Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Samuel S. Sullivan

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1841-1842       Elliot House, Bath, Maine.

Samuel S. Sullivan was recorded in four announcements and two advertisements in the Lincoln Telegraph (Bath, Maine).  The first announcement appeared on September 16, 1841.  Lecture on the Daguerreotype.  We have received a letter from Mr. Purkitt, a gentleman well and favorably known to our citizens as an able and eloquent lecturer, of which the following is an extract, which we commend to the attention of our readers.

“Permit me my dear Clarke, en passant, to inform you that Mr. S. S. Sullivan, of Boston, is intending to visit your place for the purpose of delivering one or more lectures on the novel and exceedingly simple and beautiful discovery of Daguerre.  Mr. S.is well educated, a gentleman of fine talents, of vivid imagination and an excellent writer.  He will be listened to, I am persuaded, with great interest by the intelligent citizens of Bath.

The discovery of Daguerre is new and wonderful.  But strange to say, like many other discoveries, it has fallen into bad hands—into the hands of men who have never investigated, and therefore, cannot be supposed to understand either its principles or its details—men, who are as ignorant of Photography as a science, as a horse is of the principles of the Steam engine—in a word, it has fallen into the hands of men whose only qualification to teach it is, their—ignorance.  Though there be many who practice the Daguerreotype as an art, yet how few are competent to explain it!  Their knowledge appears to be all in their fingers—and alas! that it appears so badly there—no in their heads,—I am persuaded that your citizens need only exercise their own discernment and sound practical good sense to perceive the difference toto caelo—between truth and fiction, knowledge and ignorance, merit and pretension.

I believe I am correct in saying that there never has been but one gentleman who has lectured upon this subject in this country, and he, I think, was a foreigner.  The fact is, there are no books upon the subject; those, therefore who investigate it must have resources within themselves—must be able by a knowledge of details to establish general principles and to carry them out into practice.  It is for this reason that I think that the lectures of Mr. S. will command the attention and receive the approbation of gentlemen of science and all the lovers of the arts.  I hope the good citizens of Bath will give him a hearing, as I doubt not they will find their evening spent in an agreeable and instructive manner.

I understand he intends to lecture on Monday evening next, of which I presume due notice will be given.

With respect to his Daguerreotype Portraitures I can only saying the language of one of your contemporary journals, “they are wonderfully perfect, and surpass in correctness and beauty any that I have ever seen; they as far exceed those that have often times come under my notice, as an exquisitely finished steel engraving does one coarsely and clumsily executed on wood.  Indeed, I can conceive of nothing which can be added to make his pictures more life-like, unless it be the colors and tints of nature itself.  In this respect only, if at all, can a painted portrait be preferred. In all others, in accuracy and and minuteness of delineation, in the striking correctness of the features, in the delicate alternations of light and shade, the Daguerreotype Miniatures is as much superior to a painting, as the veritable productions of Nature are to the pencillings of the most accomplished artist.  These superiorities, together with the ease with which the likenesses are taken, (requiring a sitting of only a few seconds,) and the low price at which they can be obtained, must render them exceedingly popular.”  But your citizens will be able by an inspection of his specimens, to satisfy themselves of the wonderful results of this process.

I doubt not that many of your friends and neighbors will embrace the opportunity that will be presented to them of  ‘seizing the shadow ere the substance fades’—of snatching from oblivion some faces, that are worth saving from the corrosions of time.”  Yours truly. 

The second announcement appeared on September 23, 1841. The Daguerreotype.  The lecture on this new discovery, alluded to in our last, will take place on Monday evening next.  The reason it did not occur on Monday evening last was owing to the providential detention of the Lecturer, Mr. Sullivan, in Boston.  We trust our citizens will give him a full house.    

The third announcement appeared on October 14, 1841.  The Daguerreotype.  We have taken the trouble to examine several specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures in Mr. Sullivan’s room at the Elliot House, with which we were much pleased.  The weather since he has been here has been exceedingly unfavorable, requiring considerable experimenting, in order to turn off perfect likenesses.  His specimens to day are very nearly perfect; and to-morrow he will probably be able to make them first rate.  Every body should call and examine this truly wonderful process.           

The fourth announcement appeared on October 21, 1841.  Particular attention is invited to the advertisement of Mr. Sullivan, who is now prepared to take first rate miniatures at the Elliot House.—Call on, Ladies and Gentlemen.

The first advertisement ran from October 21 to December 2, 1841.  Photography. Mr. Sullivan would inform the citizens of bath and its vicinity, that he has made arrangements to take Daguerreotype Miniatures. at his rooms in the Elliot House, where he will remain for a few days only; and will be happy to show specimens of this beautiful art to any who may favor him with a call.

The second advertisement ran from December 16, 1841 to March 10, 1842.  Photography—Once More.  The Subscriber has returned to Bath, and having availed himself of some recent improvements in the Daguerreotype Art, offers to take Miniatures, better, quicker and cheaper than has been done before; and without regard to weather.  His stay will be short.—Please give him a call, at the Eliot House. 

Samuel S. Sullivan is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Stratton

Daguerreotypes

1856                Main Street, Eaton, Ohio.

Mr. Stratton was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Eaton Democrat  (Eaton, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on September 4, 1856.  Daguerreotypist.  It is not often that small towns are visited by skillful daguerreotypist, but we consider that Eaton is very much favored at present, by one who understands the business thoroughly, in the person of Mr. Stratton.  His collection of photographs and daguerreotypes are excellent and faithful, and well worthy of examination.  We advise our readers to give him a call when in town, and examine his pictures, and while there, secure a specimen of his skill.  You will never regret it.

The advertisement ran from September 18 to October 23, 1856.  Who has not heard of Stratton, He who has been making those beautiful Ambrotype Likenesses, for the past three months in Eaton?

Well, that same Stratton may still be found at his Gallery, on Main Street until the second week in October, after which he will be among the missing.  So all you who want a good Likeness had better call on him before that time.  He charges nothing for looking at Specimens, and only a moderate price for a correct picture of your own phiz.                           

Mr. Stratton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Henry K. Stratford

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851-1852       16 and 17 Harrington Block, corner of Main and Front Streets, Worcester,                              Massachusetts.

Henry K. Stratford was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 29, 1851 to February 16, 1852 in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts).  H. K. Stratford would say to all those wishing good Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends, that they can obtain them by calling on him, at the Great Daguerrean Palace, Nos. 16 and 17 Harrington Block, corner of Main and Front sts., where all will be treated with civility and politeness.  Entire satisfaction guaranteed.

Henry K. Stratford is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1852.

L. Tarbell

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1853                Corner of Main And Biddle Streets, Wheeling, Virginia.

1855                Address Unknown, Jackson, Ohio.

1855-1856       Address Unknown, Chillicothe, Ohio.[1]

L. Tarbell was recorded in Two advertisements, one announcement and mentioned in another advertisement in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Another announcement appeared in The Jackson Standard (Jackson, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from January 21 to July 13, 1853. Look at This!  All those who are desirous preserving the memory of themselves and [and] friend, can do so, most effectually, by calling without delay, at Tarbell & Co’s. Daguerreotype Rooms, at the corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling, and procure for each those life-like Pictures which cannot be obtained, with the same degree of beauty and excellence, elsewhere in the city.

Tarbell & Co., Daguerreotypists, Corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling. 

The first announcement appeared on June 18, 1853.  Daguerreotypes.—See the advertisement of Mr. L. Tarbell, who has improved his Daguerrean Rooms in Centre Wheeling, and is prepared to accommodate the people down that way with perfect fac similes of themselves and friends.

The second advertisement ran from July 18, 1853 to April 15, 1854.  Look at This!  All those who are desirous preserving the memory of themselves and [and] friend, can do so, most effectually, by calling without delay, at L. Tarbell’s Daguerreotype Rooms, at the corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling, and procure for each those life-like Pictures which cannot be obtained, with the same degree of beauty and excellence, elsewhere in the city.

L. Tarbell, Daguerreotypists, Corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling. 

The advertisement he was mentioned in appeared on March 24, 1854.  Messrs. Beamer & Turton, having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. L. Tarbell as a Daguerrean Gallery, corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling, beg leave to solicit a share of patronage from his friends and the public at large.

They make it a rule not to let any pictures go out but what are satisfactory, and well executed.

Gold and Silver plating executed neatly.

Orders left here for sign painting will be attended to J. Turton & Brother. 

The second announcement appeared on June 21, 1855 in The Jackson Standard (Jackson, Ohio). We visited the daguerrean Gallery of Professor Tarbell, where we were pleased to see some of the finest work in his line, that we have ever examined, among whom we recognized many familiar faces, of both old and young…

L. Tarbell is listed in other photographic directories as being listed in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1855-1856.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry & Ohio Photographers, 1839-1900.

Gardner W. Stone

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1849                8 Merchant’s Row, Lawrence, Massachusetts.

1850                113 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1850                7 Main Street, Taunton, Massachusetts.[1]

1851                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Gardner W. Stone was recorded in three advertisements.  The first advertisement appeared in The Lawrence Courier (Lawrence, Massachusetts) on April 4, 1849.  G. W. Stone’s Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms No. 8, Merchant’s Row, For A Few Days Only.

Ladies and Gentlemen of Lawrence and vicinity wishing to procure a correct likeness of themselves or friends, or copies from portraits, miniatures and engravings, are invited to call and examine a variety of specimens.

Those sitting for a picture will not be asked to take them unless perfectly satisfied.

American and German Cameras for sale, and instruction given in the art on liberal terms.

Rooms Open From 7 A. M. To 6 P. M.

The second advertisement ran from August 16 to August 22, 1850 in the Taunton Democrat  (Taunton, Massachusetts).  Colored Daguerreotypes.  Messrs. Gove & Stone from Boston.  Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Taunton and vicinity, that they have taken the new sky light Daguerreotype Rooms formerly occupied by H. S. Dunshee & Brother No. 7 Main St., where they will be happy to wait upon all who may be in want of good likenesses of themselves or friends, being provided with a superior German Camera and every other facility for making good pictures, and having been for a long time practically engaged in the business, sparing neither pains nor expense in availing themselves of every improvement they feel confident that they can furnish as good pictures as can be produced in the art.  Miniatures taken in any weather single or in groups, plain or colored, and neatly set in Lockets, Bracelets, in Pins, or Cases, and warranted to give satisfaction.

Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken. 

Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.

They would respectfully invite all, whether they wish to sit for their Pictures or not, to call and examine their specimens, that they may be enabled to judge for themselves.

The third advertisement appeared in the 1851 Boston City Directory (Boston, Massachusetts).  Stone’s Daguerrian Rooms, No. 34 Tremont Row.  The facilities for executing likenesses,—single and in groups,—at the above rooms, are unsurpassed in the city.  Please call and examine specimens previous to sitting elsewhere.  J. Stone.  G. W. Stone.

Gardner W. Stone is recorded in other photographic as being active in Boston, Massachusetts in 1850-1851.  He is not recorded in 1849 in Lawrence, Massachusetts or in the partnership of Gove & Stone in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1850.

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

Lewis V. Stoffer

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850                Franklin House, Gallipolis, Ohio.

Lewis V. Stoffer was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on  November 7, 1850.  Daguerreotypes taken at the Franklin House.  See Advertisement.

The advertisement ran from November 7 to 21, 1850.  Lewis V. Stoffer, Daguerrian, Has opened Rooms in Gallipolis, at the Franklin House, formerly kept by Mrs. Ruby, where he will remain for a short time, to execute Miniatures by the Daguerreotype process, in a style peculiarly suited for presents or preservation.  Portraits taken by the improved process are possessed of a degree of truth and beauty seldom, if ever seen among the works of Art; in fact by the Daguerreotype

“The gift is given us,

To see ourselves as others see us.”

Pictures taken in clear or cloudy weather, and warranted not to spot or fade.  Now is your time to procure a life-like Likeness, which will remain when your body is in dust.  He will also visit houses, to take corpses, if desired.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and see his specimens.

Price to suit the times.

N. B.  Instructions given in this truly wonderful art, and patent apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.                           

Lewis V. Staffer is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John C. Stinson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Rooms Over Farrell & Mason’s, Holly Springs, Mississippi.

John C. Stinson is recorded in one advertisement that appeared on September 18, 1856 in The Mississippi Times (Holly Springs, Mississippi.).  September 18, 1856.  John C. Stinson, Resident Daguerrean Artist, Up Stairs, over Farrell & Mason’s Holly Springs, Miss.

Visitors invited to call, whether they wish Daguerreotypes or not.  He will endeavor to please.

John C. Stinson is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Mississippi.

D. R. Stiltz

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

N. D.               Address Unknown, Baltimore, Maryland.

1854                Over Gilman’s Drug Store, Pennsylvania Avenue, between 6th and 7th Streets, Washington, District of Columbia.

1856                159 Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.[1]

1858                82 South Sharp, Baltimore, Maryland.[1]

1859                244 Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.[1]

D. R. Stiltz was recorded in nine advertisements in the Daily Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). The first advertisement appeared in June 14, 1854.  Wake Up, Washingtonians!  For Now Is The Time To Get Splendid Daguerreotypes for only 25 Cent, and taken at no other place than J. J. Woodbridge’s New York Picture Gallery, under the control of Prof. Stiltz, late of Whitehurst’s Baltimore Gallery, and one who will give every satisfaction.  Beautiful electorene pictures are also taken at the same place over Gilman’s Drug Store, Pa. av., between 6th and 7th streets.

The second advertisement appeared on June 20, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  Since Professor Stiltz has taken charge of the New York Daguerrean Gallery, over Gilman’s Drug Store, things go on finely; every picture is a perfect gem, and the rooms are crowded daily, for those beautiful electorene pictures, taken by the new French process.  Every picture warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Now is your chance. J. J. Woodbridge, Proprietor.

The third ad appeared on June 24, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  We ever continue to please our very numerous friends and acquaintances with perfect likenesses for only 25 cents, taken by the new French process, by which we are enabled to take from three to four hundred pictures daily.  If our friends call at J. J. Woodbridge’s, Pa. av., betw. 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, we will assure perfect satisfaction.  D. R. Stiltz,  J. J. Woodbridge, Prop’r.

The fourth ad appeared on June 27, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The friends and acquaintances of J. J. Woodbridge had better take advantage of this fine weather, and call to have a picture taken by the world renowned new French method, by which we can take a perfect resemblance in this space of ten minutes. D. R. Stiltz.  J. J. Woodbridge, Proprietor.  

The fifth ad appeared on June 29, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The Great Electorene Daguerrean Gallery has fallen into the hands of Prof. Stewart, a French operator just from Paris, and between Prof. Stewart and Stiltz we will guarantee to give every one satisfaction, at the old stand.  J. J. Woodbridge, Pa. avenue, between 6th and 7th sts., over Gilman’s Drug Store.

The sixth ad appeared on July 1, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The New York Picture Gallery has fallen into the hands of Prof. Stewart, who is taking the Electorene Pictures by the new French process, and by it we can take your picture in a few seconds, while you can sit in one of the coolest rooms in the rooms in the city until it is finished.  Profs Stewart and Stiltz guarantees to suit all who may give us a call.  We can take 400 on the 4th of July.  The only place where you can get them is on Pennsylvania avenue, between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, at the old stand of Prof. Woodbridge.

The seventh advertisement appeared on July 8, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  Young America In Its Full Bloom.—Profs. Stewart and Stiltz are still taking those beautiful Electorine Daguerreotypes by the new French process.  Come one, come all, we guarantee to suite those who may give us a call, on Pennsylvania avenue, between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store.

We have two rooms to rent on the second floor, at the old gallery of Prof. J. J. Woodbridge.          

The eighth ad appeared on July 10, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The Great New York Picture Gallery has fallen into the hands of Prof. Stewart, who is taking those beautiful Electorine Pictures by the new French process.  I have in my employ Prof.  Stiltz, who is not only one of the best operators in the United States, who for a long time been operating in one of the finest Gallery’s in Baltimore for Prof. Woodbridge.   My Gallery is on Pennsylvania avenue between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, at the old stand of J. J. Woodbridge.                          

The ninth ad appeared on July 15, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The Great New York Picture Gallery is flourishing rapidly.  After the departure of Hayer, it has fallen into the hands of Prof Stewart, who is taking those beautiful pictures by the new French process.  I have in my employ Prof.  Stiltz, who is not only one of the best daguerrean artist in the United States but in the world, and we guaranteed to suit all who may favor us with a call in Pennsylvania avenue between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, at the old stand of J. J. Woodbridge.              

D. R. Stiltz is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Baltimore, Maryland from 1856 to 1859.Ross Kelbaugh in Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900 list Stiltz in Baltimore until 1864 and in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1875.

[1] Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900.

Mr. Stewart

Daguerreotypes, ,

1845                Rooms in State Street, opposite Givens’ Hotel, Schenectady, New York.

Mr. Stewart was recorded in one advertisement and three announcements in The Schenectady Cabinet, or, Freedom’s Sentinel (Schenectady, New York).  The advertisement ran from October 7 to 21, 1845.  Daguerrian Portraits.  Mr. Stewart, of New York, would inform the inhabitants of Schenectady, that he has taken rooms in State-st., opposite Givens’ Hotel, for the purpose of taking Miniature likenesses.  Persons contemplating having their Portraits taken, are invited to call and sit for them, and if not perfectly pleased will not be requested to take them.  Portraits taken by the process used by Mr. S. cannot fade or become dim by any length of time.  Terms—for a portrait with a fine morocco case, $1 to $4; taken in any weather.  Mr. S. will remain for two or three weeks only.                                                                                                  

The first announcement appeared on October 14, 1845.  Daguerrian Portraits.—The attention of the reader is requested to Mr. Stewart’s advertisement in another column.

The second announcement appeared on November 4, 1845.  Miniature Likenesses.—It is fully conceded that by no other form or process, can there be so accurate and faithful a likeness executed, as by the Daguerrean Process.  There have been many improvements made in the art within a few years past; and the Portraits taken now, are far superior to former ones.  Those executed by Mr. Stewart, State-street, opposite Givens’ Hotel, are, we believe, faultless.  His Portraits are beautiful as Pictures as well as correct and faithful as Likenesses.

The third announcement appeared on November 25, 1845.  Miniature Likenesses.—We would call the attention of our readers to the Daguerrian Portraits taken by Mr. Stewart, opposite Givens’ Hotel.  The general fault of Portraits taken by this process, is want of tone and distinctness.  But those executed by Mr. S., instead of the features being blank and inexpressive as white paper, have all the tone and expression of a fine mezzotint engraving.  As Mr. S. will remain but a short time, we advise those who may want a portrait to avail themselves of the present opportunity of getting a good one.

Mr. Stewart is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Stewart

Daguerreotypes, ,

1842                Room over Mr. Hanna’s Store, opposite Browning’s Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Stewart was recorded in one advertisement that appeared in the Indiana State Sentinel  (Indianapolis, Indiana) on May 24, 1842.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.—The Daguerreotype is regarded as the most wonderful discovery of the age.  Miniatures taken from life, portraits, bust, &c. by this operation cannot fail to excite the admiration of every one.  The process gives a perfect fac simile, and such a miniature is indeed a treasure.  In the creation of these pictures, light alone is the pencil and nature the artist.

Mr. Stuart has opened a room in this place, over Mr. Hanna’s Store, opposite Browning’s Hotel, and is prepared to exhibit some of the finest specimens of the Photographic Art, and to make miniatures at the shortest notice.  Those who wish a second self, will do well to give him a call.  We intend, having viewed the specimens, to see how handsome we are, and will give the result to our readers pretty soon.

Mr. Stewart is not recorded in other photographic directories.