Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

W. S. Stevenson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Museum Building, Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

1846                20 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

W. S. Stevenson was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in The Niagara (Lowell, Massachusetts) on The advertisement appeared on July 25, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures!  Rooms in the Museum Building, Merrimack st.

W. S. Stevenson would inform his former patrons, and the public in general, that he has fitted up Rooms in the Museum Building, over N. Wright’s office, where he will be pleased to wait upon those wishing for a good and permanent Miniature.

Gold And Plated Lockets kept constantly on hand, for Daguerreotype Miniatures, cheap as can be found elsewhere.

The announcement appeared on August 22, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures——Again.

I noticed in your No. of August 15th, an article which seems to come from a fool source, or from some one a little out of humor.  The first important statement is that a “gentleman”(?) At No. 20 Merrimack street exhibits pictures taken by Thompson, Artist, as his own.  In re[ply] to this, I would say, I have proof ample and abundant that I have not one picture in my show-cases, or about my door, except my own likeness (for which I made every preparation,) but was taken by myself.  I presume Mr. A., whose name is mentioned in the article referred to, will not pretend that I have had better pictures than I now have—if he does, I can easily give satisfaction on that point.  The next important statement is, that the stock recently purchased by me is “nearly good for nothing,”—a sufficient portion of which I now have, to make this statement a perfect libel.  Among what I now have at my rooms, purchased in the very lot referred to, is one large German Camera of the best quality ever imported—the same instrument with which those pictures were taken, whose location so much displeases Mr. A.  But then, Mr. A., you need not be too much alarmed!  Just hand over the $100 you offer, and I will take one or one dozen, as good pictures as you marvel at, and then learn you in less than one year to take quite respectable Daguerreotype Miniatures.

The Man At The Old Stand, No. 20 Merrimack street.  Lowell, Aug. 20, 1846.

W. S. Stevenson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles P. Stevens

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                15 Central Exchange, Worcester, Massachusetts.

1849                Central Exchange, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]

Charles P. Stevens was recorded in one advertisement on August 28, 1848 in The Massachusetts Cataract and Temperance Standard And Dew Drop (Worcester, Boston, & Taunton, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes For 75 Cents.  Room No. 15 Central Exchange.  The subscriber, having the best instruments and light of any room in Worcester, will take beautiful Daguerreotype Miniatures and put them up in handsome Morocco Cases—(the same as is charged One Dollar for elsewhere) at the same reduced price of Seventy-Five Cents!

His Room is at No. 15, Central Exchange, Worcester.  Chas. P. Stevens.

Charles P. Stevens is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1849.

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

Benjamin R. Stevens

Daguerreotypes, Patent, , , , , ,

1841                Mansur’s Building, Central Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

1841                Mansur’s Building, 30 Central Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

1842                Address Unknown, Lowell, Massachusetts.

Benjamin R. Stevens of Woodward & Stevens; and Stevens & Morse, was recorded in two announcements, one advertisement, and one entry.  The first announcement appeared in the Lowell Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts) on April 13, 1841.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We have seen neat and beautiful specimens of these miniatures from Mr. Plumbe, Mechanics’ Hall, and Messrs. Woodward & Stevens, Mansur’s Building, Central Street.

The advertisement ran from May 11 to July 4, 1841 in the Lowell Morning Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mansur’s Building, No. 30 Central Street.  The subscriber has the honor of announcing to the ladies and gentlemen of Lowell, that he has taken a room at No 30 Central Street, Mansur’s building, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, were every effort will be made to satisfy those who may favor him with a call.  B. R. Stevens.

The second announcement appeared in the Lowell Morning Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts) on  May 22.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We call the attention of the public to the advertisement in another column, of Mr. Stevens, of Mansur’s building.  Mr. Stevens is very polite and accommodating, shows his numerous visitors the whole process of taking miniatures, and takes beautiful miniatures, even of the ugliest faces. He merits the patronage of the public.

The entry appeared in the American Photographic Patents The Daguerreotype & Wet Plate Era 1840-1880.  Patent No. 2,522  Improvement in the mode of fixing daguerreotype-impressions so as to allow of colors being applied to the same.  Benjamin R. Stevens & Lemuel Morse.  Lowell MA  Mar 28, 1842.

Benjamin R. Stevens is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as B. R. Stevens a possible daguerrean and inventor in 1842 in the partnership of Stevens & Morse.

Erastus Steven

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1855                303 Broadway, New York, New York.

Erastus Steven of the firm De Guinon & Steven was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on June 13, 1855.  A Rare Chance Is Now Offered To An Enterprising person with small capital, to purchase very low, a first class photograph and daguerreotype gallery, now doing a splendid business, and one of the best locations in the city; the parties now interested are going to Europe.  Inquire De Guinon & Steven, 303 Broadway, corner of Duane street.

The second advertisement appeared on June 21, 1855.  A Rare Chance—For Sale, Or A Partner taken.—One of the partners of the photograph and daguerreotype establishment, No. 303 Broadway, is about going to Europe, and a rare chance is offered to a person with small capital, to buy out the establishment, or to join the remaining partner in conducting the business.  A knowledge of the business not requisite, as the remaining party is an old daguerreotypist.  Inquire De Guinon & Steven, 303 Broadway.

Erastus Steven is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as Erastus Stever it is unknown which spelling is correct.

O. F. Steadman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1856                Allen’s Block, over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Ravenna, Ohio.

1859                Address Unknown, Ravenna, Ohio.

1859                Address Unknown, Freedom, Ohio.

O. F. Stedman was recorded in five announcements and five advertisements.  The first three announcements and the five advertisements were recorded in The Weekly Portage Sentinel  (Ravenna, Ohio) the last two announcements were recorded in The Portage County Democrat  (Ravenna, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on March 6.  Good Pictures.  Messrs. Stedman  Co. have just taken possession of their rooms in Allen’s Block, where they are ready to wait upon their friends.  They will take good pictures and at reasonable prices.  Those who desire to “secure the Shadow e’er the substance fade” should call.  See advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from March 6 to June 12, 1856.  A Card.  The subscribers having purchased the Daguerrean establishment of J. W. Wykes & Co., respectfully announce that they are prepared, to execute Ambrotypes and Daguerrean likenesses in the latest style of art, at the old stand over R. A. Barid & Co’s. Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Having had several years experience in Daguerreotyping, and possessing the latest and most approved process for taking Ambrotypes, they flatter themselves, that they can produce as good pictures as can be obtained at any room in this section of the country.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  A share of public patronage is respectfully solicited.  O. F. Stedman & Co,  Ravenna.

The second announcement appeared on August 21, 1856.  Pictures.—Those who desire to obtain valuable and correct likenesses of themselves or their friends, should call at the Ambrotype rooms of Staffer & Stedman in Allen’s Block.  See Advertisement.

The second advertisement ran from August 21 to December 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes taken by Staffer & Stedman, at their Rooms over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, O., for seventy-Five Cents, where every variety of likenesses can be obtained.  Ambrotypes inserted in breast pins and lockets.  Whole size likenesses for $5 and $6—former price $10 and $12.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  Having a large sky and side light, impressions taken in from three to five seconds.  Our likenesses are all positive and not reversed. All work warranted.  Likenesses taken either in clear or cloudy weather. 

The third advertisement ran from September 4 to December 11, 1856.  Something New.—Staffer & Stedman are now taking Ambrotypes on Paper.  The finest articles in the picture line to send by mail, as it cost no extra postage.

The third announcement appeared on September 25, 1856.  Portage Co. Agricultural Society.  At the Portage County Agricultural Fair, held September 17th and 18th, 1856, premiums were awarded as follows…On Miscellaneous Manufactured Art… 

L. V. Staffer & Co., Best specimen daguerreotype pictures,  dip.   

The fourth advertisement ran from October 16 to December 4, 1856.  Premium Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes.  L. V. Staffer  Co., respectfully invite the public to call at their rooms over Baird’s Jewelry, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, and examine their specimens upon which they received the first premium at the last county fair.  We offer the following reasons why we can produce better pictures than can be obtained elsewhere in this county.  We have the largest and most powerful camera in this section of the state.  Our light is so arranged as not only to give a life like expression to the features, but also drapery of the utmost beauty and richness.  (The want of which is a great fault in the work of some operators.)  We use the genuine chemicals, regardless of expense, and having had ten years experience in the art we know that we can produce better results than the mere tyro of a few months practice.  Those wishing good pictures of themselves or friends will find it to their advantage to call at our rooms and be convinced that this is the place to get a perfect likeness.  Prices as low as in any rooms of good repute in Northern Ohio. Children’s likenesses taken in one or two seconds.  We seldom fail to get a good likeness of the most restless.

Daguerreotypes.—As there are some who still prefer this style, we would say that we are at all times prepared to take them.

Caution.—The public are cautioned against Ambrotypes backed up with black paint or varnished, as the backing will crack eventually and the picture become worthless.  All good operators have discarded this process, we have not used it for many months and all persons having pictures put up by us in that way, are invited to call and when they become cracked and have them made good.  Such pictures can be known by their having a glass over the matting, the position of the setter being reversed, and having a dull appearances at arms length,.

Remember the place, over Baird’s Jewelry Store.  Oct., 16, 1856.  L. V. Staffer  Co.

The fifth advertisement ran from March 31 to July 21, 1859.  People’s Gallery.  At the old stand of L. V. Staffer & Co., nearly opposite the east end of Phoenix Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Superb Ambrotypes, Photographs And Melainotypes, 50 Per Cent Less Than Elsewhere.

Persons in want of pictures of any style will find it much to their interest to call at this Gallery before purchasing elsewhere.  No time will be spent in unprofitable “gassing” but all are invited to come and judge for themselves as to the quality of the work with the assurance that no pains will be spared, to make the best picture possible for every customer, and no one will be expected to take work away unless perfectly suited.  O. F. Stedman.  Ravenna, March 31, 1850.

The fourth and fifth announcements appeared in The Portage County Democrat (Ravenna, Ohio) on April 27, 1859.  Look Out For Him!—We are informed that our fellow townsman and artist, Stedman, of the People’s Gallery’ in this place, intends visiting the citizens of Freedom this week, with a car, for the purpose of taking off their faces.  Those in want of good pictures will do well to give him a call.  His Gallery here, during his absence, will be in charge of his brother.

The fifth announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  Home Again.—O. F. Steadman, of the ‘People’s Gallery,’ will be at home next week ready to wait personally upon those in want of pictures.  Good work and low prices is his motto.  Those interested can make a note of it.’

O. F. Steadman is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Ravenna, Ohio in 1859-1860.

John H. Steck

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                298 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

John H. Steck  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. Steck, Market St. — Daguerreotype artist. Nothing (owing to the lack of all care in manipulation) worthy of remark. Remember for these defects, there is no excuse.

John H. Steck is listed in other photographic directories but are included 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. 

Stebbins Brothers

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Watertown, Massachusetts.

1856                Address Unknown, Newton Corner, Massachusetts.

N.D.                Address and Location Unknown.

Stebbins Brothers were recorded in one advertisement that ran from February 15 to May 8, 1856

In the Waltham Sentinel (Waltham, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes by Stebbins Brothers, Watertown.   Prices from 50 cents upwards, according to the size of plate and style of case.

Particular attention paid to taking children’s likenesses.  Patronage respectfully solicited from Watertown and Newton Corner.

Photographs made from Daguerreotypes.

N.D.  Broadside (Harvey Zucker’s Collection.)

Daguerreotypes!  The Stebbins Brothers, respectfully inform the citizens of this place and vicinity, that they will remain here _____ Weeks Longer, Only.

It is owing to the increase of business, and the great demand for our Pictures, that we are induced to give this notice.  Those who have not yet got a good Likeness will remember this is the Last Chance.

Notice.  This is a good time to get Landscape Views.  Gentlemen wishing their Residence, or any Views from Nature, Daguerreotyped or Photographed, (without reversing,) are informed that they can have them at short notice, and at low prices, by sending orders early.

Pictures Taken In Any Weather.

Likenesses of Sick and Deceased Persons taken at their residences.

Persons having old Daguerreotypes of deceased friends are informed that we can produce nice colored photographs and good Likenesses from them, which will give universal satisfaction.

Stebbins Brothers are recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1856, but not the information from the undated broadside.

Mr. Stearns

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Ford Street, over H. Church’s Store, Ogdensburgh, New York.

Mr. Stearns was recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 25 to June 18, 1847 in the St. Lawrence Republican (Ogdensburgh, New York).    Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Stearns is on hand and ready from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M., at his Rooms over H. Church’s Store, Ford street, to execute a few more of those nice pictures, of all sizes, for which his apparatus is so well qualified.  Ladies and Gents are respectfully solicited to call and examine specimens, and sit for their likenesses if they choose, by way of experiment.  A reasonable discount will be made where several pictures are taken in the same family.  Come one—come all.

Mr. Stearns is not recorded in other photographic directories.

James L. Stapleton

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs

1856                Rooms over Fuller’s Store, Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont.

James L. Stapleton was recorded in two advertisements in The Middlebury Register  (Middlebury, Vermont).  The firs advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Chrystallographs, Pictures on Isinglass, And Daguerreotypes.  I beg leave to inform the ladies and gentlemen of Middlebury and vicinity, that I have commenced taking the above beautiful pictures.  The Ambrotypes are cemented between two French plate glasses with an imperishable gum, rendering them proof against the effects of any climate and the action of the strongest acids.  They have none of the disagreeable metallic or mirror-like reflection of the daguerreotype, and can be seen with any light.  The Chrystallographs are taken on glass, perfectly secured, and as durable as the Ambrotypes.  My pictures on Isinglass are acknowledged by all who have seen them to be superior specimens of the art. They are the only kind of photograph well adapted to be sent to any distance by mail or otherwise.  They can be inserted between the folds of a letter without apparently increasing the weight or bulk of parcel.

As I intend to locate myself permanently in this place, my patrons will run no risk of being imposed on by inferior pictures, as I will always hold myself in readiness to remedy defects in pictures occasioned by fault of mine free of charge.  I take the above pictures on all sizes of plates, and they will cost no more than their corresponding sizes of daguerreotypes.  Ambrotypes neatly fitted into lockets and pins.  Sick and deceased persons taken at their residences.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms over Fuller’s store, Main st.  Jas. L. Stapleton.  Middlebury, May 20, 1856.

The second advertisement ran from July 16 to August 20, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes!  As the subscriber must positively leave here in a few weeks, all those wishing to possess Ambrotypic Pictures of themselves or friends, would do well to call immediately at his rooms, over Fuller’s store.  My Pictures are no dearer than the common Daguerreotype, are almost as durable as the glass on which the impression is taken.  Unlike the Daguerreotype, the image is not reversed on the plate, and they have none of that peculiar dazzling luster of all Daguerreotypes.  My pictures are warranted not to fade in any climate.  Ambrotypes neatly put up in Lockets and Pins.  Also pictures on Mica—better known as Isinglass Pictures—the only kind of picture well adapted to be sent and distance as they can be put between the folds of a letter or parcel of any kind without apparently increasing its weight or bulk.  Also Landscape and other Views put up at moderate prices.  Sick or deceased persons taken at their residences.  Business hours from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Jas. L. Stapleton. 

James L. Stapleton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. A. & A. B. Stansell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Standing near the Pierson House, Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

J. A. & A. B. Stansell were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Wyandot Pioneer (Upper Sandusky, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on January 19, 1854. 

Daguerreotype Pictures.—Now is the time to get your pictures taken, while the Messrs. Stansell are here.  They have taken some of the best pictures we ever saw.  If the ladies want to send themselves off in mail to their sweet-hearts abroad, no better time will be afforded them than the present.  Gentlemen who would present their beautiful phizes to their loved ones, can do so now, by calling at the Daguerrean Gallery, standing near the Pierson House.  See the advertisement of this establishment in to day’s paper.

The advertisement ran from January 19 to April 6, 1854.  J. A. & A. B. Stansell, Daguerrean Artist, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Upper Sandusky and vicinity, that they will remain here for a short time, and are prepared to take Daguerreotype pictures in the finest and most fashionable style of the art.—Those who would “Secure the shadow ere the substance fades,” can do so, on as reasonable terms as in any place in Ohio, by calling at the Daguerrean Gallery of the above mentioned artist, where you will at all times be welcomed.  We are also prepared to take miniatures in rings, watch-seals, breast-pins, &c., such a manner as to please the most fastidious.           

Instructions given in the Art on reasonable terms.  Pictures warranted not to fade.

J. A. & A. B. Stansell are not recorded in other photographic directories.