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W. A. Retzer

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1844                341 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1845                129 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1846-1847       Rooms one door above Citizens’ Bank. Lynchburg, Virginia.

W. A. Retzer was recorded in four advertisements and one announcement.  The first advertisement ran from May 28 to August 31, 1846 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Silver Medal Awarded by the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, and the American Institute, New York, from Improved Daguerreotype Likenesses, taken by Van Loan & Retzer.

W. A. Retzer’s rooms one door above the Citizens’ Saving Bank. Lynchburg, Va. Where can be seen specimens of those exquisite works of art, which are pronounced by scientific gentlemen of Philadelphia and New York, to stand unrivalled either in Europe or America.

Oil Paintings, Miniatures, and all kinds of Pictures accurately copied.

Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.

It is a common idea that these pictures will not stand the test of time—all such defect is entirely moved, as they are gilded by the galvanic process and will never fade.  Instructions given in the art, and apparatus of the most approved kind furnished.  Materials of all kinds used in the art for sale.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

Pen  from 8 o’clock, A. M. to 6 P. M.

The announcement appeared on January 7, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  List Of Letters Remaining in the Post Office in Lynchburg, on the 1st day of January 1847…Retzer, Wm. A.

The second advertisement was recorded on January 28, March 18 & 22, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Having appointed J. H. Fitzgibbon my agent in Lynchburg for the sale of Pictures, Cammeras (sic.) Plates, Chemicals, Cases and all other articles used in the Daguerreotype business.  Operators in this section of the Country will find it to their advantage to give me a call for they will find all articles at the Northern prices. Instructions also given in the Art.

Pictures taken as usual at my room nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, in all kinds of weather. Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine the numerous specimens I now have on hand. Open from 8 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M.

The third advertisement he was mentioned in first appeared on April 5, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

The fourth advertisement that he was mentioned in appeared on May 3, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

W. A. Retzer is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active Lynchburg, Virginia.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a W. A. Retzer being active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1844-1845. Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 also records him in Philadelphia in 1840-41.

S. Rea

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                23 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1851                Rooms in Sharpe & Yandee’s Building, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1852                Address Unknown, Indianapolis, Indiana.

S. Rea (probably Sampson Rea) was recorded in one advertisement and five announcements.  The advertisement ran from January 15 to February 14, 1850 in the  Cincinnati Commercial Tribune (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Rea’s National Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 23 4th st., between Main and Sycamore.  Mr. Rea respectfully informs his patrons and the public generally, that he has recently at a very heavy expense, remodeled and re-fitted his splendid suit of Daguerreotype rooms; in doing which he has ad an eye specially to the comfort and accommodation of the ladies, and he pledges himself that neither pains nor expense shall be spared on his part to render his gallery one of the most fashionable and genteel resorts in the city.

Those calling on Mr. R. for pictures, either single or in groups, are positively assured that they shall have entire satisfaction in every sense of the word, or no charge.

Pictures taken of all sizes, and at all prices, the price ranging according to size and put up in every variety of style.

Hours for operating from 9 o’clock A. M., to 4 o’clock P. M., without regard to weather.

The five announcements were recorded in the Indiana State Sentinel (Indianapolis, Indiana).  The first appeared on February 6.  Mr. Rae’s Portrait Gallery of members of the convention is rapidly filling up.  Amongst the portraits already taken, we observe those of many of the most prominent members of the convention.  These likenesses are perfect, and we have never seen them equaled as works of art.  When completed, the picture will be a beautiful and enduring specimen of the perfection to which the delicate art of Daguerreotyping has been brought by an Indiana artist, and will be alike creditable to the State and honorable Mr. Rae.

Mr. Rea proposes to get up a similar picture of the members of the Senate, to be deposited with this one in the State Library as the property of the State.  If the Senators will call at his rooms and examine his pictures, we are sure they will all willingly do their part towards getting up the picture.

The second announcement appeared on June 12, 1851.  Mr. Rea, the Daguerrean Artist, has removed to the State Library his portraits of fifty members of the Convention.  Taken altogether they are the best specimens we ever witnessed of the perfection to which the beautiful art, originated by Daguerre, has arrived.  Each portrait is a perfect likeness, and shows the features of the face, the hair on the head and each freckle or mole, which marked the original, with a distinctness and truth to nature which could be attained by no other process, and which we never saw before, even in a Daguerreotype.  The gift is an enduring monument of Mr. Rea’s skill and proficiency as an artist.

The following are the names of the gentlemen whose portraits are embraced in Mr. Rea’s Collection: 

T. W. Gibson, Robert Dale Owen, W. F. Sherrod, A. P. Hovey, Geo. W. Carr, W. H. English, Secretary, Daniel Kelso, H. P. Biddle, H. Allen, W. M. Dunn, W. S. Holman, W. R. Haddon, J. B. Foley, Smith Jones, S. P. Mooney, B. F. Brookbank, J. S. Newman, T. A. Hendricks, Jonathan Harbolt, J. P. Chapman, D. Reed, James Lockhart, J. E. Blythe, H. Prather, James Elliott, Jefferson Helm, H. E. Carter, Allen Hamilton, T. I. Bourne, J. F. Carr, W. March, J. B. Niles, R. H. Milroy, C. W. Barbour, M. G. Bright, H. P. Thornton, J. W. Borden, C. C. Nave, J. L. Spann, J. G. Read, J. Rariden, P. M. Kent, D. Kilgore, E. D. Taylor, N. B. Hawkins, O. P. Badger, S. Hall, M. A. Duzan, J. P. Dunn.  **Only 49 names appeared in the article.

The third announcement appeared on October 9, 1851.  “Here Life Seems Speaking From A Hundred Frames.”—The new and beautiful Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. S. Rea are completed, and are now open for the reception of visitors.  The quality of Mr. Rea’s pictures has always been greatly admired, but since he has introduced the improvement of his new sky-light, and side-lights, he is enabled to give a much better finish to Daguerreotypes, and to produce a more perfect picture than heretofore.  By his new arrangement of light, the difficulty heretofore experienced in taking the likenesses of children, aged persons, and those with light-colored or weak eyes, has been removed, and an impression is taken on the plate in a very short space of time.  We have seen several of his pictures taken by the new light, and for beautiful gradation of light and shade, clearness in the image, and the softness of tone, we have never seen them equaled.

The Metropolitan Gallery consists of two large rooms, in Sharpe & Yandee’s building.  One is used for operating, and the other as the gallery and reception room.  The latter is tastefully and splendidly furnished, the pictures being arranged on each side of the room, and also in the frame-work of a circular moveable case, placed on a pedestal in the centre of the room.  His beautiful assortment of fine gold lockets and breastpins for miniatures, occupy a portion of this case.

Mr. Rea has secured the services of Mr. Charles W. Purcell, of Baltimore, an experienced operator, and he pledges himself that not a picture shall leave his establishment that does not give entire satisfaction.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 28, 1852.  The State Fair.  It is supposed that fifty thousand persons visited the Fair yesterday….

S. Rea, of this city, exhibited in two large frames, Daguerreotypes of the members of the last Senate and House, of this State.  Also, likenesses of many of the young ladies of this city—beautiful, of course, or they would not have been likenesses.  These Daguerreotypes were executed in Rea’s best style, which is equivalent to saying that they cannot be excelled in the world.

Mr. Weibling, from Connersville, also exhibits some excellent Daguerreotypes.  Many of his pictures very nearly, if not quite, equaled Rea’s, and were highly creditable productions.

The fifth announcement appeared on November 4, 1852.  Premiums Awarded at the First Annual State Fair of Indiana, 1852, as Reported by the Several Committees….Manufactured Articles….

Daguerrean Art, four frames, from the studio of S. Rea, Indianapolis.  The crowd of admiring spectators who constantly surrounded these pictures, attested the approbation of the public.  They were justly regarded as admirable specimens of the art, in style of finish, posture, coloring, and design.  They are worthy the general commendation they received.  Premium $10 and diploma.

Daguerreotypes, a case from W. Weibling, of Connersville, containing several creditable portraits, and exhibiting a good degree of taste and skill in the artist.  $2 and diploma.

Fancy Label, attached to Rea’s Daguerrean collection, from the same.  The committee pronounce them creditable specimens of the art.

S. (Sampson) Rea is recorded in other photographic directories (Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.)  Further research is needed on Rea, I have only scratched the surface of the Ohio and Indiana newspapers, but preliminary research suggests that they are the same person.  

Several questions remain unanswered, does Rea have a connection with the Plumbe Gallery in Cincinnati?  Recorded in the Cincinnati newspaper the gallery is referred to as “Rea’s National Daguerreotype Gallery”  the similarity to “Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery” comes to mind.

In the same advertisement dated January 15, 1850 he refers to his patrons and the public generally.  This suggest that he may have been operating earlier than January 15, 1850.

In the third announcement dated October 9, 1851 states that “Mr. Rea has secured the services of Mr. Charles W. Purcell, of Baltimore” to work with/for him.  While in Baltimore he did work for Plumbe.  Is this another connection to Plumbe, or just is it just coincidence?

P. P. Quimby

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1848                Room over I. Allard, Jr.’s Store, Belfast, Maine.

1851                Church Street, Belfast, Maine.

1853-1854       Haraden’s Block, Head of Main Street, Belfast, Maine.

1855                Address Unknown, Belfast, Maine.[1]

P. P. Quimby (and P. P. Quimby & Son) were recorded in five advertisements, and announcement and mentioned in another advertisement in the Republican Journal (Belfast, Maine) and one advertisement in the Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Maine) (non-photographic).  The first advertisement appeared on January 21, 1848.  Daguerreotype Miniatures, Taken By P. P. Quimby, At His Room, Over J. Allard, Jr.’s Store, Belfast In a style fully equal to any artist in Boston or New York, and at cheaper rates. 

The advertisement that he was mentioned in appeared on June 13, 1851.  Dr. C. Moore, Surgeon Dentist, And Manufacturer of Mineral or Unchangeable Teeth, (With or Without Artificial Gums.)  Can be consulted at all times at his office and residence, on Church street, (opposite P. P. Quimby’s Daguerreotype Rooms.)…

The second advertisement ran from June 24 to August 5, 1853.  Quimby’s Daguerrean Gallery, Haraden’s Block, Head of Main Street, Belfast. Me.

The third advertisement was recorded from July 1 to August 5, 1853.   New Daguerreotype Rooms!  New Firm.  P. P. Quimby & Son Having lately fitted up a room in Haraden’s Block, having the advantage of a large Top Light, are now prepared to attend to the wishes of the citizens of Belfast and vicinity in all the various branches of the Daguerrean business.  Having on hand a large stock of Cases, Lockets, &c., we flatter ourselves that we can satisfy the taste of the most fastidious.

Perfect satisfaction given in all cases.

Country Artists Are respectfully informed that we have on hand and are constantly receiving Cases of all qualities, best H. B. Plates, Mats, Glasses, Preservers, Cld. Gold, Hyp. Soda, and all the various etcetera of the business, and we can supply them, in large or small quantities, at low prices.  P. P. Quimby & Son.  Belfast, June 1853.

The fourth advertisement was recorded nine times between October 7, 1853 to July 7, 1854.  P. P. Quimby & Son, Daguerrian Artists, And dealers in Daguerreotype Apparatus, Haraden’s Block, Head of Main-street, Belfast.

The announcement appeared on October 14, 1853.  Agricultural Anniversary.  Seventh Annual Cattle Show and Fair of Waldo County Agricultural Society…

The Exhibition At The Hall.  The Exhibition at Pierce’s Hall…The first thing that attracts the eye, is the display of daguerreotypes from the establishments of Quimby and Son, and J. Estan…

The non-photographic advertisement first appeared on January 17, 1859 in the Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Maine).  Notice.  Dr. P. P. Quimby, of Belfast, Would say to his friends in Augusta and vicinity, that he will be at the Stanley House, on Saturday, the 15th inst., where he may be found for a short time, and will attend to all persons wishing to consult him in regard to their health.  Persons calling for that purpose, should understand that he can give no reliable opinion except by an examination of their case, the examination is describing the feelings of the patient and declaring the disease.  Fee for examination $1.50, if necessary to see the patient more than once, fifty cents for each subsequent sitting.  Prior conversation with friends is of no value, and only occupies time which is valuable.  Room No. 6.

P. P. Quimby is recorded as P. P. Quimby & Son in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1855.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

E. Punderson

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1845                Address Unknown, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1846                Address Unknown, Saco, Maine.

1846                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

1846                Rooms Directly Opposite the Post Office, Saco, Maine.

1847                Rooms Over Nathaniel Churchill’s Store, Exeter, New Hampshire.

E. Punderson was recorded in four advertisements.  The first advertisement ran on December 23 & 30, 1845 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  Wish you Merry Christmas!  All persons wishing to present their friends with a valuable Christmas or New Year’s Gift-one which will be valued far beyond its cost—one which time instead of impairing will only render more valuable—and one which as often as seen cannot fail to call to mind the giver, can obtain such by calling at Punderson’s Daguerrian Rooms, Factory Island, where by favoring him with the Light Of Their Countenance for a few seconds, he will furnish them with a perfect and well executed Likeness, for the trifling of [$2.50] which will be by far the most beautiful and valuable gift of any which can be obtained for a similar cost.

A very handsome assortment of Gold and Gilt Lockets just received which will be sold at a very small advance from cost.

The second advertisement appeared on April 14, 1846 in the Maine Democrat.  Perfect likenesses, By the Daguerreotype Process, For Only $2.50.  E. Punderson would respectfully announce to the citizens of Saco and vicinity, that he intends remaining in this place For One Week Longer Only.  Those wishing correct and beautifully executed likenesses of themselves or friends, will probably never have a better opportunity than the present.

It would seem wholly unnecessary to urge upon any reflecting mind the importance of securing a likeness of every member of their family.  ‘Tis true that whilst surrounded by the object of our love, a likeness may seem of but little value; but let death enter the family circle and remove from the number a beloved parent, brother or child, ‘tis than that their likeness becomes valuable.—How valuable, those only who possess such a memento of a dearly loved but departed friend can well realize.

Hours of operating from 9 A. M. to 4½ P. M.  Pictures taken without regard to weather.  Rooms open evenings for the exhibition of pictures. 

The third advertisement ran from July 28 to September 22, 1846 in the Maine Democrat.  Punderson’s Daguerrean Rooms Re-Opened.  E. Punderson, having returned from N. York, where he has been for the purpose of perfecting himself in the recent improvements made in the art, again offers his services to the citizens of Saco and vicinity, and pledges himself that his pictures shall not be surpassed by those of any operator in the country.

He would respectfully invite those wishing correct and well-executed likenesses, to call at his rooms, Directly opposite the Post Office, where perfect satisfaction will be given or no charge,  The liberal patronage bestowed upon him during his long stay in this place, is of itself sufficient proof of the high estimation in which his pictures are held, and no pains will be spared to secure a continuance of the same.  It appears to be the general impression that pictures taken in cloudy weather, are not as good as those taken in a clear day.  This is incorrect; the only difference being that in a cloudy day it is necessary to sit a few seconds longer; but the effect is the same.

Pictures set in frames, cases, lockets, pins or rings.  Hours of operating from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.

The fourth advertisement ran on March 8 & 15, 1847 in the Exeter News-Letter and Rockingham Adviser (Exeter, New Hampshire).  With Or Without Colors.  How often do we hear the wish expressed for the miniature of an absent or a deceased friend?  And indeed who has not at one time or other vainly endeavored (for want of one of these little remembrances) to recall the features that once reflected all our dreams of love and beauty?  The smiling lip and laughing eye—the manly brow and thoughtful gaze of some dear companion, parent or friend, and sighed to think that they were lost to us forever?  Who does not love, whilst pondering o’er the sunshine and shadows of the past to be able to gaze on the countenance of some dear and early loved, but mourned and buried friend?

It would seem hardly necessary to urge upon any reflection mind the importance of securing likenesses of themselves and family.  It is true, that whilst surrounded by the objects of our love, a likeness may seem of but little or no consequence, but let death enter that circle and remove one after another, it is then their likeness becomes valuable—how valuable those only who have been so fortunate as to secure this memento of a departed friend can well realize.

Formerly the time spent in obtaining a likeness and the expense attending it, together with the uncertainty of finally procuring one which would be satisfactory were serious objections and deterred many from sitting for their pictures.  But this wonderful discovery a picture may be obtained in a few seconds which for beauty and accuracy of delineation cannot be surpassed by any painting, it being no fancy sketch of the Artist, but the ‘bona fide’ shadow itself, and that too at an expense so trifling that almost every person can obtain a likeness not only of himself but of every member of his family.

The subscriber having been under the instruction of the first operators in the city of New York, and having been for a long time practically engaged in the business, sparing neither pains nor expense in availing himself of all the recent improvements in the art, flatters himself that his pictures for accuracy and beauty of execution cannot be surpassed by those of any operator; and he would respectfully invite all, whether they contemplate sitting for their pictures or not, to call at his Rooms, over Nathaniel Churchill’s Store, and examine his specimens.  They will thus be enabled to judge for themselves.  As he intends remaining in this place for a short time only, those wishing their pictures will do well to give him an early call.

Portraits and Miniatures copied with perfect accuracy.  Pictures set in Frames, Cases, Lockets, Bracelets, &c.  No person will be expected to take a picture unless perfectly satisfied with the execution.  Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

Hours of operating, from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Rooms open Evenings for the exhibition of Pictures.  E. Punderson.

E. Punderson is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Exeter, New Hampshire in 1847.

George K. Proctor

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1858-1859       Cabot Street, opposite the Rubber Factory, Beverly, Massachusetts.

1859                One Door North of the Town Hall, Beverly, Massachusetts.

George K. Proctor was recorded in eight advertisements and one announcement in the Beverly Citizen (Beverly, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement ran from October 27 to November 24, 1858.  Satisfaction Given!  G. K. Proctor Respectfully announces to the citizens of this place that he has stationed his Ambrotype and Photograph Saloon, for a short time opposite the Rubber Factory, Beverly, where he will take pictures any size, from the smallest to the largest, as good as the best, as cheap as the cheapest, and at all prices from 25 cents to 25 dollars.  Also copying of every description executed at his saloon.  Views taken of Houses and Buildings of every description and warranted to give satisfaction.

George K. Proctor, having learned his trade of one of the best artist in Boston, and had several years experience, and also since July 1858 had an uncommon large saloon built with an excellent light and every convenience for taking Ambrotypes and Photographs that could be had, and also having, at a great expense, purchased receipts for making a new kind of chemical that will surpass all others, feels confident that he can give perfect satisfaction.

As his time here is limited people wishing his pictures will do well to call early.  George K. Proctor.

The announcement appeared on November 17, 1858.  Ambrotypes. We take pleasure in asking attention to the advertisement of Mr. G. K. Proctor, and in stating that we have recently seen some pictures of excellent finish which were taken by him.  He seems to have the skill and judgement which is requisite in an artist to secure good likenesses.—His terms are very reasonable, and we commend him to the patronage of our Beverly friends.

The second advertisement ran from January 19 to February 16, 1859.  Satisfaction Given!  G. K. Proctor Respectfully announces to the citizens of this place that he has stationed his Ambrotype and Photograph Saloon, for a short time opposite the Rubber Factory, Beverly, where he will take pictures any size, from the smallest to the largest, as good as the best, as cheap as the cheapest, and at all prices from 25 cents to 25 dollars.  Also copying of every description executed at his saloon. 

As his time here is limited people wishing his pictures will do well to call early.  George K. Proctor.

The third advertisement ran from March 19-26, 1859.Business Cards:  G. K. Proctor, Ambrotype and Photograph Artists, Cabot Street.  (Opposite the Rubber Factory) Portraits, Miniatures, Engravings, &c., accurately copied.  Views taken when desired.

The fourth advertisement ran from March 19-26, 1859.  All Ambrotypes and Photographs Taken at G. K. Proctor’s Saloon, opposite the Rubber Factory, are warranted to give perfect satisfaction, or no pay will be exacted.  March 1, 1859.

The fifth advertisement ran from June 4 to December 31, 1859.  Business Cards:  G. K. Proctor, Ambrotype and Photograph Artists, Cabot Street. (One door North of the Town Hall.)  Portraits, Miniatures, Engravings, &c., accurately copied.  Views taken when desired.

The sixth advertisement ran from June 4 to December 3, 1859.  Photographs.  Taken at G. K. Proctor’s Rooms, one door North of the Town Hall, and enclosed in  Large Gilt Frame, for only $2.00—common price $3.75—duplicates, 50 cents.  May 7, 1859.

The seventh advertisement was recorded on June 4 to July 2, 1859.  G. K. Proctor, having fitted up rooms One door North of the Town Hall, with an excellent Side and Sky-Light, will take Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, &c., in the neatest and best style and at Reduced Prices.

He hopes by endeavoring to make Pictures that cannot fail to suit, to merit a liberal patronage. Beverly, May 7, 1859.

The eighth advertisement ran from August 6 to 20, 1859.  Photographs of the Bean Kiln [Invaders] can be had at G. K. Proctor’s Photographic Rooms—one door north of Town Hall—for only 50 cents, which is less than half price.  Nearly one hundred now engaged.

G. K. Proctor is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Pratt

Daguerreotypes, ,

1857                Address Unknown, Foxboro, Massachusetts.

Mr. Pratt was recorded in one announcement on July 6, 1857 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  The “fraternal spirit” of the Massachusetts democracy is manifesting itself in a dangerous manner.  It appears that a young man named Pratt, who has a Daguerreotype Saloon in Foxboro, has lately been appointed postmaster at North Easton.  At midnight on the 22d inst. His saloon was fired by incendiaries—supposed to have gone from the latter named place for the purpose—by way of manifesting their envy of his appointment.  The damage done to his property exceeded $1,000.  Truly these democrats are “fraternally inclined.”

Mr. Pratt is not recorded in other photographic directories.

K. S. Porter

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , , , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Milford, New Hampshire.

1859                Union Hall, Amherst, New Hampshire.

K. S. Porter was recorded in three advertisements in The Farmers Cabinet (Amherst, New Hampshire).  The first advertisement ran from January 12 to 26, 1859.Ambrotypes & Melainotypes Mr. K. S. Porter, Having leased the Daguerreotype Saloon and apparatus formerly belonging to J. L. Kimball, of Milford, N. H., would say to the public of Milford and vicinity, that he intends to offer said saloon for the reception of all those who are in want of Ambrotypes or Melainotypes of themselves or friends, on and after the 15th inst.

Pictures taken in the latest style and on the most reasonable terms.

One and all are most respectfully invited to call, whether in want of likenesses of themselves or friends.  

Old Pictures copied to order.  Milford, Jan. 10, 1859.

The second advertisement ran from February 2 & 10, 1859.  Look!  Look!  Ambrotypes & Melainotypes Mr. K. S. Porter, Having leased the Daguerreotype Saloon and apparatus formerly belonging to J. L. Kimball, of Milford, N. H., would say to the public of Milford and vicinity, that he intends to offer said saloon for the reception of all those who are in want of Ambrotypes or Melainotypes of themselves or friends, on and after the 15th inst.

Pictures taken in the latest style and on the most reasonable terms.

One and all are most respectfully invited to call, whether in want of likenesses of themselves or friends. 

Old Pictures copied to order.  Milford, Jan. 10, 1859.

The third advertisement ran from July 27 to August 24, 1859. K. S. Porter Would respectfully inform the citizens of Amherst that he has taken the room in the Brick Building known as Union Hall, for two weeks, where he is prepared to furnish any person with Ambrotypes of the first class, in size and style of finish to suit, and at prices that cannot but be satisfactory.  Pictures set in lockets and pins of any size.  Also views  taken if desired.

As his stay may not be prolonged beyond the time mentioned, those desiring pictures should call early. 

K. S. Porter is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as possibly being Kilburn S. Porter.   who was active in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1859, and in Milford, New Hampshire in 1860.

Abe Pierce

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotype, , , , ,

1858                Juneau House, New Lisbon, Wisconsin.

1859                Address Unknown, Mauston, Wisconsin.

Abe Pierce was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the Juneau County Argus (New Lisbon, Wisconsin). The advertisement appeared on November 8, 1858. Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spherotypes, And in fact all the late improved Types and Graph’s, can be had by calling at Abe Pierce’s Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery, in the Juneau House, New Lisbon.  As Intended to stop here but a few weeks, I will say to the citizens of this place and vicinity, that I am prepared to do work as Cheap, and as life-like as any done in the State.  Work is not expected to leave the room unless perfect satisfaction is given.  Copying done with neatness and dispatch.  Abe Pierce Artist.  October 11th, 1858.

The announcement appeared on January 1, 1859.  Abe Pierce’s Daguerrean Gallery has, for the present been removed to Mauston, where he will continue the business with all the improvements in the art, and life-like illustrations peculiar to his work.  Family orders promptly filled at the lowest rates.  My friends are invited to call at all times.

Abe Pierce is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. J. Pierce

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1849-c.1852    Granite Hall Building, Water Street, Augusta, Maine.

A. J. Pierce was recorded in one announcement and mentioned in two advertisements.  The announcement appeared on October 6, 1849 in the Gospel Banner (Augusta, Maine).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  These are nature’s paintings, and of course are perfect.  Daguerre’s Art is one of the greatest discoveries of this wonderful age.  Of course, now, all persons will have their likenesses, and those of their friends, taken.  We were in Chase’s and North’s rooms in Boston a fortnight ago, and saw what are said to be the best specimens in the city—and they were truly life-like, but not more so than some we have seen executed in Augusta.  The sun paints as faithfully on the Kennebec as in the City of Notions.  If you doubt it, just call in at A. J. Pierce’s Gallery on Water-st., and see how an ingenious man can help Nature do her work most beautifully.  Or, if more convenient, visit, our friend Holcomb’s Room on Market Square, and you will find there a man and his work worthy of your attention and patronage.

The first advertisement he was mentioned in appeared on October 21, 1852 in the Maine Farmer  (Augusta, Maine).  S. N. Williams, (Successor to A. J. Pierce,) Daguerreotype Gallery, Granite Hall Building, Water Street, Augusta, Me.  Likenesses taken in Clear or Cloudy Weather—Hours for Children from 10 A. M. to 2 P. M.  Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.  Mr. Pierce will remain a few weeks at the Room.

Stock and Apparatus for sale at Boston prices.

The second announcement appeared on June 22, 1854 in the Maine Farmer (which was also posted yesterday in its entirety) Photographic, Stereoscopic Crayon, Crystalotypes, and other styles of Pictures, May be found at Isaac H. Dupree’s Rooms, Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Maine. I. H. Dupee respectfully informs his friends and the public generally, that he has taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Pierce & Williams…

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

Pierce & William

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

N. D.-1854      Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Maine.

Pierce & William (A. J. Pierce & S. N. Williams) was mentioned in one advertisement that appeared on June 22, 1854 in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine).  Photographs, Stereoscopic Crayon, Crystalotypes, and other Styles of Pictures, May be found at Isaac H. Dupee’s Rooms, Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Me.  I. H. Dupee respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that he has taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Pierce & Williams, for the purpose of Daguerreotyping.  Having on of the largest Cameras in the city, he is prepared to take large pictures, and especially groups, (no matter how many,) arranged in the most appropriate style.  Having paid particular attention to taking Children, and being provided with a quick working Camera, he can take small children in one quarter of the usual time.  Hours for Children from 9 A. M. till 2 P. M.  Likenesses taken in clear or cloudy weather, and warranted perfect, for the low price of $1 and upwards, including case.  Also inserted in Rings, Pins, Lockets, Seals, &c., a large assortment of which he has on hand at all times.  H having had long experience in this business, solicits a share of your patronage.  All work entrusted to his care will be promptly attended to and warranted as good as the best.

A large assortment of Daguerreotype Materials for sale to the trade at Boston prices.  Operators furnished with every thing necessary to carry on business with.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases.

Sick and deceased persons taken at their houses, if wished, as well as at his rooms.

Portraits, Daguerreotypes and Engravings, copied accurately and put in cases or frames.  The public are invited to call and judge for themselves.  Mr. Dupee, by attention to business, and keeping his rooms open at all hours, hopes to secure Miniatures of all who call and are in want.

I take this opportunity to return my thanks to my friends and patrons for their liberal patronage.  I have sold my Rooms to Isaac H. Dupee, formerly of Bath.  I can recommend him to all who may wish for a good Daguerreotype of themselves or friends.  Mr. D. has had long experience in the Daguerreotype business; he comes well recommended as an artist and a gentleman.  S. N. W.

Pierce & William, and A. J. Pierce are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Seth N. Williams is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Rockland, Maine in 1855, it is possible that they are the same person.