Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

D. R. Williams

Daguerreotypes, ,

1844-1845       8 Merchants Exchange, Cleveland, Ohio.

D. R. Williams was recorded in four advertisement, two were recorded in the Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) and two in the were from the Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio).  The first advertisement from the Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer ran from December 4, 1844 to March 5, 1845.  Coming Right Side Up With Care, Colored Photographic Miniatures.  Mr. Williams, late from the east, with all the recent improvements from Paris and New York, has opened Rooms in the Merchants’ Exchange, where he will remain for a short time to give the citizens of Cleveland and vicinity a rare chance of obtaining an Exact Likeness of themselves, or friends.  Painted Portraits copied with the most minute accuracy, thereby enabling each member of a family to be in possession of the likeness of a deceased or distant friend.  Portraits taken by this Late improved process are possed of [a] degree of clearness, accuracy and beauty, seldom if ever seen among the works of art.

Instructions carefully given, and the best quality of apparatus and materials furnished to order.  No. 8 Merchants Exchange.  Cleveland, Ohio.

The second advertisement ran from March 5 to April 2, 1845.  Williams’ Daguerreotype Portraits Colored.  Delays are Dangerous.  Improve Your Time.  Mr. Williams will remain in Cleveland until the opening of navigation; and will be happy to wait on any that may favor him with a call in his profession.  He still continues to “daub his pictures” in a style not to be surpassed in the West.  Pictures put up at eastern prices, and warranted not to cut in the eye, or run down at the heel; or, in other words, warranted to retain their colors.  Pictures made by this process are not troubled with the blues, and become a mere shadow in a few years, as those of the old process.  The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  Cleveland, March 5th. 1845.

The third advertisement ran from April 7 to May 17, 1845 in the Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio).  Williams’ Daguerreotype Portraits Colored.  Delays are Dangerous.  Improve Your Time.  Mr. Williams will remain in Cleveland until the opening of navigation; and will be happy to wait on any that may favor him with a call in his profession.  He still continues to “daub his pictures” in a style not to be surpassed in the West.  Pictures put up at eastern prices, and warranted not to cut in the eye, or run down at the heel; or, in other words, warranted to retain their colors.  Pictures made by this process are not troubled with the blues, and become a mere shadow in a few years, as those of the old process.  The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  Cleveland, March 5th. 1845.

The fourth advertisement ran from May 19 to June 2, 1845. On Hand Again More Humbuging.  Mr. Williams, Having just returned from the east with some of the more recent improvements in the Daguerrian Art, flatters himself that he will be able to please the most fastidious.

Those that have not heretofore availed themselves of the opportunity of getting an exact likeness, would do will to call soon, as his stay in the city will be governed by the patronage he receives; therefore, delay not—procrastination is the thief of time, don’t forget it.

Instructions carefully given, and the best Cameras and materials furnished to order.  Merchant’s Exchange, No. 2, First Gallery.  D. R. Williams.

D. R. Williams is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Cleveland, Ohio.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a D. R. Williams in Buffalo, NY in 1844 and in Detroit, Michigan in 1846.  It is unknown if they are the same person, further research is needed to determine if they are or not.  

Williams & Monroe

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Room in Bennets Building, Main Street, Brownville, Nebraska.

Williams & Monroe were recorded in one announcement in the Nebraska Advertiser  (Brownville, Nemaha County, N. T. [Nebraska]) on June 28, 1856.  Daguerreian Gallery.—Messrs. Williams & Monroe Daguerreian Artist arrived in our place this week and have Taken a room in Bennets building, Main street, where they propose to take the “good looking’ faces” of all who will favor them with a call.  Their pictures evince Artistic Skill, and we are confident they will give satisfaction.

Williams & Monroe are not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. Williams

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                413 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

A. Williams was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.

Williams, Market St. — Nothing but daguerreotypes. Pictures dirty, dim and crying aloud for improvement. May they not appeal to stony hearts.

A. Williams is recorded in other photographic directories but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added. 

Amos Willes

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Rooms in the Office of Willes & Caine, Seymour’s Building, Ravenna, Ohio.

Amos Willes was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 6 to 20, 1849 in the Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio). Daguerrian Artist.  Rooms in the Office of Willes & Caine, Seymour’s Building.  The subscriber having just returned from the city with a large and entirely new apparatus would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen of Ravenna and vicinity to call at his rooms and examine his specimens.  He will put up Miniatures in Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets or Cases to suit persons calling at his rooms.  By the aid of new chemicals which are not liable to be injured by the weather he flatters himself that he can give as good satisfaction as any operator this side of the city.  He always holds himself in readiness to leave his rooms for the purpose of taking likenesses of persons who are unable to visit his rooms, also of persons deceased.

Instructions given in the art with the latest improvements on reasonable terms.—Apparatus furnished if desired to persons commencing the business.  Amos Willes.  Ravenna, June 5, 1849.

Amos Willes is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Ravenna, Ohio in 1849.

H. Wilcox

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

N.D.                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

1844                Rooms over Fisk & Kese’s store, Keeseville, New York.

1845                Rooms in the Brick Store, a few rods east of Titus’ Inn, Brandon, Vermont.

1845                Rooms over Peck & Spear’s Drug Store, Burlington, Vermont.

H. Wilcox was recorded a total of five announcements and four advertisements.  Two announcements and one advertisement in the Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York); Three announcements and two advertisement in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont); and one advertisement in the Burlington Free Press  (Burlington, Vermont.)  The first announcement appeared on June 26, 1844 in the Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York).  We called yesterday at the Daguerrean Gallery of Mr. Wilcox, and are pleased to say that the likenesses shown us were distinct, well shaded, and strikingly correct.  Mr. Wilcox seems to be a through master of his art, having spent some time in New York in acquiring a complete knowledge of the business.  Specimens can be seen at the rooms of the artist, over Fisk, Kese’s & Beach’s store.  Give him a call, and if he does not give perfect satisfaction in the shape of correct likenesses he will charge nothing.

The first advertisement ran on June 3 & 10, 1844.  Daguerreotype.  H. Wilcox respectfully announce to the citizens of Keeseville and vicinity, that he is prepared to take Miniature Likenesses rooms at his rooms over Fisk & Kese’s store, with the greatest perfection and facility.

Having operated in the city of New York and practiced under the best Daguerrean artists in that city, he has availed himself of all the recent improvements in this beautiful and wonderful art, which imparts to the likeness the distinctness, durability and finish of the finest miniature painting with far more truth of expression.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at his room and examine the specimens, whether they contemplate sitting for a picture or not.  To those who wish to procure a correct copy of their own features or those of their relations, this art offers a cheap and invaluable facility.  A deduction from the ordinary price will be made where several in the same family are taken.  June 26.

The second announcement appeared on July 31, 1844.  Mr. Wilcox the photographic artist is still in town, and ready to attend upon those who wish correct Daguerreotype likenesses.  The very liberal patronage which he is receiving from a judicious public speaks the strongest praise of his pictures.  Those who wish good likenesses will not fail to improve their opportunity of procuring them.

The third announcement appeared in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont) on March 20, 1845.  Daguerreotype.  In an another column our readers will find an advertisement of Mr. H. Wilcox, Daguerreotype artist, who is prepared to take miniature likenesses, true to nature.  We have examined several miniatures taken by Mr. Wilcox, and pronounce them perfect in workmanship and, so far as we are acquainted with the individuals, correct likenesses.  Those wishing to procure miniatures of themselves or friends will do well to call on Mr. Wilcox and procure a lasting memento of friends, both near and dear, at a cheap rate, and in a most beautiful style. 

The second advertisement ran from March 20 to April 10, 1845.  Daguerreotype.  H. Wilcox respectfully announces to the citizens of Brandon and vicinity, that he is prepared to take Miniature Likenesses at his rooms in the Brick Store a few rods east of Titus’ Inn, (entrance on south side,) with the greatest perfection and facility.

Having operated in the city of New York and practiced under the best daguerrean artists in that city, he has availed himself of all the recent improvements in this beautiful and wonderful art, which imparts to the likeness the distinctness, durability and finish of the finest miniature painting with far more truth of expression.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at his room and examine the specimens, whether they contemplate sitting for a picture or not.  To those who wish to procure a correct copy of their own features or those of their relations, this art offers a cheap and invaluable facility.  A deduction from the ordinary price will be made where several in the same family are taken.

Likenesses taken in fair or cloudy weather.  March 18, 1845.

The third advertisement ran from April 3 to 10, 1845. Daguerreotype.  Mr. Wilcox would inform the citizens of Brandon that he is still in town, and would express his thanks for patronage already received, and solicits more—as he will remain a few days longer.  And he confidently challenges any person to produce a better Daguerreotype picture, or likeness, than he has taken in Brandon, either as regards the boldness of the impression, or finish of the picture; and he says this, knowing there are pictures in the place, taken in Boston, New York and Troy.  Call and examine.  Brandon, April 1st. 1845.

The fourth announcement appeared on April 17, 1845.  Daguerreotype!  The Last Chance.  Mr. Wilcox informs the citizens of Brandon and vicinity, that he has concluded to remain one week longer, to give all who wish, an opportunity of getting a good and cheap likeness of themselves or friends; and he hopes those who do not improve the opportunity, will not complain of not being notified.

Office in the three story brick building, a few rods from Bartlett’s Inn.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 1, 1845.  Daguerreotype Again.  Mr. Wilcox informs the public that he has sent to Boston for more materials, and will remain a few days longer only, when he will positively leave unless detained, as he has already been, by an increasing business.

The fourth advertisement ran from June 13 to 27, 1845 in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Pictures.  H. Wilcox Respectfully informs the inhabitants of Burlington and vicinity that he has taken the room over Peck & Spear’s Drug Store, (lately occupied by Mr. Fielding, Portrait Painter.) where he is prepared to take likenesses by the Daguerreotype process, colored or not, I a style unsurpassed, either as regards the distinctness, durability or finish of the Picture.—Having been exclusively engaged in the business between two and three years, during which time he has operated in New York and other cities, and having the best of apparatus, he feels confident of being able to please all who may favor him with their patronage.  Objections are sometimes made that these pictures will fade, but no daguerreotype that has been colored was ever known to fade, the chemical process before a picture can be colored prepares it to resist the action of the air, imparts to it brilliancy, and renders it impossible for it to fade of change.

Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine the specimens whether they contemplate sitting for a Picture or not.  Sitters will be warranted a distinct picture and correct likeness or no charge will be made.  Pictures can be taken as well in cloudy as in clear weather.  Portraits and other paintings copied with great accuracy.  Complete instructions given in the art on moderate terms, and apparatus furnished if wished.

Prices of Miniatures. 

Single Pictures, in case or frame, medium size, $2.50; Duplicates$1.50; Two persons on one plate in case $3.50; Small size Pictures, in cases $1.75

Pictures fitted into Lockets if wished.

A fair deduction will be made where several pictures are taken in the same family. 

H. Wilcox is not recorded in other photographic directories.

R. B. Wight

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1841-1842       Rooms on Seneca Street, nearly opposite Field’s Mansion House, Geneva, New                                   York.

R. B. Wight was recorded in two advertisements and one announcement in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York).  The second advertisement and the announcement is for the partnership of Wight & Jackson.  The first advertisement ran from October 19 to December 7, 1841.  Daguerreotype Miniature Portraits taken daily by this instrument, at R. B. Wight’s rooms, nearly opposite Field’s Mansion House.  Geneva, Oct. 19, 1841.

The announcement appeared on May 31, 1842.  Daguerreotype Portraits.—We would refer our readers to an advertisement in another column, by Messrs. Wight and Jackson, who have recently opened their rooms, nearly opposite Field’s mansion House. Seneca street, where they propose to take Daguerreotype likenesses.  Their terms are very moderate; and, from the specimens we have seen, should think their materials are admirably prepared, as the execution, if we may use the term, seems perfect.  We would therefore call the attention of all who may wish their miniatures, to the above advertisement.

The second advertisement ran from May 31 to July 19, 1842.  Daguerreotype Miniature Portraits, taken by the above process, from 8 o’clock A. M. to 5 P. M., with the latest improvements, and in a style that cannot fail to give satisfaction.  Landscapes, views of private residences, public buildings, miniature copies of portraits, paintings, statuary, engravings, &c., executed to order.

The public are invited to call and examine specimens at Wight’s Painting Rooms, nearly opposite Field’s Mansion House.

Instruction given in the above Art, and apparatus furnished.  Wight & Jackson. 

R. B. Wight and Wight and Jackson are not recorded in other photographic directories

B. F. Wiggins

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855                Address and location Unknown, New York.

B. F. Wiggins was recorded in two announcements. The first appeared on October 26, 1855 in the Geneva Daily Gazette (Geneva, New York).  Premiums Awarded At The Agricultural Society Of Town Of Seneca, At the Fair, Oct. 17 and 18, 1855….Discretionary:…

To J. B. Sinsabaugh for largest collection and best display of Daguerreotypes, $2.00

To. B. F. Wiggins 2d best Daguerreotypes, $1.00

The second announcement appeared on October 31, 1855 in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York).  Premiums Awarded At The Agricultural Society Of Town Of Seneca, At the Fair, Oct. 17 and 18, 1855….….Discretionary:…

To J. B. Sinsabaugh for largest collection and best display of Daguerreotypes, $2.00

To. B. F. Wiggins 2d best Daguerreotypes, $1.00

B.F. Wiggins is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. H. Widney

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1851                Water Street, over the Insurance Office, Evansville, Indiana.

J. H. Widney was recorded in one advertisement that ran from August 27 to October 11, 1851 in The Evansville Daily Journal (Evansville, Indiana).  A second advertisement appears on November 8, 1851 in the same newspaper that announces his successor.  Daguerrian Gallery.  J. H. Widney would respectfully inform the citizens of Evansville and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by Gove & Widney, over the Insurance Office Water street, where he has located for the purpose of conducting his profession, and would invite citizens and visitors to call at his rooms and examine his specimens, where he will be happy to furnish those who may wish their likenesses in cases of large or small size, single or in groups, in Breastpins or Lockets, on the most reasonable terms, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

N. B.—Instructions given in the art, on reasonable terms.  Likenesses taken in all kinds of Weather.  [aug16.]

The second advertisement ran from November 8, 1851 to June 15, 1852.  Dobyns & Co.’S Daguerreotype Galleries.

No. 489 Main Street, Louisville, Ky.

No. 1 Fowlke’s Row, Memphis, Tenn.

Nos. 6 & 23 Camp Street, New Orleans.

Corner 4th and Chestnut sts, St. Louis, Mo.

J. T. Yearout & L. S. Lipman, of the above firm would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Evansville and the public generally, that they have taken Rooms on Water st., over Insurance office, and that they are permanently located at Evansville, in the Daguerrean Rooms formerly occupied by Gove & Widney, where one of them may be found at all hours of the day, ready and prepared to take Likenesses of all sizes and descriptions, to exhibit specimens of their work, sell stock, give instruction in the art and wait upon all who may favor them with a call.

N. B.—All work done by them will be warranted to give perfect satisfaction or no charge made.

Constantly on hand a full supply of Daguerreotype Stock for sale.

The above rooms are now furnished and open.  All are invited to call and examine for themselves.                                                                         

J. H. Widney is not recorded in other photographic directories.

F. Whitton

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854                Main Street, opposite the Court House, Rooms over Hubbell, Wilson & Eppley’s Store, Eaton, Ohio.

1856                Address and Location Unknown,

F. Whitton was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement.  The advertisement ran from June 8 to September 21, 1854 in the Eaton Democrat (Eaton, Ohio).  F. Whitton, Daguerrean Artist.  Pictures Taken in Clear or Cloudy Weather. 

Rooms over Hubbell, Wilson & Eppley’s Store, opposite the Court House, Main street, Eaton, O.

The announcement appeared on October 23, 1856 in the Marshall County Republican (Plymouth, Indiana).  List of Premiums Awarded at the Second Annual Fair of the Marshall County Agricultural Society Held At Plymouth, October 17th, 1856….14th Class.—Discretionary…

Best Specimens Ambro & Daguerreotypes.  F. Whitton,                  1.00

F. Whitton is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is unknown if the two entries are for the same person, the distance between Eaton, Ohio and Plymouth Indiana is 192 miles.

T. W. Whitridge

Daguerreotypes, ,

1842                Rooms on Washington Street over J. D. Thorp’s Book Store, Indianapolis,                           Indiana.

T. W. Whitridge was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Indiana State Sentinel (Indianapolis, Indiana).  The announcement appeared on August 16, 1842.  Daguerreotype.  We would call attention to Mr. Whitridge’s advertisement.  The likenesses taken by Mr. W. are really superb.  He appears to be a perfect master of the business; and at the low rate of his charges, every one should procure an exact likeness of himself; bachelors should do so, to see what a disconsolate appearance they make; husbands should have those of their wives and children; lovers of their sweethearts, that they may save shoe and lip leather; young ladies should have theirs by all means; they know the reason why without being told.

It is unnecessary at this time, and we do not just now feel in the mood of going into the examination of the photographic art.  Its merits have been ably discussed, and are known to most of our readers.  We will say, however, that we desire all to call at Mr. W.’s rooms over the “New Book Store,” one square east of the Palmer House, and examine his apparatus and portraits.  Mr. W. is pleased to see company, and our word for it, he knows how to treat them.  Another inducement:  Our likeness is there, and so beautifully done that we think of having it engraved for the Democratic Review.  Governor Thomas Wilson Dorr is there among the Big Bugs, and why not ours!  It must be done.  Don’t forget to call and see them.  Mr. W. remains but a short time.  N. C.

The advertisement ran from August 16 to September 27, 1842.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  T. W. Whitridge would respectfully inform the citizens of Indianapolis, that he has arrived in town with a splendid improved French apparatus, for taking miniatures.  Having succeeded in taking likenesses in the shade, he feels the assurance to say his pictures are surpassed by none, for a clear, distinct, and beautiful impression; and of course the most perfect likenesses are always warranted.  His room is on Washington Street, where every body is invited to call and see specimens.

N. B.—Prices vary according to the size, and always to suit the times.

T.W. Whitridge is not recorded in other photographic directories.