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McKenney & Bowers

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1852-1854                   6 Central Block, Biddeford, Maine.

McKenney & Bowers (Enoch H. McKenney & W. H. Bowers) were recorded in seven advertisements and one announcement. The first advertisement ran from February 3 to April 27, 1852 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  New And Splendid Daguerrian Rooms, Central Block, Biddeford.  McKenney & Bowers Respectfully announce to the public that they have just fitted up (without regard to cost) a Daguerrian Establishment inferior to none in New England.

With the Largest and best arranged Light of any Daguerrian Room in the State, and having procured an Instrument of the Largest Size, They are prepared to execute pictures Twice As Large as any hitherto made in Biddeford or Saco.

By means of this large and powerful Instrument, and with the aid of their immense light, they can execute Family Groups of any number, in a superb manner, on small or the largest sized plates.  In these days of mortality, heads of families should secure the likeness of every member of their family circle before it shall be broken by the rude hand of death.

McKenney & Bowers can now make pictures far superior to those of any other establishment in York County, and they throw their rooms open for public inspection and criticism, willing that a discerning public should judge whether they speak in a manner too boasting or to confident.  Their lng experience in the Daguerrian Art, and their new and not to be surpassed arrangements render it reasonable that they should excel, and they assure those who patronize them that they shall not leave their rooms dissatisfied with pictures or prices demanded.

Grateful for the past liberal patronage bestowed upon them, and more grateful for the many expressions of approval they have received, they respectfully invite a continuance of the=at patronage, as their whole object will be to please their customers.  E. H. McKenney, W. H. Bowers.  No. 6 Central Block.  Biddeford, Jan. 28, 1852.

The second advertisement ran from May 11, 1852 to March 29, 1853 in the Maine Democrat.  Daguerrian Rooms, Central Block, Biddeford.  McKenney & Bowers have the best arranged Daguerrian Establishment in the State, and with their Apparatus can take pictures of the largest size.  They are now executing exceedingly Fine Likenesses in Groups or Singly, And if better ones can be produced than they take, theirs will be given gratis.  The public are invited to call and examine for themselves.  Biddeford, April 1852.

The announcement appeared on October 12, 1852 in the Maine Democrat.  Cattle Show And Fair.  The annual Cattle Show and Fsir of the York County Agricultural Society took place in this town last Wednesday and Thursday…

On Manufactures.  Your committee having attended to the duties assigned, ask leave to report:…

E. J. Cole, Saco, Daguerreotypes, diploma and .50.

McKenney & Bowers, Biddeford, do.  Diploma.

The third advertisement ran from March 29 to November 1, 1853 in the Maine Democrat.  Something New!  McKenney & Bowers, Have obtained a quick instrument with which they can take Miniatures in much less time than ever before.  They would say to those having Children of which they would like to obtain Daguerreotypes, that they are now prepared to take them With little or no Difficulty.

They can also take perfect likenesses of the Sick at their residence with this instrument, it being so constructed as not to require so much light as those of any other kind.  Copying of all kinds done to perfection.

McKenney & Bowers take this opportunity to return their thanks to their friends and patrons for their liberal patronage, and respectfully solicit a continuance of the same.  Having a better light, larger and better instruments than can be found at any other establishment in this vicinity, they are able to make better Daguerreotypes.  All are invited to call whether they wish for Miniatures or not, and examine our specimens and facilities for making them and judge for themselves.  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6, Central Block, Biddeford, Me.

N. B.—E. H. McKenney, who was established in Biddeford, long before any of his neighbor artists took a Miniature in this vicinity, would have all understand that he is not connected with any other Saloon or other Daguerreian establishment in Saco or Biddeford, except the old Gallery in Central Block, where he may be found with additions and improvements.

The fourth advertisement ran from November 1, 1853 to April 4, 1854 in the Maine Democrat. 

McKenny & Bowers Daguerreotypes, No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford.  Rooms open daily for the reception of visitors.  Pictures taken of all sizes, and in any style desired, and warranted equal to the Best.

We have the largest and best collection of specimens to be found in this vicinity.  An examination of which will well pay for a visit to our Rooms.  Also, the best collection of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases.

Please call and examine specimens.  Don’t mistake the place McKenney & Bowers.

N. B.  It is with reluctance that we refer to the advertisement of a brother artist, but justice to ourselves prompt us to say, that the late County Fair the Highest Premium was awarded to our Daguerreotypes, and not to Mr. Cole’s as his advertisement leads people to suppose. 

The fifth advertisement ran from February 17 to April 14, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal (Biddeford, Maine).  McKenney & Bowers, Daguerreotypes!  No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford. Rooms open daily for the reception of visitors.  Pictures taken in all sizes and any style desired.  We have the largest and best collection of specimens to be seen in this vicinity.  Also, the best assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases, at the lowest prices. E. H. McKenney, W. T. Bowers.

Please call and examine specimens.  Don’t mistake the place.

The sixth advertisement ran from April 11 to May 9, 1854 in the Maine Democrat.  Stereoscopic Pictures!  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6, Central Block, Biddeford, Took and exhibited the first Stereoscopic Pictures that were taken in “York County,” And the are now informed that they are ready to furnish the above style of pictures, executed in the most perfect manner.

By the Stereoscopic two pictures of the same person are seen as one, appearing as large as life, and if properly taken are truly beautiful, almost cheating the beholder into the belief that he gazes upon a “Thing Of Life,” instead of a Picture.

Daguerreotypes, –Of All—Styles & Sizes, Taken in the most perfect manner.

Fine Gold Lockets!  Buy your Lockets of McKenney & Bowers if you want a better article than you can get for the same money at any other place.

Fancy Cases and Frames of every Description.  Call And See!  Call And See!

The Seventh advertisement ran from April 14, to May 5, 1854 in The Union and Eastern Journal.  Stereoscopic Pictures!!  McKenney & Bowers, No. 6 Central Block, Biddeford, Took And Exhibited The First Stereoscopic Picture!  That were taken in “Your County,” and the public are now informed that they are ready to furnish the above style of pictures, executed in the most perfect manner.

By the Stereoscope two pictures of the same person are seen as one, appearing as large as life; and if properly taken are truly beautiful, almost cheating the beholder into the belief that he gazes upon a “thing of Life,” instead of a picture.

Daguerreotypes Of All Styles And Sizes, Taken In The Most Perfect Manner, Fine Gold Lockets.

Buy your Lockets of McKenney & Bowers, if you want a better article than you can get for the same money at any other place.

Fancy Cases And Frames, Of Every Description.  Call And See!  Call and See!!

McKenney & Bowers are not recorded in other photographic directories as being in a partnership. Enoch H. McKenney is recorded by himself in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry Bowers is also recorded in Craig’s (without a first name) in the partnership of Macomber & Bowers.  I did blog W. T. Bowers on February 21, 2022.

McGrew

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms over Gale & Philipson s’ Store, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

McGrew was recorded in one advertisement on December 16, 1853 in the Cape Girardeau Eagle (Cape Girardeau, Missouri).  McGrew’s Daguerreotype Rooms, Up Stairs, Over Gale & Phillipsons’ Store.  Pictures taken in damp or cloudy weather.

Pictures taken in Lockets, breastpins or Finger-Rings.  Satisfaction given or No Charge.  Cape Girardeau, Oct. 21st, 1853.

McGrew is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Missouri.

J. M. McGrew

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

J. M. McGrew was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on April 11, 1857 in the Fort Smith Weekly Herald (Fort Smith, Arkansas).  J. M. McGrew, Melainotype, Ambrotype and Sperotype Artist, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Fort Smith and vicinity, that he will visit their city in a short time, for the purpose of taking likenesses in any of the above arts; and, as he has been engaged in the business for the last 10 years, he flatters himself that he can give entire satisfaction, and asks of all to give him an impartial trial, and then compare the likenesses taken by him,, with those taken by other artists, and judge for themselves.  Mar. 28. 

J. M. McGrew is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Note the date at the end of the advertisement Mar. 28, another advertisement for S. H. McGrew[1] ran from March 13 to 27, 1857 in the Arkansas Intelligencer Van Buren, Arkansas.  The distance between Van Buren and Fort Smith, Arkansas is 7.3 miles on modern roads.  It is unknown if they are the same person or possibly related.

[1] Also recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865, and in Arkansas Made a Survey of the Decorative, Mechanical, and Fine Arts produced in Arkansas, 1819-1870, Vol. 2.

Elbridge G. McElroy

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1847                Near Lower Mills, Dorchester, Massachusetts.[1]

1850                Brattle Square, over Whitney, Brackett & Co.’s. Store, Cambridge,                           Massachusetts.

1850-1851       Barker’s Building, Turnpike and Fourth Street, South Boston, Massachusetts.

1853                Park Street, near Harrison Square Depot, [Dorchester], Massachusetts.

1853                Near the Methodist Church, [Dorchester], Massachusetts.

1854                Near the Town Hall, [Dorchester], Massachusetts.

1856-1860       Address Unknown, Dorchester, Massachusetts.1

1865                Address Unknown, Cambridge, Massachusetts.1

Elbridge G. McElroy was recorded in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900, three advertisements and five announcements.  The first advertisement ran from February 1 to April 19, 1850 in the South Boston Gazette (Boston, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes!  If you want a good likeness of yourself or friends, please call at Barker’s Building, Turnpike street, where E. G. McElroy will be pleased to wait on you, and warrants a good likeness or no charge; having had long experience in the art, he is confident that he can execute pictures in as good style as can be obtained elsewhere,—cloudy weather no objection.

The second advertisement ran from May 9, 1850 to May 23, 1850 in the Cambridge Chronicle  (Cambridge, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes!!  E. G. McElroy.  Has taken rooms for a short time over Whitney, Brackett & Co’s. store, Brattle Square, Old Cambridge, for the purpose of taking Miniatures, having had long experience in the art, he is prepared to execute Likenesses in as good style as can be obtained elsewhere, all pictures taken in his rooms are warranted not to fade, to give good satisfaction, and taken equally in cloudy weather.

The first announcement appeared on February 22, 1851 in the South Boston Gazette.   McElroy, at his rooms corner of Turnpike and Fourth streets, is taking splendid miniatures.  Give him a call if you wish to be well served.

The second announcement appeared on April 26, 1851 in the South Boston Gazette.  We would call the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Mr. McElroy the Daguerreotype-man.  Just give him a call, and if you are not satisfied drop in at our sanctum and we’ll give you a quit-deed on our hat.  He informs us that he intends to remove before long, so if you want to get a picture, just walk up in double quick time.

The third advertisement ran from April 26 to May 3, 1851 in the South Boston Gazette. Daguerreotypes! At barker’s Building, Corner Turnpike and Fourth street, Only for a short time longer.

E. G. McElroy would respectfully inform the citizens of South Boston, that he is prepared, (having had long experience in the business,) to execute Pictures in every variety of style, warranted not to fade, to give good satisfaction, and taken equally well in cloudy weather.

Prices reasonable.

The third announcement appeared on April 2, 1853 in the South Boston Gazette & Dorchester Chronicle.  Daguerreotypes.  Those of our readers who would secure perfect pictures of themselves and friends, would do well to step in the saloon, of Mr. McElroy, located on Park street, near Harrison Square Depot.

The fourth announcement appeared on April 30, 1853 in the South Boston Gazette & Dorchester Chronicle.  Daguerreotype Saloon.  Now is your time, friends, of Port Norfolk, Neponset, Squantum, &c., for you to get perfect pictures of yourself and friends.  Mr. E. G. McElroy’s Saloon is stationed near the Methodist Church, and himself at home ready to greet you.

Mr. M. is one of the best artists in his profession out, and all may depend upon prompt and faithful attentions.

Go soon or you lose him.  All pictures warranted no to fade and to give entire satisfaction.  Price—one Dollar and upwards, according to the style.

The fifth announcement appeared on July 22, 1854 in the South Boston Gazette & Dorchester Chronicle.  Daguerreotypes.—Go, friends, to Mr. E. G. McElroy’s Saloon, near the Town Hall, and secure a perfect life-like picture of yourselves and friends.  There is a striking peculiarity about Mr. McElroy’s pictures—they are all very handsome.  Go quick or lose him.

Elbridge G. McElroy is recorded in other photographic directories, the newspapers help to fill in some of the gaps from the city, county,  regional  and state directories.

[1] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.  1847 identified as E. G. McEllery.

Willard McDaniel

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1858                Address Unknown, Derby, Vermont.

1858                Address Unknown, Barton, Vermont.

Willard McDaniel was recorded in one announcement that appeared on November 18, 1858 in the St. Albans Messenger (St. Albans, Vermont).  Counterfeiters.  Willard McDaniel, a daguerreotypist has been arrested at St. Johnsbury, on charges of passing several bills on the Andover and Worcester County Banks, which prove to be counterfeit.  He acknowledges the passing of them, but alleges he did not know them to be spurious, but took them for good money, in the way of his business at Derby and Barton.  He first passed one of these bills upon the conductor for his fare, then one each to Messrs. Cook & Horton on Railroad Street, and Boles & Lynch on the Plain.  In each case he bought some simple things and received his change in good money.  It was not known that they were counterfeit bills until taken to the Passumpsic Bank for exchange when the cashier at once pronounced them spurious; and the one who passed them was looked up and arrested before he left the place.  McDaniel is an unmarried man, about twenty four years old, and respectable connected.—Caledonian.

Willard McDaniel is not recorded in other photographic directories.

McClure

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1853                6 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

McClure was mentioned in one advertisement that appeared on October 17, 1853 in the New Orleans Daily Crescent (New Orleans, Louisiana).  Daguerreotypes.—The Daguerreotyping Saloon of Messrs. Dobbyns & Harrington, on the corner of Camp and Canal streets, are now in active operation under the superintendence of Mr. McClure, the acting Operator.  These rooms contain a large and well selected stock of materials for taking likenesses according to the most approve method, and the pictures taken give general satisfaction.  The operation is almost instantaneous, and the results in all cases a true type of the features, even to the slightest shades of expression.  The specimens exhibited at these rooms are of such a various character that a visit to them is equivalent to a stroll through an extensive picture gallery.  The operator, Mr. McClure, has brought the art of coloring the pictures to the nicest perfection, imparting a tint to the complexion exceedingly life-like, and in a manner always true to the reality.  Persons having relations and friends at a distance, or who wish to preserve the likenesses of those in whom they are interested, may here find a ready means for engraving their features on lasting materials, which are unchangeable, and which will not deteriorate through time.  Plates of every description may be obtained here, and on the most accommodating terms.  Strangers in the city should not fail to gratify their curiosity by paying these rooms a visit.

McClure is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Craig’s Daguerreian Register does list a J. S. McClure in Mobile, Alabama in 1859.  It is unknown if they are the same person at this time.

Samuel McCain

Ambrotypes, ,

1856                Main Street, Eaton, Ohio.

Samuel McCain was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on December 19, 1856 in the Eaton Democrat (Eaton, Ohio).   Ambrotypes!  At the old stand on Main street in the room formerly occupied by Stratton.  Samuel McClain Would respectfully inform his friends and the “rest of mankind,” that he has now completely renovated and refurnished the above establishment, and is prepared with the aid of a splendid Sky-Light, to take the very highest style of the art, those beautiful pictures upon fine plate glass, known as Ambrotypes, A picture in many respects superior to the Daguerreotype, from the fact that it is void of metallic glare and can be seen in any light.

All who wish to procure a really fine picture are assured of being able to do so by calling as above.  Pictures taken at all hours in the day, and in all kinds of weather. 

Instructions given and Apparatus furnished to those wishing to engage in the business.  Eaton, Dec. 11, 1856.

Samuel McCain is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Eaton, Ohio in 1860. Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 records Samuel McCain as being active in 1850 and again in 1860 to 1873.

P. B. Marvin

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850-1857       116 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

P. B. Marvin was recorded in four advertisements and two announcements in several newspapers.  The first advertisement appeared on September 18, 1850 in the Public Ledger  (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  Notice—P. B. Marvin having this day leased the old established Daguerreotype Rooms, 116 Chestnut Street, (Myron Shew’s late T. B. Shew’s,) respectfully [shouts] of the old friends and patrons, a continuance of their patronage.

The second advertisement also appeared on September 18, 1850 in the Public Ledger. Daguerreotypes—At 116 Chestnut street you can get a perfect Picture, set in a morocco case, for One Dollar.  Please call and examine Specimens.

The first announcement appeared on September 29, 1850 in the Sunday Dispatch (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  The Committee Of Thirteen who proposed the compromise bill in the Senate, are to be daguerreotyped by P. B. Marvin, 116 Chestnut, next door to Roussel’s.  Marvin takes fine pictures; he has a superior apparatus, is endowed with a natural artistic taste, and cannot fail to present a portrait in a pleasing and fascinating style.  The committee of thirteen will do well to go to Marvin; meanwhile he will take the portraits of all our readers.

The third advertisement ran from October 9, 1850 to January 29, 1851 in The Lancaster Examiner (Lancaster, Pennsylvania).  Daguerreotype Rooms.  P. B. Marvin, successor to T. B. Shew at the Old Establishment.  No. 116 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.  Where he has been for several years the Principal Operator, would invite its old friends and patrons and the public generally to call and see the pictures made by him for One Dollar.  He asserts, without fear of contradiction, that his pictures are equal to any of the high priced pictures made in this city, and superior to any of the cheap ones.

As Mr. Marvin attends to customers in person, he is determined that no one shall go away dissatisfied.

If you want good Daguerreotypes, wait until you come to the city.

Instructions In The Art given on reasonable terms.  Those wishing for instruction are requested to call on the Subscriber, as he is prepared to offer them some extra inducements.  P. M. Marvin.

No. 116 Chestnut st., Philadel’a.

The second announcement appeared on January 13, 1854 in the Philadelphia Inquirer  (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania).  City Notice.  We met a droll looking man and woman in the street, those who are ugly enough at times, one would think, to break every looking glass into which they may look.  Yet who ever sees a picture of a downright homely person?  It seems very clear that none but at least tolerably good looking folks sit for their pictures.  Certainly all the daguerreotypes taken, are taken of anything but frights, though at times the operators make very good looking people near neighbors to frights.  We presume there is no city in the Union, which a larger number of unskillful daguerreotypist than Philadelphia; while there is also no city which can boast of better operators with the Camera.  One of these last, is eminently our young friend Marvin, No. 116 Chestnut street, over Adam & Co.’s Express.  If any one of our readers doubts this, let him give Marvin a call, and examine his works.  He takes pictures from one dollar upwards.

The fourth advertisement was recorded from March 22 to June 28, 1854 in the Delaware Herald  (Smyrna, Delaware).  Daguerreotypes:  Chemically Colored.  A New Discovery! P. B. Marvin’s Daguerrean Rooms, 116 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, (over Adams & Co’s. Office.)  A New style of Chemically Colored Pictures, resembling Miniatures on Ivory; combining the brilliancy and accuracy of the Daguerreotype, with the beautiful and life-like effect of color, rendering them the most desirable and beautiful style of Portraits ever made.  Persons visiting the city, whether they want Pictures or not, should not fail to call and see these unique and superior productions; and is any should want pictures, they may rest assured that no pains will be spared to give them the best, and at low rates.

If you want a good Likeness, wait till you come to the city.

Mr. Marvin uses none but the best materials, waits on you in person, and puts up pictures in fine Morocco Cases for One Dollar; Large Family Groups taken at equally low prices.

Instructions given the art on reasonable terms.  Nov. 30, 1853.

P. B. Marvin is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Philadelphia from 1852 to 1857.  I have only done a cursory search of the Philadelphia Newspapers, in one website there are one hundred and forty newspapers published in Philadelphia, of that number thirty four newspapers fall into the parameters and scope of the project.  In another website, there are only twenty-two Philadelphia papers with three having issues between 1839-1860, of the three two are duplicated in the first site leaving one paper to go through. The third site records thirteen newspapers published in Philadelphia, with none fitting the parameters.

S. B. Martin

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Rooms with Dr. Cutliff, Shreveport, Louisiana.

S. B. Martin was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The South-Western  (Shreveport, Louisiana).  The announcement appeared on February 6, 1856. Those wishing to procure daguerreotypes, of a superior order, are referred to the advertisement of Mr. Martin.  He has taken many fine pictures.

The advertisement ran from February 6 to March 5, 1856.  S. B. Martin, Daguerreotypist, Has taken rooms with Dr. Cutliff, where he is well prepared to furnish likenesses in a superior style, put up in stereoscopic, magnifying or common cases, single or in groups.  Also in lockets, pins, rings, &c.  Paintings, daguerreotypes, etc., correctly copied.—Taken in any weather and in a manner never surpassed here or elsewhere.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

Instruction given in the art.   

S. B. Martin is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a S. B. Martin in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1853,it is unknown if they are the same person.           

Martin & Locke

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                First building west of the Congregational Church, Litchfield, Connecticut.

Martin & Locke were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Litchfield, Enquirer (Litchfield, Connecticut).  The announcement appeared on June 3, 1847. Daguerreotypes.—We cordially invite the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Messrs. Martin & Locke, Daguerreotypist, 1st door west of the Congregational Church.  All who desire to obtain elegant and correct miniatures of themselves or their friends, will do well to avail themselves of the opportunity now presented.  A far mor exact likeness can now be obtained for $2, than could have been procured for $30 ten years ago.

The advertisement ran from June 3 to 24, 1847.  Colored Photographic Likenesses.  Messrs. Martin & Locke Will remain in this place for a short time, and will execute Photographic Likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, in a superior stye, possessing all the Colors of Life and guaranteed to give satisfaction.

Having made themselves acquainted with all the latest improvements in the Art, they are prepared (with the use of a different and superior article of Chemicals and gilding, by which, the impression receives a perfectly clear and natural appearance, and is made permanent upon the plate,) to do work which shall compare with any done in the cities.  Our mode of operating being the same as that of the principal Galleries in New York and Boston, and entirely different from those who preceded us. 

They would say to those who have pictures taken by the old method which are either faded out, or unlifelike in color, &c., that they will take them in Exchange For New Ones, or find a new plate and put them up into the cases at reasonable prices.

Groups of from two to six taken with all the distinctness of a single picture.

Likenesses of children taken with much success.  Also, Likenesses taken from Family Portraits which look more natural and lifelike than the Painting.

Ladies and Gentlemen are solicited to call and examine specimens, and sit for their Likenesses, if they choose, by way of experiment.

Likenesses taken in all kinds of weather.  Rooms 1st building west of the Congregational Church.

Martin & Locke (first names unknown) are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Litchfield, Connecticut.