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Adams

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1858                Address Unknown, Biddeford, Maine.

1858 October 19.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  October 19, 1858. Vol. XXX, No. 12, P. 2.

Cattle Show and Fair.  Our Expectations in regard to the Agricultural Fair were fully realized last week…Ambrotypes, &c.—Three entries.  First premium, E. H. McKenney, Biddeford, 3.00; A. R. Davis, Saco, 1.00.  The other entry was by Adams, Biddeford.

1858 November 2.  Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  November 2, 1858. Vol. XXX, No. 14, P. 1.

Reports of Committees, Made at the Cattle, Show and Fair of the York County Agricultural Society, held at Saco, Oct. 13th, 14th and 15th, 1858…On Paintings…

The Ambrotypes and Photographs were entered by E. H. McKenney, and Adams, of Biddeford, and A. R. Davis, of Saco.

Mr. McKenney, though unfortunate in the loss by fire, in the Spring, of his instruments, and consequently working under a disadvantage in the use of new ones, has succeeded in entering for exhibition, twenty or ore pictures, which won the admiration of your Committee, In tone, truthfulness, and beauty of finish, we look upon Mr. McKenney’s pictures as being in the highest style of the art.  We award to Mr. McKenney the first premium of $3.00.

To Mr. A. R. Davis. Whose pictures, many of them, were really meritorious, particularly a Photograph of Mr. Milliken, we award a premium of $1.00.

Adams, Samuel

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Rooms opposite the Post Office, Hallowell, Maine.

1847-1848       Rooms over R. Pope’s Watchmaker’s Shop, Hallowell, Maine.

1847 June 5.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  June 5, 1847, Vol. VIII, No. 38, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Room.  Daguerreotype Likenesses taken by the subscriber at his room opposite the Post Office, where specimens may be seen.  Satisfaction warranted.  Samuel Adams.

Advertisement ran from June 5 to July 24, 1847

1847 July 31.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  July 31, 1847, Vol. VIII, No. 46, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The Subscriber would inform those that are in want of Likenesses of themselves or friends, that he will remain in Hallowell two or three weeks from date, and will be happy to wait upon any who may want his services.  Sam’l Adams.

Advertisement ran from July 31 to October 23, 1847.

1847 October 23.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  October 23, 1847, Vol. IX, No. 6, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The Subscriber would inform the citizens of Hallowell and vicinity, that he has taken rooms over R. Pope’s Watchmaker’s shop, four doors from Winthrop Street, where he is prepared to execute Perfect and Durable Daguerreotype Likenesses in the latest and most improved style, with or without color, single or in groups.  He will also copy from other Daguerreotypes and Portraits.  Likenesses taken at Houses on reasonable terms.  Prices $1.50 and upwards.  Samuel Adams.

Advertisement ran from October 23 to November13, 1847.

1848 March 11.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  March 11, 1848, Vol. IX, No. 26, P. 2.

We would call attention to the advertisement of S. A. Adams, Daguerreotype Artist, who takes miniatures of the first order, as any one can see by examining specimens at his rooms.

1848 March 11.  Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette.  (Hallowell, Maine.)  March 11, 1848, Vol. IX, No. 26, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The Subscriber still continues at his rooms, over R. Pope’s Watchmaker’s shop, 4 doors from Winthrop street, where he will be happy to try his skill on all who may wish to patronize him, and trust by the continued improvements he is making in the Photographic art. to be able to give perfect satisfaction to all.

Likenesses taken with or without shades on the face.

Price $1.50 and upwards.  Hallowell, March 9.  Samuel Adams.

Advertisement ran from March 11 to April 15, 1848.

Adams, Rufus

Ambrotypes, , , , , ,

1856-1858       163 Middle Street, Portland, Maine

1855 Augustus 28. Portland Weekly Advertiser. (Portland, Maine.) August 28, 1855, Vol. 55, No. 35, P. 3.

Ambrotypes, Pictures Taken On Glass. At R. Adams & Co., No. 163 Middle Street…Portland.  These Pictures differ essentially from the Daguerreotype, as they can be seen at any angle, are not reversed, will not corrode or change by time, are as permanent as the glass on which they are made, and will retain their brilliancy for ages.

Letters Patent have been obtained for the United States, Great Britain and France, by Mr. Cutting, the Inventor.

R. Adams & Co. have the exclusive right for making these Pictures in this city.  A. M. McKenney.  Rufus Adams.

Advertisement ran from August 28 & September 11, 1855.

1856 September 30.  Portland Weekly Advertiser.  (Portland, Maine.)  September 30, 1856, Vol. 56, No. 40, P. 3.

Re-issue of the Ambrotype Patent.  The great merit of the Ambrotype Pictures has been most signally shown, by the united efforts of some of the principal Daguerreotypist to break down and prevent a re-issue of the Patent.  They have been defeated by the Government in their attempts, and a new patent has been issued, covering the entire claims of the Patentee, in making pictures on Glass, and hermetically sealing them between two plates of glass, with Balsam of Fir or its equivalent, giving exceeding brilliancy and beauty of tone, which cannot be affected by the atmosphere, water, or acids; making it as enduring as the glass in which it is secured.

The word Ambrotype, coined expressly to designate the Picture, is also patented.  All persons, not having purchased the rights, that are making use of the term, and covered with varnish and black paint, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The genuine Pictures all have the patent stamp.  Cutting & Bowdoin, The Originators And Proprietors.

R. Adams, 163 Middle Street, Has the exclusive right of the Patent, and Ambrotypes can be had at no other rooms in this city. Advertisement ran from September 30 to December 30, 1856.

1856 December 4.  Maine Farmer.  (Augusta, Maine.)  December 4, 1856, Vol. XXIV, No. 50, P. 1.

Maine State AG. Society.  Awards Of Premiums…. Division IV.  Class VI—Miscellaneous And Incidentals…

G. M. Howe, Portland, daguerreotypes,…………Dip.

J. W. C. Morrison, Portland, photographs,………Dip.

R. Adams, Portland, ambrotypes,……………….Dip.

L. Wing[1], Waterville, do.,………………………2.00.

1857 January 20.  Christian Mirror.  (Portland, Maine.)  January 20, 1857, Vol. XXXV, No. 25, Whole No. 1793, P. 3.

Ambrotype.—Mr. Adams, holds the Patent (see his advertisement) for Ambrotype pictures.  His work is the best recommendation of his artistic skill, which may be examined at his rooms 163 Middle street.

1857 January 20.  Christian Mirror.  (Portland, Maine.)  January 20, 1857, Vol. XXXV, No. 25, Whole No. 1793, P. 4.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes! At Prices to suit the Hard Times!  At Adams’ Rooms, 1863 Middle Street, And at no other rooms in this city.

These Pictures are warranted permanent, and for Beauty will speak for themselves. 

Pictures Set In Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c.  Call And See Specimens.

N. B. Copying done in the best manner. Advertisement ran from January 20, 1857 to May 4, 1858.

[1] Probably Simon Wing.

Adams, John S.

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1846                115 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1846 March 16.  The Daily Chronotype.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  March 16, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 16, P. 3.

John S. Adams, daguerreotype Rooms, No. 115 Court Street, Corner of Sudbury St., Boston. Daguerreotype Miniatures taken at all hours of the day, without regard to the weather—either single or in groups—plain or colored—upon the most favorable terms.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens, which for beauty of execution, superior finish and Legibility, cannot be excelled.  In these, every feature is fully brought out and distinctly seen, and the life-like appearance which Miniatures from this establishment assume, cannot fail to give the most perfect satisfaction.

By a new process they undergo, the proprietor is enabled to warrant them to retain their color and not to change in the least by exposure to the air or light.

Daguerreotype Apparatus, Plates, Cases, &c., for sale at low price and warranted.  Instruction for the use given gratis.  March 7. Advertisement ran from March 16 to April 7, 1846.

John S. Adams was recorded in 1846 in the partnership of Adams & Robinson.[1]

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 139-1900.

Abel, Henry I.

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1841-1842       123 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[i]

1841 September 2.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 2, 1841, Vol. XII. No. 3406, P. 3

Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms, No. 123 Washington street, over Lows, Ball and Company.  The subscriber begs leave to call the attention to the public to specimens of Daguerreotype Miniature Portraits executed by him.  He has recently made some highly successful experiments, by which the time required in sitting is materially lessened, while the distinctness and legibility of the portrait is increased.  The fidelity to the original which mark these miniatures and the ease and rapidity with which they are taken, render them superior to all other portraits.

Persons desirous of making themselves acquainted with the Photographic process, may receive such instructions as will enable them to take portraits, drawings, & c. in very brief space of time.  H.I. Able & Co., Successors to J. S. F. Huddleston & Co.        Advertisement ran from September 2 to December 15, 1841.

1841 September 20.  Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association

Exhibited daguerreotypes at the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association third exhibition fair in Boston, Massachusetts.

1841 September 26.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.) Vol. XII, No. 3430, P. 2.

Mechanics Fair…Fine Specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures by H. J. Abel & Co.

1841 October 15.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  October 15, 1841, Vol. XII, No. 3443, P. 2,

Daguerreotype.  Mr. H. I. Abell, (sic.) 123 Washington Street, has shown us some beautiful photographic miniatures, which indicate that he has attained to great perfection in this novel and ingenious process of transferring a person’s phiz to a silver plate, in considerable less than no time.  One great excellence in his miniatures is the distinctness with which the features are delineated.  Those who wish to see themselves as they are seen, have but to call at his room, and he will at any time show them up.

[i] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Update

Daguerreotypes

New posts will begin March 1. With well over 4,000 files that include individual daguerreians, ambrotypists, photographers, partnerships, suppliers, and artists that worked coloring images I felt a need to rethink how I am sharing information. 

Previously I only posted new names that had not been published before or additional information about known individuals. With this phase I will post all of my files under 20 to 25 typed pages.  Information from published photographic directories is not included. Also not included are well known image makers who had long careers or advertised daily and whose files can exceed hundreds of typed pages. 

Each entry will begin with the photographer’s name followed by an activity summary based on my current research. Next is a chronological list of appearances in publications illustrating the progression of information followed by publication citation.  Finally, the text transcription itself. 

Note: [ ? ] means that I could not read the text.  [Text] is my best guess based on clarity of the scan.  Spelling and punctuation appear as in the original publications and have not been corrected for modern usage.  

UpDate

Daguerreotypes

On January 29, 2018 I started sharing my research of new names and new information about early photographers here.  April 2, 2023 marks the second complete alphabetical review. While I am continuing this research there are also several projects that I want to devote more time to. The blog with be taking a break and resume in the fall.

Mr. Wright

Ambrotypes, ,

1857                Rooms opposite the Store of Barker, Parrish & Co., Aberdeen, Mississippi.

Mr. Wright was recorded I one advertisement that was recorded from June 14 to July 23, 1857 in the Sunny South (Aberdeen, Mississippi).  Something New!  Sky-Light Ambrotypes!  Wright’s Picture Gallery Is at last complete, and vies with any place of the kind in the Southern country.  The subscriber is now prepared to take Ambrotypes by the late London Process.  By this process, it will be seen that pictures process a strength not inferior to the most celebrated Oil Paintings, yet preserving all the beauty of light and shade which can be found in the finest Mezzzolent Engravings.  By a new chemical preparation, the likeness is so protected as to remain unchanged by atmospheric influence, and cannot be tarnished or injured by washing or rubbing.—There is a degree of perfection about these pictures that render them a great more valuable than the ordinary Ambrotype; the likeness is brought out in more full, round, and life-like appearance than by the old process.  Eight years constant practice, in the Photographic Art, enables Mr. Wright to state, with confidence, that his pictures cannot be surpassed in any part of the world.  The most artistic skill exercised as to position; also, in equalizing the light and shade on the face, so as to give every life-like expression, and entirely obviate that flat, cadaverous expression, so common to Daguerreotypes.

Lovers of nature and of Natures art, and the public generally, are invited to call and examine specimens.

Gallery, opposite the Store of Barker, Parrish & Co.

Al work warranted.  May 14, 1857.

Mr. Wright is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Gilbert Wood

Daguerreotypes, ,

C. 1848-1850    Address Unknown, Alstead, New Hampshire.

Gilbert Wood appeared in the same announcement in two different newspapers.  The first appeared on November 21.  1850 in the Congregational Journal (Concord, New Hampshire).  At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.

For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him.  He had been a professor of religion fifteen years.  His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation.  His trust was in God, and his end was peace.  One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.

Gentle thy passing spirit fled,

Sustained by grace divine,

Oh may such grace on us be shed,

And make our end like thine. 

The second appeared on November 22, 1850 in the New Hampshire Statesman (Concord, New Hampshire).  At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.

For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him.  He had been a professor of religion fifteen years.  His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation.  His trust was in God, and his end was peace.  One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.

Gentle thy passing spirit fled,

Sustained by grace divine,

Oh may such grace on us be shed,

And make our end like thine. 

Gilbert Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories.

William A. Wisong

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, ,

1841-1859       2 North Liberty Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

William A. Wisong was recorded in six advertisements. The first advertisement was recorded on November 20, 1841 in the Edenton Sentinel and Albemarle Intelligencer (Edenton, North Carolina).  Artists, Painters, And Daguerreotypist’s Depot.  William A. Wisong, No. 2 N. Liberty st. Baltimore.  Wholesale & Retail Dealers in Window Glass, Paints, Oil, Varnishes, [ ? ], Turpentine, Brushes, & c. Artist Materials, and a full and complete assortment of Daguerreotype Stock, of Cases, Plates, Chemicals, &c., &c. at the very lowest price.

The second advertisement ran from November 25 to December 3, 1849 in the New York Herald  (New York, New York).  Fine Arts.—To All Professional Daguerreotypers and Amateurs of the Photographic Art throughout the United States.—The subscribers, owners of Talbot’s United States Patent for taking pictures on paper, by aide of the Camera Obscura, considering that it is more consonant with the spirit of the age and the free institutions of this country, to give access to a valuable invention to every one who desires it, have concluded to dispose of this Patent Right, together with their valuable improvements, in individual licenses, at the trifling sum of thirty dollars for each of the first two hundred licenses, and fifty dollars for each subsequent one.  For this sum every purchaser receives license to exercise the art throughout the United States, with the exception of the States of Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Texas, for which States the exclusive right has been sold previous to this arrangement; a copy of the original patent and a printed pamphlet containing a full, clear, and minute description of the process, as improved by the scribers.  For further particulars, apply to the subscribers or their agents, post paid, who will send by return of mail a full prospectus of all the conditions.  W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia.  Agent—E. White, 24 Broadway[1], New York City.

 A. Q. Browns, 228 Washington Street, Boston.

 Hale & Co., Boston.

 Eastern Patent Agency, Boston.

 W. A. Wisong, Baltimore

 W. A. Pratt, Richmond, Va.

 John C. Simons, King st., Charleston, S. C.

 Peter Smith, Cincinnati, O.

 Messrs. Long, St. Louis, Mo.

 D. McDonnell, Buffalo, N. Y.

The third advertisement was recorded on May 1, 1850 in the Albemarle Bulletin (Edenton, North Carolina).  Artists, Painters, And Daguerreotypist’s Depot.  William A. Wisong, No. 2 N. Liberty st. Baltimore.  Wholesale & Retail Dealers in Window Glass, Paints, Oil, Varnishes, [ ? ], Turpentine, Brushes, & c. Artist Materials, and a full and complete assortment of Daguerreotype Stock, of Cases, Plates, Chemicals, &c., &c. at the very lowest price.

The fourth advertisement was recorded on June 1,1852 in the Baltimore Pathfinder, Traveler’s Guide, and Business Register (Baltimore, Maryland).  Artists, Painters And Daguerreotypists’ Depot.  —0—Wm. A. Wisong, No. 2 N. Liberty st., Baltimore, Wholesale And Retail Dealers In Window Glass, Paints, Oil, &c., &c., Artists’ Materials, Daguerreotype Stock.

The fifth advertisement was recorded on June 1, 1852 in the Baltimore Pathfinder, Traveler’s Guide, and Business Register (Baltimore, Maryland). 

Daguerrean Galleries.

Marks, R. H.  159 Baltimore.

Marsters, J. D.  147 Lexington st.

Perkins & Bro., 211 Baltimore st.

Perkins’s Rooms, Franklin Hall Building, 1 North street.

Pollock, 155 Baltimore

Whitehurst, J. H.  297 Baltimore.

Daguerrean Stock.

King, F. W. & R.  33 South.

Wisong, Wm. A.  2 N. Liberty.

The sixth advertisement ran from June 30 to December 29, 1859 in the Civilian & Telegraph (Cumberland, Maryland).  Artists’, Painters’, and Photographers’ Depot. The subscriber has constantly on hand a full assortment of materials for the use of Artist, Painters, & Photographers.  Also on hand a large beautiful assortment of Stereoscopic Instruments and Views Embracing every variety of Foreign and American Landscapes, Statuary, Parlor and Rural Groups, & c.  The beauty and interest of the Stereoscopic Views upon the parlor table furnish a never ending source of entertainment both to visitors and the home circle.

Country Merchants supplied on the most reasonable terms.  W. A. Wisong, No 2 N. Liberty St., Baltimore, Md.           

William A. Wisong is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Baltimore from 1847-1859.  A quick note I have not researched the Maryland Newspapers in any comprehensive way, yet.  Maryland is rich in photographic history, and is on my to do list.

[1] Possibly a typo for 247 Broadway