Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Mr. Talbot

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Washington Village, South Boston, Massachusetts.

Mr. Talbot was recorded in one announcement that appeared on April 9, 1853in the South Boston Gazette & Dorchester Chronicle (Boston, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes.  Those of our readers who would secure perfect pictures of themselves and friends, would do well to step in the saloon, of Mr. Talbot, located in Washington Village.

Mr. Talbot is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in South Boston, Massachusetts in 1853. 

Charles D. Taber

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855                1 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1855                2 Winter Street, Boston, Massachusetts. [1]

1855                Corner of Winter & Washington Streets, Boston, Massachusetts.

1855                245 & 247 Notre Dame Street, Montreal, Canada.

Charles D. Taber, is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Boston, Massachusetts in 1855.  Additional information comes from a  9th plate advertising card, in my collection, ca. 1855.  Taken with the Double Camera.  For 25 Cents.  By Taber & Co.  Successors to Tyler & Co. Cor. Winter & Washington Sts., Boston.  600 Daily.  Beware Of Imitators.

Taber was also recorded in two announcements in the South Boston Gazette & Dorchester Chronicle (Boston, Massachusetts).  The first announcement appeared on March 17, 1855.  We were daguerreotyped a few days since, at the 25 cent rooms of those enterprising Artists Messrs. Taber & Co., at the corner of Winter and Washington streets.  Give them a call, and we think you will be satisfied that they can do it up right.

The second announcement appeared on March 24.  Daguerreotypes.—We take this opportunity to call the attention of our friends to the fact that Tabor & Co., cor. Winter and Washington streets, take the best daguerreotypes for 25 cents of any artist in this city.  If any one doubts this let them call and examine their specimens, and then have their own picture taken, and they’ll doubt no more.  A good miniature for 25 cents! And a medium size for $1.00!  They take hundreds of them every day with the double camera, by which they take two at a time.  We recommend them for cheap daguerreotypes.

Research and published CD by Graham W. Garrett A Biographical Index of Daguerreotypist in Canada 1839-1871.  List C. D. Taber active on June 11, 1855 at 245 & 247 Notre Dame Street, Montreal, L.C.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Sylvester

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850                Ford Street, over H. S. Humphrey & Co. Store, Ogdensburgh, New York.

Sylvester was recorded in one advertisement that ran on June 18 & 25, 1850 in the St. Lawrence Republican (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Daguerreotypes.  Sylvester’s Daguerrean Rooms again open for a few days only.  Over the Store of H. S. Humphrey & Co., Ford st., Ogdensburgh.             

Sylvester is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Benjamin Swasey

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1847                No. 6 under Cabot Hall, Cabotville, Massachusetts.

1847                Exchange Street, Over D. Wells Jewelry Store, Cabotville, Massachusetts.

1848                4½ Exchange Street, Cabotville, Massachusetts.[1]

1849                6 Exchange Street, Cabotville, Massachusetts.[1]

Benjamin Swasey was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts).  The first announcement appeared on May 5, 1847. 

Daguerreotypes.—We call the attention of our readers in Cabotville and vicinity, to the advertisement of Mr. Swasey, in another column.  We are assured that he is a skilful, successful, and accomplished artist, and well worthy of public patronage.

The first advertisement ran from May 5 to July 10, 1847.  Benj. Swasey’s Daguerrian Rooms, Cabotville, The subscriber has removed for a few weeks, because of the dampness of the walls in his late rooms, to No. 6, under Cabot Hall, where he will be thankful to receive the calls of his friends and the public in general who may be in want of good Daguerrian likenesses.

Having decided to locate permanently in this village, and having one of the largest sizes German Cameras of a quality inferior to none in the country, he is prepared to take miniatures that shall give perfect satisfaction to all who may favor him with their patronage, or no pay will be asked.

Please call and examine specimens.  Benj. Swasey.  Cabotville.

The second announcement appeared on July 12, 1847.  It will be seen by Mr. Swasey’s card, that he has removed his Daguerrean Rooms, at Cabotville.  We are glad to here that he is doing a prosperous business, and that his work gives good satisfaction.

The second advertisement ran from July 12, 1847 to March 7, 1848.  Benj. Swasey’s Daguerrian Rooms, Over D. Wells’s Jewelry Store, Exchange St., Cabotville, Mass.  Pictures taken at these Rooms, warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

Benjamin Swasey is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Cabotville (Chicopee) Massachusetts in 1848-1849.  In 1849 Benjamin Swasey was in the partnership of Swasey & Chapin.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Swain & Paul

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Natchez, Mississippi.

1856                Rooms over J. N. Radcliff, Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Swain & Paul were recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 23 to September 26, 1856 in The Weekly American Banner (Yazoo City, Mississippi).  Call, See, And Judge For Yourselves!  Messrs. Swain & Paul of Natchez, informs the public that they have located permanently in Yazoo City, and have opened at those beautiful rooms over J. N. Ratcliff an Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, and Photograph Gallery, where they are prepared to take pictures in all the Photograph Art in a style not to be surpassed by any Artist in the county.  They have a way (peculiar to themselves) of coloring the Ambrotype which makes the most beautiful picture ever produced.

Messrs. S. & P. take pleasure in explaining to those desirous of ascertaining the mode of taking and putting up of these truly elegant and indestructible pictures.  Yazoo City

Swain & Paul are not recorded in other photographic directories.

John Sutton

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Rooms in the New Brick Building, on the South Side of Market Street, Between Third and Fourth, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

John Sutton was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 5 to November 14, 1849 in the Lewisburg Chronicle, and the West Branch Farmer (Lewisburg, Pennsylvania).   Daguerreotype Rooms, Lewisburg.  The subscriber would inform the citizens of Lewisburg and vicinity, that he has taken and fitted up a room in the new brick building on the south side of Market street, between Third and Fourth, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses single or in groups, in good style, durable, and on reasonable terms.  Call and see.   March 1849. John Sutton.

John Sutton is not recorded as being active in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in 1849.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a J. Sutton without a address or location it is possible they are the same person.

A. J. Sutton

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856                Rooms at the Munroe House, Woodsville, Ohio.

A. J. Sutton was recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 12 to December 3, 1856 in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio).  Ambrotype Likenesses Of the Finest, Latest. And most Fashionable Style of the Art.  Having taken rooms at the Monroe House, I would respectfully inform the citizens of Woodsfield and vicinity, that I am prepared to furnish them with good Ambrotypes at prices from one to five dollars.

I am also prepared to take Daguerreotypes of the best quality for Lockets pictures, &c.  I warrantee these pictures not to fade, unless broken or otherwise exposed.  Give me a call and see for yourselves.  If you are not pleased, I make no charge.  Ladies and gentlemen, one and all, call and get the shadow ere the substance fades.

N. B. Ambrotypes can be taken and day unless it is very dark.  I shall remain but a short time.  A. J. Sutton.                                   

A. J. Sutton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

M. L. Sutphen

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms in the Second Building South of Pomeroy’s Store, Plymouth, Indiana.

M. L. Sutphen was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 1 to December 1, 1853 in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana).  Daguerrean Rooms, Plymouth, Ind.  M. L. Sutphen, Having permanently located in this place, and fitted up suitable Rooms in the second building south of Pomeroy’s store, up stairs, is at all times prepared to execute likenesses and miniatures in the most perfect manner, and warranted to retain their brilliancy, with proper care.

Persons about leaving their friends, perhaps never to return, may leave with them an image delightfully calculated to keep in lively remembrance the happy moments spent together in times past.  He is prepared to operate in clear or cloudy weather.  August 31, 1853.

M. L. Sutphen is not recorded in other photographic directories.

D. Sutphen

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                6 Seneca-Street, Opposite the Post Office, Geneva, New York.

D. Sutphen was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 25 to December 30, 1859 in the Geneva Daily Gazette (Geneva, New York.)  Sutphen’s Photographic, Ambrotype, and Daguerreotype Gallery.  No. 6, Seneca-St., Opposite The Post Office.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Geneva and surrounding towns, that he is ready to make all kinds of Camera pictures.—His long experience in the business, and well adjusted chemicals, enables him to make as good pictures as the art can produce.  To be convinced of the fact you need only call and sit for a picture.

If you want a good Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, or Photograph, call at Sutphen’s.  Everything shall be done that is necessary to make this a first-class room, and to make first-rate pictures.

Remember the place, No. 6, Seneca street, over Van Deren’s.  D. Sutphen.

D. Sutphen is not recorded as being active in Geneva, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a David Sutpen as being active in Moravia, New York in 1859.  The distance between the two towns is about 48 miles.  It is unknown if they are the same person but the probability is there.

Summers & Tileston

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855                Main Street, over the Marble Depot, opposite Branch Bank, Evansville, Indiana.

1855                Rooms in Dr. Bray’s Building, over the Old Post Office, Evansville, Indiana.   

Summers & Tileston (William W. Tileston) was recorded in six advertisement and three announcements in The Evansville Daily Journal (Evansville, Indiana) and one announcement in the New York Daily Tribune.  The first advertisement ran from March 22 to 29, 1855.  The Shadow And The Substance Of A Conversation.  The following Conversation took place at the Court House corner the other day, between Joe Shadow and Tom Substance:

Joe—I say, Tom,, when are you going around to Summers & Tilton’s gallery to have your Daguerreotype taken?

Tom—Well, I don’t know.  I must go soon, for they say that during the pleasant weather they are crowded all the time; and Saunders, of the Journal, say their pictures are about as good as Webster’s own.

Joe—I believe they are.  I saw some fine groups there the other day.  I’m going to have my whole family taken in a group.

Tom—I shall go the first fine day, for their pictures are so fine and lifelike.  I wonder where I can get a fine case-a first rate one.

Joe—Why, get it there they have a splendid new stock in a beautiful showcase, just received and in fine order, and expect to enlarge it soon.  They have now on hand a fine assortment of Gold Lockets, Miniature Pins, Paper Macia, Union, Moroco Gilt, Belt, Kossuth, Velvet and Jewel Cases, of all sorts and sizes, and they invite all to call and examine them whether they want to sit for a picture or not.

Tom—I was not aware the kept so fine a stock always on hand:  I shall go right down this morning.  But then I can’t have it taken this morning and I am sorry, for I may not have tine again for several days.

Joe—Why not go to-day?

Tom—It’s so cloudy: they can’t take pictures such weather as this.  Why, it’s raining now.

Joe—There’s where you are out of it.  It’s altogether a mistaken idea people have got into their heads that Daguerreotypes can’t be taken on bright sunny days.  They say they can take as good pictures in such weather as at any other time.  You see their large skylight makes the light always strong in the room, and if they don’t get you a first rate picture they don’t want you to take it.  They are always willing to try, and are determined not to let a picture leave their rooms that is not perfect.

Tom—Well, I shall go right down this morning, for the rooms are always comfortable, and it is a pleasant place to spend the time this dull weather.  But how is it that they carry on the Sign and Ornamental painting and the Gallery too?  They can’t attend to both, certainly.

Joe—Very easy.  You see the sign and ornamental branch is carried on under the immediate supervision of Mr. Summers, while Mr. Tileston turns his whole attention to the gallery, so that they are always on hand to attend to either branch of the business.

Tom—Well, I like that very much.  I should think they would go together very well.  Meet me at their gallery in half an hour

Joe—I will: good morning.

Tom—Good morning.                                               

The second advertisement ran from March 30 to May 24, 1855.  More About Elections.  Owing to the great excitement about the city election, and deep interest felt in the Prohibitory Law by all the great political parties, we deem it but our duty to say, that Summers & Tileston, having just received a new Camera direct from New York, are now prepared to take pictures in the best style from a small miniature to a large ½ size.  They are also prepared with the best light in the city for copying pictures.  They guarantee that no picture shall receive injury which may be left in their hands for the above purpose.

N. B.—Why is a Dogratyper taking a picture, like a gent sitting to a handsome gal?  Answer to be had by calling ay Summers & Tileston Gallery.  On Main st., opposite Branch Bank, over the Marble Depot.

1855 May 16.  The Evansville Daily Journal.  (Evansville, Indiana) May 16, 1855, Vol. VIII, No. 25, P. 2.

Great Fire!  Nearly $100,000 Worth of Property destroyed.  About half past 3 o’clock yesterday morning a fire was discovered in the rear part of Anderson’s Barber shop, on the upper side of Main street between Water and First, and in a row of small frame houses…Messrs. Summers & Tileston’s Daguerrean Gallery and Paint shop, above the Marble Depot, were destroyed with every article in them.  No Insurance.  Loss probably $300….

The announcement appeared in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) on May 21, 1855.  Conflagration At Evansville, Indiana.—Below will be found a list of the principal suffers by the fire at Evansville on the 15th:…Summers & Tileston’s daguerreotype gallery were burned.

The third advertisement ran from May 21 to June 25, 1855.  Once More In The Field.  Summer & Tileston, after shaking themselves for a few days from the ashes of the late fire, have fitted up the sky-light rooms over Wm. Hughes’ store; corner of Main and second streets, where they will be happy to see their friends and old customers and the public generally, who wish to preserve the shadow of their friends, “ere the substance fades.”  Thankful for the liberal patronage extended to them for the past three months, they would respectfully solicit a continuance of the same.  Perfect pictures taken at the shortest notice, and entire satisfaction given, or no sale.                                          

The fourth advertisement ran from May 30 to June 29, 1855.  Not Left Town Yet.  Messrs. Summers & Tileston would respectfully inform their old friends and customers, and the public generally, that they have suspended their Daguerrean operations for a short time, for the purpose of fitting up rooms in Dr. Bray’s building, over the old post office.  Workmen are now busily engaged in putting up a mammoth sky light, etc., and in a few days we shall be better prepared for taking fine pictures than ever.                      

The fifth advertisement ran from June 9 to 25, 1855.  Poetry For The Million.

Summers & Tileston are the persons,

You’ll please to find them out;

There rooms are opposite the post office

Or somewhere thereabout.

They have a mammoth sky-light,

The largest in the city,

The only light adapted

For taking pictures pretty.

They take miniatures for lockets,

For breastpins and for rings,

Take copies from daguerreotypes,

Also from oil paintings.

Their pictures are uniformly low.

Their pictures hard to beat;

So pray, call at their gallery

And see there’s no deceit.

For life you know, is uncertain,

And death is very sure,

Therefore, ere the substance fades.

The shadow you should secure.

The second announcement appeared on June 13, 1855.  Once more In The Field.—Messrs. Summers & Tileston, as our readers know, were burned out by the late fire, and lost everything they had in their rooms, and nothing insured.  Although thus deprived of almost everything but their energy, they did not “give it up so,” but at once set to work preparing new and far superior rooms to those they formerly occupied.  They are now located in Dr. Bray’s building opposite the Post office, in the most central part of the city, and very convenient to the ladies.—They have fitted up their rooms very neatly and are now prepared to take likenesses all kinds of weather, in the best style, and at low prices.  We hope they will receive an extensive patronage in view of their late losses, renewed expenses, and more particularly because they take just as good Daguerreotype likenesses as are made in the West.

The third announcement appeared on June 23, 1855.  The Sun Beam.—This is the name given to Summers & Tileston’s new Daguerrean Gallery. By a lady.  They have accepted the compliment, and “The Sun Beam Gallery” will soon be known as the place to obtain good likenesses.  The proprietors have reduced their prices, and are now making some of the best Daguerreotypes ever taken in this city.  Call and see their new rooms and specimens.

The sixth advertisement ran from June 23 to October 18, 1855.  New Gallery, New Name, And New Prices!  The Sun Beam Gallery!  Messrs. Summers & Tileston have now fully completed their Daguerrean Rooms in Dr. M. J. Bray’s buildings, on First street, opposite the post office, and are now ready to receive visitors and to take pictures in the latest and most approved style.  Having fitted up our rooms with the eye to comfort, they are neat, cool and airy, while we have a mammoth sky-light, which enables us to take picture that will compare favorably with any in the West.—Therefore we feel confident of giving perfect satisfaction in all cases, which we guarantee, or no sale.  Please call and see us at the Western Sun Beam.

N. B.—Pictures taken for one dollars.                                              

The fourth announcement appeared on September 27, 1855.  Dissolution Notice.  The co-partnership heretofore existing between Summers & Tileston is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business will be continued by W. W. Tileston, who is authorized to settle the business of the late firm.

A Card.  The undersigned would take this method of returning his sincere thanks to the public for the liberal patronage extended to the late firm, and hopes that by giving his personal attention exclusively to the business to merit a continuance of the same.  W. W. Tileston.

Summers & Tileston are not recorded in other photographic directories.  William W. Tileston is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1858 to 1861 in Evansville, Indiana.