Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Stephen Remington

1857-1859      1 Clark’s Marble Block, corner Main & Madison Streets, Memphis, Tennessee.

Stephen Remington was recorded in nine advertisements and four announcements in the Memphis Daily Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee).  The first advertisement ran from January 1, 1857 to August 4, 1858.  The Sphereotype.  The latest and by far the most important improvement in Photography is the recently patented picture known as the Sphereotype, which is not only new and unlike any of its predecessors, but greatly superior to all.  The Sphereotype is proof against Time, Air, and Water, and for the richness of tone, warmth of expression and distinctness has to equal—in fact the illusion is such that the picture, or image, seems suspended in air, entirely independent of the background.

For this picture we have the exclusive right for Memphis.  Specimens can be seen in our Gallery, where pictures are also taken in the various styles by our Artist, Prof. Remington, who combines the chemist with the Artist, which enables him at all times to produce superior Pictures.  F. H. Clark & Co., No 1 Clark’s Marble Block.  dec2.

The second advertisement ran from January 1 to May 6, 1857.  Dissolution.  On the 1st June, 1856, the firm heretofore existing between F. H. Clark and A. C. Wurzach was dissolved by mutual consent.  F. H. Clark is charged with the settlement of the business of the late firm of F. R. Clark & Co.  F. H. Clark.  A. C. Wurzbach.  New Firm… of F. H. Clark & Co.  F. H. Clark,  Jas. S. Wilkins, Thos. Hill.

A Card.  Our New Firm…Established 1841….Our leading branches are, first—Watches,…Jewelry….Guns, Guns….Pistols,…Silver Goods….Silver Plated Goods…Cutlery…Our Mechanical Branch…..Engraving…

Our Daguerrean Gallery, Prof. Remington, Artist, Embraces a suit of rooms built expressly for the purpose, and we are prepared to furnish our customers with first class pictures in all the various styles.

In building expressly for our business, we have combined every convenience for the different branches, and greatly reduced our expenses, which, with our facilities and the extension of our business, enables us to sell goods and do work on the most reasonable terms.  Goods cheerfully shown and fairly represented, and we invite all, both buyers and the curious, to drop in without ceremony and examine our stock.  We keep open house for all.   F. H. Clark & Co.  oct16.

The first announcement appeared on March 13, 1857.  At Clark’s Daguerrean Gallery is a colored Photograph of Mr. Fray, the artist, colored by himself and taken by Mr. Remington, which is as perfect and beautiful a likeness as one will see anywhere.  It is a large, but not a full size.  Mr. Frye has also painted several other likeness of well-known citizens, among others a most perfect portrait of Fletcher Lane, Esq., and one of James Elder, Esq., Michael Magevney, Esq., etc.

The second announcement appeared on June 6, 1857.  Gen. Walker was again called to stand up and show himself, so as to give all an opportunity to see him, and he appeared a few moments on the stand, bowing modestly to the excited and enthusiastic multitude.

After the reception had concluded, General Walker was conducted in an open carriage to Clark’s Daguerreian Gallery, where Professor Remington succeeded in getting two very excellent likenesses of him—one a photograph and the other an ambrotype.  We understand it is his intention to multiply copies of the photograph and place them in the reach of all who wish a copy….

The third advertisement ran from June 6 to July 8, 1857.  Gen. Walker.  On Monday, June 8, will be issued at F. H. Clark & Co.’s Gallery, copies of Prof. Remington’s Photograph of Gen. Walker, the only original picture of him in Memphis.

The third announcement appeared on October 9, 1857.  The Zoonograph.  The superiority of the Ambrotype over the Daguerreotype is universally acknowledged, and they in their turn are totally eclipsed by the Zoonograph, which is the result of a new chemical process discovered by Professor Remington, and perfected after much labor and perseverance.

These pictures are more clear in their outlines, brilliant in tone, life-like in expression, durable, richly-colored and elegantly finished, than any style of Photographic picture that it has ever been our pleasure to examine critically.

Clark’s Gallery contains everything requisite, every convenience and facility that can be desired or obtained to execute in the most perfect manner any of the various styles of photographic work.  It will richly repay a visit, and especially so to those who desire artistic pictures.

We can also assure the public that Prof. Remington is in possession of several processes and materials in his art, that no other establishment in this part of the country commands.  As a consequence, he is enabled to give a beauty, finish and life to his pictures that we shall in vain look for from other artist.

Give him a call and judge for yourselves.  Clark’s marble Block, Corner Main and Madison streets.  sep29.

The fourth advertisement ran from November 12 to December 18, 1857.  Premium Pictures!  The Zo-onograph!!  The superiority of the Ambrotype over the Daguerreotype is universally acknowledged, and they in their turn are totally eclipsed by the Zo-onograph, which is the result of a new chemical process discovered by Professor Remington, and perfected after much labor and perseverance.

These pictures and all the styles known to the art are taken by Professor Remington, in the new operating room of F. H. Clarke & Co.

The fourth announcement appeared on January 17, 1858.  A Mammoth Photograph.—We were yesterday shown a fine photograph of the gifted young tragedian, Edwin Booth, taken by Remington at Clark’s Gallery.  This picture is the best that we have seen coming from the same hands, and will, we think, compare with the best photographs executed at the North.  It is a large picture—12×14 inches—and photographs the character of the subject to the life.  We understand that Remington has just added a new improvement to his much admired Zoonograph, which he styles the Crayon Zoonograph.  Everybody should see his specimens before procuring pictures at other establishments.

The fifth advertisement appeared on December 21, 1858.  F. H. Clark & Co.’s. Column.  Watchmakers, Jewelers, Silversmiths, And Engravers, Importers And Dealers In Watches, Clocks, Silver and Plated Ware, Guns, Fancy Goods, Jewelry, &c.

New Goods…Fine Goods…Watches…Jewelry…Silver Ware…Clocks…Guns, Guns!… Spectacles…Cutlery…Engraving…

Our Picture Gallery—Professor Remington, Artist, Is one of the most extensive in the Union.  Superior Pictures taken in all the various styles known to the Photographic art.  The Sphereotype and Remington’s Zoonographs, are worthy of special notice.

J. O’B. Inman[1] This Celebrated Artist.  This Celebrated Artist has permanently located in one of our rooms connected with our Gallery, with whom we have made arrangements to color in oil Remington’s Cabinet size Canvas Photographs.

These pictures combining as they do, the skill of the two Artists, are among the most perfect specimens of the Art.  No. 1 Clark’s Marble Block.

The sixth advertisement ran from October 9 to 15, 1859.  Clark & Remington’s Gallery, No. 1 Clark’s Marble Block.—Photographs from Miniatures to life size, colored in oil or water colors.  Ambrotypes and sphereotypes.

The sixth advertisement ran from October 9 to 15, 1859.  Clark & Remington’s Gallery, No. 1 Clark’s Marble Block.—Photographs from Miniatures to life size, colored in oil or water colors.  Ambrotypes and sphereotypes.

The seventh advertisement ran from October 18 to November 8, 1859.  Ivorytypes!  Ivorytypes!!  Clark & Remington’s Gallery.—The greatest improvement ever invented, having all the softness and brilliancy of color peculiar to the genuine ivory miniature, and at prices within the reach of all, taken Only at Clark & Remington’s mammoth sky-light gallery.  Also photographs, sphereotypes and ambrotypes.

The eighth advertisement ran from November 20 to December 17, 1859.  Everybody visits Clark & Remmington’s famous Gallery of Art.  Their Ivorytypes, Photographs, Sphereotypes and Ambrotypes are works of art.  Perfect pictures and warranted to please.  Remember the place—Clark & Remmington’s mammoth sky-light gallery, corner Main and Madison streets.

The ninth advertisement ran from December 14 to 25, 1859.  Christmas Gifts.—Clark & Remington have just received a large assortment of fine pearl, velvet and gilt cases, especially intended to supply the demand for their pictures as Christmas approaches.  Our prices will be found to suit all who wish good and durable pictures—Ivorytypes, photographs, miniatures in oil, ambrotypes, etc.  Look in and examine specimens, corner of main and Madison streets.

Stephen Remington is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as a possible daguerreian in the partnership of F. H. Clark & Co. in 1859-1860.   Reading the advertisements and announcements Clark is the owner of the business that has a photograph Gallery in it.

[1] The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564-1860 list his full name as John O’Brien Inman.

W. Reiterman

1858-1859       Rooms in Dr. Rawson’s Block, opposite Wheeler & Bros., Findlay, Ohio.

W. Reiterman was recorded in two advertisements in The Hancock Jeffersonian (Findlay, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran on October 15 & 22, 1858 while he was in the partnership of Stoughton & Reiterman.  Stoughton’s. (Stoughton & Reiterman’s) Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices as they can be obtained at any other place.  There may be some, however, that are ignorant of these facts, and for their benefit they are mentioned.

Particular attention is called to our method of taking Likenesses on Leather, Card, Paper, &c.

This is a convenient means of sending likenesses by leather, which can be done without extra postage.  Rooms in Doct. Rawson’s Block, opposite Ewing’s.  Stoughton & Reiterman.  Findlay, Ohio, October 15, 1858.

The second advertisement ran from November 12, 1858 to December 30, 1859.  Formerly Stoughton’s.  Reiterman’s Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices to suit the times.

A stock of fancy Cases will be sold out at Greatly reduced prices.                                            Having a Sky Light along with all the other improvements of the day, we can produce a Good-Toned picture.  Examine specimens at the revolving sign, at the rooms, in Dr. Rawson’s block, Opposite Wheeler & Bros.  W. Reiterman.

W. Reiterman is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in 1860 on Main Street, Findlay, Ohio.

Joseph Reinhart

1847                Address Unknown, Shepherdstown, Virginia.

Joseph Reinhart was recorded in one announcement on August 13, 1847 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mr. Joseph Reinhart, Daguerreotypist, is now in Shepherdstown, and expects to remain for a short time, and is prepared to take correct likenesses of family groups, single faces, dead persons, and copy Scenery and Portraits, in a style unsurpassed by any other Artist in the country, or superior Plates, gilded and colored to nature, and put up in beautiful cases at reasonable prices.  Call and examine his specimens, among which may be seen two life-like pictures—one of the Hon. Daniel Webster, and another of the celebrated Capt. Walker, who figured so conspicuously in the late battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, &c., which were taken by Mr. Reinhart during the late visit of these celebrated gentlemen to Philadelphia.  Elderly persons and invalids, by sending word to Mr. R’s Room, will be waited upon at their residences.

Pictures warranted to give satisfaction.                                                                                                          Mr. R. may be found at his Rooms from 8 o’clock A. M., until sundown.                                    Instructions in Daguerreotyping given at reasonable prices.  Shepherdstown, July 23, 1847.

Joseph Reinhart is not listed in other photographic directories.

Moses Reeves, Jr.

1857-1858       49 Owego Street, over T. C. Thompson’s Merchant Tailor’s store, Ithaca, New                             York.

Moses Reeves, Jr. was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements  The first announcement appeared on July 1, 1857 in the Auburn Weekly American (Auburn, New York).   The Flood At Ithaca.  This calamity was a dreadfully destructive of lives and property.  Bridges, dams, buildings, trees, lumber and animals were swept away by the irresistible torrent.  Many mills and dwellings were destroyed, and several lives….

Mr. Moses Reeves, daguerrean artist buoyed up by a floating timber, was seen to ride high above the surface with portions of his body, for a distance, then, struck by a log, he disappeared, and to his friends was lost; but by a strange good fortune he states the he emerged some rods below, clinging with a death grasp to his float.—onward he floated, among the wrecks of buildings and a furious surf…At eleven O’clock at night Mr.  Reeves reached dry land about one and half miles below his place of starting….

The second announcement appeared on July 4, 1857 in the Keowee Courier (Pickens Court House, South Carolina).  Great Deluge in Ithica New York.  A letter from Ithica, New York, dated June 18, says:  This town was yesterday visited by the most destructive flood that ever came upon it, from many streams that pour their waters into the basin of the Cayuga Lake….

Mr. Moses Reeves, daguerrean artist buoyed up by a floating timber, was seen to ride high above the surface with portions of his body, for a distance, then, struck by a log, he disappeared, and to his friends was lost; but by a strange good fortune he states the he emerged some rods below, clinging with a death grasp to his float.—onward he floated, among the wrecks of buildings and a furious surf…At eleven O’clock at night Mr.  Reeves reached dry land about one and half miles below his place of starting….

The first advertisement ran from May 20, 1857 to May 26, 1858 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  The Cheapest Yet!  A Large Size Ambrotype Or Daguerreotype, For 50 Cents.  As there has been small size Daguerreotypes taken in town for some time for 50 cents.  I have made arrangements for a Stock of Cases, so that I am now prepared to take Large Size Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes For Fifty Cents!  The same as have heretofore been taken for One Dollar.

I have also purchased the right for taking Melainotypes, or pictures on enameled sheet Iron.  Pictures on leather and indeed on everything the art is capable of producing.

Remember the number 49 Owego-street, Ithaca, one door below L. H. Culver’s, and over T. C. Thompson’s Merchant Tailor’s Store.  M. Reeves, Jr.

The second advertisement ran from September 15, 1858 to February 23, 1859 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  The Sun Still Shines!  “By their Works ye know them.”  I would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ithaca and surrounding country, that I have taken the rooms formerly occupied by M. Reeves, over T. C. Thompson’s and 2 doors west of Culver’s store, where I am prepared to take all kinds of Photographic Pictures in a superior manner.  I will take pictures of Invalids or Deceased Persons, at their residence, on the most reasonable terms and the shortest possible notice.  Portraits painted—miniature or life size—in oil and crayon, Views of residences, Draughting and pictures of every description painted to Order.  J. Beardsley.  Ithaca.

Moses Reeves, Jr. is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry. As being active in New York City from 1852 to 1856, but not in Ithaca, New York.

Rees, Blodget & Co.

1855                Main Street, Piper Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Rees, Blodget & Co. were recorded in two advertisements in the Worcester Daily Spy  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement appeared on October 18, 1855.  Take Notice!—Opposition to Steam Daguerreotypes, taken by a new American discovery, for only 25 cents, warranted to be of the best quality, and satisfaction given.  Something less than 500 taken daily.  No connection with the steam whistle, next door.  Rees, Blodget, & Co, artists.  Piper Block, Main st.

The second advertisement appeared on October 19, 1855.  Rees, Blodget, & Co. do not take Daguerreotypes by steam, as their noisy competitors boast to do, but at the same time give all who visit them good portraits, and at a quick rate, for 25 cents.  Rees, Blodget & Co. have opened their rooms at Piper’s Block, bent upon blowing up all steam boilers in the vicinity, if they burst themselves in doing so.

Rees and Blodget are both unknown and not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts.  One could speculate that Rees is Charles R. Rees based on an 1859 advertisement in the Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia) that claimed that he had 17 years experience in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New Orleans and Cincinnati.  Rees left New York sometime around September 8, 1854.

Four days later on September 12, 1854 an advertisement appeared in The New York Herald.

Rees & Co., 25 Cent Daguerreotype Company, 385 Broadway.—This company, established under the above name, will be conducted hereafter under the [head] of McClave & Merritt, the original partners from [the commencement.]  The business will be conducted the same as usual, the whole company remaining with the exception of C. Rees, whose interest in this gallery has been purchased by the two remaining partners.  McClave & Merritt.

Where he went is unknown.  No record of his being in Boston is known.  The next advertisements found were from the Worcester, Massachusetts newspaper of October 19 & 20, 1855.  No other advertisements were found in Massachusetts newspaper prior to the above entries.  Over the next twelve day Rees advertised six times by himself.  The last advertisement in the Worcester Newspapers was on November 1, 1855.  At some point after leaving Worcester he probably worked with or for Tyler & Co. in New Orleans, Charleston and in 1858 in Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia.  So far the only mention of Rees being in South Carolina is from Harvey Teal’s Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940.  Teal states that Rees’s name appears in George S. Cooks papers in the Library of Congress as having an account with him but no address is attributed to the name.  Likewise there is no mention of in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865.

Rees is an interesting person his association with Silas A. Holmes in New York and Tyler & Co. in Richmond and possibly other southern states deserves further research and a longer article.

Mrs. Reed

1851                Address and Location Unknown

Mrs. Reed was recorded in one announcement in the Lewistown Gazette (Lewistown, Pennsylvania) on November 14, 1851.  List Of Awards By The Mifflin County Agricultural Society, At their Exhibition and Fair in Lewistown, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 4th & 5th….The Committee on Domestic Household Manufactures, Embroidery, &c., Report:…

Daguerreotypes, taken by Mrs. Reed—first class.                                                                                Daguerreotypes, taken by J. Smith—first class.                                                                                        Daguerreotypes, taken by A. C. Smith—first class.

Mrs. Reed is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Because no address or location was recorded in the announcement one can only speculate that she was active in Lewistown, but further research is needed.  J. Smith, Sr. was recorded in Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 as being active in 1850-51 in Lewistown, while Alexander C. Smith is recorded as being active in Harrisburg in 1852-1862 is he the same person, and or was he also active in Lewistown is unknown the modern distance between the two cities is 57 miles and is in a different county.  Ries and Ruby also state that in an 1855 advertisement he “experience of ten years in the business.”

Reed & Hendee

1845-1846       Rooms at the Bratlett’s Hotel, Brandon, Vermont.

Reed & Hendee (S. W. Reed & E. B. Hendee) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont).  The announcement appeared on December 18, 1845.  Daguerreotyping.  Messrs. Reed & Hendee are operating very successfully and satisfactorily to those who employ them, in taking Daguerreotype likenesses.  When Mr. Wilcox was operating in this way, last spring, I though he took the lead in Perfecting miniatures; but on seeing the work performed by Messrs. Reed & Hendee, I am confident that they go before any who have preceded them in this line of business.  Those desiring convenient likenesses for presenting to their friends will do well to call and see for themselves.

The advertisement ran from December 18, 1845 to January 1, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  S. W. Reed & E. B. Hendee, Would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Brandon & Vicinity that they have taken rooms, for a few day at Bartlett’s, where they are prepared to furnish Daguerreotype Miniatures finished in the Latest Improved Styles, by which they are rendered perfectly distinct, and prepared to resist the action of air and light without the possibility of being faded or changed.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.                                                    Miniatures taken at all hours of the day, without regard to weather.                                                  For the small sum of Two Dollars a perfect likeness will be done up in a handsome case.        Lockets furnished at a low price.

Reed & Hendee are not listed in other photographic directories.  S. W. Reed is also not listed in other photographic directories and E. B. Hendee is not recorded as being active in Brandon, Vermont.  It is possible that this is Edwin B. Hendee for more information on him see Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond

1855                290 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.                                                            1855-1856     401 Seventh Street, Washington, D. C.                                                                          1858-1859     12 Market Space, between 8th & 9th Streets, Washington, D. C.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond was recorded in six advertisements and two announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  The first advertisement ran from August 6 to September 24, 1855.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s New Gallery of Daguerrean Art and Photographing is at 290 Pa. avenue, northeast corner of 11th street, over Ford & Bro’s Drug Store, Washington.

Pictures taken at 50 cents and upwards.                                                                                                      Mrs. R. is a graduate of Whitehurst’s establishment.

The first announcement appeared on September 26, 1855.  Worthy of Patronage.—Those desiring daguerreotype pictures cannot do better than to patronize the establishment of Mrs. Redmond, on the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and eleventh street, over the Drug store of the Brothers Ford.  The proprietress, Mrs. Redmond, executes her pictures capitally, and especially deserves encouragement from those who are blessed with true public spirit.  We have satisfied our self that she is a very worthy widow, with a family of three children depending on her exertions, and that the duty of paying for her establishment has forced her to deny herself almost the bare necessities of life during nearly the whole of the late dull term in the way of business.  If industry and determined perseverance to discharge pecuniary obligations amid crushing difficulties and pinching want deserve encouragement, surely here is a case in which those who are truly benevolent and public spirited cannot do better than to patronize the daguerreotyping establishment in question.

The second advertisement ran from November 22, 1855 to January 21, 1856.  Daguerreotypes Taken By A Lady.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond Having removed to her new rooms, on 7th st., between H and I, is prepared to take Likenesses in the best style of the art.

Pictures well taken and put up in embossed cases for Fifty Cents.

The second announcement appeared on July 10, 1856.  Daguerreotypes.—Those in want of good Daguerreotypes should call at the establishment of Mrs. A. C. Redmond, 401 Seventh street.  Her pictures are well executed, and her prices suit the times.

The third advertisement ran from July 10 to 16, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  No. 401 Seventh street, above H, west side.

Portraits Taken Equally Well in Fair and Cloudy Weather.  Particular attention paid to copying Daguerreotypes, Oil paintings, &c.  Pictures of Deceased Persons taken and made to resemble life.  Mrs. R. solicits the patronage of the Ladies particularly.

The fourth advertisement appeared on December 2, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Skylight daguerrean Rooms, Seventh street, west side, between H and I sts.

Mrs. A. C. R. Wishes To say To The public that she is now making beautiful Ambrotypes from one dollar up to any price requires.  Daguerreotypes put up in embossed cases for fifty cents, which are usually sold elsewhere for one dollar.  Her expenses on Seventh street being much less than on the Avenue, she is enabled to sell her Pictures at a greatly reduced price.

Mrs. R. respectfully requests the patronage of the ladies.

The fifth advertisement ran from August 7 to 11, 1858.  Call At Scott’s Bookstore On Pa. avenue, between 14th and 16th streets, and get a dollar Book and a Daguerreotype for only one dollar….Daguerreotypes will be taken by that excellent artist E. N. Lewis, at Mrs. Redmond’s Gallery, No. 12 Market Space, and by R. C. Woodley, 312 E street.

The sixth advertisement ran on April 1 & 2, 1859.  Ladies Daguerrean Rooms, Market Space, No. 12, bet. 8th and 9th sts.  If you want an excellent Ambrotype, call at Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s and obtain one.  Likeness to please, or no pay.

Ladies, your patronage is respectfully solicited.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  The above provides extended activity dates, addresses and additional information.

G. W. Ray

1850                Address Unknown, Springfield, Massachusetts.

G. W. Ray was recorded in one announcement that appeared on May 15, 1850 in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts).  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the Name L. White & Co. Is this day dissolved by mutual consent.   Springfield, May 13, 1850.   Luther White, G. W. Ray.

N.B.—The business will be continued at the old stand, by G. W. Ray.

G. W. Ray does not appear in other photographic directories.

Ravlen & Irving

1853                Rooms over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store, Lansingburgh, New York.

Ravlen & Irving were listed in two announcements in the Lansingburgh Democrat  (Lansingburgh, New York).  The first appeared on February 3, 1853.  Messrs. Irvin & Bablin, Daguerrian Artists, have opened a Gallery in this village in the room over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store, where they are prepared to receive calls from the ladies and gentlemen of this place.  They have already transferred the countenances of several of our citizens in such a manner that they almost seem to speak.  From what we know of their skill, we are satisfied that they are artists of considerable merit, and they invite an inspection of their work.  Give them a call.

The second appeared on February 10, 1853.  Ravlen & Irving, daguerrean artists, have just received a new invoice of splendid Pearl, Velvet, and Ivory Inlaid cases, for Daguerreotypes.  Since their arrival in this village they have been doing a regular land office building.

One can only speculate that the correct names of the partnership is Ravlen & Irving since the announcements are only a week apart.  Ravlen & Irving are  not listed in other photographic directories.  There is a possibly that Irving is James Irving who was active in Troy, New York, but without further documentation it is only speculation.