All posts by pioneeramericanphotographers

Asa Millit

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

1856                Address and Location Unknown, Maine.

Asa Millit was recorded in one advertisement that  ran from February 21 to March 20, 1856 in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine).  Notice Particular.  I hereby certify, That I bought of Cutting & Bowdoin the exclusive right of Cutting’s Ambrotype Patent for the State of Maine, except the city of Portland, and that O. P. Howe of Augusta, has no right, whatever, under said patent, I having sold the exclusive right of the city of Augusta, to J. S. Hendee.  Asa Millit.

Asa Millit is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is unknown if he was an image maker; speculator; opportunist, or if he even lived in Maine.   

Miller

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Fairmont, Virginia.

Miller appeared in one article on April 19, 1859 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Arrest of a Murderer by means of a Daguerreotype.—Yesterday morning officer Hawley and Mr. James Wright, of this city, arrived here from Fairmont, having in charge a man by the name of Jacob S. Hardin, charged with the murder of his wife on the 9th of March last, at Belvedere, Warren County, N. J.  The circumstances of the arrest are quite remarkable, as follows.  About a week ago Mr. Wright who was traveling through Marion and other neighboring counties, on business, arrived at Fairmont on the same train with Hardin, and the two got off at that point, after making a pretty intimate railroad acquaintance.  Mr. W., in circulating around in that neighborhood two or three days afterwards, encountered Hardin at various places, and they both had remarked upon the singularity of their frequent unexpected meetings.  Mr. Wright having finished his business in that part of the country, came home, and on Sunday morning last was sitting in the Spring House when some one came in with a photograph likeness of a murderer named Hardin, accompanied by a proclamation from the Governor of New Jersey, offering $500 for his arrest.  Mr. Wright, upon looking at the picture, immediately recognized it as that of his mysterious acquaintance in the mountain counties and so expressed himself to various persons, among others Sergeant McDonald.  Accordingly a warrant was procured from Ald. Dulty and Mr. Wright and Officer Hawley started for Fairmont.  Arriving there Mr. Wright called upon Mr. Miller, a Daguerreotypist, where he supposed Hardin to be engaged, as that was his profession, and upon enquiring for the object of his search, that individual, who was in the next room, heard and recognized Wright’s voice and immediately came forth, extending his hand in the most cordial manner, and again remarking upon the fatality which seemed to attach to their frequent coming together.  Mr. Wright invited Hardin, (who had assumed the alias of Austin) to take a walk…

Miller is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Wheeling, Virginia.

J. E. Miller

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, Bridgeport, Virginia.

J. E. Miller appeared in one advertisement on August 15, 1856 in the Cooper’s Clarksburg Register (Clarksburg, Virginia).  Daguerrean Gallery.  J. E. Miller would respectfully announce to the citizens of Clarksburg and vicinity that he has opened his Daguerrean at Bridgeport where he is prepared to take pictures in every variety and style known to the art.  Dark dresses always take best in Daguerreotypes, as colors will not show.

He Keeps constantly on hand a large and elegant assortment of Plain and Fancy Cases, Gold and Common Lockets, Medallions, &c., in which Likenesses will be securely and neatly set.

Calls are respectfully solicited from all, who desire a good picture.  Jy 11.                  

J. E. Miller is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Millard

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Washington House, Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mr. Millard was recorded in four announcements in the Wilmington Journal (Wilmington, North Carolina).  The first announcement appeared on May 6, 1859.  A Picture.  We found on our table this morning a capital portrait of the old Journal Office, corner Front and Princess Streets, opposite the Bank of the State.

Mr. Millard by whom this view was taken, has our thanks for this souvenir of a building so long identified with the history of our paper;—within whose walls we have sat “in summer’s heat and winter’s cold.”  In joy and in sorrow, for these changes come to all in the lapse of years.

We shall preserve this picture for “auld lang syne,” and in long after years, should we live to see such, it may call up recollections of pleasure or of pain, as either feeling may happen to predominate at the moment.

In a few months we hope to be in our new and more convenient quarters but we shall no doubt find ourselves lingering involuntarily around the old corner, where both Editors of the Journal have toiled away so many of the best years of their lives, meeting perhaps as much success as they deserved, maybe more, for few are proper judges in their own case.

Mr. Millard’s street views are very good, and any person desiring such, would do well to give him a call at the Washington House, Front Street, opposite the Bank of Cape Fear.

The second announcement appeared on May 20, 1859.  Last week Mr. Millard took ambrotypes of two houses on Front Street near Chestnut, which he presented to the editors of the Journal, they being the “counterfeit presentment” of the houses in which they respectively live.

We do not think that we ever saw better pictures—in fact, we never saw as good open-air pictures.  The lights and shadows are perfect, the outlines are distinct and the figures of persons, although necessarily very minute, are easily recognizable.  In one of them especially, the faces brought out by a magnifying glass, are just as complete portraits as though taken separately with all care and preparation.  A newspaper held by one of the persons taken, is exceedingly well done, bot we rather doubt whether it could be read, has it is next to no size at all..

It is really wonderful to note the improvements that have been made in the different departments of photography.  The old attempts at open-air views, were horrible.  Those taken by Mr. Millard are almost perfect.  When he gets “gems” as he calls our pictures, it is interesting to see how much good it does him.  Without enthusiasm, the highest order of success is impossible, and with it almost anything may be done.  Mr. M. has any amount of enthusiasm certainly, and his success is commensurate.  

The third announcement appeared on May 27, 1859.  Light Infantry Celebration, May 20th.  We learn that the prizes at the Target Shooting yesterday were won by the following gentlemen:…

3d Prize,—Daguerreotype of Company, taken by Mr. Millard, and presented by Committee of Arrangements.  Won by John R. Ivey.

The fourth announcement appeared on May 27, 1859.  The Ambrotype of the Wilmington Light Infantry, taken by Mr. Millard, on the 20th, is really a fine picture, especially when the circumstances are considered.  We can recognize most of the members.

Mr. Millard is not recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  He is recorded in Photographers in North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1941 as being active in 1859 in Wilmington, and references Craig as listing L. B. Millard in Perkin, Illinois  in 1860.  A Directory of Early Illinois Photographers does list Lyman B. Millard in Perkin, Illinois in 1860 and 1864-1865.  It is unknown at this time if they are the same person.

H. W. Merrill

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Rooms over Russell & Webster’s Store, Plymouth, New Hampshire.        

H. W. Merrill appeared in one advertisement that was recorded on January 15, 1848 in the White Mountain Bugle (Plymouth, New Hampshire).  Daguerreotype Miniatures, H. W. Merrill Having fitted up rooms over Russell & Webster’s Store, is prepared to take Miniatures of all sizes, and in any style of putting up that is desired.  The public may be assured that Pictures taken at this establishment will be as perfect specimens of the art as can be obtained.  All commissions for taking likenesses of sick or dead persons, will be attended to at once.  Particular attention paid to taking likenesses of small children.  All are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.

Instructions given in the Art, and Apparatus and stock furnished.

Miniatures set in Gold or Gilt Lockets, or in Cases or Frames, from $1.50 to $8.00.

Please call soon, as my time is limited, and must return to the City in a few weeks.  Plymouth Village, Dec. 28, 1847.

H. W. Merrill is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mellen & Parmenter

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                Rooms in the Post Office Building, Amherst, New Hampshire.

Mellen & Parmenter were recorded in one advertisement that appeared on October 21, 1857 in  The Farmers Cabinet (Amherst, New Hampshire).  Ambrotypes And Photographs.  The subscribers beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Amherst and vicinity, that they have taken Rooms in the Post Office Building, where they will remain but a few days only.  Those in want of Pictures of themselves or friends are invited to give us an early call.

Particular attention paid to copying from other pictures.  Pictures of sick persons taken at their place of residence.  Also, pictures taken of the deceased.  Mellen & Parmenter, Artists, Amherst, Oct. 12, 1857.

Mellen & Parmenter are not recorded in other photographic directories. 

C. A. McPherson

Ambrotypes, ,

1856-1857       Rooms over R. L. Fuller’s Store, Middlebury, Vermont.

C. A. McPherson was recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 26, 1856 to March 4, 1857 in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont). Ambrotypes.  C. A. McPherson, Thankful for past favors, would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Middlebury and vicinity, that he has returned to Middlebury and taken rooms over R. L. Fuller’s Store, Where he will be on hand at all times, to take Ambrotypes in the best manner.

Copies taken of Daguerreotypes and other pictures.

Please call and look at specimens.  Middlebury, Nov. 25, 1856.

C. A. McPherson is not recorded in other photographic directories. 

Enoch H. McKenney

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1850-1851       Address Unknown, Biddeford, Maine.

1852-1858       6 Central Block, Biddeford, Maine.

1858-1860       4 Crystal Arcade Building, Biddeford, Maine.

1861                1 Washington Block, Liberty Street, Biddeford, Maine.

1866 131 Main Street, Biddeford, Maine.

Enoch H. McKenney was recorded in twenty five advertisements and twenty two announcements in two newspapers (before 1861). He was in the partnership of McKenney & Bowers posted on October 17, 2022. He entered and won top premium in many of the local fairs. in the 1860’s he started to exhibit fowle and cattle. in 1868 he removed to Georgetown, Delaware

Enoch H. McKenney is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Albert M. McKenney

Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , , , , , , , , , ,

1848                7 Batchelder’s Block, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1852-1855       86 Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, Maine.

1853                Address Unknown, Biddeford, Maine.

1855                163 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1856-1857       130 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1858-1860       122 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.[1]

1861-1864       122 Middle Street, Portland, Maine

1864                284 Congress Street, Portland, Maine.

Albert M. McKenney was recorded in five announcements and sixteen advertisements in four different newspapers. He was in the partnership of Macomber & McKenney; S. T. & A. M. McKenney; McKenney & Scribner; and by himself.  The first announcement appeared on  October 31, 1848 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  From the Union.  Show and Fair.  York County Agricultural Society.  We proceed to fulfil our promise made last week to give an extended account of the Show and Fair held here, Oct. 11th & 12th.  In order to get the proceedings into a reasonable space, it will be necessary to omit so much of the reports of the adjudging Committees as are merely formal, giving in such cases, the list of premiums awarded, only…

Miscellaneous Articles…Macomber & McKenney, Saco, specimens of daguerreotypes, $2.00

The second announcement appeared on October 31,1848 in the Maine Democrat.  From the Union.  Observations Taken At The Fair.  …Messrs. Macomber & McKenney of our place, presented some excellent daguerreotype likenesses, to which we are bound to pay our especial regards, our own likeness, a complete counterpart of ourself, having been elevated to the high dignity of being criticized and passed upon by a competent committee, with the view of awarding to the artist, if deserved, the tribute due to skill.  We are happy to see by the list that the lot, with the editors thrown in, obtained a gratuity of $1.50.

The first advertisement ran from May 11 to July 13, 1852 in the Maine Democrat.  Portable Daguerrian Saloon!!  Mr. A. M. McKenney, Respectfully announces to his friends and the public, in the vicinity of Saco, that he has arrived in this place with his Portable Daguerrian Saloon, And will remain a few weeks.  It is now on Factory Island, Saco.

He would say to them, he is an old and experienced hand at the business, and keeps up with the times by obtaining all of the Latest Improvements in the Art, and by the aid of his Splendid Saloon, which he has built at great expense, expressly for the business, with a large top light, he feels confident he can furnish those who favor him with a call, with as good or better miniatures that any other operator. 

Perfect and durable likenesses, with or without colors, single, or in groups from two to twenty.  Copies taken from other Daguerreotypes, Portraits, Engravings, Paintings, &c.  Sick Persons taken at their residences.  Particular attention paid to taking Corpses.

Plated and Gold Lockets from $1 to $15.  Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.  Terms Reasonable. 

N. B.—I would correct an idea which is prevalent, that Miniatures cannot be taken as well in cloudy weather as clear.  I will take as good a Miniature when it rains or snows, as when perfectly clear.  Saco.

The second advertisement ran from February 8 to May 10, 1853in the Maine Democrat. Not Premium Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber, grateful for the liberal patronage bestowed upon him by the citizens of Saco, Biddeford and vicinity, and induced thereby to establish himself permanently in Saco, has the pleasure of informing them that he has purchased the rooms and fixtures of A. H. Beal, recently fitted up on Factory Island, Saco, opposite the Post Office.

The rooms are new, and with the best of Apparatus are inferior to none in the state.

He would say to the public that he commenced the Daguerreian business in its infancy, and has been in the business longer than any other Artist in the County, having made it his constant study for ten years, and devoted much of that time to experimenting in the Art.  He also has a chemical peculiar to himself, and superior to all others, he feels confident he can make a Better picture than any other Artist in this vicinity.

Not wishing, however, the public to rely on his word alone he would be pleased to have ladies and gentlemen visit his rooms and judge for themselves, as he has no intention of deceiving by offering to Wager five hundred dollars that he can take a better miniature than any other Artist.

I have been in Saco and Biddeford, operating in my saloon, about seven months, and in that time have made about 1,000 miniatures, and should have no fears in submitting them to the test of comparison with pictures made by other Artist, not excepting Premium Pictures.

My rooms will be open for visitors all hours of the day.  A Lady will be in attendance in the receiving room to wait upon ladies who favor us with a call.  One and all are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens and sit for pictures, perfect satisfaction guaranteed or no charge made.

I have a large and beautiful assortment of cases, frames, and lockets.  Miniatures taken in all styles, singly or in groups, and in all kinds of weather, equally as good in stormy as in pleasant weather, and at prices that cannot fail to suit.

All kinds of copying done at short notice and in the best manner.

Miniatures taken of sick persons and corpses, at their residences.

Particular Attention Paid To Taking Likenesses Of Children.  A. M. McKenney.

N. B.  I wish to have it distinctly understood by all that I am not connected with any other rooms in Saco or Biddeford.  Be sure to call at A. M. McKenney’s rooms, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, if you wish a perfect likeness.

Copartnership Notice.  The subscribers have entered into a copartnership this day, under the firm name of S. T. & A. M. McKenney, for the purpose of carrying on the Daguerreotype business.  Their place of business is on Factory Island, Opposite the Post Office, Saco, where they will be happy to see all those in want of Portraits.  A. M. McKenney, S. T. McKenney.  Saco, Feb. 4, 1853.

The third advertisement ran from June 14 to October 25, 1853 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  A New Whole Size German Camera.  The only one in the County of York.  Messrs. S. T. & A. M. McKenney would inform the citizens of Saco, Biddeford and vicinity, that they have recently purchased a Whole Size German Camera, for the purpose of making Large Miniatures & for Grouping.

It is double the capacity and more than twice the power of those we have been using.  We can now furnish our customers with as nice a miniature as can be obtained in Boston or elsewhere.  We have also made large addition to our Cases And Frames.  We have the most splendid assortment ever offered in this vicinity.  Please give us a call and examine for yourselves.

Don’t forget the place, S. T. & A. M. McKenney, No. 86, Factory Island, opposite the Post Office, Saco.

The fourth advertisement ran from October 25 to November 8, 1853 in the Maine Democrat. 

Dissolution Of Copartnership.  The Copartnership heretofore existing between S. T. & A. M. McKenney, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  S. T. McKenney, A. M. McKenney

The fifth advertisement ran from October 25, 1853 to April 4, 1854 in the Maine Democrat. 

Albert M. McKenney, One of the most experienced Artists in the State, will continue to make Good Daguerreotypes at the old stand, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, Opposite the Post Office.

He returns his most sincere thanks for the liberal patronage bestowed on him by the citizens of Saco, Biddeford, and vicinity, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same, feeling confident of his ability to take a better Miniature than any other Artist in York County, notwithstanding Bragging Circulars, Chlorine Gas, Advertisements, or Premium Pictures.

I have every facility for taking good Pictures, equal to any other Artist, and have recently obtained some very important improvements in the art, (which are unknown to other Artists in this vicinity.)  Likenesses executed in all styles, Singly, or in Groups, large or small.  Also, several entirely new styles, specimens of which can be seen by calling at my Rooms.  I respectfully invite all to call and examine them.  Perfect satisfaction guaranteed, or no charge made.  Pictures copied in an entirely new and superior manner.  A large assortment of Frames, Cases, and Lockets constantly on hand.  Pictures sold as cheap as at any other place in Saco or Biddeford.

N. B.  No. 86 Factory Island, is the only place “bearing the name of McKenney,” that I am concerned in. 

The sixth advertisement ran from February 3 to April 7, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal  (Biddeford, Maine).  Albert M. McKenney, One of the most experienced Artists in the State, will continue to make Good Daguerreotypes at the old stand, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, opposite the P. O.  He returns his most sincere thanks for the liberal patronage bestowed on him by the citizens of Saco, Biddeford, and vicinity, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same, feeling confident of his ability to take a Better Miniature than any other Artist in York County, not without standing Bragging Circulars, Chlorine Gas, Advertisements, or Premium Pictures.

I have every facility for taking good Pictures, equal to any other Artist and have recently obtained some very important improvements in the art, (which are unknown to other Artists in this vicinity.)  Likenesses executed in all styles, singly, or in groups, large or small.  Also, several entirely new styles, specimens of which can be seen by calling at my Rooms.  I respectfully invite all to call and examine them.  Perfect satisfaction guaranteed, or no charge made.  Pictures copied in an entirely new and superior manner.  A large assortment of Frames, Cases, and Lockets constantly on hand.  Pictures sold as cheap as at at any other place in Saco, or Biddeford.

N. B. No. 86 Factory Island, is the only place “bearing the name of McKenney,” That I am concerned in.

The third announcement appeared on April 7, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Please notice the advertisement of A. M. McKenney, Daguerrean, Factory Island, Saco.  He has some very fine specimens of Stereoscopic Pictures, a new style, which are executed in the highest style of the art.

The seventh advertisement ran from April 7 to June 16, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal. 

Stereoscopic Pictures!—Made At—A. M. McKenney’s Daguerrian Rooms!! No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.

This style of Daguerreotype, which is entirely new and very beautiful, can be obtained at no other place in York County.  By this process, two pictures are taken at the same time, of the same person, and when finished, blend together as one, which is magnified to the size of life.

Every kind of Daguerreotype executed in a superior manner.  Copying done at short notice in any kind of weather.  A large assortment of cases, frames and lockets constantly on hand, for sale as cheap as by any other Artist in this vicinity.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine some fine specimens of the Stereoscopic Pictures.

The eighth advertisement ran from April 11 to August 22, 1854 in the Maine Democrat.  Stereoscopic Pictures!—Made At—A. M. McKenney’s Daguerreian Rooms!!  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco, This style of Daguerreotypes, which is entirely new and very beautiful, can be obtained at no other place in York County.  By this process, two pictures are taken at the same time, of the same person, and when finished, blend together as one, which is magnified to the size of life.

Every kind of Daguerreotype executed in a superior manner.  Copying done at short notice in any kind of weather.  A large assortment of cases, frames and lockets constantly on hand, for sale as cheap as by any other Artist in this vicinity.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine some fine specimens of the Stereoscopic Pictures.

The ninth advertisement ran from August 29 to December 26, 1854 in the Maine Democrat.  The Best Place—to get a—Daguerreotype Is At A. M. McKenney’s No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.

The tenth advertisement ran from January 2 to October 9, 1855 in the Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine.)  January 2, 1855, Vol. XXVI, No. 22, P. 3.

Latest News, From The Saco Daguerreian Gallery, No. 86 Factory Island.  A. M. McKenney makes better Miniatures than any other Artist in this vicinity, and at prices to suit all, from Fifty Cents up-wards.  He has better facilities for making them than any other Artist in this County, (although Brother Artists make false statements to mislead the Public.  All are invited to call, and he will show them a Patent Machine for polishing plates, equal to any in the United States.

Remember the place, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  Where will be found a largen assortment of Cases, Lockets; Pins &c., &c., Constantly On Hand.

The eleventh advertisement ran from January 10 to October 26, 1855 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Latest News, From The Saco Daguerreian Gallery, No. 86 Factory Island.  A. M. McKenney makes better Miniatures than any other Artist in this vicinity, and at prices to suit all, from Fifty Cents up-wards.  He has better facilities for making them than any other Artist in this County, (although Brother Artists make false statements to mislead the Public.  All are invited to call, and he will show them a Patent Machine for polishing plates, equal to any in the United States.

Remember the place, No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  Where will be found a largen assortment of Cases, Lockets; Pins &c., &c., Constantly On Hand.

The twelfth advertisement ran from August 28 & September 11, 1855 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  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.

The thirteenth advertisement ran from October 19 to November 16, 1855 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The fourteenth advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1855 in the Maine Democrat.  Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The fifteenth advertisement ran from September 30, 1856 to October 21, 1856 in the Christian Mirror (Portland, Maine).  Notice Photographic.  Having secured the services of that old campaigner in the Daguerreotype business, and oldest Ambrotypist in the State, A. M. McKenney, Esq., I am now able to give more of my personal attention to the production of first rate Photographs Pictures from Life, or Copies of Daguerreotypes, executed at short notice.  J. W. C. Morrison, 130 Middle Street.

The sixteen advertisement ran thirteen times between October 12, 1858 to January 25, 1859 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Photographs.  Wonderful Discovery!!  I am prepared to execute Photographs By An Entirely New Process, In A Style Never excelled in this Country.  When finished they resemble a Fine Steel Engraving, Though Far Superior!

Life Size Photographs, In Oil, Water Colors and India Ink.  Photographs of any desired size. 

Copies from old Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes.

Particular attention paid to Ambrotyping, and all work warranted.

Notice the Sigh of the Big Picture f Daguerre!  122 Middle street, Come And Be Convinced.  A. M. McKenney. 

The fourth announcement appeared on March 8, 1859 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Photographs Of The Police.—We have seen at our Police Station some fine photographic likenesses by McKenny and by Burnham of the members of the police department of our city government.  Those by Barnham are taken on two sheets, sitting and standing in a group.  Those by McKenny are taken separately half-length.—They are admirably executed, and being glassed and framed, present an appropriate ornament to the room.  The arrangement of the photographs in the frame is very tasteful.  The Marshal occupies the centre position flanked by his deputies, while the members are arranged around in an elliptical (Sic. form.  By the way, a more efficient and gentlemanly set of men it would be hard to find than those constituting our police force.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 10, 1859 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Court House.—As this old structure is about to be demolished, those who may wish to keep alive the association and memories connected with it, had better procure a photographic image of it.  An excellent one has just been taken by Mr. A. M. McKenney, and copies can be procured at his rooms, 122 Middle street.

Albert M. McKenney is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Saco, Maine in 1855 and in Portland, Maine from 1858-1860.  I have not included advertisements after 1860 because the research is incomplete.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

McKenney & Scribner

Ambrotypes, , , ,

1855                86 Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

McKenney & Scribner (Albert M. McKenney & A. H. Scribner) were recorded in two advertisements (same advertisement in different newspapers).  The first advertisement ran from October 19 to November 16, 1855 in The Union and Eastern Journal (Biddeford, Maine). Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The second advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1855 in the Maine Democrat.  (Saco, Maine).  Ambrotypes.  Pictures On Glass By A. M. McKenney & Co.  The Ambrotype is one of the greatest improvements achieved in modern photography since the first discovery by Daguerre.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass and united to a corresponding one by an indestructible cement thus securing it in solid glass, as permanent as the silix itself.  The picture is not reversed, has none of the dazzling reflection of the Daguerreotype, is bold and clear in effect and unsurpassed in beauty and finish.  The Ambrotype May be set in monuments, carried to sea or otherwise exposed to weather, in any climate, and will resist the action of the elements and its brilliancy for ages.  They can be seen in any light as well as engravings, and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style and enlarged to any size.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens at our rooms.  No. 86 Factory Island, Saco.  A. M. McKenny.  A. H. Scribner.

The partnership of McKenney & Scribner is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Albert M. McKenney is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, a more complete record will be in tomorrow’s blog Oct. 19, 2022.