Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Westcott & Dow

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1854                Address Unknown, Ogdensburgh, New York.

Westcott & Dow were recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 28 to April, 18, 1854 in the St. Lawrence Republican (Ogdensburgh, New York).  “Excelsior” Daguerreian Car.  Westcott & Dow Would Respectfully Announce to the citizens of Ogdensburgh and vicinity that they will remain in this place a few days with their Mammoth Daguerreian Gallery.

This car is fitted up expressly for this business, having Sky and Side Lights combined.  In this combination of light, which may be used separately if required, the unpleasant shades have been reduced, and mellowness, prominence richness and brilliancy of finish is given to the likeness, rarely found in the most extensive Galleries.

It has become an acknowledged fact that the human countenance can be preserved without decay, and from the long experience and through knowledge of all the improvements appertaining to the art, and the many facilities with which they are enabled to operate in their new Car, they flatter themselves that their work will not suffer in comparison with that of the most popular Artists of the country.

They are now prepared to take pictures of all sizes, from the smallest miniature even to the largest ever taken, at prices ranging from One to Fifteen dollars.  Perfect satisfaction given, or no charge.

Their Stock is also of the best quality, consisting in part of Gold Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets, Jewel, Jenny Lind, Pearl, and French Miniature Cases.  Fancy, French, and Kossuth Frames, of large and small sizes, &c.

Single pictures put up and secured with preservers, for the low price on One Dollar.

Likenesses Of Children taken in from two to three seconds in clear weather.  Adults in all kinds of weather.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens, to satisfy themselves.  As they expect to remain but a short time, they would recommend to those who prize the mementoes of departed friends, and would secure their perfect likenesses, to avail themselves of the present opportunity.

Perfect copies of Paintings, Crayons, Daguerreotypes made large or small, as they may require.

N. B—Particular attention given to taking Family Groups.

Hours of operating from 9 to 4 o’clock; Children 10 to 4 o’clock.   

Westcott & Dow are not recorded as being in partnership.  James M. Dow is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active Watertown and Ogdensburg.  He also records a C. P Wescott or Westcott as being active in Watertown, New York, it is unknown if they are the same person. 

Wentworth

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853                Concert Hall, Frankfort, New York.

Wentworth of the partnership Payne and Wentworth appeared in one announcement on June 15, 1853 in the Herkimer County Democrat (Frankfort, New York).  Daguerreotypes.—Messrs. Payne & Wentworth have opened Concert Hall, in this village, as a Daguerrean Gallery.  Their specimens are very fine and those in want of a good picture, at a very low price, would do well to give them a call.

Wentworth is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Frankford, New York.  It is possible that this is Henry Wentworth.

Henry Wentworth

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855                Diefendorf Block opposite Sneck’s Hotel, Fort Plain, New York.

Henry Wentworth was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement.  The advertisement ran from March 21 to October 11, 1855 in the Mohawk Valley Register (Fort Plain, New York).  First Premium Daguerreotypes.  H. Wentworth & Co., Beg leave to inform their former patrons and the public that they have taken rooms in the Diefendorf block opposite Sneck’s Hotel.  They have fitted their rooms with Splendid Side and Sky Lights flatter themselves that as Daguerrean Artists, their pictures cannot be excelled.  Prices, from 25 cts., 50 cts., 75 cts., and $1 to $10 and $25.  All of which will be put in cases.         

The Best German Instrument Used.  H. Wentworth & Co.               

The announcement appeared on August 10, 1855 in The Freeman’s Journal (Cooperstown, New York).  Destructive Fire At Fort Plain.—A large fire occurred at Fort Point on Friday last, resulting in the entire loss of Diefendorf’s and Wieting’s blocks, and a part of Webster block.  The losses so far as ascertained areas follows:.. Second floor H. Wentworth daguerrean rooms.  Total loss.  Said to be about $500….

Webster Block.—…Hewitt’s Daguerrian rooms.  Part of stock saved in a damaged condition.  Loss $100; no insurance.

Henry Wentworth is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1859 in Fort Plain and possibly Sharon, New York, a distance of under twenty miles.  It is also unknown but possibly that Henry Wentworth is the same person in the partnership of Payne and Wentworth who were active in 1853 in Frankfort, New York, a distance of thirty six miles.

Conrad Wenck

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                Address Unknown, Northumberland, Pennsylvania.

Conrad Wenck was recorded in one announcement that appeared on  October 30, 1852 in the  Sunbury American (Sunbury, Pennsylvania).  Agricultural Fair.  The Annual Fair of the Northumberland County Agricultura Society, came off at the borough of Northumberland on Thursday and Friday October 7th and 8th…

On Miscellaneous Articles.  This Committee regret very much the inability of the Society, on account of the lowness of the fee of membership to award prizes in proportion to the merits of the articles exhibited…

For some excellent Daguerreotypes by Conrad Wenck, North’d  .50

Conrad Wenck is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. D. Wells

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1856                Rooms in D. T. Cox’s Building, Pike Street, Port Jervis, New York.

J. D. Wells was recorded in two advertisement and one announcement in the Tri-State Union (Port Jervis, New York).  The first advertisement ran from July 10 to August 14, 1856.  Daguerreotype and Ambrotype Gallery.  The subscriber has opened a room in D. T. Cox’s building, Pike St., with a good skylight and other facilities for taking Daguerreotype and Ambrotype Likenesses, of superior finish, accuracy and artistic effect, and would be happy to wait upon those wishing a beautiful colored life-like miniature.  Strangers and citizens visiting this gallery can have portraits and miniatures beautifully cased in silk velvet, morocco, or other fancy cases, or set in gold lockets or pins.  Daguerreotypes, paintings or drawings copied, out door views and miniatures of sick or deceased persons taken.

He has made arrangements with Mr. E. Jessup of Middletown, who has the exclusive right for this county, for taking the Double-glass Ambrotypes, to attend at the subscribers gallery in Port Jervis, on Thursday and Friday of each week, and take portraits and miniatures by this new and beautiful process.

Gallery open from 8 o’clock a. m. until sunset.  J. D. Wells.     Port Jervis, June 26, 1856.

The second advertisement ran on July 24, 1856.  Ambrotypes.  The Ambrotype miniatures when taken properly and secured in the best manner surpass all other portraits.

There is the single and double glass process.  In the single the picture is liable to become loosened and fall from the glass, while in the double, the two glasses being cemented together, thereby excluding all influence of the air, they remain permanently fixed upon the glass.  They possess greater relief, depth of tone, as well as greater strength and beauty, than the single glass Ambrotypes.

Mr. E. Jessup of Middletown, the agent of the patentee for the Western portion of Orange County has a few specimens of each, the inspection of which will convince any one of the superiority of the patent double glass pictures.  This fact all should understand, for in the one they have a permanent picture, while in the other they are liable to lose the picture.

Mr. J. D. Wells, of this village, has made arrangements with Mr. Jessup by which he is able to furnish the inhabitants of Port Jervis and vicinity with the true double glass pictures.

N. B.  Some will tell you that they put up the double glass Ambrotypes, while they are only a reversed picture, covered over with a second glass, but not in a manner to exclude the air.  When you buy an Ambrotype, assure yourselves that the two glasses lie in close contact and are firmly cemented together.  Examine well the two classes of pictures before buying.

The announcement appeared on August 7, 1856.  A day or two since we saw several really fine and life-like Ambrotypes taken by our cleaver village artist, J. D. Wells, Give him a call.

J. D. Wells is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Port Jervis, New York.  It is possible that this is Jeremiah D. Wells from Northampton, Massachusetts who also had galleries in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and Brattleboro, Vermont.

Henry M. Wells

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Cambridge, New York.

Henry M. Wells appeared in one announcement in the Washington County People’s Journal  (Union Village, New York) on October 16, 1856.  Sixteenth Annual Cattle Show And Fair of the Washington County Agricultural Society.  List of Premiums Awarded at Union Village, Sept. 17th and 18th, 1856….

Non Enumerated Articles.  The committee respectfully reports that Henry M. Wells of Cambridge, presented to the committee for inspection a large variety of daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and crayon daguerreotypes, which excel in beauty and finish, and awarded him a meritorious premium of three dollars.

Henry M. Wells is possibly recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1859 as H. M. Wells of North White Creek, New York which is only 15 miles away from Cambridge. 

David A. Wells

Daguerreotypes,

1851                Address Unknown, Cambridge, [Unknown.][1]

David A. Wells appeared in one article in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on August 22, 1851.  American Association for the Advancement of Science, Albany meeting.  Wednesday’s Proceeding.  Wednesday, August 20, 1851.  The following is the order of the programme for the morning’s meeting, in Section No. 1.  Professor Bache presiding….

5. Daguerreotypes of the late Solar Eclipse, and of Spots on the Sun; by David A, Wells of Cambridge.

David A. Wells is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1851 in Cambridge.  Since the State or Country are not recorded in the article one could speculate that the paper was published in N. Y. and Cambridge, N.Y. is only 53 miles away from Albany it has to be in New York.  But, there are 25 cities or towns named Cambridge in America, they are in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont Virginia, Wisconsin. Also in Jamaica, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.  More research is needed to identify the location and if Wells is a daguerrean or possibly an astronomer, like William Cranch Bond and John Adams Whipple.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list a David Wells in 1857 in Rochester, New York, it is unknown if they are the same person.

Wellman

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1845                Rooms over N. Beckwith’s Store, New London, Connecticut.

1845                Lawrence Building, Bank Street, New London, Connecticut.

Wellman of the firm Payne & Wellman (Elijah H. Payne & Wellman) were recorded in three advertisements in the Morning News (New London, Connecticut).    The first advertisement ran from April 11 to 18, 1845.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Payne & Wellman Would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen of this city to call at their Rooms, over N. Beckwith’s Store, on the Parade, and examine specimens of the Daguerrean Art, whether they contemplate sitting or not.  Their pictures are finished in such a manner that they are Indelible, and will be found to stand the test of a saline atmosphere.

Seaman will find this a favorable opportunity for procuring an imperishable and life-like Miniature of themselves, or friends.

Persons having Likenesses taken by the old process, can have them re-taken at a trifling expense.

The second advertisement ran from April 19 to 29, 1845.  Payne & Wellman Have Removed their Rooms to Lawrence’s Building, on Bank-street, where they are prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, in a manner superior to any heretofore taken in this city.

Ladies and Gents are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

The third advertisement ran from May 3 to 14, 1845.  Payne & Wellman, Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms, Lawrence’s Building, Bank-St.   Likenesses taken in all kinds of weather, warranted durable, and possessing all the beauties and perfection of nature.

Payne & Wellman are not recorded as being active in New London in 1845.  There is a possibly that Wellman is William A. Wellman who is reported in other sources as being active prior to 1850.     

R. H. Wellington

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Room at the City Hall, Columbus, Mississippi.

R. H. Wellington was recorded in one advertisement that ran from August 30 to November 1, 1851 in the Southern Standard (Columbus, Mississippi).  R. H. Wellington, Daguerreotypist, Wishes to inform the citizens of Columbus and the surrounding country, that he is prepared to execute Photographic likenesses in every variety of style, at the City Hall, where he would be happy to wait on those who may wish a perfect reflection of their features to life.

Surprising art, by which we lend

Our countenance to absent friend,

Or leave a token for the bower,

Where love laments the parting hour;

Where childhood, with its winsome face,     

And lovely woman’s queenly grace,

Or lordly man’s imperial frown,

Are, each, adroitly penciled down.

You that have beauty should to——take it,

You that have none, should come and let us make it.

The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.           

R. H. Wellington is not recorded as being active in Columbus Mississippi.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record Robert H. Wellington as being active in Memphis, Tennessee during this time.  It is unknown if they are the same person.  The distance between Memphis and Columbus is 184 miles.

James Welch

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                On the Public Square, Savannah, Ohio.

James Welch appeared in one announcement in The Ashland Union (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) on September, 1856.  Great Democratic Rally—Boarder Ruffianism Triumphant……“Buck and Breck, Constitution and Union,” was the significant motto flung to the breeze, and they gave a pure Buchanier demonstration of their devotion to the Constitution and its guarantees of inalienable rights in a base and ruffianly attack upon the property of an individual for the exercise of his right of free thought.  The Daguerreotype Car of Mr. James Welch has occupied a place upon the public square a sufficient length of time to give it a “local habitation and a name.”  It was asked as a privilege by the Democracy, that they might be allowed to erect their platform upon the shady side of said car.  The privilege was courteously granted, but in doing so he surrendered no right to act with his own property as he saw fit.  He chose therefore to hang out a Republican flag through the sky-light of his car; the moment that this was done the ruffian spirit was predominant;…..

James Welch is not recorded in other photographic directories.