Category Archives: Ambrotypes

Charles V. Young

1859                418 Grand Street, New York, New York.

Charles V. Young was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on March 28, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Wanted—A Young Lady Of Pleasing Address to attend Young’s gallery, 418 Grand st.  One who can finish ambrotypes preferred.  Also one at Duffy’s, Thalian Hall, 492 Grand st.

Charles V. Young is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry without a business address, and  James G. Duffy is also recorded.

S. Webster Wyman

1858                Kelley’s Block, opposite the Central House, Woburn, Massachusetts.

1860                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1865                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1867                Main Street, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1868                Kelley’s Building, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1869                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

S. Webster Wyman was recorded in two advertisements.  The first advertisement was recorded in the Middlesex Journal (Woburn, Massachusetts) on March 20, 1858.  Wyman’s Ambrotype, Melainotype And Daguerreotype Rooms, Kelly’s Block, Woburn.

Particular attention given to copying pictures.  Woburn, March 5, 1858.

The second advertisement was recorded in theWoburn Budget (Woburn, Massachusetts) on July 2, 1858.  Wyman’s Ambrotype Rooms, Kelley’s Block, opposite the Central House, Woburn.

Call and see specimens!  Rooms cool and airy.  Prices low, and satisfaction guaranteed in all cases.

Now Is The Time To Call!  S. Webster Wyman, Artist in Ambrotypes and Daguerreotype.  June 11.

S. Webster Wyman is recorded in other photographic directories from 1860-1869. 


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

Knight C. Woodley

1858-1859       312 E Street, near Willards’, Washington, D. C.

1859                Opposite the Star Office, Pennsylvania Avenue & 11 Street, Washington, D. C.

1860                288½ Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.[1]

Knight C. Woodley was recorded in five advertisements and fourth announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.).  The first advertisement ran from June 14 to November 23, 1858.  Portraits For The Million.—A perfect Portrait of yourself for 25 cents, warranted not to fade.  2,000 of these beautiful pictures made by Woodley in nine weeks.  No charge unless the sitter is perfectly satisfied.  Pictures on paper for 50 cents, which can be sent by mail without extra charge.  Every variety of cases kept on hand.  Sun light not required. 

K. C. Woodley, Photographer, No. 312 E. Street, near Willards.                             

The second advertisement ran from August 7 to 11, 1858.  Call At Scott’s Bookstore On Pa. avenue, between 14th and 16th streets, and get a dollar Book and a Daguerreotype for only one dollar….Daguerreotypes will be taken by that excellent artist E. N. Lewis, at Mrs. Redmond’s Gallery, No. 12 Market Space, and by R. C. Woodley, 312 E street.                                                     

The first announcement appeared on October 30, 1858.  Sun Painting.—Woodley, No. 312 E. Street, continues to take those really superior portraits for a quarter of a dollar.  His gallery is thronged from morning until night and he continues to give satisfaction to all his numerous patrons.  Those who wish a likeness in any style of the varied branches of Photographic art, should not omit to give him a call.

The third advertisement ran from November 24 to December 24, 1858.  A Question.—Why do the public from all parts of the city go to Woodley’s Gallery for Portraits?  Because they can there obtain a perfect likeness for 25 cents and upwards, and no charge unless the sitter is perfectly satisfied.

K. C. Woodley wishes to return thanks to his numerous patrons for the very liberal support he has met with, and hopes by strict attention to his profession to merit a continuance of their patronage.

K. C. W. wishes to inform the public that he has made great improvements at his Gallery, which is well warmed and made all snug for the Winter season.  On hand, a good assortment of Cases of the latest design, for Christmas presents.  K. C. Woodley, 312 E. Street, near Willards’ no. 24.

The second announcement appeared on December 24, 1858.  For life-like ambrotypes go to Sand’s and Woodley’s.

The third announcement appeared on January 5, 1859.  By The Advertisement elsewhere it will be seen that some thieves are “taking ambrotypes” from Woodley in a style not satisfactory to that artist.  Among the missing pictures is one of a pretty young bride, perhaps stolen by some rejected lover, who seizes the shadow in lieu of the original.

The fourth advertisement appeared on January 5, 1859.  $10 Reward.—Stolen from Woodley’s Gallery, at different times recently, six fine Ambrotypes—one stolen this morning.  The above reward will be paid on conviction of one of the petty thieves.                                                                                                                     

The fifth advertisement ran from January 24 to December 28, 1859.  Ambrotypes.—Small Profits And Quick Returns.  Portraits, framed 25 cents.  Any size Portraits warranted in best cases or frames at N. York prices.  Come all, and take a sitting for one of those beautiful Pictures, and obtain the ocular proofs, at K. C. Woodley’s Gallery, Pennsylvania avenue, bet. 13th and 14th streets, near Willard’s.                               

The fourth announcement appeared on June 21, 1859.  Woodley, photographer, has found his business increasing to the extent of demanding the opening of a branch establishment opposite the Star office.  See his flag.

Knight C. Woodley is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Washington, D. C. in 1860 at 288½ Pennsylvania Avenue.


[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

R. L. Wood

1859                Washington Block, Macon, Georgia.

R. L. Wood was recorded in three advertisements in the State Press (Macon, Georgia).  The first advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859.  Wood’s Gallery Is still the Fashionable resort of all lovers of the beautiful Portraits in Oil and Pastell, Aquarile and Imperial Photographs.  A great many on exhibition.  Ambrotypes, One Dollar and upwards.  Call and see us.  Washington Block, Macon, Ga.  feb. 16.

The second advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859.  Wood’s Photographic Gallery Is daily thronged with delighted visitors; and it is truly astonishing to see what a state of perfection he has arrived at in this Beautiful Art.

The likenesses are so striking, that one will almost speak to them, thinking it is the original instead of the shadows.

These Portraits are painted from Daguerreotypes of deceased persons or from life.  Either in Oil, Pastel, or Aquarell, Ambrotypes one Dollar and upwards.  Call and see us.  R. L. Wood.  may 3.

The third advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859. Wood’s Premium Photographic Gallery Now presents greater attractions than [ever]—A great number of Paintings on exhibition, in Oil, Pastel, Aquarille and Imperial Photographs.

We have just received a new Mammoth Instrument, by which can be taken Pictures as large as life.  Our Prices are so low that they come with in the reach of all.

First class Artists are employed in this establishment, if you want a first rate Picture call on R. L. Wood, Washington Block, Macon, Ga.  apr.9.

R. L. Wood is not recorded as being active in Macon, Georgia in 1859.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list a R. L. Wood as being active in Athens from February to March 1839 (probably a typo?) and Macon, Georgia in 1850-1851.

J. M. Wood

1858                Address Unknown, Glasgow, Missouri.

J. M. Wood was recorded in one advertisement which was recorded on September 2 to 9, 1858 in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri).  Ambrotyping.  J. M. Wood respectfully invites the attention of the citizens of Glasgow and vicinity to his specimens in this Beautiful Art, and would say to those who desire a good likeness of self or friends, that this is a rare opportunity to obtain them, as his experience warrants him in guaranteeing to all satisfaction.

Prices from $1 upwards.  An immediate call is solicited as his stay will be limited.  July 29, 1858.

J. M. Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Glasgow.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a James M. Wood in Arrow Rock, Missouri in 1860 and Pioneer Photographers from The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865 list James M. Wood in Arrow Rock in 1860 and Glasgow, Missouri in 1863.

George H. Wood

1855-1859                   Patton’s New Block, Corner Main and Bridge, Towanda, Pennsylvania.                    

George H. Wood was recorded in six advertisements and one announcement in the Bradford Report (Towanda, Pennsylvania).  Advertisement ran from May 5, 1855 to January 26, l856.  George H. Wood’s Daguerrean Rooms Removed to Patton’s New Brick Block, corner of Bridge and Main street, where he has fitted up rooms expressly for the business, with a large sky-light and side-light combined.  With these arrangements he will be able to take Pictures with any shade desired.  Grouping done in the best possible manner.  Daguerreotypes taken equally as well in cloudy as clear weather.  Particular attention paid to copying.  Miniatures neatly put into Lockets, Breast pins, and finger rings, &c. Instruction given in the art at reasonable terms.

The announcement appeared on October 16, 1856.  Premiums Awarded at the Fourth Annual Fair of the Bradford County Agricultural Society, October 2, 1856…1st premium for Ambrotypes to Geo. Wood.

The second advertisement ran from January 26, 1856 to April 23, 1857.  George H. Wood’s Daguerrean & Glass Picture Gallery, In Patton’s New Block, Corner of Main and Bridge sts., Towanda, Pa., is the place to get Glass Pictures, (usually called Ambrotypes.)  They are far superior to all other kinds of pictures.  Having no reflection, they can be seen in any position, and can be taken in much lees time than Daguerreotypes, and equally well in cloudy as clear weather.

Miniatures put into Lockets, Breast Pins, &c., as usual.  Rooms open at all hours.  Pictures put up on short notice.            

The third advertisement ran from April 16 to December 3, 1857.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Any Photographs. Or Pictures on Glass, Iron & Paper Also Electrotypes, or Raised Pictures, Taken at G. H. Wood’s Gallery, Patton’s Block, Towanda.

Articular attention given to copying.  Pictures taken in cloudy as well as clear weather.

The quality of my pictures is too well known to need comment.  Call and see for yourselves.

Rooms open at all hours.  All work warranted.                     

The fourth advertisement ran from December 10, 1857 to July 29, 1858.  Now Is The Time To Get Melainotypes & Ambrotypes Cheap!  G. H. Wood Has reduced his prices of all kinds of Pictures with cases, 25 per cent for the Winter.

Frames of all kinds kept on hand also at reduced prices.  Good Cases with Melainotypes, 75 cents; all other kinds in proportion.  Remember the reduction is only for the Winter, and so improve the time.  Rooms open at all hours.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather (except for children.)  All work warranted.  G. H. Wood.

The fifth advertisement ran from July 29, 1858 to August 11, 1859.  Now Is The Time To Get Melainotypes & Ambrotypes Cheap!  G. H. Wood Has reduced his prices of all kinds of Pictures with cases, 25 per cent.

Frames of all kinds kept on hand also at reduced prices.  Good Cases with Melainotypes, 75 cents; all other kinds in proportion.  Rooms open at all hours.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather (except for children.)  All work warranted.         

The sixth advertisement ran from August 11 to December 22, 1859.  New Attractions! At Geo. H. Wood’s Gallery, Towanda, PA.  You can procure, at low prices, Photographs, of all sizes, up to life size, either plain or retouched, colored in oil or pastille.

Also, Melainotypes and Ambrotypes, and almost all other kinds of types.  Pictures in good cases for 50 cents, and other sizes and qualities in proportion.          

Melainotypes made in all kinds of weather, (except for children.  All work warranted. 

George H. Wood is not recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but is recorded in Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 as being active in Towanda, Pennsylvania from 1852-Ca. 1867; 1881; and 1890-1891.

E. B. Wixson

1859                Pearl Street, Sioux City, Iowa.

E. B. Wixson is recorded in one advertisement on August 13, 1859 in the Dakota City Herald (Dakota City, Nebraska).  E. B. Wixson, Photographer. Rooms foot of Pearl street, in the building formerly occupied by Casady & Clark, Sioux City, ……..Iowa, Is prepared to take beautiful Likenesses in all kinds of weather, in the highest and most approved styles of the art.

Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, &c.  To suit customers.

Perfect Transfers taken or prepared Cloth, Paper, Patent leather, &c., suitable for sending by Mail.

Town Plats, Views, &c., Taken with the greatest nicety, and put up in cases, or transferred, as desired.  February 25, 1859.

E. B. Wixson is recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary1839-1865.

M. M. Wit

1856                South-East Corner of Diagonal Street, Helena, Arkansas.

M. M. Wit was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on May 22 & June 12, 1856 in the State Rights Democrat (Helena, Arkansas).  Something New!  Ambrotype Likenesses.  M. M. Witt presents his compliments to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Helena and vicinity, and would be pleased to furnish them with the most beautiful likenesses of themselves and friends.  The Ambrotype is rich in-tone, and more durable than the Daguerreotype, and unlike the Daguerreotype may be distinctly seen in any angle of light.  Call and see me, at my Room, on the South-east corner of Diagonal street.  May 15, 1856.

M. M. Witt is not recorded in other photographic directories.

O. Wise

1856-1857       Room On Main Street, One door North of the Masonic Hall, Helena, Arkansas.

O. Wise was recoded in one advertisement ran on December 20, 1856 & January 17 & 24, 1857 in the Southern Shield (Helena, Arkansas).  You Want One!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, etc., taken in the highest style of the Art, by the undersigned, who respectfully solicit the patronage of the ladies and gentlemen of Helena and vicinity, and an examination of specimens of their skill, to be seen at their Rooms, on Main street, One door North of the Masonic Hall.  O. Wise & Co.

O. Wise is not recorded in other photographic directories.

B. S. Wilson

1855-1857       Elmendorf Building, opposite the American Hotel, Penn Yan, New York.

B. S. Wilson was recorded in two announcements, two advertisements and mentioned in a third advertisement in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York) and one advertisement in the  Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  The first announcement appeared on September 26, 1855 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Yates County Fair.  The annual Fair and Cattle Show of the Yates County Agricultural Society came off per announcement, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last….S. B. Wilson, Daguerrean Artist, exhibited several beautiful specimens of his skill in the line of Ambrotypes, Photographs, &c.

The second announcement appeared on October 17, 1855.  But few are probably aware of the rapid progress that has been made in bringing the art of Daguerreotyping to perfection.  The latest, and we may say the greatest improvement that has yet been made in the art, is that of taking Ambrotypes and Photographs on glass.  The Ambrotypes are pictures taken on the back of plate glass, forming a picture that is seen in any light, and its natural position, not reversed as in Daguerreotypes.  The picture is covered with a gum that hardens and forms a secure protection from dampness or dust.  Indeed the picture can be destroyed only by breaking the glass.  It is seen through the glass, and is equally clear and distinct seen at any angle.  They are afforded at about the same rates as Daguerreotypes.

The Photographs are also taken on glass, and then by chemical process, the impression is transferred on to paper, presenting an appearance equal to the finest steel engraving, and any number of impressions can be taken from the same plate.  Bring on light paper you are enabled to present your distant friends with a beautiful and accurate picture of yourself, and that at a trifling expense.

Mr. Wilson, successor to Mr. Flower, at his rooms, opposite the Yates County Bank, is now prepared to furnish all who wish with either Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, or Photographs in the highest style of the art.

The first advertisement ran from October 31, 1855 to February 25, 1857.  Photographic And Daguerrean Gallery.  B. S. Wilson would inform the citizens of Penn Yan and surrounding country that he has now introduced the new and wonderful art of taking Likenesses on Paper and Glass.

While he is prepared to take these new pictures in the best of style, his facilities for producing Daguerreotypes are not inferior, but superior to what they have ever been, and all wishing the regular Daguerreotype, can rely on getting good pictures as heretofore.  The rooms are open and free at all hours, and all are invited to call and examine specimens.    B. S. Wilson.

Successor to S. J. Fowler, nearly opposite the Yates Co. Bank, Penn. Yan.  Instructions carefully given in the art, and apparatus furnished cheap.  Penn Yan, Oct. 31, 1855.

The third advertisement ran from February 21, 1856 to March 5, 1857 in  the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Pictures Taken On Paper And Glass.  The undersigned after being to considerable expense in [ ? ] and preparing to take pictures as above, is now enabled to put up pictures with Neatness And Dispatch.

And now while I return my sincere thanks and gratitude to the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, for the liberal patronage that they have given me, I would say to them that I have a new process for Glass pictures, that surpasses anything before [ ? ].  The advantages in taking in this style of picture is 1st.  You do not sit more than [ ? ].  2d.  It does not reverse but makes a positive Picture.  3d.  It is secured from dampness.  These pictures are decided by the most competent Judges, to be [as] much superior to the Plate Picture, as a Steel Engraving is to a Wood Cut Picture.

My pictures shall be as Cheap as the Cheapest; please give me a call, and you shall be [ ? ] or no charge.

Rooms in Elmendorf building, opposite the Yates Co. Bank, formerly occupied by S. J. Fowler.  B. S. Wilson.

N. B.  Pictures taken on plate as before, if desired.  A good assortment of Locket, Pins, and a variety of Cases, always on hand, all of the latest style.

Daguerreotype [ ? ] for sale to Artists and sent to all parts by Express if desired.

The fourth advertisement appeared in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York) on April 1, 1857.  Daguerreotypes.—Mrs. Lansing has taken the rooms formerly occupied by S. B. Wilson, opposite the American, where she will be pleased to furnish such as may wish with a superior quality of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We have been shown several specimens of her work, and they are certainly very fine.

B. S. or S. B. Wilson is not recorded in other photographic directories.