All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

H. M. Stuart

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1856                Main Street, Harden’s Block, Belfast, Maine.

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

H. M. Stuart was recorded in two announcements in the Republican Journal (Belfast, Maine) and mentioned in one advertisement.  The first announcement appeared on March 7, 1856.  Daguerreotype Notice, Every Likeness Warranted!  Mr. Stuart, Daguerreian Artist would respectfully inform the citizens of Belfast and vicinity that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by My. Quimby, in Haraden’s Block, Main Street, Where he will be prepared to furnish customers with Likenesses as perfect as can be obtained elsewhere and put up in neat and fashionable Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins At the Most Reasonable Terms.

Likenesses taken in all weather, and at all hours of the day.

He would also say that with the aid of a Quick Camera of the best manufacturies (Sic.) in the United States he is enabled to take Likenesses of Children in the shortest possible time.

He will keep constantly on hand a good assortment of Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins, of various styles and sizes.  H. M. Stuart.  [50]

The second announcement appeared on November 14, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Mr. Stuart, At Haraden’s Block, Head of Main Street, Would respectfully inform the citizens of Belfast and vicinity that he is now prepared to take Ambrotype Likenesses of Superior Quality, For 50 Cents, Warranted Not To Fade!  In as good style as can be produced in New England.  Having tested to its utmost, the advantages of the Ambrotype over the Daguerreotype, both in Richness of Tone and Durability, he feels confident that he can give entire satisfaction to all who wish for Perfect Life-Like Minatures. (Sic.)  Those in want of good and lasting impressions of themselves and friends, are invited to call and sit, but a few seconds at most, to be convinced that such is the case.

These Pictures are Taken on Glass, and to be convinced that they are the most life-like and durable pictures ever taken, persons have but to see them-therefore, all are invited to call at Stuart’s Daguerrean Rooms, Haraden’s Block, Opposite the New Custom-House, and examine specimens.

He also continues to put up Daguerreotypes, in the usual manner, and in every style yet discovered in the art, such as Crayon and Stereoscope Likenesses, formerly admitted to be the most Life-like of any miniatures produced in the Daguerrean art, and but little inferior to his new and lasting Photographic Pictures.

Likenesses taken in all weather, and at all hours of the day, by sitting from one to ten seconds only, and put up in the most fashionable Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins, At the Most Reasonable Prices.

He will keep constantly on hand a good assortment of cases, Frames, Lockets, and Pins, of the various styles and sizes.

Remember—Office in Haraden’s Block, Main street, opposite the New Custom-House.  W. M. Stuart. [18]

The advertisement which he was mentioned in appeared January 11, 1859 in The Age (Augusta, Maine) ad ran for three weeks.  Photographs!  J. S. Hendee Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Augusta, and the public generally, that he has made arrangements with W. M. Stuart, One of the best Photographist in the country.  To stop in connection with him at his Picture Rooms, for one or two weeks; where they will be prepared to make Photographs of the various styles and sizes, from the smallest to the largest.

Mr. Stuart, having had long and successful experience, and having made a number of useful discoveries in the art, which he is now using, will make Photographs that cannot be excelled in the country.

He has one of the improved, large, double-whole cameras, which enables him to make Pictures nearly Life Size!  As fine and  nice as smaller ones.  These large pictures are everywhere preferred; they are made perfect, and when colored, are as beautiful as Oil Paintings.  They can be seen in any light, and are the most durable pictures ever taken, and one sitting only is requisite for any number.

There Never was so large an instrument in the place before.  Now, therefore, is your time, To secure Memento that will withstand the ravages of time.  Any size Photographs made from small pictures and finished with colors and enamel, or plain.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes Made at these rooms, that cannot be excelled in the Union. 

Pictures taken in cloudy as well as in fair weather.  Come in and examine specimens.

Remember, for a few days only!  Terms Reasonable.  Augusta, Jan. 10, 1859.

H. M. Stuart is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Belfast. Maine in 1860.  Which brings up the question did Stuart have a second studio in Augusta, Maine.

Stover

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, Warrenton, Virginia.

Stover (unknown first name) appeared in one announcement on January 10, 1857 in the Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia).  We understand that the man Stover, who spent a month or two in town, some time ago, as a Daguerreotypist, and who left Warrenton one morning very suddenly, just before Christmas, to the surprise and annoyance of the landlord of the Farmers’ Hotel, Mr. Smarr, was ordered away from Rappahannock for saying considered a negro better than a white man.  Such fellows should be watched wherever they go.

Stover is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Virginia.

Jesse & Gardner W. Stone

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1847                2 Gerould’s Building, Keene, New Hampshire.

1851                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Jesse & Gardner W. Stone were recorded in one Announcement and two advertisement in the New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, New Hampshire), and one advertisement in the 1851 Boston City Directory. The announcement appeared on April 29, 1847. Daguerreotypes.–those who desire to have their likenesses transferred with “frightful accuracy” to a polished metallic plate, have ample room to choose. There are at least three good Daguerreotypist ow in town who have contracted with their principal agent, the Sun, for the right kind of light ad just enough of it. Messrs. Stone in Gerould’s block–Parker in Elliot’s buildings and Wilsons, a few doors north of the Cheshire House, are all ready to wait upon their customers, and will give them as good pictures as they will be able to get in the cities.

Those who wish a portrait by a very superior artist, should call upon Mr. Mason, portrait painter, at his rooms at the Cheshire House, where he will be happy to show some fine specimens of the art.

The first advertisement ran from April 29 to May 13, 1847.  J. & G. W. Stone’s Daguerrian Gallery, No. 2 Gerould’s Block.  Persons desirous of obtaining Likenesses of themselves, or friends, or copies from Paintings, Portraits, and Miniatures, are respectfully invited to call, and examine a great variety of specimens.

Are arrangements are such, that we can take Miniatures of Children of almost any age, and decreased persons, either at our Rooms, or at private residences.

In boldness of character, beauty of expression, and delicacy of light and shade, we shall aim at the highest perfection possible.

Miniatures taken in any weather, and set in Frames, Cases, Lockets, Pins, Bracelets, and Rings, and warranted satisfactory Likenesses, or no charge.

American and German Instruments, and Daguerreotype Materials of all kinds for sale; and instruction given in the art.

The second advertisement ran from November 18 to December 2, 1847.  Dissolution.  This day dissolved, by mutual consent, the Copartnership known as the firm of J. & G. W. Stone, Daguerrean Artists.  All accounts settled by G. W. Stone.  Jesse Stone, Gardner W. Stone. Nov. 9, 1847.

A Card to the Public.  G. W. Stone would tender his thanks to his friends and the public for past favors and would inform them that he continues to take Plain and Colored Daguerreotype Miniatures, in the neatest and most approved styles, and set in Pins, Bracelets, Lockets, Cases and Frames, at No. 2 Gerould’s Building.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

1851 Boston City Directory (Boston, Massachusetts).  Stone’s Daguerrian Rooms, No. 34 Tremont Row.  The facilities for executing likenesses,—single and in groups,—at the above rooms, are unsurpassed in the city.  Please call and examine specimens previous to sitting elsewhere.  J. Stone.  G. W. Stone.

Jesse and Gardner W. Stone are both known for working in Boston, Massachusetts.  Gardner W. Stone has previously appeared in the blog on March 28, 2021.  As I work through the New Hampshire newspapers I anticipate I will find them in other locations.

[1] 1851 Boston City Directory residence listing and advertisement.

C. D. Stewart

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Over Gilman’s Drug Store, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

1854-1855       Over M. W. Galt & Brothers Jewelry Store, 324 Pennsylvania Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets, Washington, D. C.

C. D. Stewart was recorded in four different Washington, D. C. Newspapers between June 29, 1854 and December 22, 1855 for a total of forty one entries. Way too many to include in this blog.  But since he is not recorded in other photographic directories I felt it was important to mention him now. 

The list of newspapers are listed below

Daily Evening Star……….17 entries.

Evening Star ………………17 entries.

Daily American Organ…… 5 entries.

Washington Sentinel …….. 2 entries.      

W. A. Stevens

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848-1849       Water Street, over John F. Child’s Harness Store, Augusta, Maine.

W. A. Stevens was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 28, 1848 to January 11, 1849 in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine).  Daguerreotype Miniatures Executed In Superior Style, Plain or Colored, for One Dollar—at the Rooms of the Subscriber, over John F. Child’s Harness Store, Water street.  Miniatures Set In Lockets, Pins, Cases, or in any style to suit.

Portraits, Landscapes, or Daguerreotypes copied true to the original.  Old Imperfect Pictures re-taken, on new Plates, for 50 Cents.  Pictures taken at my Rooms are warranted not to fade.  The public are invited to call and judge for themselves.  W. A. Stevens.

W. A. Stevens is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Edward Stevens

Daguerreotypes, ,

N. D.               Address and Location Unknown.

Edward Stevens appeared in one announcement on February 8, 1853 in the Maine Democrat  (Saco, Maine).  Suicide.—In Kennebunk Port last Monday, 31st ult., Mr. Edward Stevens, having had some words with his wife about correcting one of the children, which very much excited him, took his leave of his family and said he was going up stairs to hang himself.  This he had often said before, and therefore the threat did not alarm them.  After a while his wife thought she would go up and see what he was about.  When she got into the chamber shocking to tell, he had fulfilled his word and was hanging by the neck.  With much courage his wife at once cut him down, to save his life if possible, but the vital spark had fled.  He has got his chest of tools ready to go away to work, when this freak of temper caused him to throw away his life.  This information we have from a correspondent at that place.—Argus.

A correspondent of the Boston Courier says Mr. Stevens was a man of some power and talent, but without stability of purpose or fixedness of principle, and had practiced for short periods most varied pursuits—among others that of a preacher, botanic physician, school teacher, daguerreotypist, writing master, abolitionist and ship carpenter, in which last capacity he was esteemed to be a good workman.  A predisposition to insanity, and long disturbed domestic relations, led to his tragic end, and a wife and five children and a father-in-law are left without the smallest means of support.

Edward Stevens does not appear in other photographic directories. 

Stevens & Gerrish

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1851                Address & Location Unknown, Maine.

Stevens & Gerrish appeared in one announcement on November 4, 1851 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  Cumberland County Agricultural And Horticultural Society.  Agreeably to notice, the Fair and Cattle Show commenced on Wednesday, October 15, 1851 in Portland.

The Cattle Show was held in the pasture, corner of Green and Portland streets, the exhibition of produce, Manufactured articles, &c., at the City Hall…

Daguerreotypes:—There were numerous specimens of Daguerreotypes, from Geo. M. Howe, Messrs. Stevens & Gerrish and Mr. Samuel Carlton (sic.).  The committee could see but slight difference between those of Howe, and Stevens & Gerrish, both were believed to be as near perfection, as the daguerreotype process will allow, but on the whole the evidence of artistical skill in those of Messrs. Stevens & Gerrish, inclined the committee to give theirs the preference, and they awarded them a premium, 2.00.  To those of Mr. Howe they awarded a diploma.

Mr. Carlton has many admirers in his line, and deservedly so.

Stevens & Gerrish do not appear in other photographic directories.  Since George M. Howe and Samuel L. Carleton were both active in Portland, Maine one could speculate that Stevens & Gerrish also were active there.  This might also be the Stevens of the firm Stevens & Butler who were recorded in The Photographic and Fine Art Journal in April 1852 as being from Portland and were visiting New York and Boston.

J. A. Sterrett

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Market Street, House of Mr. La Grassa, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

J. A Sterrett was recorded in one announcement that appeared on May 12, 1854 in the   Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  Legal Intelligence.  Quarter Sessions—Judge Thompson—Convicted—J. A. Sterrett, who was tried on Tuesday last for arson, in setting fire to the dwelling house of Mr. La Grassa, residing in Market street, near Tenth, was yesterday morning found guilty by the jury, who have been out since Tuesday afternoon, but recommended to mercy.  Sterrett occupied a room in the house as a daguerreotypist, and had his goods insured in one or more insurances offices.

His counsel moved for a new trial and arrest of Judgement.

J. A. Sterrett is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Alfred Stephen

Daguerreotypes, Stereotypes, , , ,

1853                Poston’s Building, Clarksville, Tennessee.

1854                Brick Building next to Hat Store, Clarksville, Tennessee.

1854-1856       Bryarly Buildings, Public Square, Clarksville, Tennessee.

Alfred Stephen was recorded in ten advertisements and three announcements in the Clarksville Jeffersonian (Clarksville, Tennessee. The first advertisement appeared on November 23, 1853. Stereoscopic Or Solid Daguerreotypes.  (For A Short Time Only.)  Messrs. Sandel & Stephens Daguerreotypist from Nashville would announce to the citizens of Clarksville and vicinity, that they have fitted up rooms in [Poston’s] building near the Washington Hotel and are prepared to take Daguerreotypes in the very best style, and on reasonable terms.

They would also announce that they have a license from the Patentee, to take the new Stereoscopic pictures which have created such a sensation in the Scientific world.

Mr. Sandel has been located in Nashville for some time, and Mr. Stephen was engaged with M. M. Lawrence at the time he took the first premium at the World’s Fair in London in 1851.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.

Particular attention taken with the portraits of children.

Cloudy weather no obstacle.

P. S. Daguerreotypes copied from portraits or other pictures—pictures set in lockets, breastpins, rings, bracelets & c. and at a moderate rate.

The second advertisement appeared on December 7, 1853.  Stereoscopic Or Solid Daguerreotypes.  (For This Week Only.)  Messrs. Sandel & Stephens Daguerreotypist from Nashville would announce to the citizens of Clarksville and vicinity, that they have fitted up rooms in Poston’s building near the Washington Hotel and are prepared to take Daguerreotypes in the very best style, and on reasonable terms.

They would also announce that they have a license from the Patentee, to take the new Stereoscopic pictures which have created such a sensation in the Scientific world.

Mr. Sandel has been located in Nashville for some time, and Mr. Stephen was engaged with M. M. Lawrence at the time he took the first premium at the World’s Fair in London in 1851.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.

Particular attention taken with the portraits of children.

Cloudy weather no obstacle.

The third advertisement ran on June 7 & 14, 1854. Minatures.  (sic.)

“What find I here?

Fair Portia’s counterfeit?  What Demi-god

Hath co so near creation?”

Alfred Stephen’s.  Daguerreotype Rooms are at the brick building next to Joshua Brown’s Hat Store, where may be seen some of the best counterfeits of the beauty of Clarksville.

The first announcement appeared on June 14, 1854.  We direct the attention of the reader to Mr. Alfred Stephen’s advertisement.  When a gentleman attains the point of perfection in his art, as Mr. S. has done, he needs be commendation from the press and eulogiums are superfluous.  Every picture that leaves his rooms is a stereotyped proof of his ability to win the admiration and patronage of all who desire a life-like and beautiful daguerreotype.  We ask all who have not visited his rooms to call on him, one door below Joshua Brown’s Hat store, West side of the Square.

The second announcement appeared on June 21, 1854.  The man who came to see the eclipse, has ordered a large sized Daguerreotype of “Nebraska Bill.”  By the way speaking of Daguerreotypes, Stephens now getting up some of the most exquisite specimens we have seen.  He took a copy of our phiz a mahogany the other day, [ ? ]

really, when we look at it we are surprised that people should not consider us a handsome man.  We advise our neighbor of the Chronicle to patronize Stephens, for the pictures he would give him would not fail to be a source of great comfort to him, whenever the ladies, as they frequently do, dispute his pretension to beauty.

The fourth advertisement appeared on August 2, 1854.  Daguerreotypes. Alfred Stephen would announce to the citizens of Clarksville that having made arrangements to visit [Garrettsburg] to practice his profession for a few weeks, he will close his rooms on Thursday the 10th inst.,—and reopen and reopen on Monday the 11 of September.

The fifth advertisement ran from October 18 to December 6, 1854.  A Card.  Daguerreotypes, Alfred Stephens, would announce to his old friends that he will reopen his Rooms, at the Old Stand, on Monday the 23ed inst., where he will be prepared to execute Daguerreotypes in his best style.  All persons wishing pictures are invited to give him a call.

The sixth advertisement ran on December 13, 1854 to March 14, 1855.   Mammoth Skylight Daguerrean Gallery.  Alfred Stephens would announce that he has rented rooms, next to the new bank, in the lately erected building of Mr. W. Bryarly on the South side of the Public Square, Clarksville.  He is having his rooms fitted up with a Mammoth Skylight; this great Desideratum besides affording extraordinary facilities for taking the largest sized “Family Groups” will enable him to offer to the public a better opportunity of securing Superior pictures, than has hitherto been presented to the and will certainly render his rooms the  best and most complete in the State.  He will also have on hand, a more complete assorted collection of new cases than has yet been submitted to the inspection of the Clarksville public.  With these advantages, and by a continuance of the same unremitting attention to those who may honor him with a call, he trusts to retain those friends already made  and to secure new customers.  His rooms will be open early in January 1855.  A. Stephen.

The seventh advertisement ran from March 21 to September 26, 1855.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery!  The subscriber has opened his new Gallery in the Bryarly Buildings, Public Square, and respectfully invites an examination of his rooms and a trial of his skill, confident that his arrangements will please, and his pictures give entire satisfaction.  Alfred Stephen.

The third announcement appeared on June 13, 1855.  Johnson And Gentry Caught.—Whether Johnson got Gentry, or Gentry got Johnson in the debate here, one thing is certain, Stephen’s got them both—we mean their pictures, at his Skylight Daguerrean Gallery and most excellent pictures they are.  All who wish to see a good likeness of the Governor elect and the defeated candidate—in the words of Andrew Johnson and Meredith P. Gentry, can do so by calling at Stephen’s room.  There is no better artist in the country than Stephens and he should be well patronized.

The eighth advertisement ran from September 19 to October 10, 1855.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  Alfred Stephen, will reopen his rooms on Monday October 1st.

The ninth advertisement ran from December 12, 1855 to January 2, 1856.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery Bryarly’s Buildings, West Side Of The Public Square, Clarksville, Tennessee.  Alfred Stephen would respectfully announce to the public that through the very liberal patronage heretofore extended to him, he has been induced to procure and arrange a suit of rooms in the elegant buildings recently erected by Mr. Bryarly.

He has constructed a large Sky-light, upon the plan of those in use by the best Artists in the Eastern cities, which gives him unsurpassed facilities and convenience for taking both single pictures and Family Groups, and avoids all those harsh shadows observable in portraits taken by the ordinary side-light.

For the especial convenience of the Ladies he has set apart and furnished a room for the toilet.

He gives special attention to Taking the pictures of Children, and would beg to remind Parents that much regret is occasioned by their delaying to secure the portraits of their little ones until death has removed them.

Business hours from 8 o’clock to 5 P. M.

N. B.  During the short days parties are requested to come early. 

The tenth advertisement ran from April 2 to June 4, 1856.  Departure.  Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  Alfred Stephens would respectfully announce that he will finally leave Clarksville, the first week in May.

Alfred Stephen is not listed in other photographic directories.

J. H. Stearns

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855-1856       Sherman’s Block, Vergennes, Vermont.

J. H. Stearns (possibly Joseph H. Stearns) was recorded in one announcement and one advertisements in The Enterprise and Vermonter (Vergennes, Vermont).  The announcement appeared on October 12, 1855  Please notice, on the next page, the advertisements of Mr. Owen and Mrs. Stewart; also that our old friend Stearns, whose beautiful Daguerreotypes have long elicited the admiration of this community…

The advertisement ran from October 12, 1855 to March 14, 1856.  Stearns Has Just Reopened His Daguerreotype Saloon In Sherman’s Block, Vergennes, VT.  Correct Likenesses, Taken In Any Weather, Put Up In Superior Style, And warranted not to fade!  Perfect Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Likenesses Of Children!  Parents, wishing to obtain Correct Likenesses of their children will do well to call on the subscriber, who pledges himself to obtain a correct picture of any child who will remain in one position from two to five seconds.  J. H. Stearns, Vergennes, Oct 9, 1855.

J. H. Stearns is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Vergennes, Vermont.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a Joseph H. Stearns in Bristol Vermont as an ambrotypist in 1860.  At this time it is unknown if they are the same person, but the possibility is good that they are, further research is needed to fill in the missing years.