Category Archives: Ambrotypes

Stoltz & Beall

Ambrotypes, , , ,

1859                Main Street, Lancaster, Ohio.

Stoltz & Beall (William B. Stoltz) was recorded in one advertisement that ran from August 25 to December 29, 185 in the American Lancaster Gazette (Lancaster, Ohio).  Attention!!  Stoltz & Beall’s Ambrotype Gallery, North Side of Main Street, 2 doors West of Beerys Grocery Store over Becks Store.

Rooms neatly fitted, large and commodious.  You will find us ever ready and willing to accommodate the public with good, cheap, and life-like pictures.  We flatter ourselves that we are able to please even the most fastidious.  To the public we tender our sincere thanks for their liberal Patronage and hope that it will not only continue, but that we may merit an increase.  Stoltz & Beall.                 

William B. Stoltz is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Lancaster, Ohio in 1859 working for William R. Rhoades’ studio. 

J. Stewart

Ambrotypes, ,

1858-1859       Rooms over T. J. Denton’s Store, Okolona, Mississippi.

J. Stewart was recorded in one announcement and three advertisements in The Prairie News  (Okolona, Mississippi).  The announcement appeared on March 25, 1858.  Do you want a good picture of yourself?  If so go to Stewart’s rooms, over Mr. Denton’s store.  Mr. S.—is a deservedly popular artist, for he knows just exactly how long you must sit to get a good likeness.  Indeed you can scarcely tell it is a picture merely impressed on glass, so lifelike is the resemblance, so natural is the expression you fancy you can almost see it breathe and move.—But we cannot give you an idea of the beauty of a fine ambrotype, so go and have one taken.

The first advertisement ran from March 25 to May 6, 1858.  Ambrotyping.  J. Stewart would respectfully announce to the citizens of Okolona and vicinity, that he has taken rooms over Mr. T. J. Denton’s Store where he will remain a short time, and is prepared to take Likenesses in the most approved style of the Art.

Prices to suit the times.  Have your likenesses taken to-day, to-morrow may be to late.

The second advertisement appeared on November 18, 1858.  If you want a correct picture of yourself, all you have to do is call on Stewart, who has taken rooms over Denton’s, and get him to take your likeness. 

“Secure the shadow ere the substance fade.”

The third advertisement ran from November 18, 1858 to March 10, 1859.  Ambrotyping.  The undersigned thankful for former favors, would respectfully inform the citizens of Okolona and vicinity that he has returned, and opened over T. J. Denton’s store, where he would be happy to accommodate the public in his line of business.  J. Stewart. Oct. 18, 1858.

J. Stewart is not recorded in other photographic directories.

O. F. Steadman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1856                Allen’s Block, over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Ravenna, Ohio.

1859                Address Unknown, Ravenna, Ohio.

1859                Address Unknown, Freedom, Ohio.

O. F. Stedman was recorded in five announcements and five advertisements.  The first three announcements and the five advertisements were recorded in The Weekly Portage Sentinel  (Ravenna, Ohio) the last two announcements were recorded in The Portage County Democrat  (Ravenna, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on March 6.  Good Pictures.  Messrs. Stedman  Co. have just taken possession of their rooms in Allen’s Block, where they are ready to wait upon their friends.  They will take good pictures and at reasonable prices.  Those who desire to “secure the Shadow e’er the substance fade” should call.  See advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from March 6 to June 12, 1856.  A Card.  The subscribers having purchased the Daguerrean establishment of J. W. Wykes & Co., respectfully announce that they are prepared, to execute Ambrotypes and Daguerrean likenesses in the latest style of art, at the old stand over R. A. Barid & Co’s. Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Having had several years experience in Daguerreotyping, and possessing the latest and most approved process for taking Ambrotypes, they flatter themselves, that they can produce as good pictures as can be obtained at any room in this section of the country.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  A share of public patronage is respectfully solicited.  O. F. Stedman & Co,  Ravenna.

The second announcement appeared on August 21, 1856.  Pictures.—Those who desire to obtain valuable and correct likenesses of themselves or their friends, should call at the Ambrotype rooms of Staffer & Stedman in Allen’s Block.  See Advertisement.

The second advertisement ran from August 21 to December 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes taken by Staffer & Stedman, at their Rooms over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, O., for seventy-Five Cents, where every variety of likenesses can be obtained.  Ambrotypes inserted in breast pins and lockets.  Whole size likenesses for $5 and $6—former price $10 and $12.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  Having a large sky and side light, impressions taken in from three to five seconds.  Our likenesses are all positive and not reversed. All work warranted.  Likenesses taken either in clear or cloudy weather. 

The third advertisement ran from September 4 to December 11, 1856.  Something New.—Staffer & Stedman are now taking Ambrotypes on Paper.  The finest articles in the picture line to send by mail, as it cost no extra postage.

The third announcement appeared on September 25, 1856.  Portage Co. Agricultural Society.  At the Portage County Agricultural Fair, held September 17th and 18th, 1856, premiums were awarded as follows…On Miscellaneous Manufactured Art… 

L. V. Staffer & Co., Best specimen daguerreotype pictures,  dip.   

The fourth advertisement ran from October 16 to December 4, 1856.  Premium Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes.  L. V. Staffer  Co., respectfully invite the public to call at their rooms over Baird’s Jewelry, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, and examine their specimens upon which they received the first premium at the last county fair.  We offer the following reasons why we can produce better pictures than can be obtained elsewhere in this county.  We have the largest and most powerful camera in this section of the state.  Our light is so arranged as not only to give a life like expression to the features, but also drapery of the utmost beauty and richness.  (The want of which is a great fault in the work of some operators.)  We use the genuine chemicals, regardless of expense, and having had ten years experience in the art we know that we can produce better results than the mere tyro of a few months practice.  Those wishing good pictures of themselves or friends will find it to their advantage to call at our rooms and be convinced that this is the place to get a perfect likeness.  Prices as low as in any rooms of good repute in Northern Ohio. Children’s likenesses taken in one or two seconds.  We seldom fail to get a good likeness of the most restless.

Daguerreotypes.—As there are some who still prefer this style, we would say that we are at all times prepared to take them.

Caution.—The public are cautioned against Ambrotypes backed up with black paint or varnished, as the backing will crack eventually and the picture become worthless.  All good operators have discarded this process, we have not used it for many months and all persons having pictures put up by us in that way, are invited to call and when they become cracked and have them made good.  Such pictures can be known by their having a glass over the matting, the position of the setter being reversed, and having a dull appearances at arms length,.

Remember the place, over Baird’s Jewelry Store.  Oct., 16, 1856.  L. V. Staffer  Co.

The fifth advertisement ran from March 31 to July 21, 1859.  People’s Gallery.  At the old stand of L. V. Staffer & Co., nearly opposite the east end of Phoenix Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Superb Ambrotypes, Photographs And Melainotypes, 50 Per Cent Less Than Elsewhere.

Persons in want of pictures of any style will find it much to their interest to call at this Gallery before purchasing elsewhere.  No time will be spent in unprofitable “gassing” but all are invited to come and judge for themselves as to the quality of the work with the assurance that no pains will be spared, to make the best picture possible for every customer, and no one will be expected to take work away unless perfectly suited.  O. F. Stedman.  Ravenna, March 31, 1850.

The fourth and fifth announcements appeared in The Portage County Democrat (Ravenna, Ohio) on April 27, 1859.  Look Out For Him!—We are informed that our fellow townsman and artist, Stedman, of the People’s Gallery’ in this place, intends visiting the citizens of Freedom this week, with a car, for the purpose of taking off their faces.  Those in want of good pictures will do well to give him a call.  His Gallery here, during his absence, will be in charge of his brother.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  Home Again.—O. F. Steadman, of the ‘People’s Gallery,’ will be at home next week ready to wait personally upon those in want of pictures.  Good work and low prices is his motto.  Those interested can make a note of it.’

O. F. Steadman is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Ravenna, Ohio in 1859-1860.

James L. Stapleton

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs

1856                Rooms over Fuller’s Store, Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont.

James L. Stapleton was recorded in two advertisements in The Middlebury Register  (Middlebury, Vermont).  The firs advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Chrystallographs, Pictures on Isinglass, And Daguerreotypes.  I beg leave to inform the ladies and gentlemen of Middlebury and vicinity, that I have commenced taking the above beautiful pictures.  The Ambrotypes are cemented between two French plate glasses with an imperishable gum, rendering them proof against the effects of any climate and the action of the strongest acids.  They have none of the disagreeable metallic or mirror-like reflection of the daguerreotype, and can be seen with any light.  The Chrystallographs are taken on glass, perfectly secured, and as durable as the Ambrotypes.  My pictures on Isinglass are acknowledged by all who have seen them to be superior specimens of the art. They are the only kind of photograph well adapted to be sent to any distance by mail or otherwise.  They can be inserted between the folds of a letter without apparently increasing the weight or bulk of parcel.

As I intend to locate myself permanently in this place, my patrons will run no risk of being imposed on by inferior pictures, as I will always hold myself in readiness to remedy defects in pictures occasioned by fault of mine free of charge.  I take the above pictures on all sizes of plates, and they will cost no more than their corresponding sizes of daguerreotypes.  Ambrotypes neatly fitted into lockets and pins.  Sick and deceased persons taken at their residences.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms over Fuller’s store, Main st.  Jas. L. Stapleton.  Middlebury, May 20, 1856.

The second advertisement ran from July 16 to August 20, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes!  As the subscriber must positively leave here in a few weeks, all those wishing to possess Ambrotypic Pictures of themselves or friends, would do well to call immediately at his rooms, over Fuller’s store.  My Pictures are no dearer than the common Daguerreotype, are almost as durable as the glass on which the impression is taken.  Unlike the Daguerreotype, the image is not reversed on the plate, and they have none of that peculiar dazzling luster of all Daguerreotypes.  My pictures are warranted not to fade in any climate.  Ambrotypes neatly put up in Lockets and Pins.  Also pictures on Mica—better known as Isinglass Pictures—the only kind of picture well adapted to be sent and distance as they can be put between the folds of a letter or parcel of any kind without apparently increasing its weight or bulk.  Also Landscape and other Views put up at moderate prices.  Sick or deceased persons taken at their residences.  Business hours from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Jas. L. Stapleton. 

James L. Stapleton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Eldridge Stanton

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1856-1857       Pratt’s Block, over Kerr’s Hardware Store, Chatham, Ontario, Canada.[1]

1859                Address Unknown, Moundsville, Virginia.

1859                Address Unknown, Barnesville, Ohio. (?)

1859                Rooms at the Monroe House, Woodsfield, Ohio.

1859                Rooms at Davis’ Hotel, Woodsfield, Ohio.

Eldridge Stanton was recorded in five announcements and one advertisement in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  We are informed that all the handsome ladies about town intend to have their ambrotypes taken by Mr. Stanton.—Pretty much everybody else intends to do the same thing.  His terms are cheaper, and his pictures better, if we may judge from his reputation, than those of any of his predecessors in this place.

The advertisement ran from May 18 to July 13, 1859.  Mr. Stanton Is Taking Pictures For Fifty Cents, At The Monroe House Woodsfield Ohio.

The second announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  Mr. E. Stanton, Photographer.  This gentleman, who has been here for some time, engaged in taking pictures for our citizens took his departure yesterday, bound for Barnesville, Belmont co., Ohio, where he will remain a few weeks before his departure for Canada, his place of residence.  While here he made many warm friends, and we were sorry to give him the parting hand, as we found him to be a worthy friend and fellow, and passed many a pleasant evening with him.  We commend him to those among he may chance to sojourn for a time—not only as a gentleman, but as an artist of the first water.  He has been a practical chemist for many years, and was the first to introduce the photograph (paper picture) into Western Virginia.  We can attest the fact of his skill as an artist from having the most life-like picture of ourselves taken by him, that we ever had taken in our life, although we have tried many artist.  He knows the use of the camera thoroughly.—Moundsville Sentinel.

The third announce appeared on May 25, 1859.  War!  War!  Before you start for the seat of War, give Mr. Stanton a call at Davis’ Hotel, and get your likeness taken to leave with your friends.

The fourth announcement appeared on July 6, 1859.  Interesting To All.—Mr. Stanton will be absent from town till Thursday the 7th Inst., when he will return and close up operating here by the 14th.  His success heretofore is sufficient evidence of his skill, we would advise all desiring those excellent Melainotypes, to give him an early call as the last day will undoubtedly be crowded.

The fifth announcement appeared on July 20, 1859.  Going to Remain.  Mr. Stanton had determined to depart from here on Friday, but such has been the rush of business at his rooms that he has concluded to remain until after court.  He is doing more than double the amount of business that any artist has done before him.  He makes the best pictures, by one half, and the cheapest by seventy-five per cent, that have ever been taken in this place.  That’s so.

Eldridge Stanton is not recorded in other photographic directories during the daguerrean period.  Born in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada on March 7, 1835, died Toronto in 1912.  Stanton was active in Baltimore, Maryland from 1867-1870, and in Detroit, Michigan in 1870.[1]

[1] A Biographical Index of Daguerreotypists in Canada 1839-1871 by Graham W. Garrett.

Staffer & Stedman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1856                Over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer & O. F. Stedman) were recorded in two announcements and three advertisements in The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on August 21, 1856.  Pictures.—Those who desire to obtain valuable and correct likenesses of themselves or their friends, should call at the Ambrotype rooms of Staffer & Stedman in Allen’s Block.  See Advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from August 21 to December 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes taken by Staffer & Stedman, at their Rooms over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, O., for seventy-Five Cents, where every variety of likenesses can be obtained.  Ambrotypes inserted in breast pins and lockets.  Whole size likenesses for $5 and $6—former price $10 and $12.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  Having a large sky and side light, impressions taken in from three to five seconds.  Our likenesses are all positive and not reversed. All work warranted.  Likenesses taken either in clear or cloudy weather. 

The second advertisement ran from September 4 to December 11, 1856.  Something New.—Staffer & Stedman are now taking Ambrotypes on Paper.  The finest articles in the picture line to send by mail, as it cost no extra postage. 

The second announcement appeared on September 25, 1856.  Portage Co. Agricultural Society.  At the Portage County Agricultural Fair, held September 17th and 18th, 1856, premiums were awarded as follows…On Miscellaneous Manufactured Art… 

L. V. Staffer & Co., Best specimen daguerreotype pictures,  dip.   

The third advertisement ran from October 16 to December 4, 1856.  Premium Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes.  L. V. Staffer  Co., respectfully invite the public to call at their rooms over Baird’s Jewelry, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, and examine their specimens upon which they received the first premium at the last county fair.  We offer the following reasons why we can produce better pictures than can be obtained elsewhere in this county.  We have the largest and most powerful camera in this section of the state.  Our light is so arranged as not only to give a life like expression to the features, but also drapery of the utmost beauty and richness.  (The want of which is a great fault in the work of some operators.)  We use the genuine chemicals, regardless of expense, and having had ten years experience in the art we know that we can produce better results than the mere tyro of a few months practice.  Those wishing good pictures of themselves or friends will find it to their advantage to call at our rooms and be convinced that this is the place to get a perfect likeness.  Prices as low as in any rooms of good repute in Northern Ohio. Children’s likenesses taken in one or two seconds.  We seldom fail to get a good likeness of the most restless.

Daguerreotypes.—As there are some who still prefer this style, we would say that we are at all times prepared to take them.

Caution.—The public are cautioned against Ambrotypes backed up with black paint or varnished, as the backing will crack eventually and the picture become worthless.  All good operators have discarded this process, we have not used it for many months and all persons having pictures put up by us in that way, are invited to call and when they become cracked and have them made good.  Such pictures can be known by their having a glass over the matting, the position of the setter being reversed, and having a dull appearances at arms length,.

Remember the place, over Baird’s Jewelry Store.  Oct., 16, 1856.  L. V. Staffer  Co.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer &  O. F. Stedman), the partnership is not recorded in other photographic directories. L. V. Staffer is also not recorded, O. F. Stedman is recorded in other directories as being active in 1859-1860.

Mr. Spencer

Ambrotypes, ,

1858                Main Street, Clarksburg, Virginia.

Mr. Spencer was recorded in one announcement on January 8, 1858 in the Cooper’s Clarksburg Register(Clarksburg, Virginia).  Open Again.—Mr. J. H. Murphy has again opened his Ambrotype Gallery, for the accommodation of all who may desire to obtain these elegant and durable pictures.  He has secured the services of Mr. Spencer, an experienced artist, who takes off “the human face divine” in the highest style of the art.  Call soon, for this will be the last chance.

Mr. Spencer is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles M. Speelman

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

1859                Rooms over the Chronicle Office, Penn-Yan, New York.

Charles M. Speelman was recorded in three announcements and three advertisements.  The first announcement appeared on March 9, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York.   

Photographs, Daguerreotypes, &c.  Mr. T. J. B. House has disposed of his Photograph and Daguerrean Gallery to Mr. C. M. Speelman, who is to take possession on Monday next.  While we regret to part with Mr. House, we are well pleased to know that his successor is fully qualified to fill his place.  Mr. Speelman is an excellent artist and a through gentleman.  He has had much experience in taking pictures, and we are quite sure Mr. House’s patrons will lose nothing by the change, should they wish anything in the line of Photographs, Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We predict for our young friend Speelman abundant success.

The second announcement appeared on March 10, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Mr. T. J. B. House has sold his Photograph and Ambrotype Gallery together with his entire business, to Mr. Charles M. Speelman of Torrey.  Mr. House is an excellent artist, and a very worthy man.  He has made best of friends during his stay of two years in Penn Yan who will regret his departure.  The young man who takes his place is said to be a skillful artists and worthy successor to Mr. House.

The first advertisement ran from March 30 to August 17, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, &c., Penn Yan, N. Y.  Charles M. Speelman Having purchased the Rooms of T. J. B. House, over the Chronicle office, will carry on the business in all its branches.

Photographs Taken Any Size.  He hopes, by strict attention to business, to retain the public patronage that has ever been given to these rooms.

None But The Best Kind of Pictures taken at this Gallery.  His Instruments are of the best manufacture.  His stock is of the Latest Style and patterns in the New York Market.

Pictures from 50 Cents Upwards.  Cha’s M. Speelman.

The second advertisement ran from March 24 to May 5, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle  (Pen Yan, New York).   Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, &c., Penn Yan, N. Y.  Charles M. Speelman Having purchased the Rooms of T. J. B. House, over the Chronicle office, will carry on the business in all its branches.  Photographs taken any size.  This is the only room in Yates County where Photographs are taken.  He hopes, by strict attention to business, to retain the public patronage that has ever been given to these rooms.

None but the Best Kind of Pictures taken at this Gallery.  His instruments are of the best manufacture.  His [stock] is of the latest style and patterns in the New York Market.

Pictures from 50 Cents Upwards.  Cha’s M. Speelman.

The third announcement appeared on May 11, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).   Pictures.  Mr. Speelman has recently added largely to his stock of plain and fancy Cases, &c., and has reduced his prices for Photographs, Ambrotypes and melainotypes.  He takes excellent pictures, and should be liberally patronized.  See his advertisement in another column.

The third advertisement ran from May 12 to July 14, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle (Pen Yan, New York).  Pictures!  Pictures.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, And Melainotypes, At Speelman’s Gallery, (over the Chronicle’s Office.)

Mr. Speelman continues to take the best Pictures in Town.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, and in fact, every kind of Picture of his [Profession.]  A large stock of Plain & Fancy Cases Just Received, and Prices Lower then ever before.  Call and examine them.  Particular attention paid to copying , and all work warranted to give entire satisfaction.

Charles M. Speelman is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in West Dresden New York in 1859 without a business address.  There are several scenarios that I would suggest. First—the distance between Pen Yan and West Dresden is less then six miles, Speelman might have had a gallery in both towns.  Second—he might have had a gallery there before March 9 or after July 14th.  Third—since he was recorded in the residence section of the city directory without an address he probably lived in West Dresden and worked in Pen Yan.  Having done a lot of work with city directories this has always puzzled me why did they not add a business address.  Either they worked in a different town or it is also possible they were employed by someone else, another suggestion is they were semi-retired, or in-between jobs.  

A. Somes

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                Furman’s Building, State Street, Schenectady, New York.

A. Somes appeared in one announcement in The Schenectady Cabinet (Schenectady, New York) on January 1, 1856. Mr. A. Somes, daguerreotypist, has, by repeated experiments in the new and beautiful art of Ambrotyping, brought it to high perfection.  We recommend to all who desire a perfect and durable likeness, to call on him at his rooms in Furman’s building, State-street.

A. Somes is recorded in other photographic directories as being a daguerreotypist, active in 1857-1858 in Schenectady.

Miss Alice Smith

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

1857                Address Unknown, Watertown, New York.

Miss Alice Smith was recorded in one announcement in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York) on October 1, 1857.  Jefferson County Agricultural Society.  Premiums Awarded…Pictures…

Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Thos. Waite, Pamelia, book.

Best Specimens Photographs, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. & $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Photographs, G. S. Rugg, Watertown, book.     

Miss Alice Smith, Watertown, recommended, $3.00.

Hart & Hose, Watertown, recommended, $2.00

Those recommend a discretionary premium of $3.00 to No. 207 for best Ambrotypes, also one of $2.00 to No. 65 for 2d best Ambrotypes.

The committee would recommend that, at the next annual exhibition there be one premium for the best ambrotypes and one for the 2d best, and also a premium for the best ambrotype views.  A large portion of the pictures exhibited were of this character, and as they form a very interesting part of the exhibition the committee have recommended premiums to be given, and that greater inducement be offered by the society hereafter for the exhibition of specimens of art.  E. Q. Sewall, T. C. Chittenden, Jr., E. H. Smith, Judges.

Miss. Alice Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Watertown, New York.