Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Joseph Ropes

Daguerreotypes, Landscape Painter, Portrait Painter, , , , , ,

1841                Exchange Building, Portland, Maine.                                                                                1843                5½ Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.                                                                      1843                Manning’s Building, Salem, Massachusetts.

Joseph Ropes was recorded in one notice, one advertisement and one biographical entry.  The announcement appeared in the Portland Transcript (Portland, Maine)[1] on August 14, 1841.

Daguerreotypes.   We have not before called the attention of our readers to the opportunity now afforded of obtaining a Portrait from life by means of the Daguerreotype.  Mr. Ropes has taken rooms for a brief period in the Exchange, where he attends to Photographic Miniature painting.  A sitting of from two to four minutes will give one a perfect likeness—a portrait of wonderful beauty and delicacy.  Our readers generally have doubtless heard of this surprising art, by which a faithful transcript of one’s features may be obtained, drawn by Nature’s own finger, and it is well worth their while to visit Rope’s Room and look over the different portraits taken in this way.  When Nature paints, she paints correctly and minutely.  One cannot help being astonished at the exquisite finish to be observed in these drawings.  Every minute figure of the dress—every thread even may be detected‑‑and so with the features—every line is completely shadowed forth.  Mr. R. is always happy to see his friends at his room—who have but to speak the word to obtain from him their counterparts.

The advertisement ran from July 3 to August 17, 1843 in the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts).  Beautiful Specimens of Photographic Miniatures.  May be seen at the room of the subscriber in Manning’s Building, 3d story.  He has been connected several months with the establishment of Southworth & Co., Prize Photographers, and is familiar with their process of taking and coloring pictures.  Those who wish for a Daguerreotype likeness in the most pleasing and popular style will do well to call.

Room open to visitors at all hours of the day.  J. Ropes.

The biographical entry is from The New-York Historical Society’s Directory of Artists in America 1564-1860.  Ropes, Joseph (1812-1885).  Landscape,. Miniature, and crayon artist and drawing teacher.  Born at Salem (Mass.)  In 1812, he did not seriously study painting until in his mid-thirties when he took lessons from John R. Smith and at the National Academy.  He exhibited at the academy in 1848.  From 1851-1865 he had a studio in Hartford (Conn.).  In 1865 he went abroad for eleven years; on his return he settled in Philadelphia.  He died in NYC in 1885.  Ropes was the author of Linear Prespective (1850) and Progressive Steps in Landscape Drawing (1853) [ ] French, Art and Artists in Connecticut, 79; Bolton, Miniature Painters; Cowdrey, NAD; Swan, BA; Hartford CD 1855; Tuckerman, Book of the Artists.

Joseph Ropes is recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

[1] Transcribed from DagNews.

Root & Granniss

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1856                352 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Root & Granniss (Marcus A. Root & G. N. Granniss) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 29 to August 11, 1856 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Root & Granniss, M. A. Root.  G. N. Granniss Photographic, Ambrotype, and Daguerrean Gallery.  Is Now Open At No. 352 Pennsylvania avenue, near Seventh street, where Photographs, colored or plain; Ambrotypes tinted and colored, new style; and Daguerreotypes, are taken in the highest perfection of the art.

The Public are respectfully invited to visit our Gallery whether desiring pictures or not.

Root & Granniss are not recorded as partners in other photographic directories.

Rogers & Palmer

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                Rooms in City Hall, Columbus, Mississippi.

Rogers & Palmer were recorded in one announcement and two advertisements in the Southern Standard (Columbus, Mississippi).  Daguerreian Gallery.  Messrs. Rogers & Palmer, have taken rooms in the City Hall, and offer their services to this community.  We have examined their specimens, and for artistic skill, and beauty of finish, we regard them as far superior to any Daguerreotypists we have seen in our city.  They exhibited specimens of Crayon finish, very beautiful, and in our opinion, exceedingly exquisite.  It has the effect of bringing out prominently the features of the face, and it appears that a more perfect likeness is obtained in this style of finish.

We recommend our friends to call at the Hall, and examine the specimens.

The first advertisement ran from February 7 to March 20, 1852.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Rogers & Palmer would respectfully inform the citizens of Columbus that they have taken rooms in the City Hall for a short time for the purpose of giving the ladies and gentlemen an opportunity obtaining Correct Miniatures of themselves and friends, not surpassed by any elsewhere, without the trouble of going from home.

Miniatures taken single or in groups, without regard to weather, with or without colors, in the latest and most approved style of the art, and neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets, Frames, or Cases.

Pictures executed in the Crayon or Magic background style, if desired.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.  Instructions in the art given on reasonable terms.

The second advertisement ran from March 20 to April 10, 1852.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Rogers & Palmer Would respectfully inform the citizens of Columbus, that they are still at the City Hall, and will remain a short time longer to accommodate those who wish as correct likenesses of themselves and friends as can be had elsewhere, without regard to weather.

Hours for sitting in fare weather, 9 A. M. to 5 P. M.                                                                                  Hours for sitting in cloudy weather 10 A. M. to 3 P. M.                                                                          Instructions in the art given on reasonable terms.

Rogers & Palmer are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Roesburg or Roseburg

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1857                Large Tent, nearly opposite the School House, Bellevue, Nebraska.

Roesburg or Roseburg was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Bellevue Gazette (Bellevue City, Nebraska).  The announcement appeared on August 6, 1857  Call and Try Them.—By reference to another column, you will find the advertisement of Roseburg, the celebrated Daguerrean and Ambrotypist artist.

He will remain a few days to give you an opportunity to “Secure the shadow, ‘ere the substance fades.”

The advertisement ran from August 6 to 20, 1857.  A Good Likeness For $1.00 And upwards.  Roesburg, the well known Daguerrean and Ambrotype Artist, would respectfully invite the citizens of Bellevue, and strangers generally, to give him a call at his large Tent, or daguerrean Room, which has been put up with a large side and sky light, for taking likenesses, and having plenty of light, the pictures can be made with but little shade.  He also has the finest Stock of cases and small frames ever brought here, which he will sell cheaper, including the likenesses, than ever has been sold by any other artist in this city.  He therefore trust that all persons that wish to obtain good and cheap likenesses to give him a call, at the new and large tent, nearly opposite the School House, and in front of Pike’s Grocery Store.

N. B.—Houses, Horses and Buggies will be copied, on short notice, but only in cloudy weather, if called for soon, at reasonable prices, as he probably will not stay longer than a week.

Roesburg or Roseburg are not recorded are not recorded in other photographic directories.

George F. Roesberg

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855                531 Main Street, between Second and Third Streets, Louisville, Kentucky.

George F. Roesberg was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 9 to September 7, 1855 in the Daily Louisville Democrat (Louisville, Kentucky).  More Light on the Subject.  A Blue And White Double Quick Work Sky Light. just introduced by Roesberg, enables him to take Daguerreotypes in a few seconds and for the greatly reduced price of 50 cents and upwards.  It is also one of the best lights ever known to produce correct likenesses, either of children or adults.  The red hair and blue eyes have heretofore been difficult to take; but it no longer any trouble to give them the real artistic disposition of light and shade.  The new Sky Light operates as well in cloudy as in clear weather, and gives the likeness the true tone of life.  The public will therefore look to their own interest by calling of Roesberg before going to any other gallery, as there you can buy cheaper, receive a better case, and a much truer likenesses than at any other place in the city.

Just received, a splendid lot of handsome cases, such as velvet, Papier Mache, Pearl, and other kinds too numerous to mention.

Persons having Daguerreotypes badly taken by other Artists can have them retaken for 50 cents, and if not better no charge will be made, at the Mammoth Daguerrean Gallery, No. 531 Main street, between Second and Third.

George F. Roesberg is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in St. Louis, Missouri in 1860.  It is possible that they are the same person but further research is needed.

Robinson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Main Street, over Dunham & Bates Store, Springfield, Massachusetts

Robinson was recorded in one advertisement that ran from August 19 to 25, 1848 in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts).  A Rare Chance!  Superb Colored Daguerreotypes At Half Price And No Mistake!

Robinson’s Depot Gallery, over Dunham & Bates store South of the Rail Road, Main Street.

The proprietor, Daguerrian artist from New York, having recently arranged to go south (on other business) will close out his stock of superior Plates and Cases by making for those who desire his superb style of Likenesses, colored or plain, at half the usual prices; some 8 or 10 different sizes, from the least to the largest, ranging from seventy five cents to four Dollars, cases or Frames included.

These pictures are warranted as durable, as correct and handsome as any ever offered at any price, and are offered so low only for the above reason and for a short time only.

Robinson is not recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1939-1900 or other photographic directories as being active in Springfield, Massachusetts.

S. T. Robinson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, Stereotypes, , , , ,

1857                Room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery Store,                                    Eaton, Ohio.                                                                                                                                  1857                Main Street, Opposite Stephens & Co.’s Store, Eaton, Ohio.

S. T. Robinson was recorded in two advertisements in the Preble County Democrat (Eaton, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  The Subscriber respectfully announces to the citizens of Eaton and Preble County generally, that he has taken and entirely refitted the room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery, for taking Pictures.  He is prepared to take Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotypes, Stereotypes, Photographs or Mezzographs.

Having had several years experience in the Photographic Art, he flatters himself that he is  prepared to give satisfaction to all that may favor him with their patronage.

Prices—The Melainotype will be put up as low as 75 cents.                                                                Single Photographs, (whole size) $4; by the dozen, $10.                                                                          Color Photographs, $10 each.                                                                                                                               Lockets, Pins, Rings, of any size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.  Eaton, May 21.

The second advertisement ran from July 9 to August 20, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  Persons wishing Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, or Photographs, will please call on the subscriber on Main street, opposite.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather and on the most reasonable terms.

Copies enlarged and put up in the best of style.  Lockets, Pins, Rings, of the smallest size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.

S. T. Robinson is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is possible that this is the same person as J. T. Robinson (posted yesterday 11-6-20).

F H. Robinson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Rooms over O. H. Salisbury’s Dry Good Store, McGrawville, New York.

F H. Robinson was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the McGrawville Express (McGrawville, New York).  The advertisement ran from to September 9 to October 7, 1847.  Premium Colored Daguerreotypes.  Mr. F. H. Robinson would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of this place and vicinity, that he is fitting up a room over O. H. Salisbury’s dry good store where he will be prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, on the latest and most approved style, with or without colors, well put up in the best Morocco Cases, and warranted not to fade or change by age.  He has within a few weeks made some valuable improvements in the art, which very much beautify these Pictures.

Rooms open for the reception of visitors next Monday, September 13th.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.  Rooms open from 8 to 5 clear or cloudy.

N. B.—Instructions given in the art, with the latest improvements.  Instruments and stock and the choicest kinds of chemicals that are used in the art furnished on reasonable terms.

The announcement appeared on September 23, 1847.  We hope our friends will not forget that Mr. F. H. Robinson, is in town taking Daguerreotype Likenesses.  Mr. R. is very successful in this art, and his specimens are beautiful and life-like.  As he intends leaving town soon, those intending to get their faces taken off, had better call soon or they will lose their chance.

F. H. Robinson is not listed in other photographic directories.

Robinson & Sample

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Hallotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

1858                Osman’s Post Office Building, Ottawa, Illinois.

Robinson & Sample (S. T. Robinson & S. R. Sample) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The announcement ran on April 24, 1858.  Pictures!  Pictures!!—Messrs. Robinson & Sample have just fitted up, in the new post office block (third story) a handsome suit of daguerrean rooms, where they are now ready to make copies of the “human face divine” in a style up to the finest touches of nature.  They appear to be adapts in the whole range of the photographic art.  They take daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, spereotypes, metanotypes, hallotypes, and we don’t know how many other types; at prices ranging from about nothing upwards.  Whether you can afford to have your handsome countenance perpetuated or not, go at least and see their pictures, for they are worth looking at.

The advertisement ran from May 1 to June 5, 1858.  Photography In Ottawa!  Robinson & Sample Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ottawa and surrounding country that they have just fitted up a suit of rooms in Osman’s Post Office Building, where they are prepared to put up Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c., in the highest style of the art.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge made.  Lockets, Pins, and Rings of all sizes filled.  S. T. Robinson,  S. R. Sample.

Robinson & Sample are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Robinson & Ellis

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , ,

N. D.               Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.

Robinson & Ellis (Josiah C. Robinson & Lemuel Ellis) research provided by Graham Garrett. Stanstead, Lennoxville and Sherbrooke, L. C. (Quebec).  Senior partner was Joseph C. Robinson, born in the U. S. in 1826.  Listed as a portrait painter and daguerreotypist.  Mentioned on Sherbrooke Census as having a residence in Lennoxville.  Advertisement on January 9th, 1851 stated, “Messrs. Robinson & Ellis, the celebrated Photographic Artists, (from Boston), contemplated visiting Sherbrooke about the 25th Jan….”  Listed in 1848 as having gallery at 170 Broadway, N.Y., Cincinnati, 1850-51.  Lemuel Ellis (q.v.), a partner, was also located at 123 Washington St., Boston, and advertised in Montreal in 1854.

Josiah C. Robinson not (Joseph C.) is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York and Cincinnati.  Lemuel Ellis is also recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900 and in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  The information about the Canadian connection and being from Boston prior to 1851 is new information.