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Clark & Sammis

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1852                One door west of G. H. Shepard’s Grocery, Huntington, New York.

Clark & Sammis were listed first in an announcement August 27, 1852 in The Long Islander.  (Huntington, New York).  ‘Secure the shadow ere the substance Flies.’  The advertisement of our young friends Clark & Sammis, who have opened a Daguerrian Gallery, first door west of this office, will be seen in our columns this week.  They are now doing up their friends in inimitable style, and in a way to make an enduring impression.  The pleasant location of their Rooms, polite attention of the operators, and the superior quality of their work is their guarantee of public patronage.

Whether the cloud is on the sky,                                                                                                                         Or fiercely shines the summer sun,                                                                                                                    The people may call in ceaseless crowds                                                                                                        To Clark’s to get their pictures done.

And next in an advertisement that ran from August 27 to September 24, 1852 in the same newspaper.  Clark & Sammis, Daguerreotypists, Would respectfully announce to the people of Huntington and adjacent localities that having taken room, one door west of G. H. Shepard’s Grocery, they are prepared to furnish, in the best style good Pictures to order in Family groups, or singly to suit customers, at prices exceeding low.

Pictures taken in a perfectly natural state and warranted not to fade.  Likenesses inserted in Lockets, Rings, and cases of all qualities.

Daguerreotypes copied, also Portraits: ordinary pictures, and all description of work in the line.  Call and examine specimens.   J. F. Clark, G. W.  Sammis.

J. F. Clark and G. W. Sammis are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Clark & Kennedy

Daguerreotypes, ,

1845-1846       Rooms Seneca Street, 3d door below the M. E. Church, Geneva, New York.

The Partnership of Clark and Kennedy were recorded in two advertisements, the first in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York.)  The first advertisement ran from September 16, to December 2, 1845.  Geneva Daguerrean Rooms, Clark & Kennedy, operators.  Likenesses executed Single or in Groups, for the smallest to four times the ordinary size.  Put up in Frames, cases or lockets, with or without colors, on reasonable terms.

Their rooms are comfortably furnished for the reception of Ladies and gentlemen, who are respectively invited to call and examine their specimens.

Persons desirous of becoming acquainted with the art, will be instructed on moderate terms, the use of plates and Camera furnished without extra charge.

The second advertisement was recorded on January 23, 1846 in the Geneva Daily Gazette (Geneva, New York).  Note the date at the end of the advertisement August 29, 1845.  No issues were available to me between August 29, 1845 and January 22, 1846.   Geneva Daguerrean Rooms, Clark & Kennedy, operators.  Likenesses executed Single or in Groups, for the smallest to four times the ordinary size.  Put up in Frames, cases or lockets, with or without colors, on reasonable terms.

Their rooms are comfortably furnished for the reception of Ladies and gentlemen, who are respectively invited to call and examine their specimens.

Persons desirous of becoming acquainted with the art, will be instructed on moderate terms, the use of plates and Camera furnished without extra charge.  Geneva, Aug. 29, 1845.

Clark and Kennedy are not recorded in any photographic directories that were checked, nor could I speculate who they might be based on location and dates of activity.

Clark & Hutchins

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

C.1846-1847   Address Unknown, Wilmington, North Carolina[1]                                                  C.1846-1847   Address Unknown, Raleigh, North Carolina[1]                                                           1848                Rooms at Mrs. Gregory’s Hotel, Tarborough, North Carolina.

The partnership of Clark & Hutchins were listed in an announcement on February 5, 1848 in the Tarboro’ Press (Tarborough, North Carolina).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  To the advertisement of Messrs. Clark & Hutchins, in another column, we would call attention.  They are now in our village, operating in their profession to a considerable extent, and have given entire satisfaction in all cases.  We would advise such of our citizens, as desire fine likenesses and pictures, to call and see their collection.

Among the scientific productions of the mind of man, there is not one so mysterious when untaught, yet so simple in its operation when understood, as that of Daguerreotyping; and yet, while its mysterious operations amaze, its beautiful and touching tints cannot but please.  When we behold the productions of the onerous labor of the portrait painter, we admire not so much the work, as we do the perceptive glance, the steady nerve, and the scientific mind of the operator; but Daguerreotypes are but simple, they require a perfect knowledge of the mode of operation to produce a true likeness; and some far excel others in this science.  Among those who are conceded by the public as being the best, are those gentlemen now in our village.                                                                                                                                                                            “Here Childhood with its gladsome face,                                                                                                         And lovely Woman’s queenly grace,                                                                                                                   And Lordly Man’s imperious frown,                                                                                                                     Are each adroitly penciled down.                                                                                                                         Surprising Art! by which we lend                                                                                                                        Our countenance to absent friend,                                                                                                                      Or leave a token for the bower                                                                                                                              Where Love laments the parting hour,—                                                                                                          By which the child who absent lies,                                                                                                                   Gladdens the parent’s longing eyes.                                                                                                                   Or parent, as the child doth roam.                                                                                                                      Gladdens him with memories of home.”

The  advertisement ran from February 5 to 12, 1848 in the same paper.  Colored Daguerreotype Portraits.  Clark & Hutchins, Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Tarboro’ and vicinity, that they have taken rooms at Mrs. Gregory’s Hotel, for a short time only for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Portraits On the most approved plan and in the most fashionable style.                                                                                                        N. B. Portraits taken equally well in all kinds of weather.  Persons are recommended to dress in dark colors.

The partnership of Clark & Hutchins was listed under E. W. Clark entry in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Raleigh but not in Tarborough, North Carolina.

[1] Information from an article “Portraits by the Sunlight Made”: Daguerrean Artists in North Carolina, 1842-1861.  In the checklist (Table 3 Roster of Daguerreans Active in North Carolina, 1842-1861) list under each partners names is the name of the partnership Clark & Hutchins, the activity dates 1846-1847, and the location(s) Wilmington, Raleigh.  Since the distance between Wilmington and Raleigh is 133 miles

Clark & Howe

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

Ca. 1856-1860            Ashley’s Building, Westfield, Massachusetts.

 Clark & Howe names were recorded from a Broadside Greg Drake’s Collection.  Ambrotypes, and Cloth Pictures!  E. P. Clark (Artist permanently located in Holyoke) and J. C. Howe, would respectfully inform the citizens of Westfield and vicinity that they are located at Ashley’s Building, Up one flight of stairs—room opposite H. Fuller’s Law office in the same building— for a few days to exhibit a new style of Picture, and to wait upon those who may require their services.

Ambrotypes, Meleneotypes, Ambrographs &c., Also Pictures on Enameled Cloth, Taken for the low price of Twenty-Five Cents, having the beauty of the ambrotype and Daguerreotype combined, and may be inclosed in a letter and sent to any part of the world free of postage.

Do not lose this opportunity to secure a Likeness at the very lowest price.                                      Some beautiful styles of Ambrotype Cases.   E. P. Clark, J. C. Howe.

E. P. Clark is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Providence, Rhode Island in 1855-1856, and also possibly in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1856. J. C. Howe is not recorded in other photographic directories and the partnership of Clark and Howe are not recorded in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Clark & Hedrick

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

1856                94 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.[1]                                                        1856                Rooms at the Opelousas Varieties, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Clark & Hedrick were listed in an advertisement from September 6 to October 4, 1856 in The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Ambrotypes.  New Style of Likenesses!  Daguerreotypes Superseded!!  Ambrotypes are far superior to the ordinary Daguerreotype for many reasons, viz:  They are finer and more beautiful; they do not reverse the position, as the Daguerreotype does; they can be seen in any light; they are taken in a much shorter time, therefore the expression is more lifelike.

They can be made double, so as to show two pictures instead of one.                                              They are sealed between two Glasses, and will never fade!                                                                  There is a softness and a brilliancy in this new style of picture which has never been obtained in the old Daguerreotype process.                                                                                    Persons wishing to see this new style of Picture are invited to call at the rooms of the undersigned at the Opelousas Varieties, where they will remain until the first of October.      Clark & Hedrick.  Opelousas, Sept., 6th, 1858.

The same advertisement appeared on September 6, 1856 in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).

Clark & Hedrick (John H. Clark & F. S. Hedrick) are not new name but the partnership location in Opelousas, Louisiana is.

[1] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Clark & Graves

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1852                49 Owego Street, Ithaca, New York.

Clark & Graves were recorded in an advertisement that ran from April 21 to September 15, 1852 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  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.

In looking through Craig’s Daguerreian Registry F. C. Clark does not appear.  There is a listing for an Edward R. Graves that fits the approximate date of the partnership and he is listed in the vicinity of up-state New York, but without further proof it is only speculation that they are the same person.

Richard Clague

Landscape Painter, Photographs, Portrait Painter, , ,

N. D.                Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.                                                                        N. D.                Address Unknown, Paris France.                                                                                  1857                Address Unknown, Africa.

Richard Clague was recorded in an announcement on September 17, 1857 in the Green-Mountain Freeman (Montpelier, Vermont).  African Explorations… October last, under the auspices of Mahommed Said, the present enlightened Viceroy of Egypt.  The expedition was planned by M. I’Escatrac de Lauture, a Frenchman, who was joined by sis of his own countrymen, four Austrian gentlemen, one Prussia, an Englishman, and one American, all of them men of scientific professions, or attainment.  The American was Mr. Clagne, of New Orleans, a photographic artist.

Richard Clague is not recorded in any of the photographic directories I have referenced.  In fact every reference I have checked only refers to his landscape/portrait painting.  According to The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artist in America 1564-1860 Clague was an artist, teacher and landscape painter, who is recorded as being in New Orleans in 1851.  A search of the New Orleans newspapers might shed more light on Clague’s photographic career.

Professor J. Edwin Churchill

Photographs, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1856                434 Pennsylvania Avenue, Between 4½ and 6th Streets, Washington, D. C. 1857                Address and Location Unknown

Professor J. Edwin Churchill was recorded in two announcements, the first on September 6, 1856 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.).  ….Prof. J. E. Churchill, the distinguished American artist, is in this city.  Some of his exquisite specimens of photographs in oil, among which is a fine likeness of Mrs. Julia Dean Hayne, may be seen at Whitehurst’s gallery.

The second on August 26, 1857 in the same paper.  Prof. J. E. Churchill has just finished a fine photographic portrait in oil, of President Buchanan.

According to The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artist in America 1564-1860 J. Edwin Churchill is recorded as a portrait painted in Philadelphia in 1860.

Edwin Church

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1853                Address Unknown, New York, New York.                                                                          1853-1854     59 College Street, Nashville, Tennessee.

Edwin Church was recorded first in an announcement in the Nashville Union and American (Nashville, Tennessee) on October 16, 1853.  Col. Dobyns, the extensive Daguerreotypist of Dobyns & Yearout, 59 College Street, who has just returned from his New York establishment, has several improvements which will be introduced in a few days.  We understand that the celebrated artists E. Church, so long and favorably known as one of the best in the city of New York, came out with the Col. For the purpose of remaining permanently in that gallery.  If he surpasses Yearout’s pictures, we should say Nashville will have something to be proud of.  We shall see what we shall see.

An advertisement appeared on September 3 and ran until December 3, 1854 in the same paper. Notice.—The Copartnership heretofore existing under the firm of Dobyns & Church and Dobyns & Co., is dissolved.  No one is authorized to collect debts of the concern but Mr. J. T. Yearout.T. J. Dobyns.

 While this is not new information it does clarify and add to John Craig’s entry for Church in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

E. Church

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1845                Rooms over Mr. E. Clark’s Store, Ogdensburgh, New York.

E. Church was recorded in an announcement on April 29, 1845 in the St. Lawrence Republican. (Ogdensburgh, New York). Daguerreotype painting.—Mr. E. Church has rooms over Mr. E. Clark’s store, where he takes likenesses on short notice.  He exhibits some beautiful specimens of the art.  A great improvement has been effected, by coloring the portraits, giving them the hue of natural life.

This is possibly Edwin Church but without further proof it is only speculation.