Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Miss. A. Shedd

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854-1855       Nattinger’s block, south side of the public square, Ottawa, Illinois.

Miss. A. Shedd was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 16, 1854 to March 17, 1855 in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  Daguerrean Gallery!  Miss A. Shedd Would take this opportunity of informing her friends and the community at large, that she has bought out the daguerrean rooms formerly occupied by J. Marston, and would say that she is now prepared to take miniatures in the latest and most approved styles of the art, having the advantage of a large sky light, and one on C. C. Harrison’s best camera.

Always a good supply of plain and fancy cases on hand, from $1.50 to $10.

Hours for operation, from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.  Dark dresses always preferable.  December 16.

Miss A. Shedd is recorded in A Directory of Early Illinois Photographers Compiled by Marie Czach as being active in 1854.

James E. Shaw

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                359 Broadway, New York, New York.

James E. Shaw was recorded in one announcement that appeared on December 4, 1851 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Indecent Assault Upon A Little Girl—On Monday last James E. Shaw, a member of the theatrical profession, on a warrant issued by Justice Lothrop, wherein he stands charged with an indecent assault on a little girl only nine years of age.  Fanny Armstrong, residing with her parents.  The accused was brought before the magistrate, through his counsel—a hearing was demanded.  The prosecution took the evidence of the child Fanny, who stated that she visited Shaw’s rooms No. 359 Broadway. (where it seems, he keeps a daguerreotype gallery,) about two months ago, in company with Elizabeth Akin , a small girl of about twelve years of age, residing with her parents.  Fanny said that Elizabeth invited her to go with her to Mr. Shaw’s, to have her likeness taken, and they both went, without telling their mother where they were going.  She says Shaw took them into a private room, and took Fanny on his knees, at which time the indecent assault is alleged to have been perpetrated, the particulars of which are not suitable for publication.  The other witness Elizabeth Akin, also testified to very improper conduct exhibited by Shaw towards her, as well as towards the child Fanny.  Several medical gentlemen were examined, who differed in opinion as to the disease on the child.  The evidence was concluded yesterday, and the magistrate will give his decision on Friday.

James E. Shaw is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mrs. Harriet Shankland

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1844-1845       149 Broadway, corner Liberty Street, Lafayette Bazaar, New York, New York…. 1845-1846       151 Broadway, New York, New York………………………………………………. 1845                235 Broadway, New York, New York……………………………………………..

Mrs. Harriet Shankland was recorded five advertisements in The New York Herald and one advertisement in The Evening Post (New York, New York.)  The first advertisement ran from December 20, 1844 to January 13, 1845.  Only One Dollar Including Case, or Frame.  Lafayette Bazaar, 149 Broadway, corner of Liberty.  Christmas And New Year Daguerreotype Portraits. 

Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist, respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen that she will take the best Daguerreotype, including a neat case or frame, for one dollar, as good as any.

3000 customers can certify what she advances.                                                        

The second advertisement ran from January 28 to March 12, 1845.  Cheap Daguerreotype Portraits.  Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerreotype Artist, having taken since two years more than 10,000 portraits, and being well known for taking the best style of portraits, respectfully informs her friends and customers and the public, that she gives a beautiful Daguerreotype likeness, including a fine morocco case, or a frame, for only one dollar.  Being always well patronized, and her customers increasing every day, she has, for their convenience, enlarged her establishment, by two Daguerreotype rooms, to the Lafayette Bazaar, 149 Broadway, and by a branch of her establishment, 235 Broadway, third story, front room, No. 1, opposite the Park Fountain Portraits taken from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening, any weather, cloudy or steamy.  Remember, only one dollar, (best style) including case or frame.  

The third advertisement ran from March 17 to April 27, 1845.  Lafayette Bazaar, 149 and 151 Broadway, corner of Liberty st.  This Establishment, founded the 1st of December, 1843, as a public store for the sale of every description of Staple and Fancy Goods, will be enlarged the 1st of May next.  The subscriber having rented the upper part of the building, 151 Broadway, will put in complete repair and fit up in a magnificent manner, two large galleries, where the traders, manufacturers and importers, will be able to obtain at a cheap rent, a fine and convenient store; and the ladies and gentlemen a splendid place of resort and a public and fashionable promenade.

Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist, has already rented the front part of the two galleries as a Daguerreotype Saloon, where she will continue as before, to give the most perfect likeness for One Dollar, including the best kind of Morocco Case or Frame.

Several Counters to let, with glass cases—enquire in the Bazaar.     T. A. Artault.      

The fourth advertisement ran from March 17 to April 27, 1845.  Ladies’ And Families” Daguerreotype Institute, Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist.  Daguerreotype Portraits, including the best style of Morocco Case or Frame, for One Dollar.  Apply at the Lafayette Bazaar, 149 Broadway, or 235 Broadway, Third Story, Front Room, No. 1—opposite the Park Fountain.                                                                                      

The fifth advertisement ran from May 10 to June 17, 1845.  Lafayette Bazaar, 149 and 151 Broadway, cor. of Liberty street, New York.  The cheapest and Most Attractive Store of the City.  For the convenience of the buyers, $10,000 worth of Fancy Goods, Toys, Perfumery, Cutlery, Jewelry and other varieties of goods, are displayed on the counters, and sold On An Entirely New Plan, At the following prices:—

Counter No. 1……….12½ cents each article.

Counter No. 2………..25……do….do….do.

Counter No. 3………..50……do….do….do.

Counter No. 4………..75……do….do….do.

Counter No. 5…………$1.00..do….do….do.

All the goods are warranted to be genuine; the prices are fifty cent below the market prices, and by this new plan you can buy the goods at retail prices a great deal cheaper than at auction.

You will also find in the Bazaar, the most complete assortment of Sugar Plumbs and Candies, from 25 cents to $3 a pound; Jujube Paste, Chocolate, &c.

Two large Saloons have been fitted up in a magnificent style, as Ice Cream Saloons.  A competent person, from a Philadelphia establishment, has been engaged to take the entire management of the Ice Cream Department, and ladies and gentlemen will obtain at the Lafayette Bazaar, a real Ice Cream, Philadelphia Style.

Daguerreotype Portraits.  Mrs. H. Shankland, Daguerrian Artist, has fixed the front part of the two galleries of the Bazaar, as daguerreotype Saloons, where she will continue, to take the most perfect Likenesses For One Dollar, including a neat Morocco Case or Frame.

For further particulars apply to F. A, Artault, At the Lafayette Bazaar.                       

The sixth advertisement ran on December 22, 1846 in The Evening Post (New York, New York). 

The Lafayette Bazaar, 149 and 151 Broadway—This would be a great place for making a selection for presents.  There is a couple of darkies in regimentals at the door, who will hand you catalogues of the articles in the establishment, consisting of toys, fancy boxes, cutlery, Jewelry, perfumery of every kind, with other numerous varieties of goods, and the proprietor states that he will sell fifty per cent lower than any other establishment, and if you cannot obtain any goods to suit, there is a fair lady who will give you a perfect Daguerreotype likeness for one dollar.

Mrs. Harriet Shankland was recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in1846.

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.