No. 49 Owego-st., Over T. C. Thompson’s Tailor Store, where they are prepared to furnish those who will favor them with their patronage Perfect Likenesses, and at the same time rich mellow toned pictures, and entirely different style of type than has heretofore been offered to this public.  We have spared no expense or pains in arranging and furnishing out rooms, and from experience can say; that we have better arranged light, and rooms, than any Gallery in this Vicinity.— We have a large Sky-Light connected with a Side-light, either of which we can use, or both in connection, therefore the most fastidious can be suited.  Our Instruments are the best that can be procured—one whole size; and a ¼ size quick worker, by which pictures of children can be made in from 1 to 4 seconds.  We have also purchased a large stock of cases and frames, of the latest styles and patterns, which will enable us to accommodate individuals with pictures of all prices, varying from $1 to $20.  Ladies and gentlemen in the country are particularly invited to call and examine our specimens.  Pictures taken in cloudy weather equally as good as in clear.  Please give us a call and try.

Do not forget the place No. 49 Owego-street, over T. C. Thompson’s Tailor Shop—entrance first door east of L. S. Blue’s shoe store.  Please observe the big sign marked F. C. Clark’s Daguerrean Gallery.

The fourth advertisement for F. C. Clark ran from December 5, 1855 to January 2, 1856 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).   Forest City Sky And Side Light Daguerreotypes.  F. C. Clark has just returned from the South, where he visited will all of the most celebrated Daguerreans in the United States and has thus acquired a thorough knowledge of every improvement known in the Daguerrian Art.  He therefore (being well instructed in the art of Photography and Ambrotyping,) takes pleasure in announcing to his friends and patrons that he can eclipse anything that has heretofore been exhibited in Ithaca, in the way of Daguerreotyping; is therefore prepared to take Stereoscope Daguerreotype Likenesses being the latest and most important discovery in the art, by which two pictures of the same person is taken on one plate, and made to appear as one Solid Life-Like Statute.  This beautiful improvement is acknowledged by all who have seen it as the greatest perfection of the Daguerrian Art.—His rooms are the largest and best in the place, having a superior light.  Being a long practitioner, along with a careful application of all the recent improvements of the day, is a sufficient warrant that he can and will put up better pictures than—————.

Please give him a call and you shall not go away dissatisfied.  No money taken without Giving perfect satisfaction.  Rooms at No. 94 Owego Street, Ithaca, one door west of Avery, Woodward & Co.’s. Store.

F. C. Clark was not recorded in other photographic directories. It is unknown if Clark stayed in Ithaca, New York between the times he was in the partnerships of Lawyer & Clark; Clark & Graves; and Clark by himself.

Edwin Clark

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1854                Rooms over Mr. Nixon’s Variety Store, Second Street, Ironton, Ohio.

Edwin Clark was recorded in two advertisements the first advertisement ran from February 21 to March 7, 1854 in the  Spirit of the Times (Ironton, Ohio).  Daguerrean Rooms.  Edwin Clark has the pleasure of announcing to the citizens of Ironton, that he has opened rooms over Mr. Nixon’s Variety Store, and is prepared to execute likenesses, that for beauty of tone and life like accuracy of expression, cannot fail to please those wishing to favor him with their patronage.  Mr. C. trusts the liberal patronage which he has received in other places, will be extended to him here, and assures those wishing pictures, that no pains will be spared on his part to please them.

Pictures taken equally well, without regard to weather, and satisfaction given, or no charge.  All are invited to call and examine Specimens.

In the second advertisement which ran from March 14 to April 18, 1854 in the Spirit of the Times (Ironton, Ohio).  Daguerrean Rooms.  Read This, Everybody!!  Mr. Clark has the pleasure of informing the citizens of Ironton and vicinity, that he has secured the assistance of Mr. Coburn, whose skill and long experience in the Daguerrean art places him far ahead of most persons engaged in it.  This is emphatically the time to obtain a life-like picture of yourself and friends.  He has on hand a fine assortment of fancy cases, some of which are so admirable adapted for Sweethearts and Lovers, that they lend charms to ugliness itself, and win the abiding affections of the most heartless coquette.  Old men and matrons, young men and maidens, please give him a call at his rooms over Nixon’s Variety Store, Second Street, Ironton.

Edwin Clark does not appear in other photographic directories.

D. L. Clark

Photographs, , , ,

1858                Address and Location Unknown, Maryland.

D. L. Clark was recorded on November 3, 1858 in The Daily Exchange (Baltimore, Maryland).   The Maryland Institute Exhibition, Closing Night.  Address of the President, Sam’l Sands, Esq.  The Award Of Premiums…Class No. 43.—

F. W. & R. King, for photographic view cameras and stereoscopic view cameras, Silver Medal;                                                                                                                                                                            S. G. Israel, for photographs in oil, water color, India ink and plain, and ambrotypes and photographic views on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Silver Medal.                                            D. L. Clark, for photographic view of Barbee’s Fisher Girl. Diploma.

D. L. Clark is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Baltimore, Maryland. Both F. W. & R. King and S. G. Israel are known to be active in Baltimore.

C. H. Clark

Ambrotypes, Photographs, ,

1858                Rooms in Younglove’s Building, Union Village, Greenwich, New York.    1859                Rooms over White’s Fancy Store, Union Village, Greenwich, New York.

C. H. Clark was recorded in two advertisement, the first ran from September 23 to October 21, 1858 in the Washington County People’s Journal (Greenwich, New York).  Phototypes & Ambrotypes.  C. H. Clark would announce to the public that he has opened Rooms in the building formerly owned and occupied by John Younglove for the purpose of giving Perfect Impressions to all those who wish to secure a copy of themselves and friends ere the grave closes and mortality fades.

I can and will in all cases, fully satisfy my customers or make no charges.  As proof of the truth of these intimations.  I would cordially invite all to call and examine Specimens of my work, and so satisfy themselves of their merits.  N. B.—Pictures colored or plain, and done up in every style of Case, Frame, Pin, Ring or Locket.

The second advertisement ran from January 20 to February 10, 1859 in the Washington County People’s Journal (Greenwich, New York).

Ambrotypes.                                                                                                                                                    As some folks make a dreadful fuss,                                                                                                              And try to kick up quite a muss                                                                                                                          About their skill in taking faces,                                                                                                                          I’ll tell you now just where the place is.

If you have not heard it before,                                                                                                                            It’s over White’s new fancy store                                                                                                                           And least you may forget, just mark,                                                                                                               The Artist’s name is C. H. Clark.

Some Gossips have reported round                                                                                                                  That Mr. Clark had left town,                                                                                                                                But mind, he will not pull a stake                                                                                                                        So long as there’s a face to take.

His pictures, as I understand,                                                                                                                                Are unsurpassed by any man,                                                                                                                               And if this any should deny,                                                                                                                                  The proof is call and let him try.

His prices too, he will compare                                                                                                                             With first rate Artist any where;                                                                                                                            Two shillings each, and then they rise                                                                                                              To every price, and style, and size

Death’s arrows fly on every hand,                                                                                                                       And-life, you know, is but a span,                                                                                                                        Then hurry up, friends, one and all,                                                                                                                    And give this C. H. Clark a call.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list C. H. Clark in 1859 in Greenwich without a business address.  It is unknown at this time if Clark stayed in Greenwich between October 21, 1858 (the end of the first advertisement) and January 20th, 1859 (the start of the second advertisement).

Alexander Hemmet Clark

Photographs, ,

1857                Address Unknown, London, England

Alexander Hemmet Clark was recorded on March 27, 1857 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Manslaughter By An American Photographer.—A singular case of manslaughter is reported in the London Morning Star, of March 3, substantially as follows:

It appears that a woman named Eliza Bunn, forty years of age, in company with another woman, called at the rooms of Alexander Hemmet Clark, an American Photographic artist, to have a little boy’s likeness taken.  After it was finished some words ensued respecting the payment of the cash.  Clark ordered the woman to leave the room, which they declined to do without the portrait, when a regular fight ensued between them.  Clark at the time had a small hammer in his right hand, and while deceased was struggling with him he struck her with it upon the head.  He was first arrested for the assault merely, for which he was fined twenty shillings and costs; but it was afterwards appeared that the wound with the hammer had fractured the skull of the woman, of which wound she died in a day or two.  Clark was then arrested on the charge of manslaughter.

The second announcement was recorded on May 17, 1857 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York).  Alexander Clark, the American photographer was indicted on Wednesday, at the Central Criminal Court, for the manslaughter of Eliza Bunn who had a quarreled with him over the photograph of her son.  Clark’s plea was that he acted only in self-defence, after the deceased had struck him; and the jury found him not guilty.

Alexander Hemmet Clark was not recorded in A Directory of London Photographers, 1841-1908 nor he is recorded in any of the American photographic directories the I have consulted.