Category Archives: Ambrotypes

Chappel

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Rooms over Mr. Asher’s Store, Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Chappel was recorded in an advertisement in the Sugar Planter (West Baton Rouge, Louisiana.)  on December 31, 1859.  The Baton Rouge Cheap Ambrotype Gallery, Over Mr. Asher’s Store, On Lafayette Street.  Is the place to get a superior, Life-like Ambrotype, of the medium size, for 50 Cents.

These pictures are not the Little Insignificant Daubs which many, who call themselves artist, palm off on the community, at that low price, but they are large, fine pictures of the same size as those generally sold at prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.00.

The public are invited to call at our Rooms and compare our Pictures with those taken by any of the first-class artist.

We are now receiving additions to our already fine stock and apparatus, and are prepared to furnish our friends with superior styles of Pictures, Cases, and Frames.

The public will not fail to remember that the Baton Rouge Cheap Ambrotype Gallery Is not a traveling Institution, but a Permanent Thing, a part of Baton Rouge itself.

Chappel does not appear in other photographic directories.

John Chamberlain

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1858                First Street, 57 Union Block, Glasgow, Missouri.

John Chamberlain was recorded in an announcement on March 25, 1858 in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri.)  Ambrotypes.—Mr. Jno. Chamberlain has fitted up a room in the rear of his jewelry shop, where he is prepared to take likenesses of every description, at a moments notice.  He formerly was engaged in the Daguerrean business, and has recently graduated under Prof. Burch, one of the best Ambrotypist that has ever visited our town.  Mr. C. has a fine instrument, a good assortment of stock, and will do you up a likeness of any required description or price, in less time than you have taken to read this notice.

On May 6 an advertisement appeared and ran until December 9, 1858 in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri.)  John Chamberlain, Ambrotypist.  Rooms At His Jewelry Store.  Fine & Common Cases, Lockets, Pins & Rings, for Likenesses.  Work Done At A Moment’s Notice, And Warranted.

Both John Chamberlain and H. F. Burch are not recorded in other photographic directories.

William H. Chalmers

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

1853-1861       Post Office Corner, Augusta, Georgia.[1]                                                                            1856                   Address Unknown, New York, New York.1                                                                          1856                   Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.                                                                  1858                   over Burpee’s Carriage Shop, opposite the Bank, Athens, Georgia.1  

William H. Chalmers was listed in four advertisements in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  The first three are when he was in partnership with John Leigh as Leigh & Chalmers.  The first advertisement ran from October 1, to November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Those Beautiful and Imperishable Pictures can be had at John Leigh’s Office.  They are superior in Brilliancy, depth of tone and finish to any ever offered in this community.  Leigh & Chalmers.  Edgefield, Sept. 30, 1856.

The second ran from October 1 to December 31, 1856.  Photographs.  This beautiful style of Picture so popular in both this country and Europe, can be had at Leigh & Chalmers’ Gallery, Augusta, Ga.  Persons having Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends can have them photographed from life-size to the smallest miniature.                                                                Leigh & Chalmers.  Augusta, Sept. 30, 1856.

The third advertisement ran on March 4, 1857.  Photograph of Hon. P. S. Brooks.  Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers, of Augusta, have kindly forwarded to us a photograph likeness of our lamented Brooks, for which we return then thanks.  It is just the thing we were endeavoring to procure and is a most acceptable gift.  The likeness is striking and the execution excellent.  As there are very many citizens of Edgefield who would be glad to have a faithful portrait of their late beloved representative, we would suggest to them that, for only $4, they can procure such an one from Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers.  Mr. Leigh brought up a hundred copies the other day, but they are going off very rapidly.  Those who have engaged them should apply early; and those who have not done so, can now make the arrangement with Mr. L., who is at this place for the present.

The fourth advertisement was for William H. Chalmers alone and ran from December 8 to 29, 1858 in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  Ambrotypes For Fifty Cts. At The Chalmers’ Gallery, Post Office Corner, Augusta, Geo.  Wm. H. Chalmers, the well-known and successful Ambrotypist, is still furnishing pictures in the same Beautiful And Life-Like Style, that was so much admired last season, for the Low Price of 50 Cts. and upwards, According to the size and style of case.  The Gallery having a Mammoth Sky-Light and Side-Light combined, together with Instruments of the latest and most approved kinds, Pictures can be taken at all hours of the day, and as well in cloudy weather as in clear.

Having secured the services of several of the Best Operators in the United States, Likenesses will in all cases be Perfect or no charge.  Each Picture will be handsomely colored by an experienced Artist, and warranted not to fade.

The Public are invited to call and examine the large collection of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Paintings, &c., on exhibition.  Entrance to Gallery on door above the Post Office.

N. B. Instructions given in the Art and Apparatus furnished.         Augusta, Dec. 7.

[1] Early Georgia Photographers, 1841 – 1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth

Joseph H. Caskie

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856-1857       High Street, 1 Door South of Main Street, Hillsboro, Ohio.                                          1858                   Main Street, Hillsboro, Ohio.                                                                                          1858-1859       Address Unknown, Hillsboro, Ohio.

Joseph H. Caskie is recorded in two advertisements, an announcement about an explosion in the building where he was opening his new studio and two announcements awarding premium at the Highland County Agricultural Society Fair, and one at the Greenfield Fair.

The first advertisement that ran from April 2 to October 15, 1857 in The Highland Weekly News (Hillsboro, Ohio.)  Daguerreotypes at Cincinnati Prices.  The subscriber tenders his sincere thanks to the citizens of Hillsboro and vicinity, for the liberal patronage he has received for the last nine months, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same.  I have settled permanently in this place, and can be found at my rooms on High st., one door South of Main, ready at all times to draw Perfect Likenesses, true to nature and of all sizes, from the half-size plate to the smallest miniature.  Pictures taken without regard to weather, between the hours of 9 A. M. and 6 P. M.  Persons sitting for Pictures and taking them from the Room, and afterwards becoming dissatisfied with them, can in all cases get them drawn over free of charge, until satisfactory in every respect.  I therefore guarantee to please the most fastidious, in both price and quality of Pictures.

From my long experience in the Art, and in one of the best rooms in the world, I am confident that I can defy all competition.  The public are invited to call and examine my specimens before going elsewhere.  A silver mirror is my drawing board and the sun-beam my pencil-pointed with golden light.  High st, 1 door South of Barrer’s Corner.  J. H. Caskie.

On October 22, 1857 in The Highland Weekly News appears the first List of Premiums Awarded at the Annual Fair of the Highland County Agricultural Society, October 1857….Class S—No. 17.  Flowers & Pictures….Best daguerreotypes J. H. Caskie    $2.00.

On March 4, 1858 an article about the explosion appears in The Highland Weekly News.  Terrible Explosion!  $3000 to $4000 worth of Property Destroyed.  About 1 o’clock on Tuesday morning last, many of our citizens were startled from their slumber by a loud explosion….it was soon discovered the east wing of the new two-story brick Block, on the South side of Main street, east of High, was a mass of ruins, and that the interior was on fire.  The building was occupied as a grocery store by Miller & Nevin, and was owned by Jacob Miller.  It appears that there were two kegs of gunpowder in the store, containing nearly 50 pounds, to which by some means fire had been communicated, whether by accident or design is not known, causing a fearful explosion, and the complete destruction of the building and most of its contents.  The upper story of the building adjoining Miller & Nevin, owned by M. W. Lane, was also completely riddled, half of the partition wall blown down, the roof lifted off, and the back wall considerably injured.  This story had just been fitted up as a Daguerrean Gallery by Mr. Caskie, whose loss is between $200 and $300….

The second recording of Awards appeared on October 14, 1858.  List of Premiums, Awarded at the Ninth Annual Fair of the Highland Co. Agricultural Society, Sept. 29 and 30, and Oct. 1, 1858….Class U—No. 20….best specimen daguerreotype, Harner & Lucas, 2; best do [specimens] ambrotypes, Harner and Lucas, 2; 2d do [best specimen ambrotype,] J. H. Caskie, 1.

The second advertisement appears on March 10 and ran until October 27, 1859.   The Picture Business.  I have listened this winter with all the patience a man could have, to see how far men would go in praising themselves.  They urge people to come on, as if they took Pictures in the natural colors, and no one could imitate them.  If any one can produce any Pictures superior to any that I can make, then I will think everybody ought to rush and get one of the “Superior Pictures” before they leave.

I have been blown up by powder, but being born in the State of Virginia, where they learn anything to learn it perfect, people know that men from that State are hard to defeat, as Washington, with an untrained set of men, defeated the British.  Joseph H. Caskie.

The third announce of premiums awarded to Caskie appeared on November 3, 1859 in The Highland Weekly News.  The Greenfield Fair.  The whole number of entries at the Greenfield Fair was 936.  Total receipts about $2800….The following premiums were awarded to citizens of Hillsboro and vicinity:…Best Daguerreotypes, J. H. Caskie, $1….

 Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him active in 1860 in Hillsboro.  Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 has him active between 1860 and 1865 in Hillsboro.

 

Charles Carel

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , , ,

1857-1858       Court Street, Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.                              1858                   Court Street, Rooms over Swallow’s Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

Charles Carel is first recorded in an announcement and a advertisement on December 29, 1857 in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio.)  Charles Carel is taking fine pictures for forty cents.

The advertisement ran from December 29, 1857 to February 29, 1858.  Cheap Pictures.  I Would respectfully inform the people of Pomeroy and vicinity that I am now taking Splendid and Life-Like Ambrotypes and Melainotypes at Forty Cents.  Also a large assortment of Cases, to suit any taste, and at the most moderate prices.  Room over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.  Call soon as I warrant my pictures not to fade.  Pictures taken in cloudy as well as clear weather.

In the same newspaper again an announcement followed by an advertisement appeared on  February 16, 1858.  Charles Carel, Daguerrean artist gives notice of his intention to leave Pomeroy, and those who fail to procure the advantages of his low prices for pictures, can but blame themselves.

The advertisement ran from February 16 to March 23, 1858.  “Pitch In.”  Pictures Cheaper Than Ever.  I take this method of informing the public that hereafter I will take splendid and life-like Pictures Cheaper Than Ever.  Also, to call soon, as I can stay in this place but a short time longer.  I will take $1.50 Pictures for $1.25; $1.25 do. for $1; 75 cent do. for 60 cents, and all others in proportion.

Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.  Please call soon, as it is the Last chance you will have of getting Splendid Pictures at such low prices.  I warrant my pictures not to fade in any climate.

N. B.—Instruction given in every branch of the art. Price $30. Apply soon.

The next advertisement ran from April 6, 1858 to June 8, 1858.  Carel Still About.  I am Still In Pomeroy, And Shall remain till further notice.  Pictures from 40 cts. to Five Dollars, Warranted not to fade.  A splendid Stock of material on hand.  Call soon and get one of my durable and, if desired, Cheap Pictures.

Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.

N. B.—Instruction given in every branch of the art. Price $30. Apply soon.

The following announcement appeared on August 10, 1858 followed by and advertisement.  Carel, the “countenance taker,” has something to say this week, and he says it right out.  Don’t overlook the “document.”  See his card in another column.  When carel is beat in his line, we venture to say he will “draw the drapery of his couch around him”—and quit.

The Advertisement ran from August 10 to 24, 1858.  Read This, Everybody!  Whereas, The proprietor of a “one horse” Picture Boat has taken pains to tell people that my 50 cent Pictures will fade.  I would inform the public that it is Utterly False, as can be proven by Hundreds of my pictures which I have taken during my stay here, of which Not One has ever faded In The Least.

Recollect that I am stationed here permanently, and am Accountable for Every Picture I turn out.  I Warrant my 50 cent pictures and all others to Stand in any climate; if not, Return Them And You Can Have Your Money!  I can always be found at my Gallery, over Swallow’s Store, on Court Street, where I will take Pictures for 50 cents, which I will warrant Never to fade, and which are better and more life-like than those which the “Fellow” referred to above charges  One Dollar for.  I have just received a fine stock of Cases and Material of all kinds, which I will dispose of Cheaper than any floating “gas” concern at or within forty miles of Pomeroy.  Recollect, I Pledge myself to take Better, More Durable and Cheaper Pictures than Any floating concern on the River.  I have settled Permanently in Pomeroy, and if any of my pictures fade, I will always be found ready to refund the money.             Chas. Carel.

On August 24, 1858 J. C. Moore responses to Carel’s advertisement.  For the Telegraph.  Messrs. Editors:  My attention has been called to an advertisement which appeared in your last week’s issue, in which a contemptible scamp signing himself “Chas. Carel,” made an attack upon me and my business, in terms that would have done credit to the vilest blackguard in the land, the whole thing being no more nor less than a perfect tissue of falsehood and slander.

Among other things, he informs the public that he can take “better pictures for 50 cents than we do for one dollar.”  Now, Mr. Editor, in order to test the sincerity of the above piece of hombast, we make the above mentioned “Charles Carel.” the following proposition, which we dare him to accept.  We will deposit 50 or $100, in the hands of any responsible citizen of Pomeroy, he to deposit a like amount with the same.  He can take any citizen he may choose, and take two, four, or six impressions—do his best.  We take the same person and take one-half the number he does, and send the pictures to Cincinnati to three Artist.  He to select one, we another and they a third, and the “fellow” who makes the best picture takes the whole amount of money so deposited.  As the aforesaid “Chas.” Is of a sporting turn, we may expect to have some fun when he accepts the above proposition.  In conclusion I will say to the public that I am now taking very much finer pictures than have ever been taken in Pomeroy, as I do not work in a half-house side light room, but am provided with the best arranged light ever on the Ohio River.  Remember we take no 25 cent shadows, but warrant every pictures for all time.

N. B. The public are respectfully invited to call on board and examine our specimens, and compare them with some of “Carel’s,” which we have taken over.     J. C. Moore, Floating Artist.

On October 26, 1858 the following notice appears.  Mr. E. Feiger has bought out the Daguerrean Gallery in Swallow’s building, on Court street, and proposes taking pictures of all kinds as cheap and good as has before been taken in this place.  See advertisement.

Charles Carel is not listed in other photographic directories during the scope of the project dates.  He possibly is listed in Ohio Photographers, 1839-1900.  Diane list a Carel (no first name) in Gallipolis in 1860-1865, and a Charles Carel in Gallipolis from 1866-1884.  Pomeroy is about twenty miles from Gallipolis.

Robert A Carden

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

1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                          1853-1854     293 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                        1854                369 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]                                                                1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                  1856                Clay & Kearny Streets, San Francisco, California.[2]                                      1858                Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Based on work done by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn in Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry by John Craig, New York City Directories, and newspaper advertisements and notices in New York City and Washington, D. C.  I’ve put together the following snapshot of Carden’s activity.

Robert A. Carden was not listed in the 1852-1853 New York City Directory, he was listed in the 1853-1854 and 1854-1855 directories as daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway, in 1853-1854 directory his house was listed at 393 Broadway, Carden was not listed in subsequent NYC directories.  In 1853-1854 there was also a listing for Carden & Co, daguerreotypes, at the 293 Broadway.

Carden was recorded on April 13, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Carden & Co., No. 293 Broadway, are still taking those superb Pictures at the low price of 25 cents, notwithstanding there are some who advertise 12 ½ cent one to be taken at a future day.  It is a well known fact that a picture cannot be produced for less than 25 cents; hence the great rush every day at Carden & Co.’s.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry recorded the partnership of Carden & Norton, 369 Broadway from the 1854 Mercantile Directory.

He was recorded in the Daily American Organ (Washington, D. C.) on February 9, 1855 and in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1855.  The Exhibition of the Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute.—…Contributions from Virginia…Smith Bennett and Robert A. Carden, Frames of beautiful daguerreotypes;

Six months later the following advertisement appears on August 9 & 15, 1855 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale in Alexandria, Va.  One of the best rooms in Alexandria.  Will be sold cheap for cash.  Any person who wants to learn the business will be taught; and also will teach the art of Photograph free.  That alone is worth one hundred dollars to any artist.  Two Artist wanted to color Photographs.  Address “RAC,” Artist, Alexandria, Va.

Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn.  They mention that Carden is in San Francisco, California in 1856 working for Henry William Bradley at Clay & Kearny Streets.  Also that he wrote two articles for the Photographic and Fine Art Journal on April 1857, p 112 & 113 on Photography in California and was signed R. A. C. the same as the Evening Star advertisement on August 9 & 15, 1855.   In August of 1858 he wrote about the New Orleans Photographic Galleries on pages 244 & 245. Carden is reported in the same issue on page 256 that that he has returned to New York from New Orleans where he showed Ambrotypes and prints taken while he was there.  Was Carden active as a photographer or possibly as an assistant?  Further research is needed.  He was not listed in as being active in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865, by Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker except to mention the article in The Photographic And Fine Art Journal.

Recorded on November 11, 1859 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  Carden—At Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., on Thursday, Sept. 15, Robert A. Carden, photographic artist, formerly of this city [died], aged 26.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Gallery in partnership of Carden & Norton.                                                   [2] Entry for 1856 & 1858 from Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West.

 

John W. Campbell

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857-1859       Rooms over James Campbell’s Grocery Store, Winchester, Tennessee.

John W. Campbell was recorder in one announcement and four advertisements in The Winchester Home Journal (Winchester, Tennessee.)  This is new information and not a new name, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him as a daguerrean from 1860-1861.  The first advertisement ran from November 21, 1857 to January 9, 1858.   Ambrotypes And Melainotypes Jno. W. Campbell has opened a room over James Campbell’s Grocery Store, and would invite the people of Winchester and Franklin County to come and give him a trial, as he feels confident he can give entire satisfaction in the melainotype and ambrotype—two styles of pictures which are now universally admired and recommended above all others.  Pictures taken at prices ranging from Dollar to Twenty.

Without any puffing or blowing, he would simply ask all in want of pictures to come and see if he cannot perform to their satisfaction.   Nov. 21.      John W. Campbell.

The announcement ran on January 16, 1858.  Mr. J. W., Campbell inserts a card in to day’s paper, stating that he is newly fitted for taking pictures.  We have examined his specimens and must pronounce them excellent.  We solicit for him a call from any who want themselves pictured.

The second advertisement ran from January 16 to July 15, 1858.  Pictures.  Jno. W. Campbell Again takes the privilege of informing the ladies and Gentlemen of Winchester and vicinity that he is taking the best and cheapest Ambro and Melainotypes in the State.  He has a new instrument, which he knows is perfect, and will take almost all colors.  If not, he flatters himself that he can use the paint brush, and give the richest of colors.  He invites all to call soon.

The third announcement ran from May 28 to June 10, 1858.  Fine Arts.  J. W. Campbell Takes pleasure in informing the Ladies of Winchester that he has recently refitted his Ambrotype and Melainotype Gallery for the reception of all who may call and desire good pictures.  Call at Campbell’s Gallery.

The fourth advertisement ran from 1858 November 4, 1858 to February 24, 1859.  J. W. Campbell, Ambrotype and Melainotype Artist, Public Square, Winchester, Tenn.

J. M. Campbell

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1856-1857       Court Street, opposite Kirby House, Watertown, New York.

J. M. Campbell was recorded in an advertisement that ran from December 25, 1856 to January 15, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York.) Lights And Shadows From Real Life! A. M. Campbell, Daguerreotypist And Ambrotypist, would respectfully inform the people of Watertown and surrounding country, that he has located his Mammoth Daguerrean Car on Court Street, opposite the Kirby House for a short time, where he proposes to furnish all who may desire, with faithfully delineated, Life-Like, and Rich Toned Pictures.  At prices varying from Fifty Cents upward, according to style and size of plate.  His Car is large and commodious, and having the advantage of a superior Light, and long experience in the business, he flatters himself that for accuracy and effect, his Pictures are not to be surpassed.

Who can so truly appreciate the value of a good Daguerreotype, as the friends of the loved and lost?

“Blest be the Art which keeps the absent near,                                                                  The beautiful, unchanged from Time’s rude theft,                                                           Guards the fresh tint on Childhood’s polished brow,                                                      And when Love yields its idol to the tomb,                                                                         Doth snatch a copy.”

Pictures neatly set in Pins, Keys, Bracelets, Lockets, and all work Warranted not to fade.  Hours of operating from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.  Please call and examine specimens.

J. M. Campbell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mrs. Cain or Cane

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                200 Superior, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Two entries today, Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Cane, they are probably the same person.  Mrs.  Cain is recorded in an advertisement that ran on May 23 to 31, 1859 in the Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Ambrotypes And Photographs.—Mrs. Cain has her picture gallery at her old stand, No. 200 Superior street (South Side).  First class pictures taken on reasonable terms, and warranted to suit.                          my18.

Mrs. Cane

1858                106 Superior Street, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cane was recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 24 to October, 20, 1858 in the  Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Mrs. Cane, Ambrotype and Melaneotype Artist, No. 106 Superior St., South Side.) Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cain or Cane does not appear in John Craig’s Daguerreian Registry or in Diane VanSkiver Gagel’s Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.  In addition information from the Cleveland City Directories for the late 1850’s cannot verify the correct spelling of her last name or provide a first name.  The Cleveland Morning Leader that I have access to starts on June 1, 1858 (Vol. 12, Issue No. 131) and for the most part is a complete run through December 31, 1859.

S. E. Bottolph

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Malone, New York.

S. E. Buttolph was mentioned in The Daily Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York) on May 20, 1859. Franklin Co. Items. Mrs. Cornelia L. Buttolph, wife of S. E. Buttolph, ambrotype artist, died suddenly of heart disease at Malone on Saturday the 14th.  She had just returned to her room, from a walk, when she was taken suddenly ill, and exclaimed that she was dying….

While S. E. Buttolph is known and recorded as a daguerreian in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry this gives us a little more information.  We know have his wife’s name and that he made ambrotypes also.