Category Archives: Ambrotypes

Davis Brothers

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1858-1859       8 Daniel Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

1858-1859       40 Water Street, Exeter, New Hampshire.

Davis Brothers (Charles & Lewis G.) were recorded in three advertisements and one announcement.  The first advertisement ran from July 26, 1858 to January 31, 1859 in the Exeter News Letter and Rockingham Advertiser (Exeter, New Hampshire).  Photographs & Ambrotypes The Davis Brothers having opened a first Class Photograph Gallery at No. 8, Daniel Street, are prepared to execute all kinds of Photographic Pictures in a style that cannot be excelled in this country.  Photographs life size colored or plain, made from old Daguerreotypes of any size.  Having also the Patent Ambrotype Right, particular attention will be made to this branch of the business, and every variety of Cases kept for sale.

We have the best Instrument to be procured and facilities for the prosecution of our business such as cannot be enjoyed by travelling or country artists.

Davis Brothers, No. 8 Daniel Street, Portsmouth, N. H.

The second advertisement ran from August 7, 1858 to December 17, 1859 In The Portsmouth Journal Of Literature & Politics (Portsmouth, New Hampshire).  Photographs.  We are now prepared to execute these Pictures in a style rarely equaled and never excelled in this country.

Life size Pictures taken in oil or water colors.—Pictures of any required size copied from old Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes.

These Pictures are made by an entirely new process and when finished resembles a fine steel engraving.—The muddy and spotted appearance so often noticed in the Photograph is entirely avoided.

Particular attention paid to Ambrotyping , and all work warranted.  Davis Brothers.  No. 3 Daniel Street, Portsmouth.

The third advertisement ran from January 31 to December 26, 1859 in the Exeter News Letter and Rockingham Advertiser (Exeter, New Hampshire).  Photographs.  Mr. Chas. Davis, of the firm of Davis Bro’s, would inform the citizens of Exeter and vicinity that he has taken rooms at No. 40 Water St., over the store of John L. Lovering, where he is prepared to execute all kinds of Photographic Pictures, in a manner which cannot be surpassed.  Photographs taken of any required size, and colored in oil or water colors.  Ambrotypes, Malenatypes and every other invented picture, made and warranted, at fair prices.

Particular attention paid to copying old Daguerreotypes.  And those having pictures of deceased friends, he would say that, you can have a nice large Photograph, suitable for Framing, taken from the smallest Daguerreotype.  Also, Particular attention paid to Photographing Residences, &c

Every variety of Cases and Frames constantly on hand and for sale cheap.

The public are generally invited to call and examine Specimens.  Remember the No. 40 Water Street, Exeter, N. H.

The announcement appeared on October 3, 1859 in the Exeter News Letter and Rockingham Advertiser (Exeter, New Hampshire).  The Rockingham Fair…Entries in Town Hall.  Needle Work And Fancy Articles…T. E. Boutelle, Exeter, display of photographs and ambrotypes….Davis Brothers, ambrotypes and Photographs.  Premiums On Fancy Articles…Photographs  Davis & Brothers, Exeter, Ambrotypes,  1.00.

The Committee on Needle Work and Miscellaneous articles, have attended to the duty assigned them and report that they have awarded all the money allowed them, but have obliged to pass by a part of the contributions worthy on notice.  Among many others, we especially remember the following…T. E. Boutelle, display of Photographs and Ambrotypes…

Davis Brothers are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Exeter, New Hampshire.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record Lewis G. Davis as being active in Portsmouth in 1860-1861.

Junius Darrow

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Bethel, Connecticut.

Junius Darrow was recorded in one advertisement that ran on March 25 & 26, 1856 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Ambrotype Saloon For Sale, On Account Off ill health—The subscriber offers for sale a fine traveling ambrotype saloon, eight by twenty feet, with large sky and side lights; will be sold with or without ambrotype and daguerreotype apparatus.  The establishment can be seen in operation at this village for a short time.  Address Junius Darrow, Bethel, Ct.

Junius Darrow is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is unknown where he traveled to or for how long he worked.

Anthony B. Crockett

Ambrotypes, ,

1857-1859       Rooms Next Door to the Post Office, Norway Village, Maine.

Anthony B. Crockett  was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Oxford Democrat (Paris, Maine).  The announcement appeared on December 11, 1857.  Ambrotypes.  We would invite the attention of our readers to the advertisement of Mr. A. B. Crockett, of Norway.  Of his success in taking likenesses, we have little knowledge; but we have examined some views taken by him from the cupola of the Academy, in this village, which possessed more than ordinary excellence.

The advertisement ran from December 11, 1857 to December 30, 1859.  Ambrotypes!  The Best Place For the People in this Vicinity to get a Good. Picture,—Is At—Crockett’s Rooms, (Next door to the Post Office,) Norway Village, Maine.  Having good rooms, good light; good materials, and long experience, he will give you a good picture for a fair price, and warranted.

All other kinds of pictures taken. At prices corresponding to their merit.

Anthony B. Crockett is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Norway, Maine in 1860.

M. A. Cooper

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1859                Masonic Hall, Alexandria, Louisiana.

M. A. Cooper was recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 13 to August 24, 1859 in  The Louisiana Democrat (Alexandria, Louisiana).  Pictures!  Pictures!!  The undersigned would respectfully inform the citizens of Alexandria and vicinity, that he will remain a short time with them for the purpose of taking Ambrotypes, and Melainotypes, &c.; they can be taken equally as well in cloudy as clear weather, and set in Cases, Breast-pins, Ear-rings, &c.  His pictures need but to be seen to be admired.  They speak for themselves.  Those wishing a handsomely colored Picture of themselves, or friends, should govern themselves accordingly.  His Gallery is in Masonic Hall.  The Public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  M. A. Cooper.  may11.

M. A. Cooper is not recorded as being active in Alexandria, Louisiana. 

Cooke & Allen

Ambrotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, Newark, New Jersey.

Cooke & Allen were recorded in one advertisement that appeared on January 9, 1856 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Daguerreotypers And Others.—The Subscribers’, ambrotypers, will communicate the Philadelphia process of ambrotyping to those who may desire it, on the receipt of $5, directed to Cooke & Allen, box 990 Post office, Newark, N. J.  The only process that can be used without staining, and with greater facility than the daguerreotype.

Cooke & Allen are not recorded in other photographic directories as being in a partnership, without first names associated with the advertisement its difficult to identify them.  A quick cursory look at the Newark, New Jersey newspapers did not provide additional information.

E. M. Collins

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1857                Car opposite the Seneca County Bank, Tiffin, Ohio.

1857                Rooms on Commercial Row, over St. John’s Drug Store, Tiffin, Ohio.

1857-1858       Rooms in Singer’s Old Block, Tiffin, Ohio.

1858                Rooms Singers Block, opposite the Court House, Tiffin, Ohio.

E. M. Collins was recorded in five announcements and four advertisements in The Tiffin Tribune  (Tiffin, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on April 3, 1857.  Ambrotypes.  We would again call the attention to those beautiful Ambrotypes taken by our young artist friend, E. M. Collins in his car.  Mr. C. is a proficient in the process by taking pictures, and eminently deserving the patronage of the public.

Ambrotypes, oh!  What delight,

To gaze upon its work of light!

How high the polish, pure the tone;

And every face is Nature’s own.

Sure, never art, with all its skill

The soul with such delight could fill;

And never was such transport won,

As by these pictures from the sun,

Which on the glass imprints the face

With every line, and shade and grace,

Till we admit with throbbing heart,

Great nature’s triumph over Art.

If you want a picture of your face,

Collins Car is just the place

You’ll find all things prepared for action,

And warranted to give satisfaction,

Ambrotypes—all sorts and kinds,

To suit all fancies and all minds;

Large and small, and splendid cases,

Suitable for scenery or faces.

Or if you choose, a handsome locket

Just fitted for a sweet heart’s pocket,

All this, and more than we can mention,

You’ll find there to attract attention,

Come all no matter what your trade is,

Come right along and bring the ladies;

And whether they are fair or no;

Ambrotypes will quickly show.

Pictures in any kind of weather

Single, or two, or more together,

Or go his specimens to see,

No charge for that—admittance free,

Saloon on wheels ladies recollect,

It may be off ere you expect,

Pictures good and prices low,

Now is your time, oh don’t be slow,

Remember the place and call in soon—

Collin’s Ambrotype saloon.

N. B. Mr. C.’s., saloon is opposite the Seneca County Bank, don’t forget the place, pictures for 50 cents.

The second announcement appeared on July 3, 1857.  Removal.  E. M. Collins, Daguerrian Artist, has removed to Commercial Row, up stairs.  See Advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from July 3 to October 16, 1857.  Ambrotype Gallery, E. M. Collins, Commercial Row, over St. John’s Drug Store.

The third announcement appeared on October 23, 1857.  Catch Beauty, ere it Fades.  Reader, if you want to “see yourself as others see you,” go the E. M. Collins’ Ambrotype Rooms and get a picture.  Mr. Collins is an Artist true to nature, and his pictures give general satisfaction.  Rooms in the former office of W. P. & H. Noble.

The second advertisement ran from October 23, 1857 to March 5, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  E. M. Collins, Has just fitted up a new Sky Light and Ambrotype Gallery, In Singer’s Old Block, up stairs, for the purpose of Counterfeiting the “Human Face Devine.”

He is now prepared to make better pictures than were ever heretofore offered to the citizens of Tiffin And Surrounding Country; Among which are several New Styles, such as Tinted Ambrotype and the Hollotype, as well as Photographs, Melainotypes, and the common Ambrotypes.

Pictures Taken In All Kinds of Weather, and satisfaction given, or no charge will be made.  For the small sum of Fifty Cents, you can get a fac simile of yourself, to send to your friends and sweethearts.  Ladies are respectfully invited to call and examine our Specimens, Beauty Is Fleeting; Catch it ere it fades.  Instructions Given in the Art on reasonable terms.  E. M. Collins.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 30, 1857.  Seneca County Agricultural Society.  List of Premiums…Class 14th-Mechanical Products….

Entry no. 24, display daguerrean pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem.  Ohio Farmer.

Entry no. 25, display ambrotype pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem. Diploma.

Entry no. 42, display daguerrean pictures E. M.  Collins 2d premium, diploma.

Entry no. 43, display ambrotype pictures E. M. Collins 2d prem. diploma.

The third advertisement ran from March 12 to August 13, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  E. M. Collins, Has just fitted up a new Sky Light and Ambrotype Gallery, In Singer’s Old Block, up stairs, for the purpose of Counterfeiting the “Human Face Devine.”

He is now prepared to make better pictures than were ever heretofore offered to the citizens of Tiffin And Surrounding Country; Among which are several New Styles, such as Tinted Ambrotype and the Hollotype, as well as Photographs, Melainotypes, and the common Ambrotypes.

Pictures Taken In All Kinds of Weather, and satisfaction given, or no charge will be made.  For the small sum of Twenty-Five Cents, you can get a fac simile of yourself, to send to your friends and sweethearts.  Ladies are respectfully invited to call and examine our Specimens, Beauty Is Fleeting; Catch it ere it fades.  Instructions Given in the Art on reasonable terms.  Oct. 23.  E. M. Collins.

The fourth advertisement ran from August 13 to October 29, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  Pictures For A Quarter!  Collins’ New Gallery, Singer’s Block, opposite the Court House, Tiffin, O.

Something New, Pictures Taken on Purple Glass.

Behold the works of Art in grandeur rise,

Laugh at the Past and all its works despise.

The last achievement, from shades of night,

Just brought from Nature’s darkness into light,

Is the crystal gem—the Ambrotype,

On purple glass, that needs no black

Defective varnish on the back.

The Greatest Discovery of the Age.  Pictures taken in this way are superior to all others in beauty and durability.  They require no backing whatever and are not liable to crack or become blue and spotted.

No Humbug About It.  Call and examine my specimens and get a picture for yourself.  For Sale.—Open frames of all kinds for hanging against the wall.  Instructions in the Art given on the most reasonable terms.  E. M. Collins, Artist.  Main Street, opposite the court House, Tiffin, O.

The fifth announcement appeared on October 29, 1858.  List of Premiums.  Awarded at the 8th annual Fair of the Seneca County Agricultural Society…Class 15th—Fine Arts….

Tunison & Fay, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 1st Premium, $2.00

E. M. Collins, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 2d premium, $1.00

Hartsock & Falkner, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, Discretionary, Diploma.

Tunison & Fay, Display of Photographs and Spherotypes, $2.00.

E. M. Collins does not appear in other photographic directories as being active in Tiffin, Ohio.  An E. M. Collins is active in 1859-1860 in Lima, Ohio[1], but it is unknown if they are the same person.  The distance between Tiffin and Lima using modern roads is 60½ miles.

[1] Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 &  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Edgar Codding

Ambrotypes, ,

1857                Three Doors West of the Haskell House, Galesburg, Illinois.

1858-1859       Main Street, Galesburg, Illinois.

Edgar[1] Codding was recorded in one advertisement  that was recorded on October 7 & 21 and December 30, 1857 in the Knox Republican (Knoxville, Illinois).  Codding’s Fine Art Gallery, (Three Doors West of the Haskell House,) Galesburg………Illinois.

The Ambrotypes now made at this Gallery are pronounced by judges to be superior to any ever offered this community.

Paper Ambrotypes!  A new style of picture, which are very nice to send by mail.  Also,

Crystalotypes!  The two kinds are the only ones suitable for sending in letters, as they go with safety, and without additional postage.  They are very accurate.

Daguerreotypes Will be made for those who prefer them.

A Good Supply Of Fancy Stock, Lockets And Pins, Always on hand.

A liberal discount will be made where large families are taken.

No inferior pictures allowed to leave these rooms.

All persons visiting Galesburg are invited to call and examine specimens of the different kinds.

Work done equally well in all kinds of weather.  march25.  E. Codding.

1858-59.  A Directory Of Early Illinois Photographers. List E. [Edgar] Codding as an Ambrotypist, Main Street, Galesburg. Also possibly same E. Codding recorded in Knoxville, Illinois from 1868-1888.

Edgar. Codding is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1858-1859.

[1] First name from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Jacob Churchill

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1852                Rooms over A. J. Fitch’s Store, Delhi, New York.

1854                Rooms over H. England’s Store, Delhi, New York.

1855-1856       Rooms over Griswold’s Hardware Store, Delhi, New York.

1856-1858       Rooms over Dr. Fitch’s Office, Delhi, New York.

1859                Rooms over Yeoman’s Office, Delhi, New York.

1859                Rooms one door north of the Post Office, Delhi, New York

Jacob Churchill was recorded in eleven advertisement and one announcement in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York).  The first advertisement ran from April 7 to June 2, 1852.  Daguerrean Gallery.  The inhabitants of Delhi and neighboring towns, are respectfully informed that the subscriber has rooms over the store of A. J. Fitch, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses in the latest improvements of the art.  The public are invited to call and examine his pictures for themselves.   Jacob Churchill.                                    

The second advertisement ran from May 24 to June 21, 1854.

Daguerrean Gallery

Attend, ye dwellers ‘neath the sun,

Behold the wonders Art hath done,

We talk by lightning, ride by steam,

and paint by Sol’s eternal beam.

J, Churchill having taken the rooms formerly occupied by M. R. Wilcox, over H. England’s Store, where he intends establishing a Permanent Daguerrean Gallery, would respectfully invite the inhabitants of the village of Delhi and vicinity, to call and examine the superior Daguerreotype Portraits taken by him.  Having been a traveling Daguerrean for two years, his experience in the art, combined with great improvements recently adopted by the most celebrated Artists in this country and Europe, is confident that he can render to his patrons such pictures as are unsurpassed for richness and accuracy of likeness.

He uses none but the very best materials and has obtained and is now using the London Patent Gilding Process, by which a transparent coating is secured over the entire picture, preserving it in all its original beauty unaffected by light or age.

He warrants entire satisfaction in every picture; no Portrait being allowed to leave which is not artistically correct.

Likenesses taken equally well in clear or cloudy weather.  Prices vary according to the size of the Plate and the richness of the Case.  Painting, Statuary and Pictures copied.         

The announcement appeared on January 24, 1855.  Daguerreotypes—For a fine and perfect likeness, call at Churchill’s gallery, over Griswold’s hardware store, next to Delaware Bank.

The third advertisement ran from January 24, 1855 to December 10, 1856.  Daguerrean Room.  The subscriber has returned once more to the village of Delhi, where he is practicing the art of Daguerreotype, over the Store of Griswold & Wright.  He flatters himself from his long experience in the business that he can ensure to his patrons Pictures which  for richness of beauty and clearness, cannot be surpassed.  Gentlemen and Ladies and the public in general, are invited to call.  Satisfaction given in all cases, or no charge.  Instruction given in the art.  J. Churchill. 

The fourth advertisement ran from December 10, 1856 to March 11, 1857.  Daguerreotypes And Ambrotypes.  The subscriber takes this method of informing his friends and inhabitants of this county, that he is now taking Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes in all the beauty of the art.  His long experience and practice enables him to offer to the public, pictures which, for richness, beauty and accuracy, cannot be surpassed by any other artist in this county.

As to the Patented Ambrotype Pictures, he has nothing to say here, but if any Gentleman or Lady will call at his rooms, over Dr. Fitch’s Office, he will soon convince them that they are of short duration.  And the gentleman who offers them to the public must be ignorant of common Philosophy, or that he means to draw from the public funds which he has foolishly spent, (if spent at all.)  That Pictures taken on glass can be made to stand is beyond contradiction, and those favoring him with their patronage shall not go away dissatisfied.

Pictures will be taken at my rooms for a short time, much cheaper than they ever have been before in this county.

Pictures which have heretofore been sold for $1. Will now be sold for 50 cts.; $1.25 for 75 cts.; $1.50 for $1.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens, as he will exhibit none but those of his own taking.  J. Churchill.     

The fifth advertisement ran from December 17, 1856 to March 4, 1857.  Immense Excitement!  Ambrotypes at Reduced Prices!!  The subscriber would say to the public that, notwithstanding the Tremendous Exertions of our “up town” philosopher to the contrary, he is alive and attending to business as usual.  And his “ignorance of common philosophy” does not prevent him from selling the most beautiful pictures taken in this county, and at lower prices than they have ever been sold before.

As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false; and I defy the gentleman (?) who takes so much pains to injure me and make himself appear ridiculous, to produce one that has faded in the least.  And I would like to have him give satisfaction to his customers, whose pictures I have taken over and finished off after passing through his philosophic hands.  I will warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merit’s.  I respectfully invite the public to examine both sides—they shall be the judges.

Call in Ladies and gentlemen, and see who takes the cheapest and best pictures.  A poor picture is dear at any price.  My Rooms are over Elwood’s Store.  Office hours from 9 A. M.  to 3½ P. M.  E. C. Riggs.  Delhi, December 11, 1856.

The sixth advertisement appeared on December 24, 1856.  Pictures on Glass.  The subscriber invites the attention of the public to his advertisement in another column, and his assertions therein contained, are in every respect true and correct. But it not his intention to publish here, but to correct misrepresentations which I see in an advertisement signed E. C. Riggs, in which he states as follows: “As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false, and I defy the gentleman to produce one that has faded in the least.”  If I am the man to whom he eludes as the “up town philosopher,” and the man who took so much pains to injure him, then I say the gentleman has stated a wicked falsehood, and he could no be ignorant of it I never said a word about his Ambrotypes fading, for there is not one to be found, probably, that is more than three or four months old.  And how does he know whether he asserts the truth or not? 

I did say they were of short duration, and this I am able to maintain.  He further says:  “I warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merits.”  With what degree of propriety does he warrant his work, and what assurance can he give the public of its duration?  Will the few months he has been in business be a sufficient time to test their durability!  Let the public judge.—Yet he is willing to warrant his work, but is careful not to say how long; he is then willing it shall stand upon its own merits.  So am I, but it will not upon its own merit or any other.

If the Patented Ambrotype was of such durability, why did Brady and others of New York give them up?  Because they were worthless, and his information is from one of the best men in this town, taken from his own lips.

I now come to the last italicized sentence.  “A poor picture is dear at any price.”  This is my sentiments exactly; and those who have been so unfortunate as to get one of your Patented Ambrotypes, will probably find out in short time the truth of this assertion to their sorrow.

Gentlemen and ladies, call at my office and get you a fifty cent picture, and I will make it as durable as the rock of Gibraltar.

Yes, when your flesh in dust shall lie,

When death’s grey film o’er spread your beaming eye,

My life pause mocking at decay,

Will still be fresh and vivid as to-day.

A Splendid Stock just received.  J. Churchill. 

The seventh advertisement ran from March 18, 1857 to May 19, 1858.  Ambrotypes.  The subscriber takes this method of informing his friends and inhabitants of this county, that he is now taking Ambrotypes in all the beauty of the art.  His long experience and practice enables him to offer to the public, pictures which, for richness, beauty and accuracy, cannot be surpassed by any other artist in this county.

As to the Patented Ambrotype Pictures, he has nothing to say here, but if any Gentleman or Lady will call at his rooms, over Dr. Fitch’s Office, he will soon convince them that they are of short duration.  And the gentleman who offers them to the public must be ignorant of common Philosophy, or that he means to draw from the public funds which he has foolishly spent, (if spent at all.)  That Pictures taken on glass can be made to stand is beyond contradiction, and those favoring him with their patronage shall not go away dissatisfied.

Pictures will be taken at my rooms for a short time, much cheaper than they ever have been before in this county.

Pictures which have heretofore been sold for $1. Will now be sold for 50 cts.; $1.25 for 75 cts.; $1.50 for $1.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens, as he will exhibit none but those of his own taking.  J. Churchill.      Delhi, Dec. 8, 1856.

The eighth advertisement ran from June 16 to July 7, 1858.  For A Few Days Only, 25 Cent Ambrotypes At Churchill’s Gallery, By L. D. Jones.

The ninth advertisement ran from July 14, 1858 to May11, 1859.  Ambrotypes For Twenty-five Cents, Put up in splendid Cases and equal to any ever sold in Delaware County At Churchill’s Gallery.                                                             

The tenth advertisement ran from April 27 to December 28, 1859.  Ever since Daguerre first invented the art of preserving likenesses, it has been undergoing almost endless improvements, until, at last, it seems as if the inventive genius of man had reached the very acme of perfection in this wonderful art.  There is probably nothing which calls to mind early associations so vividly as to look upon the likeness of an absent parent, brother, sister or friend—nothing more necessary to leave behind us when we shall leave this world for another.  Reader, delay not till Death shall have changed your living body into a mass of mouldering clay, but go to Churchill’s Gallery, over Yeoman’s Office and preserve the likeness of your face in all its loveliness and beauty for those who shall come after you.

The eleventh advertisement ran from May 18 to December 28, 1859.  Look Here.  If you Will Call At Churchill’s Gallery, One door north of the Post Office, you can get a 1-16 size Ambrotype picture for 10 Cents:  and larger sizes, up to ½ , in proportion.

Jacob Churchill is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John Chenoweth

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                Second Street, Near St. Paul House, Shakopee, Minnesota.

John[1] Chenoweth of the firm Kerlinger & Chenoweth were recorded in one advertisement that appeared on September 5, 1857 in the Republican Advocate (Shakopee, Minnesota).  Ambrotyping and Photographing!  Ambrotypes For Seventy-Five Cents!!  Having located on Second Street, near the St. Paul House, the undersigned would respectfully inform the citizens of Shakopee and vicinity, that they are now in possession of a new and well selected stock of Goods, and are prepared to take pictures of the first quality and most improved style.—Those wishing pictures would do well to give us a call.  Satisfaction given or no charge.  Instructions also given in the art.

Give us a call.  Kerlinger & Chenoweth.  Shakopee, August 8th.

John Chenoweth is recorded in Pioneer Photographers from the Mississippi to the Continental Divide, A Biographical Dictionary 1839-1865. As being listed in the 1857 census as being active in Shakopee, Minnesota.

[1] Pioneer Photographers from the Mississippi to the Continental Divide, A Biographical Dictionary 1839-1865.

D. Chase

Ambrotypes, , , ,

1856                222 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.

1857                Business address not recorded, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]

D. Chase of the partnership of Chase & Welch were recorded in four advertisement in the Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement ran from July 26 to August 28, 1856.  Special Notice.  Re-Opened by a New Company.—The subscribers would respectfully inform the citizens of Worcester and vicinity, that they have purchased the Ambrotype Rooms in Foster’s Block, No. 222 Main Street, and will be in operation on and after Monday, July 28, 1856.  In re-opening this beautiful suit of rooms, the proprietors are happy to announce to the citizens of Worcester and vicinity, that they have secured the services of Mr. Wm. Hathaway, as their Operator and Artist.  Those wishing for pictures of themselves or friends, are respectfully informed that every picture emanating from the establishment will be warranted to give entire satisfaction.  The Ambrotype has now become the prevailing style of Picture in all the principal cities of the Union.  We shall, as soon as necessary arrangements can be made, be able to supply the public with all kinds of Photographic Pictures.

N.B.  Ambrotypes at the same price of good Daguerreotypes.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  Chase & Welch.  Wm. Hathaway, Artist

The second advertisement ran from November 4 to November 18, 1856.  We would advise all who are in want of superior pictures of themselves or friends, to call at the rooms of Chase & Welsh, in Foster’s Block, 222 Main Street.  We pronounce their pictures superior to those taken at any other establishment in the city.  We have observed the beautiful pictures in their show case, and to say that they were most natural and lifelike, is to use a hackneyed expression; but no other would be appropriate in this case.  Their pictures are bold and clear, and for brilliancy of tone and finish, we do not hesitate to say that they are superior to any other establishment in the city; and we would say to all, if you want a likeness that you will not be ashamed to look at, and show to your friends, call at their rooms, and you will not be disappointed.  Their prices are very moderate, and their pictures will give entire satisfaction.

The third advertisement ran on November 13 & 14, 1856.  Take Notice, that our friend Chase proposes to make single glass pictures.  Why this condemnation to what he calls humbug!

The only place to procure the genuine improved Ambrotype on double glass, is at B. D. Maxham’s.  He will tell you the truth and nothing but the truth; that in his opinion the Daguerreotype is far more durable, being composed entirely of mineral substances, whereas the Ambrotype is vegetable.  As for the patent, it was given up six months since Mr. Cutting, as also was the use of gum.  The only way to seal up a picture to make it permanent, is to seal them up in tin boxes, the same as sardines are sealed.

The fourth advertisement appeared on November 25, 1856.  We see by the Spy of Nov. 18th, that B. D. Maxham wants the public to take notice that friend Chase proposes to make single pictures, and wants to know why this condecentson (Sic.) to what he calls humbug.  I have never have called the single glass picture a humbug; what I call humbuging the community is, for a man professing what he does, to deceive the public by selling a single glass picture, and telling them that it is an Ambrotype, when he knows that it is not, and never can be an Ambrotype.  He knows very well what constitutes an Ambrotype, and he knows that to make it an Ambrotype, it must be sealed between two plates of glass with Fir Balsam, or its equivalent.  He knows that he has not a right to take the Ambrotype picture, and therefore cannot take them, but if he can deceive and impose upon the public by misrepresentation and deception, it will answer his base purpose.  In his advertisement he says, that he will tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but he forgets to tell the whole truth for he says that the patent was given up some six months ago by Mr. Cutting, as also the use of gum.  Now, if his object was not to deceive, why did he not tell that Mr. Cutting surrendered his patent and applied for re-issue and got it, against the combined forces of the Daguerreotypist, who brought every thing to bear against it which they possibly could, to break it down and prevent a re-issue, but it proved a decided failure.  The government granted a re-issue covering the whole ground; and now, if he can dupe and deceive the public by telling them that his pictures are Ambrotypes, he will not hesitate to do it.  Now where is the deception? why does he wish to impose upon the public by selling a spurious article for a genuine?  Can there be any thing manly in this?  Does this look like having a just regard for other people’s rights?  I leave it with the public to decide, and will say that the only place where you can get a genuine Ambrotype, is at Chase & Welch’s rooms in Foster’s Block, No. 222 Main street.  We have the exclusive right for taking Cutting’s patent Ambrotypes, for the City of Worcester, and all pictures emanating from any other room in the city, called Ambrotypes, are spurious and worthless.  Chase & Welch.

D. Chase is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857.  In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, John speculates that David Chase is the same person.  David Chase was active in Clinton, Massachusetts and his information comes from History of the Origin of the Town of Clinton, Massachusetts 1653-1865 by Andrew E. Ford, 1896. Daguerrean Artists.  P. 397.  …David Chase, who had a stand in a little building on Church Street, near the present position of the Y. M. C. A. rooms, stayed here for a longer time.  He was a good musician and an organizer of a brass band…  Unfortunately no footnotes were used in the book. In reviewing the known newspapers published in Clinton the likely candidate is the Saturday Courant, published between 1850-1862.     

[1] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.