Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

G. E. Trow

1844                Over Dr. Berry’s Apothecary Store, Saco, Maine.

1844                Address Unknown, Kennebunkport, Maine.

G. E. Trow was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the Maine Democrat  (Saco, Maine).  The advertisement ran on August 6 & 13, 1844.  Daguerreotypes!  G. E. Trow, Would respectfully inform the citizens of Saco and vicinity, that he has taken rooms over Doct. Berry’s Apothecary Store, 2 doors from the Post Office—and is prepared to take Miniatures by this wonderful process from 8 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M. daily without regard to weather.

G. E. T. has, at great expense of labor and means, at length succeeded in so far improving his apparatus; as to be enabled to produce a perfect Photographic Miniature in any weather, and consequently without using the direct rays of the sun.  Hitherto it has been generally supposed that sunshine was indispensable to the production of Daguerreotype Miniatures; but the important improvements just perfected, prove that this is a mistake.

Those who have never enjoyed the opportunity of seeing a specimen of Photography can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection’ beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.

It is the work of Nature not of Art—and as far surpasses the production of the pencil, as all Nature’s efforts do those of Man.  In the creation of these pictures, the light of Heaven, alone constitutes the pencil, and Nature the artist!

In no case will persons be obliged to take a miniature, unless it is perfectly satisfactory.

Ladies & Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

The announcement appeared on August 13, 1844.  Now is the time to obtain likenesses of your friends—an invaluable treasure when friends are removed from us.  Mr. Trow (see advertisement) takes most excellent Daguerreotype miniatures—and at very low prices.  He has many beautiful specimens at his room.  Give him a call.  Mr. T. will be at Kennebunkport to-day.

G. E. Trow is not recorded in other photographic directories.

William A. Treadwell

1856                89 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

William A. Treadwell of the partnership of Hastings & Treadwell were recorded in three announcements and one advertisement.  The first announcement appeared on April 29, 1856 in the Lowell Daily Citizen and News (Lowell, Massachusetts).  New Daguerreotype Saloon.  Messrs. Hastings & Treadwell, two enterprising young men. Have opened one of the finest daguerreotype saloons ever seen in Lowell, in Thompson’s Block, on the north side of Merrimack street, a few doors above Shepard’s music store.  Mr. Hastings is a very excellent operator, and the twain are prepared to furnish one with a counterfeit of himself that cannot possibly fail to please.

The advertisement ran from April 29 to June 10, 1856 in the Lowell Daily Citizen and News  (Lowell, Massachusetts).  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  Hastings & Treadwell, Have taken Rooms in B. T. Thompson’s Building, 89 Merrimack Street, Where they execute Daguerreotypes in the most Finished and Artistic manner.  The Rooms have been fitted up in an Elegant Style, far surpassing any like establishment in Lowell.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine.

The second announcement appeared on May 5, 1856 I the Lowell Daily Citizen and News  (Lowell, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes.  Messrs. Hastings & Treadwell, who have opened the new daguerreotype establishment on the north side of Merrimack street, in Thompson’s Block, (just above Shepard’s music store,) are, we learn, doing a very prosperous business.  Their excellent sky light and apparatus enables them to do the [ ? ] of work, and hence the great number of calls.  Those in want of pictures will do well to give them a call.

The third announcement appeared on September 12, 1856 in the Zion’s Advocate (Portland, Maine).  Serious Affray In Lowell.  An Affray occurred in Lowell on Friday night between J. C. Treadwell, formerly a stove-dealer, and his son, Wm, A. Treadwell, late daguerreotype artist, in which blows were exchanged and the father’ skull was fractured.  The operation of trepanning was performed, but recovery is doubtful.  The son is in custody.

William A. Treadwell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

H. B. Titcomb

1844                Rooms in the Probate Office, Farmington, Maine.

H. B. Titcomb was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on November 21, 1844 in the Franklin Register and Sandy River Farmer (Farmington, Maine).  Daguerreotype Miniatures, In the most perfect and finished style.  H. B. Titcomb, Daguerreotype Artist, Respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Farmington and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in the Probate Office, where he will be happy to receive those wishing a perfect and natural likeness of themselves or family, with or without colors, warranted never to fade. 

Mr. Titcomb having received instructions from an experienced German Artist, feels confident that he can give satisfaction to those who may patronize him.

Rooms open from 8 o’clock A. M. to 5 P. M.

Miniatures from paintings and engravings taken without regard to weather.

Mr. Titcomb will leave town the last of this month and requests the immediate attendance of those wishing any thing in his line of business.

H. B. Titcomb is not recorded in other photographic directories.

G. Rand Thompson

N. D.               Address and Location Unknown.

G. Rand Thompson was recorded in one article on March 16, 1852 in the Trenton State Gazette  (Trenton, New Jersey).  G. Rand Thompson arrested at Philadelphia, on Friday night, for swindling, is one of the most celebrated criminals of the day.  He is a Kentuckian—a man of genius and education—affable and gentlemanly, and very polished manners.  He is an excellent engraver, a perfect penman, a daguerreotypist, and a nice workman in gold and silver.  In 1837, at the United States Hotel, in Philadelphia, he robbed a New Yorker of a large amount of Jewelry, which he afterwards gave up, on being sent to prison at Washington for a forgery on the U. S. Treasury.  In 1813, he robbed a gentleman at Boston of $2,000, for which he was sent to the Massachusetts prison for two years.  In 1817, he committed many hotel robberies at Louisville, by one of which he got $25,000 of jewelry of Mr. Thibault.—This property was recovered and he was sent to prison for the crime.  The prisoner will be detained for the present.  Pennsylvania has the immediate right to him, but Kentucky and New York both claim him.  As Kentucky has the best right to him, he will, no doubt, be taken back to Frankfort [ ? ].  He has a sister living in Philadelphia.

G. Rand Thompson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

W. M. Thayer

1848                Address Unknown, Hallowell, Maine.

W. M. Thayer was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on September 23, 1848 in the Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette (Hallowell, Maine).  For One Dollar only!  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  W. M. Thayer would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Hallowell and vicinity that, owing to the liberal patronage he has received, he will keep his rooms open one week only.

Miniatures executed in superior style at the extreme low price of one dollar.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases. 

W. M. Thayer is ot recorded in other photographic directories.

Robert T. Taylor

1850                Second Street, Maysville, Kentucky.

Robert T. Taylor (of the partnership of Robb & Taylor) was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on November 23, 1850 in The Tri-Weekly Maysville Eagle (Maysville, Kentucky). 

Daguerreotypes.  In the best style of the art are every day taken at reduced prices by the undersigned at their splendid rooms on Second street over Brosee’s Confectionery.  They feel confident that long experience. A good Apparatus, Chemicals and Light will enable them to give entire satisfaction in all cases.

Citizens and Strangers are invited to Call.  Joseph Robb, Robert T. Taylor.

N. B.  Pictures taken as well in cloudy as in clear weather.   Oct. 8, ’50  R. & T.

Robert T. Taylor is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. H. Taylor

1854-1855       Address Unknown, Rock Island, Illinois.

A. H. Taylor was recorded in two advertisements Rock Island Weekly Advertiser (Rock Island, Illinois).  The first advertisement ran on December 27, 1854 & January 3, 1855.  Beautiful Ornamented Daguerreotypes, By A. H. Taylor.

“Ah! See what a picture, behold what a grace,

Lives in that posture and beams in that face!

As the sunlight transfers the soul speaking eye.

It flashes in joy, tho’ there’s nobody nigh,

Who nobody is, there’s no need to tell,

Since the Lassie herself knows the secret so well,

Enough that we trace in such toughing  perfection.

The “Intended”—an object of cherished affection.”

Mr. A. H. Taylor, Daguerrean Artist, would respectfully announce to the citizens of Rock Island and vicinity, that he has leased the new sky Light Daguerrean Gallery, formerly occupied by Mrs. Frost, situated, situated on Illinois st., two doors East of Buford’s Block, and nearly opposite the Graham House, where he is ow prepared to secure to them Fac Similes of any one or ay thing they may see fit to bring forth for Daguerreotyping, in the latest and most approved styles that the art can produce.

Our pictures, in point of tone, richness, and life like beauty, have received the highest praise among the first Artists of the day, of ay style of Daguerreotypes ever exhibited to the public.

Persons who admire our Pictures, and are [unintelligible] with our prices, can be accommodated with a sitting at short notice.  Visitors received at all hours of the day.  Hours of sitting fr4om 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.  Dark drapery is always preferable.

Prices of pictures $1.50 and upwards.

Mr. Taylor feels confident that his Pictures will recommend [themselves] far better than anything he can say in print, therefore ho cordially invites all lovers of this beautiful Art to visit his rooms and compare his work with that of other Artists, both “far and near,” and extend to him that amount of patronage he merits.  He desires nothing more.

P. S.—Instructions given in the Art, and apparatus furnished if desired.

The second advertisement ran from January 10 to June 27, 1855.  Beautifully Ornamented Daguerreotypes, By A. H. Taylor.

Go gentlemen go, go ladies and children,

Go all ye who love the fine arts,—

Now in Rock Island we have a Daguerrean—

That Skill to the science imparts.

I am sure he is bound to excel

Any that’s been here before—

His specimens you’ll see are done well,

And like Them he can take many more.

Come ye country girls with your fair faces

And sit and your shadows he’ll take,

And ye city belles with your fine graces

More beautiful in pictures he’ll make.

And the widows who are so bewitching—

I’m sure they’d better be fleet, 

For ‘twill save them a deal of hard fishin

To Hang up their busts in the street.

And the bachelors with their wry faces,

I think would look better too,

If they’d be taken in smiles and in graces,

Than to always be seen in a skew.

I’m sure that the artist of Greece,

Or the famed Parhassius of old,

Their patrons no better did please,

For the same small quantity of gold.

Now mind don’t forget thee, I pray,

If you wish for a picture that’s true,

And of some Other place stray,

Where the business they only half do.

A. H. Taylor,—the best in the place,

We know a good artist to be;

If you disbelieve us, we ask you to please

Walk up and his specimens see.  From A Patron.

Persons who admire our Pictures, and are suited with our prices, can be accommodated with a sitting at short notice.  Visitors received at all hours of the day.  Hours of sitting from 9 A. M. until 3 P. M.—Dark drapery is always preferable.

Prices of pictures $1.50 and upwards.

Mr. Taylor feels confident that his Pictures will recommend themselves far better than anything he can say in print, therefore he cordially invites all lovers of this beautiful Art to visit his rooms and compare his work with that of other Artists, both “far” and “near,” and extend to him that amount of patronage he merits.  He desires nothing more.

P. S.—Instructions given in the Art, and apparatus furnished, if desired.  Dec. 23, 1854.

A. H. Taylor was also recorded in two other Rock Island, Illinois newspapers.  The first is the Rock Island Daily Advertiser, where the second advertisement ran from February 6 to July 6, 1855.  The second newspaper, also carried the second advertisement, and appeared on April 25, 1855 in the Weekly Rock Island Republican.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list an Alfred H. Taylor as being active in Davenport, Iowa in 1856-1859.  Davenport, Iowa is just across the Mississippi River from Rock Island, Illinois. He was also recorded in A Directory of Early Illinois Photographers as being active in Quincy Illinois in 1868 in partnership of Taylor & Seavey.  It is possible they are the same person.

J. Tanner

1853                Rooms first building west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

J. Tanner was recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 26 to September 29, 1853 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Daguerreotypes.  J. Tanner would respectfully inform the citizens of Pawcatuck and vicinity, that he has taken Rooms formerly occupied by G. H. Babcock. First building west of H. & F, Sheffield’s Store, on West Broad street, where he will be happy to wait upon all who may wish to secure to themselves or friends a correct likeness.

Daguerreotypes set in Cases, Lockets, Pins, Bracelets, and Rings.

Painted or Daguerreotype Portraits accurately copied.  Also Views of Buildings, &c.

Pictures taken equally well in clear or cloudy weather.  When children are to be taken, a clear day would be preferable.

All are invited to call and examine specimens.  Prices reasonable, and perfect satisfaction will be given in all cases.  

J. Tanner is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Sturgess & Taylor

1859                Rooms East Temple Street, Great Salt Lake City, Utah

Sturgess & Taylor (C. Sturgess & G. J. Taylor) were recorded in two advertisements ad one announcement in The Mountaineer (Great Salt Lake City, Utah).  The first advertisement ran from September 3 to 10, 1859.  New Daguerrean Gallery!  Messrs. Sturgess & Taylor Have Just Opened a Daguerrean Gallery, at the old stand, just south of Godby’s Drug Store, where they are prepared to take daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, M-leanotypes, &c., in the latest and most approved style.

Mr. Sturgess has for a number of years past been engaged in some of the first galleries of London, New York, St. Louis and elsewhere, and is thoroughly acquainted with all the late improvements in the art.  Having on hand a well selected assortment of Cases, Plates, and Fittings, to business, they will be able to obtain a liberal share of public patronage.

Pictures taken in various styles, suitable for including in letters. C. Sturgess.  G. J. Taylor.

The second advertisement ran from September 24 to November 19, 1859.  Another Great Battle!!  Terrific Slaughter!  Thousands of bereaved and disconsolate widows and orphans mourning in the bitterness of despair, and refusing to be comforted simply because they have neglected, in the season thereof, to provide themselves with Life-Like Likenesses, Such as are taken by Sturgess And Taylor, East Temple Street, where tumultuous multitudes of enchanted patrons throng daily to receive those magnificent Xylographic Pictures, which they still continue to present to their numerous friends, at the ridiculously Low Prices which their immense amount of Stock has enabled them to introduce—where Pictures are copied, cleaned and repaired—where likenesses are taken in various styles for inclosing in letters, and where Jewelry and Cases of almost every description are kept constantly on hand!  Go and examine their work, and you will feel to exclaim with the Queen of Sheba, “The half has not been told me.”

Sturgess & Taylor, East Temple Street, Just South of the Salt Lake House.

The announcement appeared on October 8, 1859, Vol. 2, No. 1, P. 2.

Desert State Fair.  The fourth annual exhibition in connection with the Desert Agricultural and Manufacturing Society was held in the Social Hal, in this city, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday last…Mr. Cannon, the Daguerrean artist, has at last powerful rivals in Messrs. Sturgess & Taylor.  This last firm took the first prize.  The specimens produced by both houses were excellent, and showed good pictures….

Sturgess & Taylor are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Salt Lake City, Utah.  It is likely that the two entries for Charles Sturgess in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry are the same person based on the information in the second paragraph of the first advertisement.

H. M. Stuart

1856                Main Street, Harden’s Block, Belfast, Maine.

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

H. M. Stuart was recorded in two announcements in the Republican Journal (Belfast, Maine) and mentioned in one advertisement.  The first announcement appeared on March 7, 1856.  Daguerreotype Notice, Every Likeness Warranted!  Mr. Stuart, Daguerreian Artist would respectfully inform the citizens of Belfast and vicinity that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by My. Quimby, in Haraden’s Block, Main Street, Where he will be prepared to furnish customers with Likenesses as perfect as can be obtained elsewhere and put up in neat and fashionable Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins At the Most Reasonable Terms.

Likenesses taken in all weather, and at all hours of the day.

He would also say that with the aid of a Quick Camera of the best manufacturies (Sic.) in the United States he is enabled to take Likenesses of Children in the shortest possible time.

He will keep constantly on hand a good assortment of Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins, of various styles and sizes.  H. M. Stuart.  [50]

The second announcement appeared on November 14, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Mr. Stuart, At Haraden’s Block, Head of Main Street, Would respectfully inform the citizens of Belfast and vicinity that he is now prepared to take Ambrotype Likenesses of Superior Quality, For 50 Cents, Warranted Not To Fade!  In as good style as can be produced in New England.  Having tested to its utmost, the advantages of the Ambrotype over the Daguerreotype, both in Richness of Tone and Durability, he feels confident that he can give entire satisfaction to all who wish for Perfect Life-Like Minatures. (Sic.)  Those in want of good and lasting impressions of themselves and friends, are invited to call and sit, but a few seconds at most, to be convinced that such is the case.

These Pictures are Taken on Glass, and to be convinced that they are the most life-like and durable pictures ever taken, persons have but to see them-therefore, all are invited to call at Stuart’s Daguerrean Rooms, Haraden’s Block, Opposite the New Custom-House, and examine specimens.

He also continues to put up Daguerreotypes, in the usual manner, and in every style yet discovered in the art, such as Crayon and Stereoscope Likenesses, formerly admitted to be the most Life-like of any miniatures produced in the Daguerrean art, and but little inferior to his new and lasting Photographic Pictures.

Likenesses taken in all weather, and at all hours of the day, by sitting from one to ten seconds only, and put up in the most fashionable Cases, Frames, Lockets and Pins, At the Most Reasonable Prices.

He will keep constantly on hand a good assortment of cases, Frames, Lockets, and Pins, of the various styles and sizes.

Remember—Office in Haraden’s Block, Main street, opposite the New Custom-House.  W. M. Stuart. [18]

The advertisement which he was mentioned in appeared January 11, 1859 in The Age (Augusta, Maine) ad ran for three weeks.  Photographs!  J. S. Hendee Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Augusta, and the public generally, that he has made arrangements with W. M. Stuart, One of the best Photographist in the country.  To stop in connection with him at his Picture Rooms, for one or two weeks; where they will be prepared to make Photographs of the various styles and sizes, from the smallest to the largest.

Mr. Stuart, having had long and successful experience, and having made a number of useful discoveries in the art, which he is now using, will make Photographs that cannot be excelled in the country.

He has one of the improved, large, double-whole cameras, which enables him to make Pictures nearly Life Size!  As fine and  nice as smaller ones.  These large pictures are everywhere preferred; they are made perfect, and when colored, are as beautiful as Oil Paintings.  They can be seen in any light, and are the most durable pictures ever taken, and one sitting only is requisite for any number.

There Never was so large an instrument in the place before.  Now, therefore, is your time, To secure Memento that will withstand the ravages of time.  Any size Photographs made from small pictures and finished with colors and enamel, or plain.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes Made at these rooms, that cannot be excelled in the Union. 

Pictures taken in cloudy as well as in fair weather.  Come in and examine specimens.

Remember, for a few days only!  Terms Reasonable.  Augusta, Jan. 10, 1859.

H. M. Stuart is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Belfast. Maine in 1860.  Which brings up the question did Stuart have a second studio in Augusta, Maine.