Category Archives: Ambrotypes

C. S. Bonney

Ambrotypes, ,

C. S. Bonney was recorded on February 4, 1857 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York) Ambrotypes.—We have been shown several specimens of Ambrotypes taken by a new process, by Mr. C. S. Bonney, of this place.  The pictures present a beautiful, clear and natural appearance, surpassing anything in the Daguerrean or Ambrotype line it has yet been our pleasure to examine.  Mr. Bonney has been teaching this new process in this state and Pennsylvania with marked success, and we learn that he is now making arrangements to impart the secret to any artist who may wish to possess it, at a trifling expense.

C. S. Bonney does not appear in other photographic directories I have searched.

Bleecker Gallery

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

On June 14, 1858 the following series of seven advertisements appear in the New York Daily Tribune.  (New York City.)  The advertisement only ran in a single issue.  To date no other advertisements have been found for the Bleecker Gallery.  In talking with several photographic historians in New York Jeremy Rowe has suggested that the gallery is probably that of Abraham D. Hopper at 229 Bleecker Street.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Aquaral Photographs.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                  The Bleecker Gallery, Corner Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Photographs, large size, for $1.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, Large size, in case, for 50c.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.   Miniatures on Ivory.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                    The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.   Life-size Photographs in Oil.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                        The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Life-size Photographs in Pastel.

[Advertisement.]                                                                                                                                                  The Bleecker Gallery, Cor. Bleecker-st. and Broadway.  Photographic Views of Villa Residences, &c.

George P. Blakesley

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , , ,

The address and location of George P. Blakesley in 1858 is unknown at this time.  The information comes from a newspaper article in the The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan) announcing the premiums awarded at the Cass County Agricultural Society Fair held in Cassapolis Michigan on October 8th and 9th…Class XVI—Painting, Drawing, &C….Best case of ambrotypes, L. D. Smith.  2d best case of ambrotypes, George P. Blakesley…Trans.

On March 3, 1859 he is reported in the following advertisement in The Cass County Republican (Dowagiac, Michigan.)  The advertisement ran from March 3 to July 21, 1859.

Ladies and gentlemen, don’t you know                                                                                                        At G. P. Blakesley’s the place to go,                                                                                            Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes he does take,                                                                                                And seldom, if ever, an error does make.

Lithographs and other pictures too, we find,                                                                                            are taken in a style to suit the mind,                                                                                                            For a few weeks only, at half price,                                                                                                                He will take your picture, and that in a trice.

Then walk right up to the Daguerrean Car,                                                                                                You Ladies and Gents that come from afar,                                                                                                  And you that live near should never delay,                                                                                                But quick get a likeness, for you it will pay.

His Car is opposite the Canada Store,                                                                                                        Where many likeness he has taken before,                                                                                                And the Canada Store is on Front street,                                                                                                Where George will be happy his friends to greet.

No difference it makes in regard to the weather,                                                                                        If it is cloudy or bright or as light as a feather,                                                                                          For in the business he has been for three years past                                                                              And every improvement has learned to the last.

Now, in himself, he has great confidence of late,                                                                                    No Artist before in this village so great,                                                                                                  Could ever with him begin to compare,                                                                                                        For all them he can beat, is the truth, I declare.

Particular attention to children is paid,                                                                                                    From 9 A. M., to 4 P. M., so don’t be afraid                                                                                                      To bring along your children, and your money likewise,                                                                      And get a nice picture that will please your eyes.

All are invited to call and examine specimens. Geo. P. Blakesley, Artist.  Dowagiac, March 3d, 1859.

Blakesley is recorded as an Ambrotypist in Dowagiac in 1860.  Information from the Directory of Early Michigan Photographers (David V. Tinder)

Click to access tinder_directory.pdf

G. F. Bissell

Ambrotypes, , ,

G. F. Bissell was recorded in The Freeman’s Journal (Cooperstown, New York) in an advertisement that ran on September 23 & 30, 1859.

For Sale.  An Ambrotype Car, nearly new, and in good repair, together with the apparatus and furniture.  Instruction in the art given to the purchaser free.  Terms of payment made easy.  The above property will be sold cheap, and offers a rare chance for some enterprising young man wishing steady, easy and profitable employment.  G. F. Bissell, Laurens, Sept. 19, 1859.

Bissell name is not recorded in other photographic directories.  The possibility exist that Bissell is not a photographer that he is just selling the car, but the possibility also exist that he is selling the car and giving the instructions to whoever purchases the car.

H. Bisbee

Ambrotypes, Sphereotype, , , ,

H. Bisbee was recorded in the American Lancaster Gazette (Lancaster, Ohio.) in an advertisement that ran from March 11 to April 22, 1858. The date of the Advertisement recorded at the end of the ad is January 28, 1858.  There are a lot of voids in the newspapers that I had access to. The first issue started on February 15, (Volume 2, No. 41) and ran uninterrupted to December 27, 1855.  The only issues available in 1856 was between January 3 to February 28, and One issue on December 11. In 1857 there were only three issues available October 1 to 15.  In 1858 missing from the database were newspapers published between January 7 to March 4, September 28 and October 7 and 14.  In 1859 there were only two issues missing March 31 and May 19.

In looking through Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Ohio Photographers 1839-1900, H. Bisbee is not recorded.  Albert Bisbee is recorded in both books and an A. Bisbee is recorded in Ohio Photographers (possibly same person.)  Albert Bisbee was active in Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland and Zanesville.  Albert Bisbee and Y. Day patented the Sphereotype on May 27, 1856. It is unknown if H. is a typo or if H. is a relative.

Fifty Cent Pictures Going Off By The Dozen At Bisbee’ Ambrotype & Sphereotype “One Horse Side-Light Rooms,” which Have Not Proved a Failure Yet, But are open Daily at the Corner of Main and Columbus Streets, (rooms formerly occupied as an Ice-Cream Saloon, Where the citizens and inhabitants of the surrounding country are invited to call and examine our “Side-Light” Pictures, and compare them with those made at the two horse ‘Sky-Light Gallery.’

We have just received from New York, A Large Supply of Cases, of all qualities and prices, and are now prepared to furnish all who wish, with an Ambrotype Likeness, cheaper than the cheapest.  We also own the exclusive right to make (what the two horse “sky-light” professor calls “our new style pictures.” better known throughout the United States and Europe, as “Bisbee’s Patent Sphereotype.” the most durable and beautiful of all pictures, each of which, when properly finished, has the Patent Stamp on the mat, and no stealing or infringing on others rights.

We are also willing to furnish the Prof. with any number of “pictures” made by our own individual self, at our “One-horse small window side light rooms” that he may use as specimens, to assist in “getting up a reputation for him,” to bring him up even, so that we can trot along together, “It is really a wonder that our friend” did not think of this scheme himself a long time ago, it would have saved him the expense of circulating so many bills every month, making “a great cry, and little” pictures.  We would recommend that he examine the (Patent) “Law’ more carefully to which he has reference, and there he will see why the Patent stamp is a proper finish, and also the consequences of not finishing properly.—

As to his right to make the Sphereotype he has just the same to rob a bank, provided some shrewd boy should sell him printed instructions (for one dollar) how to do it; we also advise him (for his sake) to throw no more stones at “small windows” while he has so “large ones exposed, of which he boasts.—Those wishing a “Genuine Sphereotype” or perfect” Ambrotype” can obtain them at our rooms, at half the price for which they are sold at the two-horse “Sky-Light gallery” and better pictures than he dare make.  Lancaster, January 28, 1858.  H. Bisbee.

William W. Bingham

Ambrotypes, Lettertypes, Melainotypes, , ,

William W. Bingham was recorded in The Chenango American (Greene, New York) in an advertisement that ran from August 4 to December 29, 1859.  Ambrotypes, Melanotypes and Patent Leather Pictures.  The subscriber respectfully informs the citizens of this village and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms over Drs. Wood’s Drug Store, where he is prepared to furnish Pictures, that cannot fail to please. Persons desirous of obtaining a Good Life-Like Picture, can now have an opportunity, as the subscriber has spared neither pains nor expense in making himself proficient in the business.  He feels confident that he is able to furnish his patrons with Pictures that cannot be surpassed.

Life is uncertain, and should an all wise Providence remove any of your friends from the scenes of earth, it would be a sweet satisfaction to be able to look on their countenances.  Hence lose no time.  Pictures of deceased persons taken correctly.  Persons desirous of obtaining duplicates of which they have already on their possession can be accommodated.  Your patronage is solicited.

N. B.—Particular attention paid to taking children’s portraits.  Wm. W. Bingham, Artist.

William W. Bingham does not appear in other photographic directories consulted.

James V. Bergen

Ambrotypes, ,

In an advertisement which ran from May 24 to July 19, 1859  in the Long Island Farmer, and Queens County Advertiser (Jamaica, New York.)  Ambrotypes At A Low Price.  The subscriber, having fitted up Rooms expressly for Ambrotypes, is now prepared to furnish Likenesses of the very best quality, and at prices as low as any establishment in the Country, or in the World.  Knowing that his success must depend upon his work, he is determined to send out Pictures that will far surpass the average made in New York city.  His light is a Sky-Light and Side-Light Combined.  By this arrangement he hopes to retain the advantages of both, without the defects of either.

N. B.—No Picture finished until pronounced satisfactory. Especial care taken with children‘s portraits. Rooms in Fulton, two doors west of Washington St.  James V. Bergen.

Bergen does not appear in any other photographic directories that I have consulted.

Benson & Wright

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

Benson & Wright were recorded in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri) in an announcement on January 15, 1857.  Improved Ambrotypes.  Messrs. Benson & Wright, Ambrotypist, have opened a Gallery on First Street, opposite the Post Office, where they are prepared, with “Heaven’s own light,” to produce facsimiles of features and form, of all who will give them a call.  Their specimens are the best that we have seen, and those desiring a good likeness should call early as their stay is Limited.  Mr. Benson is one of the best operators in the country, having had long experience, which combined with his good taste, places him at the head of his profession.  He has some entirely new, and beautiful improvements.

On January 22, 1857 in the same newspaper another announcement appears.  Superb Ambrotypes.  We are not in the habit of puffing everyone and everything, but when we see those engaged in any business or profession who really deserve it, we take great pleasure in recommending them to the public.  Prof. Benson and Dr. Wright (We add the Prof. and Dr. to keep up with the times), Ambrotypist, are of the latter class, and we can cheerfully recommend them to all who want good pictures:  As they will remain only a few days longer, we advise our friends, if they want true likenesses of themselves, to call soon, for an opportunity like the present, does not often occur.—We had thought, when we commenced this article, that we would give a description of their pictures, but we feel confident that we could not do them justice.  Suffice to say there is life, beauty and perfection in their productions, that we have never seen equaled in Photography.  Then go and see for yourselves, and we are satisfied you will not leave without your likeness.  Gallery opposite the Post Office, where they are prepared to take miniatures, at all times, regardless of the weather.

Where no first names are associated with the announcements it is just speculation to associate them with other known photographers.  Both Benson and Wright are not recorded in other photographic directories nor have I been able to connect them through my research.   I do have some possible candidates but it is only speculation until further research can be found.  W. Benson and W. B. Benson are both listed in the early 1850’s.  They possibly are the same person but only further research can answer that question.  John Craig does list W. Benson in his registry in 1851 in Boonville, Missouri without an address.  Likewise Marcus Wright was recorded in the Illinois And Missouri State Directory for 1854-1855, but no further records or advertisements have been found.

Benson, W.                                                                                                                                                        1850                Over J. C. Davis old Store, Glasgow, Missouri.                                                      1851                Court House, Fayette, Missouri.                                                                                  1851                Address Unknown, Boonville, Missouri.[1]

Benson, W. B.                                                                                                                                          1852                Rooms at the Glasgow House, Glasgow, Missouri.                                                  1853                Rooms in the Female Seminary, Glasgow, Missouri.                                                1853                Court House, Huntsville, Missouri.

Wright, Marcus                                                                                                                                          1854                105 Market, St. Louis, Missouri.

[1] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry

Samuel N. Benedict

Ambrotypes, Cameotype, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotype, , , , , , , ,

Samuel N. Benedict is recorded twice in Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York), in the partnership of House & Benedict.  They are first listed in an announcement by the editors of the newspaper and second in an advertisement that ran from June 3 to September 23, 1857.   In the announcement we learn that they came from Elmira, New York. To date no  newspapers from Elmira have been searched.

Attention is invited to the advertisement of House & Benedict, which may be found in this paper.  They are recently from Elmira, where they had established a reputation as first rate artists.  They take all kinds of pictures—Daguerreotypes Ambrotypes, Melanotypes and Cameotypes in superior style.  They have taken the rooms recently occupied by Mrs. McAllaster.

House & Benedict’s Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype and Cameotype Rooms.  House & Benedict (formerly of, Elmira) having purchased the Rooms previously occupied by Mrs. McAllaster, over Suydam’s Grocery Store on Main st., Penn Yan, beg leave to call the attention of the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, to the new and Superior Style of Pictures taken by them.  They are now prepared to take Pictures of nearly every kind, such as Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Ambrotype, Sphereotype, Cameotype, Transfer Pictures, etc., which are warranted not to fade.

The Melainotype, or Iron Picture, receives universal commendation by all who have examined their superior qualities.

Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., Filled with neatness and dispatch, either with Daguerreotype or Melainotype.  A large variety of Fancy Cases, Frames, &c., constantly on hand, and at Moderate Prices.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.—Sphereotype, Cameotype, Transfer Pictures taken only at this Gallery.  Instructions given in the Art, and Apparatus furnished if desired.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens, whether wishing a Picture or not.  Pictures copied with neatness.            Tho’s J. B. House.  Sam’l N. Benedict.

Craig Daguerreian Registry does have an entry for Samuel N. Benedict, and there has been no connection found to suggest a connection to N. Benedict even though there is a possibility they could be the same person.  John does have an entry for T. J. B. House in Penn Yan and Milo, New York in 1859.

Bellows & Bosworth

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

Bellows and Bosworth are recorded in an advertisement in the Orleans Independent Standard (Irasburgh, Vermont) dated April 16, 1858.

Ambrotypes!  Messrs. Bellows & Bosworth, the eminent Daguerrean Artist’s, are in Irasburgh, where they will remain for a few days only.  Those wishing for correct likenesses would do well to call soon.

In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry John list a Noyes Bosworth, daguerreian in Pharsalia, New York in 1859, but does not have an entry for Bellows.   See tomorrow’s blog for Henry S. Bellows…active in New York in 1850-1851.  At this time no connection can be made to determine their identity.