Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Henry Shaft

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, ,

1855                Address Unknown, Buffalo, New York.

Henry Shaft was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on June 20, 1855 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Photographers.—Wanted, A Person Who thoroughly understands the photographing and daguerrean arts, to go to a large Western city.  To a competent man, a permanent situation, with good salary, will be given.  Address Henry Shaft, box 2410 Buffalo Post Office, with specimens of work.

Henry Shaft is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that Henry Shaft was an agent or contact person and not a photographer.  

Further research uncovered in the 1855 Buffalo City Directory residency listing Henry Shaft is listed as a book-keeper at R. J. Compton.  Richard J. Compton is recorded in the residence listing as an Engraver and Lithographer, 209 Main Street. In an advertisement P. 81 Compton’s Lithographing & Engraving Establishment, 209 Main Street, Buffalo, R. J. Compton, Proprietor, Having purchased the entire interest of my Co-partners, and having the most extensive establishment of the kind in the west, I am prepared to fill contracts for the largest kind of work with punctuality and in the best style.

S. H. Sexton

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1844                Room in the Davis’ Building, opposite Phoenix Hotel, Schenectady, New York.

S. H. Sexton was recorded in one advertisement ran from August 6 to 27, 1844 in The Schenectady Cabinet, or, Freedom’s Sentinel (Schenectady, New York).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  S. H. Sexton, Daguerreotypist.  Room in Davis’ Building, opposite the Phoenix Hotel, recently occupied by Mr. Dennison.               

S. H. Sexton is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that this is Samuel H. Sexton a portrait and landscape painter who was active in Schenectady, New York from 1839-1860.[1]         

[1] The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artists In America 1564-1860.

A. J. Severance

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1848-1849       Rooms at Miss Adams’s Brick Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

A. J. Severance was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The advertisement ran from March 27 to April 24, 1849.

Daguerreotype Portraits.  A. J. Severance would announce to the citizens of Middlebury that having purchased the apparatus and other “fixins” of O. Severance &, he is now ready to take Likenesses on short notice, at the old stand of O. Severance & Brother, in Miss Adams’s building.  The subscriber having been patronized liberally thus far, has determined on stopping until the 10th of April,—longer than that will depend upon circumstances.

A splendid lot of Lockets, just received.                   

The announcement appeared on June 12, 1849.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  A. J. Severance, would announce to the ladies and gentlemen of Middlebury and vicinity that he has concluded to remain in town during the session of the Court, and no longer.

All wishing Likenesses will do well to avail themselves of this last opportunity.   

A. J. Severance was recorded in yesterdays post as part of the partnership of Severance & Brother.

Severance & Brother

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1848-1849       Rooms in Miss Adams’s Brick Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

Severance & Brother (O. & A. J.) were recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The first advertisement ran from December 5 to 26, 1848.  O. Severance & Brother, Daguerrean Artist, Occupying rooms in Miss Adams’s brick building, would respectfully announce to their friends, both in the village and surrounding country, that they are prepared to furnish Pictures in every respect equal to any that can be obtained and superior to those generally received.  We feel confident that we can satisfy the most difficult cases.  Give us a call, and if you are not satisfied there will be no charge.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms open from 8 A. M., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Instruction given in the art, and Apparatus furnished, Charges moderate. 

The first announcement appeared on January 2, 1849.  2 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The second advertisement ran from January 9 to 16, 1849.  1 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The second announcement appeared on January 30, 1849.  Positively 1 Weeks Longer!  Now Is Your Time!!  There is nothing more desirable than a perfect Likeness.  Daguerreotype Likenesses Combining the latest improvements in coloring.

The subscribers will remain in this place for a few days, with the view of taking impressions from those who wish to see themselves as others see them.  We are prepared to make a perfect copy of the human face, and to exhibit it in bold relief.  Ye who would leave with your friends some memorial of affection, now is your time to secure a copy for yourselves, which will remain when you have mouldered in the dust!  We can fit pictures to Bracelets, Lockets, Pins &c. of any size.  We can also take two impressions of the same person on one plate at the same sitting, beautiful and durable pictures of children taken in from 5 to 15 seconds.

Ladies and gentlemen, will please call soon.

Rooms at Miss Adams, and are open from 8 A. M.., till 4 P. M., clear or cloudy.

Charges moderate.  O. Severance & Brother.

The third advertisement ran from February 13 to March 20, 1849.  O. Severance & Brother Are still at their rooms in Miss Adams’s Building, and will remain in town but a Few days longer, to practice taking Daguerreotype Pictures.

A press of business has prolonged our stay in town.  If the good people of Middlebury and vicinity desire our work, they will call sometime within a week, if not, we shall set our faces in some other direction.

O. Severance & Brother are recorded in other photographic directories.

J. Sergrove

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855-1856       140 S. 2nd. Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1856                116 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

J. Sergrove 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.

Sergrove, Chestnut St. — I am sorry that I cannot speak in the highest terms of this gallery, as I think some of the pictures show care and skill. But speaking generally, I noticed great want of improvement in everything relating to the art. I should advise those who are desirous of commencing the practice of the Photographic Art, to take up ambrotyping, as people of the present day, have become more fastidious and better acquainted with daguerreotyping, and will only purchase pictures in the first style of this branch of the art.

J. Sergrove 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, activity dates and address were added. 

S. O. Seelye

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1845                Rooms in the Cobble Stone Block, Batavia, New York.

S. O. Seelye was recorded in one advertisement that ran on August 26 & September 2, 1845 in The Spirit of the Times (Batavia, New York).  S. O. Seelye, Respectfully Informs the citizens of Batavia and vicinity that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by the Misses Miller in the Cobble Stone Block, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, Likenesses, in a style If Not Superior, equal to any taken in New York, put up in a rich embossed Russia Morocco cases, manufactured at Meade Brothers, N. Y. State Daguerrean Gallery, No.’s 3 and 4 Exchange Building, Albany.  From whom Mr. S. receives from time to time a knowledge of all the improvements made in the Art—whereby he is enabled to take Miniatures in a few seconds of time, that in point of clearness, accuracy and beauty are unequaled by any other process.  Those having pictures taken by other operators with which they are not satisfied, can have them taken over at a trifling expense.  Impressions taken from Portraits of departed friends if required.  Miniatures put in Breast Pins or Lockets.  This is now a favorable opportunity for young Gentlemen to accompany the Ladies in whom they feel an interest, and exchange with each other those delicate tokens.

Mr. S. Respectfully invites the Ladies and Gentlemen of this place to call and witness the process; as he is ready and willing at all times to gratify their curiosity.

Persons wishing likenesses are requested to call soon s his stay is limited.

S. O. Seelye is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that S. O. Seeley who was active in Geneva, New York in 1843 is the same person.

Charles A. Seely

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographic Stock and Chemicals, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1855                324 Broadway, New York, New York.

1856                387 Broadway, New York, New York.

1856-1857       94 Duane Street, New York, New York.

1857-1859       424 Broadway, New York, New York.

Charles A. Seely was recorded in eighteen advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on August 29, 1855.  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale—At A Lower price and with a cheaper rent than any in the city, or the apparatus will be sold low by itself, or a partner, with $300, will be taken, by an artist in photography, ambrotypes, &c.; also, a small lathe for sale cheap.  Inquire of C. A. Seely, 324 Broadway.

The second advertisement appeared on January 3, 1856.  For Sale At A Bargain—The Apparatus Of the original stereoscopic daguerrean gallery of New York, including two superior half size Harrison cameras, with every thing peculiar to the business, with instructions, for plate and glass pictures, if desired.  Inquire of C. A. Seely, 324 Broadway.

The third advertisement appeared on March 17, 1856. Daguerreotypes, in Cases, 25 Cents; Ambrotypes extra large size 50 Cents, cases included. Charles A. Seely, photographic chemist, is connected with this establishment from this date. Quinby & Co., Factory 387 Broadway.

The fourth advertisement appeared on November 29, 1856. $700.–One Of The Oldest Established Daguerreotype gallery in the busiest parts of the city, well furnished and stocked with large size apparatus, and now doing a good business; the rent is very low. Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, &c., 94 Duane street.

The fifth advertisement appeared on May 5, 1857.  Seely & Garbanati, Photographic Chemicals, &c., have removed to 424 Broadway.  Amateurs supplies in all their wants.

The sixth ad appeared on September 19, 1857.  Ambrotype Gallery For Sale—At A Bargain. In a good location for business, will be sold at a sacrifice, as the present owner has other business.  Apply immediately to Seely & Garbinatti, photographic chemicals, 424 Broadway.

The seventh ad appeared on December 11, 1857.  $200—For Sale, An Old Established Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery, Apply to Seely & Garbanati, 424 Broadway.

The eighth ad appeared on January 22, 1858.  Daguerrean Gallery.—For Sale, The Lease of an old established daguerrean gallery, with instruments, furniture, and everything necessary for all branches of the business.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, Photographic Chemists, 424 Broadway.

The ninth ad appeared on March 24, 1858.  Ambrotype Gallery For Sale—Price $70 cash.  The reason for selling is the owner is going into another business.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, 424 Broadway.

The tenth ad appeared on April 7, 1858.  Ambrotype And Photograph Gallery In Broadway.—Authenticated profits upwards of $75 per week.  Price $1,500; $1,000 down.  The above is well furnished and stocked, and is a rare bargain.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.  An lease on the gallery.

The eleventh ad appearedonMay 22, 1858.  Ambrotype, Photograph And Daguerreotype Gallery.—For sale, the lease, stock and fixtures, and everything pertaining to the art, now doing a good business.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.

The twelfth adappeared onJune 2, 1858.  For Sale Cheap—A Broadway Daguerrean establishment, thoroughly fitted and furnished, and replete with every accessory for the art. The most satisfactory reason giving for selling.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, 424 Broadway.

The thirteenth ad appearedonAugust 17, 1858.  Ambrotypes For Sale—A Well Fitted Up gallery on Broadway, doing a good business, the owners  being engaged in another establishment, will dispose of the above at the lowest price of $175.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.

The fourteenth advertisement appeared on August 25, 1858.  Ambrotypes.—For Sale A Well Furnished ambrotype gallery on Broadway, doing an excellent business; the owner being engaged in another business, will sell the gallery for the low price of $175.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, 424 Broadway, New York.

The fifteenth advertisement appeared on April 27, 1859.  To Photographists.—Wanted To Purchase, An interest in, or whole of a first class photographic gallery on Broadway, not above Union square.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, 424 Broadway.

The sixteenth advertisement appeared on May 25, 1859.  $1,000 To $50,000—A Valuable Patent, In demand everywhere, for sale by Seely & Garbanati, Photographic Chemists, 424 Broadway.

The seventeenth advertisement appeared on June 29.  Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Photographs, &c. copied, enlarged and colored in all styles of the art at moderate prices, by Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists and publishers, 424 Broadway, Stereoscopic pictures wholesale.

The eighteenth ad appeared on September 5, 1859.  Photographic Engraving.—Patent Rights for sale, engraving done at moderate rates, by Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.  A complete set of apparatus, chemicals, &c., for taking pictures on glass and paper, for $30.  The American Journal of Photography, semi-monthly, $1.50 per annum; The Ambrotype, price 25 cents; Hardwick’s Photographic Chemistry, 50 cents; Sir David Brewster on the Stereoscope, $1, will soon be out.

Charles A. Seely, Henry Garbanati and Charles J. Quinby are all recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  Seely was recorded in Craig’s as being active in New York between 1857-1860.  It appears that he was active in New York City before the advertisement on August 29, 1855. The partnership of Seely & Garbanati began in 1856 at 94 Duane street, before moving to 424 Broadway.  The other interesting item from all the advertisements is that they were unable to sell the gallery and that they were all over the place with the sale price.  It is also possible that their main focus was the manufacturing of photographic chemicals and not the image side of the business.

S. O. Seeley

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1843                Room at Miss Collier’s, a few doors north of the Post Office, Geneva, New York. 1843                Rooms on Main Street, Geneva, New York.

S. O. Seeley was recorded in two advertisement that appeared in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York).  The first advertisement ran from July 25 to August 15, 1843.  Photographic Miniature Portraits.  The ladies and gentlemen of Geneva and vicinity, are respectfully informed that the subscriber is prepared to execute his beautiful Photographic Miniatures by the Daguerreotype process, upon a recently improved system with a certainty and perfection which cannot fail to please those who may favor him with their patronage.

Those who have not seen Mr. Seeley’s specimens cannot judge of their beauty from what they have seen from other operators, as his mode of producing likenesses is peculiar to himself.

Rooms appropriately fitted up for the reception of visitors at Miss Collier’s, a few doors north of the Post Office.

N. B.  Instruction given and the improved patent apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.  Early application is necessary as his stay is limited.             S. O. Seeley.  Geneva, July 25, 1843. 

The second advertisement ran from August 22 to September 26, 1843.  A Card.  To The Public.—S. O. Seeley, Photographer, Main street, respectfully returns his thanks to his friends and the public, for the liberal patronage with which he has been honored for the past few weeks; and hopes for a continuance of the same while he remains.  He will endeavor, at all times and to the utmost of his ability, to give satisfaction to those who may favor him with a call.  His rooms will be open at all hours of the day and evening, for the reception of visitors who may wish to examine some beautiful and correct likenesses of some of the citizens, reproduced by the Daguerreotype, which he will at all times be happy to have the pleasure of exhibiting.  He has just received from New York a new style of Morocco Cases, suitable for two persons.  His prices are as follows, viz:

Double Cases…………………… $5.00

Single do………………………..  $3.00

Groups of two taken on one plate, $3.00

N. B.  Mr. S. respectfully invites those who wish to have a correct likeness of themselves, to call immediately, as previous engagements will not permit him to remain long.

S. O. Seeley is not recorded in other photographic directories.  See S. O. Seelye which will be posted on 12-22-20, who is possibly the same person and was active Batavia, New York in 1845. 

Datus E. Sedgwick

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographic Stock and Chemicals, Photographs, , , ,

1857-1859       84 Owego Street, over J. Kendall’s store, Ithaca, New York.              

Datus E. Sedgwick was recorded in three advertisements and one announcement in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  The first advertisement ran from March 11 to August 5, 1857.  Something New!  Excelsior Ambrotype & Daguerrean Rooms.  The undersigned having fitted up the rooms formerly occupied by the Sons of Temperance over J. Kendall’s store and directly opposite the Journal Office, would respectfully inform the citizens of Ithaca and vicinity that he is now prepared to take Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes of the first quality.  Being in possession of all the recent improvements, he will warrant them to be equal if not superior in durability and artistic merit to any thing ever produced in this country.

Having had an experience of some 16 years in this business he is confident of pleasing all who may favor him with a call.  Satisfaction given or no charge and none but first class pictures will be permitted to leave the rooms.

Types taken from the whole size down to the smallest at all hours and on the most reasonable terms.  Remember the place 84 Owego street, over J. Kendall’s store.  D. E. Sedgwick.

The announcement appeared on July 1, 1857. A series of six fine daguerreotype and ambrotype views taken after the late flood by B. G. Jayne & Co., and have been forwarded to Frank Leslie of New York, who telegraphed for the same.  Mr. D. E. Sedgwick has a superb picture of one of the best views after the Freshet.

The second advertisement ran from December 16, 1857 to February 10, 1858.  The very Cheapest Yet!  The subscriber having recently increased his facilities in the Photographic Art, by a New and Large Sky and side Light combined, is prepared to delineate the human Features, in a style which for truthfulness and beauty of finish, is unsurpassed in the state.

Photographs, Ambrotypes & Daguerreotypes in every style, taken in all kinds of weather, at prices to suit the times, 12½ cents to $25.  Now is the time for those who wish cheap Pictures!

Photographs, plain and colored in aquarelle, fully equal to the best Oil Paintings—the best type sending by mail.

Particular attention given to Children’s Types, having an Instrument expressly adapted to this branch of the art.

The subscriber thankful for the liberal patronage heretofore enjoyed, solicits a continuance of the same.

N. B.—Artists supplied with Stock, Chemicals, &c, on terms satisfactory.  Particular attention called to an article of Collodian, of his own Manufacture, which in skilful hands will produce the most superb results known to art.  D. E. Sedgwick. 84 Owego-st.  Ithaca, Dec. 11, 1857.

The third advertisement ran from April 6 to June 15, 1859.  Now on Exhibition!  At Sedgwick’s Premium Photographic Gallery Daguerreotypes, the most perfect and beautiful style of Pictures known to the art, and only require to be seen to be appreciated taken only at this Gallery.  Call and see them Also Superior Photographs, recent discoveries giving a delineation of feature and a brilliancy heretofore unattainable, well adapted to sending to distant friends.  The above pictures are conceded to be the best results ever yet produced by the Camera.

Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes still taken in the best style of the art.  Satisfaction always given and prices as low as 50 cents including case.  Remember the place 84 Owego street, over J. Kendall’s store.     

Datus E. Sedgwick is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1859 in Ithaca, New York without a business address.

Seaver & Butler

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1853-1856       140 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Seaver & Butler (Chandler Seaver, Jr. & George H. Butler) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Boston Daily Evening Transcript (Boston, Massachusetts).  The announcement appeared on July 12, 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns, that Messrs. Seaver & Butler have established themselves at No. 140 Washington street, where they would be happy to see their friends and the public, and to serve them in the line of their art.

The advertisement ran from July 12 to 25, 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  140 Washington Street, Seaver & Butler, having recently purchased these rooms, and neatly fitted and newly furnished them throughout, till they are surpassed in convenience and elegance by none in the city, are now prepared to take Likenesses with promptness, in the very best style of the art, and in every size and mode of finish.  The public are respectfully invited to give them a call.  Entire satisfaction guaranteed.

Mr. Seaver having been employed as Operator at Ives’s Establishment, for over a year past, would be pleased to see his numerous friends and acquaintances at his new place of business, where they will meet with entire satisfaction, as heretofore.

Chandler Seaver, Jr and George H. Butler are both recorded in other photographic directories.  The new information is that the partnership started in 1853 and that Seaver worked for Loyal Moses Ives in 1852.

[1] 1854-1856 A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.