All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

N. W. Carpenter

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                39 Main Street, Brady’s Building, Penn-Yan, New York.

N. W. Carpenter was recorded in an advertisement that ran on December 13 & 20, 1853 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York.) Superior Daguerreotypes.  The undersigned would respectfully announce to the citizens of Penn Yan and its vicinity that he has taken the elegant Daguerrian Saloon in Brady’s Building, No. 39 Main st., up stairs, and that having refitted the rooms, and greatly improved the sky-light, and furnished himself with the most improved apparatus, and a fine assortment of stock, is prepared to execute any order to the entire satisfaction of all who may wish a perfect portrait of superior style and finish.  Paintings and Daguerreotypes copied in the neatest manner.  Persons desirous of having [   ] miniatures copied of the portraits of their ancestry, can have them done with the utmost accuracy, upon reasonable terms.   N. W. Carpenter.

N. W. Carpenter does not appear in other photographic directories.

Frank Carel, Jr.

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Address Unknown, Gallipolis, Ohio.                                                                            1855                Greenwood’s Building, under Odd Fellows’ Hall, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Frank Carel, Jr. was recorded twice in the Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio.)  First in announcement that appeared on October 23, 1851.  The County Fair.  The first Annual Agricultural Fair…F. Carel exhibited some excellent daguerreotype likenesses.—Carel ranks No. 1 in this line of business…

The following advertisement appeared on March 29 and ran to May 24, 1855 in the Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio.)  Something New!  Frank Carel, Jr., Will commence next week taking Photographs, The new style Pictures on paper, just introduced in all the principal cities of the Union.  Also splendid Daguerreotypes, taken by the latest improved method, of the most celebrated Eastern operators.  Prices for Daguerreotypes from Seventy-Five Cents up.  Room in Greenwood’s Building under Odd Fellows’ Hall.

It is unknown at this time if Frank was active before 1851 or if he was active in Gallipolis continuously.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list an F. Carel in Gallipolis 1860.  Ohio Photographers, 1839-1900, by Diane VanSkiver Gagel list a Carel (no first name) in Gallipolis in 1860-1865, and a Charles Carel in Gallipolis from 1866-1884.  At this time no connection has been made between Charles Carel and Frank Carel, Jr.

Charles Carel

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , , ,

1857-1858       Court Street, Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.                              1858                   Court Street, Rooms over Swallow’s Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

Charles Carel is first recorded in an announcement and a advertisement on December 29, 1857 in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio.)  Charles Carel is taking fine pictures for forty cents.

The advertisement ran from December 29, 1857 to February 29, 1858.  Cheap Pictures.  I Would respectfully inform the people of Pomeroy and vicinity that I am now taking Splendid and Life-Like Ambrotypes and Melainotypes at Forty Cents.  Also a large assortment of Cases, to suit any taste, and at the most moderate prices.  Room over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.  Call soon as I warrant my pictures not to fade.  Pictures taken in cloudy as well as clear weather.

In the same newspaper again an announcement followed by an advertisement appeared on  February 16, 1858.  Charles Carel, Daguerrean artist gives notice of his intention to leave Pomeroy, and those who fail to procure the advantages of his low prices for pictures, can but blame themselves.

The advertisement ran from February 16 to March 23, 1858.  “Pitch In.”  Pictures Cheaper Than Ever.  I take this method of informing the public that hereafter I will take splendid and life-like Pictures Cheaper Than Ever.  Also, to call soon, as I can stay in this place but a short time longer.  I will take $1.50 Pictures for $1.25; $1.25 do. for $1; 75 cent do. for 60 cents, and all others in proportion.

Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.  Please call soon, as it is the Last chance you will have of getting Splendid Pictures at such low prices.  I warrant my pictures not to fade in any climate.

N. B.—Instruction given in every branch of the art. Price $30. Apply soon.

The next advertisement ran from April 6, 1858 to June 8, 1858.  Carel Still About.  I am Still In Pomeroy, And Shall remain till further notice.  Pictures from 40 cts. to Five Dollars, Warranted not to fade.  A splendid Stock of material on hand.  Call soon and get one of my durable and, if desired, Cheap Pictures.

Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.

N. B.—Instruction given in every branch of the art. Price $30. Apply soon.

The following announcement appeared on August 10, 1858 followed by and advertisement.  Carel, the “countenance taker,” has something to say this week, and he says it right out.  Don’t overlook the “document.”  See his card in another column.  When carel is beat in his line, we venture to say he will “draw the drapery of his couch around him”—and quit.

The Advertisement ran from August 10 to 24, 1858.  Read This, Everybody!  Whereas, The proprietor of a “one horse” Picture Boat has taken pains to tell people that my 50 cent Pictures will fade.  I would inform the public that it is Utterly False, as can be proven by Hundreds of my pictures which I have taken during my stay here, of which Not One has ever faded In The Least.

Recollect that I am stationed here permanently, and am Accountable for Every Picture I turn out.  I Warrant my 50 cent pictures and all others to Stand in any climate; if not, Return Them And You Can Have Your Money!  I can always be found at my Gallery, over Swallow’s Store, on Court Street, where I will take Pictures for 50 cents, which I will warrant Never to fade, and which are better and more life-like than those which the “Fellow” referred to above charges  One Dollar for.  I have just received a fine stock of Cases and Material of all kinds, which I will dispose of Cheaper than any floating “gas” concern at or within forty miles of Pomeroy.  Recollect, I Pledge myself to take Better, More Durable and Cheaper Pictures than Any floating concern on the River.  I have settled Permanently in Pomeroy, and if any of my pictures fade, I will always be found ready to refund the money.             Chas. Carel.

On August 24, 1858 J. C. Moore responses to Carel’s advertisement.  For the Telegraph.  Messrs. Editors:  My attention has been called to an advertisement which appeared in your last week’s issue, in which a contemptible scamp signing himself “Chas. Carel,” made an attack upon me and my business, in terms that would have done credit to the vilest blackguard in the land, the whole thing being no more nor less than a perfect tissue of falsehood and slander.

Among other things, he informs the public that he can take “better pictures for 50 cents than we do for one dollar.”  Now, Mr. Editor, in order to test the sincerity of the above piece of hombast, we make the above mentioned “Charles Carel.” the following proposition, which we dare him to accept.  We will deposit 50 or $100, in the hands of any responsible citizen of Pomeroy, he to deposit a like amount with the same.  He can take any citizen he may choose, and take two, four, or six impressions—do his best.  We take the same person and take one-half the number he does, and send the pictures to Cincinnati to three Artist.  He to select one, we another and they a third, and the “fellow” who makes the best picture takes the whole amount of money so deposited.  As the aforesaid “Chas.” Is of a sporting turn, we may expect to have some fun when he accepts the above proposition.  In conclusion I will say to the public that I am now taking very much finer pictures than have ever been taken in Pomeroy, as I do not work in a half-house side light room, but am provided with the best arranged light ever on the Ohio River.  Remember we take no 25 cent shadows, but warrant every pictures for all time.

N. B. The public are respectfully invited to call on board and examine our specimens, and compare them with some of “Carel’s,” which we have taken over.     J. C. Moore, Floating Artist.

On October 26, 1858 the following notice appears.  Mr. E. Feiger has bought out the Daguerrean Gallery in Swallow’s building, on Court street, and proposes taking pictures of all kinds as cheap and good as has before been taken in this place.  See advertisement.

Charles Carel is not listed in other photographic directories during the scope of the project dates.  He possibly is listed in Ohio Photographers, 1839-1900.  Diane list a Carel (no first name) in Gallipolis in 1860-1865, and a Charles Carel in Gallipolis from 1866-1884.  Pomeroy is about twenty miles from Gallipolis.

Robert A Carden

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                          1853-1854     293 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                        1854                369 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]                                                                1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                  1856                Clay & Kearny Streets, San Francisco, California.[2]                                      1858                Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Based on work done by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn in Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry by John Craig, New York City Directories, and newspaper advertisements and notices in New York City and Washington, D. C.  I’ve put together the following snapshot of Carden’s activity.

Robert A. Carden was not listed in the 1852-1853 New York City Directory, he was listed in the 1853-1854 and 1854-1855 directories as daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway, in 1853-1854 directory his house was listed at 393 Broadway, Carden was not listed in subsequent NYC directories.  In 1853-1854 there was also a listing for Carden & Co, daguerreotypes, at the 293 Broadway.

Carden was recorded on April 13, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Carden & Co., No. 293 Broadway, are still taking those superb Pictures at the low price of 25 cents, notwithstanding there are some who advertise 12 ½ cent one to be taken at a future day.  It is a well known fact that a picture cannot be produced for less than 25 cents; hence the great rush every day at Carden & Co.’s.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry recorded the partnership of Carden & Norton, 369 Broadway from the 1854 Mercantile Directory.

He was recorded in the Daily American Organ (Washington, D. C.) on February 9, 1855 and in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1855.  The Exhibition of the Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute.—…Contributions from Virginia…Smith Bennett and Robert A. Carden, Frames of beautiful daguerreotypes;

Six months later the following advertisement appears on August 9 & 15, 1855 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale in Alexandria, Va.  One of the best rooms in Alexandria.  Will be sold cheap for cash.  Any person who wants to learn the business will be taught; and also will teach the art of Photograph free.  That alone is worth one hundred dollars to any artist.  Two Artist wanted to color Photographs.  Address “RAC,” Artist, Alexandria, Va.

Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn.  They mention that Carden is in San Francisco, California in 1856 working for Henry William Bradley at Clay & Kearny Streets.  Also that he wrote two articles for the Photographic and Fine Art Journal on April 1857, p 112 & 113 on Photography in California and was signed R. A. C. the same as the Evening Star advertisement on August 9 & 15, 1855.   In August of 1858 he wrote about the New Orleans Photographic Galleries on pages 244 & 245. Carden is reported in the same issue on page 256 that that he has returned to New York from New Orleans where he showed Ambrotypes and prints taken while he was there.  Was Carden active as a photographer or possibly as an assistant?  Further research is needed.  He was not listed in as being active in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865, by Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker except to mention the article in The Photographic And Fine Art Journal.

Recorded on November 11, 1859 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  Carden—At Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., on Thursday, Sept. 15, Robert A. Carden, photographic artist, formerly of this city [died], aged 26.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Gallery in partnership of Carden & Norton.                                                   [2] Entry for 1856 & 1858 from Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West.

 

F. W. Capwell & Brother

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1846                Rooms at the National Hotel, Joliet, Illinois.                                                      1846                Rooms at the Exchange Hotel, Joliet, Illinois.                                                      1846                Address Unknown, Lockport, Illinois.

F. W. Capwell and Brother were recorded in three announcements in the Juliet Signal (Joliet, Illinois) the first one appeared on November 24, 1846. Daguerreotype Likeness.—Messrs. F. W. Capwell & Brother, Daguerrian Artist, have taken Rooms at the National Hotel, where they are prepared to take the above likenesses. Those who wish their likenesses taken, should apply soon as it is probable they will not remain long in this place.

The second on December 8, 1846.  Mr. Capwell Daguerreotypist, will remain a few days longer at the Exchange Hotel, in this place, where he is prepared to take Miniature Likenesses for all who may call on him.  Judging from the specimens we have seen, we feel free to advise all who desire their likenesses in a life-like manner, to give Mr. Capwell a call.  His prices are so low, comparatively, that families, and those who may be drawn together by the ties friendship, can have exact miniatures for a trifling sum.

And the third on December 15, 1846.  Mr. F. W. Capwell, the daguerreotypist, is now in Lockport.  He is authorized to obtain subscribers for the Signal.

F. W. Capwell and Brother are not recorded in other photographic directories.

John W. Campbell

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857-1859       Rooms over James Campbell’s Grocery Store, Winchester, Tennessee.

John W. Campbell was recorder in one announcement and four advertisements in The Winchester Home Journal (Winchester, Tennessee.)  This is new information and not a new name, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him as a daguerrean from 1860-1861.  The first advertisement ran from November 21, 1857 to January 9, 1858.   Ambrotypes And Melainotypes Jno. W. Campbell has opened a room over James Campbell’s Grocery Store, and would invite the people of Winchester and Franklin County to come and give him a trial, as he feels confident he can give entire satisfaction in the melainotype and ambrotype—two styles of pictures which are now universally admired and recommended above all others.  Pictures taken at prices ranging from Dollar to Twenty.

Without any puffing or blowing, he would simply ask all in want of pictures to come and see if he cannot perform to their satisfaction.   Nov. 21.      John W. Campbell.

The announcement ran on January 16, 1858.  Mr. J. W., Campbell inserts a card in to day’s paper, stating that he is newly fitted for taking pictures.  We have examined his specimens and must pronounce them excellent.  We solicit for him a call from any who want themselves pictured.

The second advertisement ran from January 16 to July 15, 1858.  Pictures.  Jno. W. Campbell Again takes the privilege of informing the ladies and Gentlemen of Winchester and vicinity that he is taking the best and cheapest Ambro and Melainotypes in the State.  He has a new instrument, which he knows is perfect, and will take almost all colors.  If not, he flatters himself that he can use the paint brush, and give the richest of colors.  He invites all to call soon.

The third announcement ran from May 28 to June 10, 1858.  Fine Arts.  J. W. Campbell Takes pleasure in informing the Ladies of Winchester that he has recently refitted his Ambrotype and Melainotype Gallery for the reception of all who may call and desire good pictures.  Call at Campbell’s Gallery.

The fourth advertisement ran from 1858 November 4, 1858 to February 24, 1859.  J. W. Campbell, Ambrotype and Melainotype Artist, Public Square, Winchester, Tenn.

J. M. Campbell

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1856-1857       Court Street, opposite Kirby House, Watertown, New York.

J. M. Campbell was recorded in an advertisement that ran from December 25, 1856 to January 15, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York.) Lights And Shadows From Real Life! A. M. Campbell, Daguerreotypist And Ambrotypist, would respectfully inform the people of Watertown and surrounding country, that he has located his Mammoth Daguerrean Car on Court Street, opposite the Kirby House for a short time, where he proposes to furnish all who may desire, with faithfully delineated, Life-Like, and Rich Toned Pictures.  At prices varying from Fifty Cents upward, according to style and size of plate.  His Car is large and commodious, and having the advantage of a superior Light, and long experience in the business, he flatters himself that for accuracy and effect, his Pictures are not to be surpassed.

Who can so truly appreciate the value of a good Daguerreotype, as the friends of the loved and lost?

“Blest be the Art which keeps the absent near,                                                                  The beautiful, unchanged from Time’s rude theft,                                                           Guards the fresh tint on Childhood’s polished brow,                                                      And when Love yields its idol to the tomb,                                                                         Doth snatch a copy.”

Pictures neatly set in Pins, Keys, Bracelets, Lockets, and all work Warranted not to fade.  Hours of operating from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.  Please call and examine specimens.

J. M. Campbell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. Caldwell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Rooms at the Isham House, Jackson, Ohio.

J. Caldwell was recorded in an advertisement on November 13, 1856 in The Jackson Standard. (Jackson, Ohio.) Daguerreotype Gallery.  I would respectfully inform the citizens of Jackson and vicinity, that I have taken rooms in the Isham House, where I am prepared to execute any thing in the Art, in the most satisfactory manner.  Those that wish to patronize me, will please call soon, as I expect to go South before navigation closes.

N. B.  Pictures can be taken just as well in cloudy weather as clear. I have had many years experience in the Art, and know I can please all.        Oct 2, 1856.               J. Caldwell, Artist.

Please note that the date at the end of the advertisement is October 2, 1856.  Only 14 Issues in 1856 were available to me of The Jackson Standard, twelve issues were available from January 3 to March 20, and the remaining two were on November 13 and December 11.  Two interesting statements are made in the advertisement first that he expects to go south before navigation closes, to my thinking that means he is using the Ohio River to travel on the Mississippi River, and points south.  Secondly in the second paragraph he states that he has had many years experience in the art.  As I read more newspapers across the country hopefully more information can be added to this photographer history.

J. Caldwell is not listed in other photographic directories that can be verified as being the same person.

Mrs. Cain or Cane

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                200 Superior, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Two entries today, Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Cane, they are probably the same person.  Mrs.  Cain is recorded in an advertisement that ran on May 23 to 31, 1859 in the Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Ambrotypes And Photographs.—Mrs. Cain has her picture gallery at her old stand, No. 200 Superior street (South Side).  First class pictures taken on reasonable terms, and warranted to suit.                          my18.

Mrs. Cane

1858                106 Superior Street, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cane was recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 24 to October, 20, 1858 in the  Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Mrs. Cane, Ambrotype and Melaneotype Artist, No. 106 Superior St., South Side.) Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cain or Cane does not appear in John Craig’s Daguerreian Registry or in Diane VanSkiver Gagel’s Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.  In addition information from the Cleveland City Directories for the late 1850’s cannot verify the correct spelling of her last name or provide a first name.  The Cleveland Morning Leader that I have access to starts on June 1, 1858 (Vol. 12, Issue No. 131) and for the most part is a complete run through December 31, 1859.

E. T. Cabanis

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Rooms over Barns & Beidler’s Store, Springfield, Illinois.

E. T. Cabanis was recorded in the January 6, 1848 Illinois Journal (Springfield, Illinois.) Daguerreotype Miniatures.  E. T. Cabanis wishes to inform the public that he has fitted up very comfortable rooms and is (Sundays excepted) taking likenesses in a manner that cannot fail to please all persons of taste.  As he wishes to remain in Springfield, not intending to travel, he begs all lovers of the art, and all who would have elegant likenesses of themselves or friends, to give him at least a passing notice.

N. B. Rooms over Barns & Beidler’s store, opposite the south entrance of the State House.

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