Category Archives: Ambrotypes

Leroy Hancock

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

Pre-1853         Corner Lackawanna & Penn, Honesdale, Pennsylvania.[1]

1854-1860       Near the Depot, Scranton, Pennsylvania.1                 

Leroy Hancock was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on July 25, 1856 in the Pittston Gazette (Pittston, Pennsylvania).  Ambrotypes!  Daguerreotypes, Hylotypes, and the Crayon Pictures, in a superior manner, and of the last styles, taken at Hancock’s Gallery, Scranton, Pa.  N. B.—Always at home.  May 9, 1856.

Leroy Hancock is recorded in Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900.

[1] Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900.

J. Winslow Hacker

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Barnstable, Massachusetts.[1]

1856                Address Unknown, Hyannis, Massachusetts.1

1856                Address Unknown, West Dennis, Massachusetts.1

1856                Address Unknown, Chatham, Massachusetts1

1857                Address Unknown, West Barnstable, Massachusetts.1

1857                Address Unknown, Sandwich, Massachusetts.1

1859                Address Unknown, Pike Peak, Colorado.1

J. Winslow Hacker the information below come from nine broadsides in Harvey Zucker’s Collection.  The first has N. D.  Daguerreotypes For One Dollar! Can be had at J. W. Hacker’s Splendid Saloon, For a short time only, as he will remain in town about two weeks, to accommodate those that are in want of a good Daguerreotype.  Having had long experience and constant practice with one of the best operators in the N. E. States, he deems it no arrogance to assert that Pictures taken by him for distinctness of outline, clearness of the eyes, and artistical arrangement of position, which is so indispensable to a really valuable Daguerreotype, contrast favorably with those hard and flat Pictures formerly produced, and which are now so often palmed upon the unsuspecting public.—All that wish to obtain a true likeness of themselves, or friends, are invited to call and examine, for the best guarrantee of the superority of his Pictures is an examination of his work.

Saloon open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.

Pictures taken equally as well, either in clear or cloudy weather.

P. S. A large assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases constantly on hand, and for sale as cheap as can be purchased in Boston.

N. B. This Saloon is located near the Patriot Office.

The second is dated April 1856.  J. W. Hacker, Would, while returning thanks to his friends and the public, inform them that he will remain One Week Longer, To accommodate those that are in want of a Picture Taken by Him.  The best guarantee of the superiority of his work, is an examination of his Pictures.  Please call and compare them with those taken by other operators.

Having just received a good assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases,

He would invite all that are wishing to purchase Gold Lockets to call and examine his before purchasing elsewhere.

Rooms open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.  Small Children, from 10 A. M. until 2 P. M.

P. S.—Pictures taken equally well either in clear or cloudy weather

N. B.—Remember that he closes his Saloon Saturday, May 3d, and will remove to Barnstable 

The third is dated July 25, 1856.  Notice! Notice!  The subscriber, grateful for the liberal patronage he has received, would respectfully inform his friends and the public that he has re-opened his Saloon, and will remain but a short time to accommodate those that are in want of good Pictures.

His work needs no recommendation.  Call and see.  He will take nice pictures which he will warrant to give satisfaction, for the low price on one dollar.

N. B.  Having received a new assortment of Cases of all kinds, he would invite all to call immediately, as his time is limited.

Rooms open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.

Small Children from 10 A. M. to 3 P. M.  J. W. Hacker.  Hyannis, July 25th, 1856.

The fourth broadsided is dated September 1856.  Rare Chance To Get Good Pictures!  J. W. Hacker, Would, in returning thanks to his friends and the public for their past liberal patronage, inform them that he will stop Two Weeks At West Dennis, (Near the Meeting House,) to accommodate those who are desirous of obtaining a good Daguerreotype.

He deems it unnecessary to call the attention of the public to the many recommendations which he has received, but would invite them to an examination of his work, which is the best guarantee of the superiority of his Pictures.

P. S.—Remember that he closes his Saloon at West Dennis Sept. 27th.

Saloon open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.  Small Children from 10 A. M. until 2 P. M.

A good assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases on hand.

The fifth broadside is dated November 1856.  One week Only.  J. W. Hacker, Would while returning thanks to his friends and the public for their past liberal patronage, inform them that he will remain One Week longer Only, To Accommodate Those That Are In Want Of Good Pictures.

Surprising art, by which we lend,

Our countenance to an absent friend,

Or at the close of life’s eventful career,

Leave a memento for those we hold dear.

Next Thursday will be Thanksgiving Day,

Some meet for sport and others to pray,

But Hacker will his favorite art pursue,

To save the shadow of the noble crew.

For a holiday gift of all the rest,

A type of yourself is surely the best;

Then hie for Hacker’s Daguerrean Saloon,

And get your Picture in a Case or Locket fine.

Rooms open from 9 A. M., until 4 P. M.

P. S.  Pictures taken equally well either in clear or cloudy weather.

The best guarantee of the superiority of his work, is an examination of his pictures.  N. B.  Remember that he closes his Saloon Saturday the 29th, and moves to Chatham, Monday, December 1st.

The sixth broadside is dated April 1857.  A Good chance To get Pictures taken equally as well as those taken by the best Artist in the city.

J. W. Hacker, Would inform his friends and the public of West Barnstable, that he has located his Saloon Near the Depot, where he will remain Two Weeks Only, to accommodate those that are in want of Pictures taken by him.

Having had long experience and constant practice with one of the best operators in the New England States, he deems it no arrogance to assert that Pictures taken by him for distinctness of outline, clearness of the eyes, and the artistical arrangement of position, which is so indispensable to a really valuable Daguerreotype, contrast favorably with those hard and flat Pictures formerly produced and which are now so often palmed upon the unsuspecting public.

All that wish to obtain a true likeness of themselves or friends are invited to call and examine specimens, for he feels confident that a close examination of his Pictures will satisfy the most incredulous of the superiority of his work.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  Call soon, as he positively closes the 11th of April.

Rooms open from 9 A. M. ‘till 5 P. M.

Pictures taken equally well either in clear or cloudy weather, a good assortment of Fancy Cases & Gold Lockets on hand.

An early call is solicited.

The seventh broadside is dated April 15, 1857.  Hacker Is in Town! With his Splendid Saloon, and will remain Two Weeks Only, to accommodate those that are in want of a good Pictures.—Mr. Hacker would while returning thanks to his friends and the public for their past liberal patronage, inform them that this is positively the last chance to get pictures taken by him, as this is his last stopping place on the Cape.

P. S.  Pictures taken for the low price of 75 cts. And upwards, including case.  His work needs no recommendations; but call and see for yourself.  Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  An early call is solicited, as his time is limited to two weeks only, closing Thursday, April 30th,

Rooms open from 9 A. M., until 5 P. M.  Pictures taken in clear or cloudy weather.

A good assortment of Fancy Cases & Gold Lockets For sale cheap, as he is selling out.

Sandwich, April 15, 1857.

The eighth broadside is dated April 1859.  Pike’s Peak.  By a letter just received from Kansas I am correctly informed that the best Gold Diggings are on the Cherry Creek, and the best route is by way of Ft. Riley; and up the smokey Hill River.

All who are anxious to go would do well to call and get their Pictures taken as mementoes for their friends.  Mr. Hacker having had eight years experience, and constant practice, with some of the best operators in New England, such as Masury & Silsbee, Ormsby & Ells [sic.] (Ellis) of Boston, and Manchester & Bro., Providence R. I., feels it no arrogance to assert that pictures taken by him, for distinction of outline, depth and purity of tone and artistical arrangement of position which is so indispensible to a really valuable Portrait, cannot be surpassed by any in the States.

Prices—Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Ferreotypes, Papyrotypes, Ambrotypes, and Patent Leather Pictures, from 25 cents upwards.

Daguerreotypes $1.25, and upwards; Photographs $3.00 and upwards, for first copy.  Duplicates furnished at reduced prices.  Fancy cases and Gold Lockets on hand.

N. B.  Remember, that hacker leaves here the first of May, and will positively close April 30th 1859.

J. Winslow Hacker is not recorded in other photographic directories.  According to the genealogy provide by Harvey.  J. Winslow Hacker learned daguerreotyping from his brother Francis Hacker on Cape Cod.

[1] Broadsides from Harvey Zucker’s collection.

John Gum

Ambrotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, El Dorado, Arkansas.

John Gum was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on August 23, 1856 in The Democratic Union (El Dorado, Arkansas).  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes!  The undersigned begs leave to inform the citizens of this place, and vicinity that he has opened rooms in this place, for the purpose of taking those fine, soft, distinct, and truthful miniatures, called Ambrotypes; which are far better than daguerreotypes, for many reasons, viz:  They can be seen in any light, they are not reversed, they have none of the glare of the old Daguerreotype plate, and they never fade.  Parents may now bring their children with absolute certainty of getting a fine picture, as by this new process pictures are taken almost instantly.  No inferior pictures will go out of the rooms, if left to the judgement of the artist.  All persons wishing this new style of never fading pictures, are requested to call soon, as my stay in this place is limited to a very short time.  Rooms open from eight to five o’clock.  John Gum.  Eldorado, Aug. 8, 1856.

John Gum is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a J. W. Gunn who was active in New Orleans, Louisiana C. 1850’s exact date unknown.  In Pioneer Photographers from the Mississippi to the Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary 1839-1865 by Palmquist & Kailbourn record him as being in New Orleans c. 1858, and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1858.  It is unknown if they are the same person at this time.

D. W. Grout

Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , , , , ,

1854                Rooms opposite the Ingersoll Block, Pulaski, New York.

1857                Address Unknown, Pulaski, New York.

1859                Address Unknown, Pulaski, New York.                                                                                

D. W. Grout was recorded in Six advertisements and two announcements in The Pulaski Democrat (Pulaski, New York).  The first advertisement was recorded on July 28, 1853.  Plain and Fancy Harness, which he sells on better terms considering quality, than can be bought in the County, also Bridles, Halters, Trunks, Whips, Lashes, Harness and Carriage Trimmings, Saddlers Silk, and all other articles usually kept in this line of business.

Particular attention paid to repairing, cleaning and oiling harnesses.  Please call before purchasing.  D. W. Grout.  Shop next door to Angell& Seeley’s Store.

The first announcement appeared on January 12, 1854.  We learn that Mr. Tucker has bought the stock of Mr. Grout, harness maker, in this village, the latter retiring from the business.

The second advertisement ran from September 28 to December 28, 1854.  Daguerrean Rooms.  The Subscriber would return thanks to the public for the liberal patronage extended to him since engaging n the Daguerrean business in this place, and hopes for a continuance of the same.  He has just returned from below with a large and choice variety of Beautiful Frames. Morocco, Velvet, Union, Silver plated and Paper Mache Cases, and an Improved Large Sized Instrument which together with the facilities his rooms possess in light and apparatus will enable him to conduct the business to the satisfaction of all.

Pictures of all sizes taken and inserted in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets or any style of Cases.  Old pictures retaken at a slight expense. Likenesses of sick or deceased persons, taken at their residences if desired, at reasonable prices.

Ladies visiting rooms for a picture, if desiring dark drapery should wear black, red, maroon, yellow, Crimson, dark green or brown.  If desiring light drapery, they should wear white, blue, pink, light green or drab.  Good pictures warranted in all cases.

Rooms opposite the Ingersoll Block, Pulaski.  September 21st. 1854.  D. W. Grout.

The third advertisement ran from October 15 to November 19, 1857.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes & Daguerreotypes.  D. W. Grout, Having re-opened his Rooms and arranged things in taking order, will be found on hand at all times ready to wait on those wishing a first-class picture of themselves, family or friends, in any of the modern styles.

Children’s pictures taken in from 1 to 3 seconds between the hours of 10 A. M.to 2 P. M. only

Old pictures copied and improved.  Ambrotypes of residences or other out-door views made to order.  Always on hand a splendid assortment of cases and frames of every style.  Particular attention called to his gilt and plain frames for wall pictures. 

N. B.—20 per cent discount to parties or families of 5 or over.  Those desiring rich dark drapery should avoid in dress an excess of white, pink or light blue.

Rooms openfrom8 A. M.to 5 P.M. and pictures made at all times without regard to weather. 

Satisfaction given in all cases and charges reasonable.  D. W. Grout.

The fourth advertisement ran from January 6 to February 17, 1859.  “Not for a day, but for all time.”  Do you know you can get one of Gout’s superb double glass pictures for 4 shillings at the same price you pay for a worthless imitation?

Having just returned from New York with an assortment of cases comprising over one hundred different styles, sizes and patterns, varying in prices , with pictures, from four shilling to $5.

I would solicit a continuation of the patronage heretofore so liberally bestowed, feeling confident that I can suit the most fastidious, bout in pictures and settings. 

N.B.  Operators supplied with stock of all kinds.  D. W. Grout.  Pulaski, Oct. 14, 1858.

The fifth advertisement ran from January 6 to December 28, 1859.  D. W. Grout, Daguerrean Artists, Pulaski, N. Y.  Lockets, Cases, Frames, &c. of all styles, always on hand. Pictures unsurpassed.

The sixth advertisement ran from March 10 to December 29, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures! The Subscriber has just received an addition to his stock, which comprises all the Latest Styles Of Cases, and everything pertaining to the Picture trade. By keeping posted in all the improvements in the art, I am enabled to give my patrons the benefit of any Real Improvements that may be made, having three different sizes of Quick Working Cameras.

Perfect Pictures in every known Style, Variety, and Size can be made on short notice, and with a beauty of tone and sharpness of outline unsurpassed.

N. B.  The subscriber does not propose to e undersold by anything in this vicinity.

Artists materials and stock of all kinds at New York prices.

For sale, a daguerrean Car—will be sold for half its value. D. W. Grout.

The second announcement appeared on April 28, 1859.  New Office.—We understand that Chas. H. Cross, Esq., will immediately commence the erection of a new brick office, on the present site of Grout’s Daguerrean Saloon, which will soon occupy the second story of the new structure.

D. W. Grout is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a D. W. Gront who was active in Pulaski and Richland, New York in 1859.  They are probably the same person.

C. A. Griffin

Ambrotypes, ,

1858-1859       36 Munroe Street, Wheeling, Virginia.

C. A. Griffin was recorded in two advertisements in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer  (Wheeling, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from April 1 to 14, 1858.  Ambrotypes Which Cannot Be Surpassed, Ambrotypes Warranted To Please.  Ambrotypes Giving The Natural Color.  Pictures on Paper, Sheet Iron, Patent Leather, &c.  At The City Gallery Of Art, 36 Munroe Street, C. A. Griffin, Artist.

The second advertisement ran from April 20, 1858 to April 20, 1859.  Ambrotypes Which Cannot Be Surpassed, Ambrotypes Warranted To Please.  Ambrotypes Giving The Natural Color.  Pictures on Paper, Sheet Iron, Patent Leather, &c.  Taken in any weather equal to any in the city At The City Gallery Of Art, 36 Munroe Street, C. A. Griffin, Artist.

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

Thomas J. Gray

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Franklin Mills (Kent), Ohio.

Thomas J. Gray was recorded in one advertisement that ran on June 11 & 18, 1857 in The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  Thos. J. Grey, Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, Photograph and Sphereotype Artist, Franklin Mills, Ohio.  Is taking every known kind of likenesses in the most superior style of the art.  Particular attention is called to my Sphereotype specimens, also to my pictures on Patent Leather.  Persons wishing Likenesses of themselves or friends are invited to call and examine my specimens, at the Car, before going elsewhere.  First premium awarded at the Geauga County Fair, over all competition.  Franklin.

Thomas J. Gray is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles Graver

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857-1858       Address Unknown, Plaquemine, Louisiana.

Charles Graver was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Southern Sentinel (Plaquemine, Louisiana).  The announcement appeared on December 12, 1857. 

Ambrotyping.—It will be seen by the card of Mr. Graver that he has arrived in our town, and proposes introducing our citizens to his beautiful art of Crystalographing and Ambrotyping.  Those who have not yet taken advantage of this beautiful art to perpetuate their own or the features of those whom they love, should not lose the present opportunity.  Mr. G. guarantees that his pictures cannot be surpassed; and he speaks with confidence which gives surety that he is a perfect master of his art.  See his card.

The advertisement ran from December 12, 1857 to January 13, 1858.  Crystalographs and Ambrotypes!  Charles Graver Has the honor to inform the citizens of Plaquemine and vicinity that he has arrived for the purpose of submitting to their respectful notice his peculiar style of taking those beautiful, mellow toned and everlasting images called Crystalographs and Ambrotypes!

The Crystalograph is a positive Photographic image, taken on glass.  It possesses a boldness of relief, a softness, a commingling of light and shade, a distinctness and delicacy of tone, which eclipses every other kind of sun drawn picture.

Any lady or gentleman having in their possession pictures taken in New Orleans, the Northern States or elsewhere, are urgently requested to bring them up to the Gallery for comparison, and if I cannot produce a picture which, for striking resemblance, elegance of position, pure natural flesh color, nice gradation of light and shade and harmony of tone, infinitely surpassing the specimen brought, no charge will be made.

All lovers of the beautiful in the Fine Arts are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens, whether they wish pictures or not.

Black silk or plaid dresses preferable to all others.

When a family is taken a large deduction will be made.      

Crystalograph copies taken from Daguerreotypes, and improved on the original.

Equally fine pictures taken in cloudy as in fine weather.

Other operators’ pictures taken over at a very low figure.

Prices varying from $2.50 to $5.00.

Parties anxious to secure pictures which cannot be excelled by Any in the United States or in Europe, are requested to call immediately, as the operator’s stay is very limited.    

Charles Graver is not recorded in other photographic directories.

M. G. Gilpatrics

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                New Building, Over Jewelry Store and Clothing Store, Groton Junction, Massachusetts.

M. G. Gilpatrics was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 29 to December 29,  1859 in the  Railroad Mercury (Groton, Massachusetts).  New Ambrotype Rooms, In the New Building, over the Jewelry Store and Clothing Store, opposite the Depots, Groton Junction, Ms. M. G. Gilpatrics.  Ambrotype And Melaneotypes Rooms.  Particular attention paid to copying and taking likenesses of sick and deceased persons.

M. G. Gilpatrics is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Gillies & Johnson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1859                156 Bowery, New York, New York.

Gillies & Johnson (Gillies & John H. Johnson) were recorded in three advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on October 9, 1859.  Draw The Conclusion.–$5,000 Rent For A First class gallery in Broadway; $800 for the same class gallery in the Bowery; go, then, to the Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, four doors from Broome street, for your pictures.  Photographs $1 and upwards.  Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes, 50 cents and upwards.  This is the most extensive and best fitted up gallery on Bowery.  Gillies & Johnson, proprietors.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The second advertisement appeared on November 6, 1859. Holyday Gifts.–Go to The Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, for your pictures, Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents (and) upwards. This is the largest and best fitted up gallery on the Bowery. Gillies & Johnson. N. B.–Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The third advertisement appeared on November 16, 1859.  Holiday Gifts.—Get Your Pictures Taken At 156 Bowery.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents and upwards.  Gillies & Johnson.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

Gillies is not recorded in other photographic directories, nor is the partnership of Gillies & Johnson.  John H. Johnson is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1860 at 156 Bowery address.  What is possibly new information is that Johnson worked for Gurney since ca. 1851.

L. J. Gildersleeve

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1858-1859       Address Unknown, Fayetteville, Tennessee.

L. J. Gildersleeve was recorded in two advertisements in the Fayetteville Observer Fayetteville, Tennessee.  Both advertisement were recorded eight time between December 23, 1858 and April 21, 1859.  Christmas Coming.  And with it a great variety of fancies and fineries suitable for gifts for the occasion, such as fine Jewelry, Silver Ware, fancy China Pictures, and fancy and toilet Goods generally, all of which may be had at Gildersleeve’s at low prices.

We are, also prepared to furnish the patent Ambrotype—the finest and most durable picture made—to those who may wish to give a copy of their pretty faces as a memorial to particular friends.  We are the only party in this part of the State in possession of the process, and having the right to use it.

We also take the plain Ambrotype and Melainotype at low-prices.

Particular attention given to work on Watches and every description of Time Pieces.  A great variety of Clocks for sale very low.

Pictures!  Pictures!  Patent Ambrotypes!  L. J. Gildersleeve Has made arrangements with the owners of the right of the process in this State, for taking these inimitable pictures, and is now prepared to furnish all who may wish really fine and durable pictures in style unsurpassed.  Pictures by this process have never been taken in this part of the country, as it is known only to the patentees and their assignees.  They are unequalled by any other.—Rooms in connection with the Jewelry Store.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.

L. J. Gildersleeve is not recorded in other photographic directories.