Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Benson, William

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856-1857       Merchant Street Over the Office of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser, Honolulu, Hawaii.

1856 April 5.  The Polynesian.  (Honolulu, Hawaii.)  April 5, 1856, Vol. XII, No. 48, P. 3.

To the Citizens on Honolulu.  This is to inform the citizens Honolulu, that Mr. Benson, will continue the Daguerrean Art on Rose Lane, after April 14th, 1856.

We would return our sincere thanks to our patrons, and recommend Mr. B., as worthy of their patronage.  B. Jay Antrim, & co.

Advertisement ran on April 5 & 12, 1856.

1856 June 28.  The Polynesian.  (Honolulu, Hawaii.)  June 28, 1856, Vol. XIII, No. 8, P. 3.

W. Benson’s Polynesian Daguerrean Gallery, Merchant Street, Over the Office of the “Pacific Commercial Advertiser.” Pictures Taken In Any Weather.

Advertisement ran from June 28, 1856 to January 31, 1857.

1856 July 2.  The Pacific Advertiser.  (Honolulu, Hawaii.)  July 2, 1856, Vol 1. No. 1, P. 1.

W. Benson’s, Polynesian Daguerrean Rooms.  Merchant Street, Over The Office of the “Pacific Commercial Advertiser.”  Thankful for the liberal patronage he has hitherto enjoyed, Mr. B. would solicit the attention of the public to his new gallery where he will take pictures at all hours of the day, and in any weather.  July 1, 1856.

Advertisement ran from July 2, 1856 to March 19, 1857.

1856 November 13.  The Pacific Advertiser.  (Honolulu, Hawaii.)  November 13, 1857, Vol. 1, No. 20, P. 2.

Artistic.—The specimens of portraits painting which our friend Burgess has recently executed, are sufficient of themselves to recommend him to those who may require his services.  The portraits of the King and Queen which hang at the post-office door, though only copied from daguerreotypes and not perfect, bear a close resemblance to the originals, and show that the artists possesses the elements of success and good taste.  Strangers in town, as well as residents, who desire to secure portraits to send to their friends at home, will find it worth their while to call on Mr. Burgess, over to post-office, on Mr. Benson, Daguerrean Artist, over the Commercial printing rooms, or on Mr. Stangenwald, Ambrotype and Daguerreotypist, King street; either of whom, we guarantee, will give satisfaction in whatever they undertake.

1857 May 28.  The Pacific Advertiser.  (Honolulu, Hawaii.)  May 28, 1857, Vol. I, No. 20, P. 2.

New Ambrotype Gallery.  The undersigned would respectfully announce to the inhabitants of Honolulu and the public generally, that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by Mr. Benson, over the Printing Office of the Commercial Advertiser, where he in now prepared to take Pictures On Glass And Paper, Known as the Patent Ambrotypes and Photographs. Having recently arrived from the United States, with good instruments and a new and extensive assortment of stock, he feels confident that he can give entire satisfaction to those who favor him with their patronage.

N. B.  Pictures put up in a Variety Of Styles, to suit customers.

Rooms open from 9 A. M. to 12 P. M., and from 1 to 4 P. M.  W. F. Howland.

Advertisement ran from May 28, 1857 to June 24, 1858.

1858 January 30.  The Polynesian.  (Honolulu, Hawaii.)  January 30, 1858, Vol. XIV, No. 39, P. 8.

Passengers.  Per St. Mary’s, for San Francisco [January 26] .—…W. Benson & Wife.

Bennett, Mr.

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1846-1847       Main Street, Hubbard’s Block, Norwich, Connecticut.

1846 March 4.  The Norwich Courier.  (Norwich, Connecticut.)  March 4, 1846, Vol. XXIV, No. 52, Whole No. 3259, P. 3.

Free Exhibition Of Plain And Colored Photographic or Daguerreotype Miniatures taken on Plates six times the usual size, by Mr. Bennett, from Boston.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully requested to call at rooms in Hubbard’s block and examine a great variety of Miniatures, Views &c., taken by this wonderful process.  Likenesses taken singly or in groups from 2 to 6, without regard to weather, and entirely free from that dark and lifeless appearance which has always been a serious objection to most taken in a similar way.  Persons sitting for their Miniatures will not be required to take them unless perfectly satisfied.

American and German instruments and all kinds of Daguerreotype materials for sale, and instructions given in the art.

N. B.—a good assortment of gold and gilt Lockets constantly on hand.  Norwich, Feb. 24.

Advertisement was recorded three times between March 4 to October 7, 1846.

1846 December 2.  The Norwich Aurora.  (Norwich, Connecticut.)  December 2, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 30, Whole No. 602, P. 1.

Bennett’s Daguerrian Gallery, Hubbard’s Block, Main St.  Mr. Bennett being about to leave Norwich for the winter, has made arrangements to leave his Rooms in charge of Mr. Ives of New York, a gentleman of acknowledged skill and success in the Daguerreotype art.  Mr. B. feels confident that under the management of Mr. Ives the former reputation of the Rooms will be fully sustained.

The Exhibition Room has been fitted up with an entire new lot of specimens taken by Mr. Ives, to which the attention of the former friends of the establishment and the public generally is respectfully invited.

Instruction given in the art.

Daguerreotype materials for sale.  Norwich, Nov. 3rd., 1846.

1847 March 3.  The Norwich Aurora.  (Norwich, Connecticut.)  March 3, 1847, Vol. XII, No. 43, Whole No. 615, P. 4.

Daguerreotypes.  Bennett’s Daguerrean Gallery, which has been closed for the last few weeks, is again open “and in full tide of successful operation.”  Those in want of a good picture are respectfully invited to call.  Miniatures taken equally well in clear and cloudy weather.  Entire satisfaction given in all cases or no charge.  Instructions given in the art, and apparatus furnished,

The rooms will remain open until the 1st of April.  E. Ives.  Norwich, Feb. 15, 1847.

This is possibly Nathan S. Bennett.

Benjamin, Orrin C.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1856-1859       274 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey.

1856 April 28.  Newark Daily Advertiser.  (Newark, New Jersey.)  April 28, 1856, Vol. XXV, No. 102, P. 3.

O. C. Benjamin’s Photographic & Ambrotype Gallery, No. 274 Broad St.  Being determined to keep in advance of all opposition, I have added to my extensive Gallery that new and beautiful style of picture making familiarly known as Photography or Likenesses on Paper; and that I might present to my patrons the finest specimens of this art.  I have at an enormous expense secured the services of Mr. H. D. W. Moulton, an artist who having invented the process he now uses, deservedly stands at the head of his profession, and is acknowledged by all to be the best Photographer in the United States—and having challenged the honorable competition of any and all true artist, has successfully carried away every prize for which he could find a competitor.

Pictures taken by this process can be multiplied to any extent with out one sitting of the person, and like the Ambrotype are true to nature, (not reversed.)

In addition to the above I have increased my facilities for making Ambrotypes, and am better prepared by the introduction of the latest improvements to outdo all former efforts, and would here cordially extend an invite to all to call and see specimens, whether in want of pictures or not.  Pictures in the above styles can be had at this Gallery of any size from the size of life to the smallest miniature, colored (by the first artists) or plain, as may suit the taste of a discriminating public.  Please remember the number.  247 Broad st.

Advertisement ran from April 28 to May 12, 1856.

1856 May 24.  Newark Daily Advertiser.  (Newark, New Jersey.)  May 24, 1856, Vol. XXV, No. 125, P. 3.

O. C. Benjamin’s Photographic & Ambrotype Gallery, No. 274 Broad St.  Being determined to keep in advance of all opposition, I have added to my extensive Gallery that new and beautiful style of picture making familiarly known as Photography or Likenesses on Paper; and that I might present to my patrons the finest specimens of this art.  I have at an enormous expense secured the services of Mr. H. D. W. Moulton, an artist who having invented the process he now uses, deservedly stands at the head of his profession, and is acknowledged by all to be the best Photographer in the United States—and having challenged the honorable competition of any and all true artist, has successfully carried away every prize for which he could find a competitor.

Pictures taken by this process can be had of the largest as well as the smallest sizes colored by the first artists, or plain as may suit the taste.  Also they can be multiplied to any extent with but one sitting of the person, and like the Ambrotype are true to nature, (not reversed.)  Let it be remembered that this is the only place where Life and Cabinet size pictures can be obtained; for, trusting that by supplying every want of a hitherto generous public, that a continuation of their favors may be secured, has spared no cost in fitting himself, both with large instruments and apparatus to make first class pictures for the drawing room or pocket.  Ambrotypes with all the latest improvements, put up with an indestructible gum, which renders them permanent, and which will not crack, fade or injure in any climate.  Let not the public be deceived by certain persons calling the Ambrotyped patent for it is not.  The only patent that exists in connection with this picture is the securing of the image, already made by a certain balsam, which upon any one taking an interest in the matter I will convince is the worst of substances that can be brought in contact with a picture of this character, for on exposing it to the action of the sun, it blisters and cleaves from the glass, consequently the picture is ruined.  For proof of this set any one expose a plate sealed in this way to the above test, and as seeing is believing, they will be doubly convinced.

In a word all are invited to call, whether in want of a picture or not, and rest assured that every endeavor will be made to please the most fastidious taste, both in size and quality.

N. B.—Old Daguerreotype pictures, &c., copied and enlarged to any size.

Children taken instantaneously, and family groups, Ambrotyped or Photographed as perfect as single pictures.

Please remember the Gallery, No. 274 Broad st.

Advertisement ran from May 24 to June 12, 1856.   

1856 June 13.  Newark Daily Advertiser.  (Newark, New Jersey.)  June 13, 1856, Vol. XXV, No. 142, P. 3.

To You All.  Again I would call the attention of my numerous patrons ad the public generally to the self-evident fact that we are producing Photographs from the miniature to the cabinet size, surpassing in beauty ad delicacy of finish any even offered in America, and I challenge the artist of the Union to produce by any or all of their peculiar processes, small Photographs (their forte) equal to the double, whole and cabinet sizes which are the daily productions of that celebrated Photographer, Moulton, now an attaché of my Gallery, No. 247 Broad St.  Also, to complete my facilities in the Photographic department, I have made arrangements with the first artists in the country (whose reputation and artistic productions are not to be surpassed) to give to those wishing them these beautiful pictures with their natural color and expression, making them a perfect counterpart of nature.

My Ambrotyping and Daguerreotyping keep pace with Photography, they being as much superior in every respect to those taken by others as our exertions and facilities are greater tha theirs.

All will please to remember that a good likeness artistically finished ever pleases the eye, cost what it may, it is always satisfactory.  I do not intend to make pictures cheaper, but better and more than double the size than any other Gallery can produce in New Jersey.  For proof of the above, please call and examine the new specimens of some of our well-known citizens.  Prices reasonable, according to size, finish and quality.  N. B.—Children taken instantaneously.

All kinds of pictures copied and enlarged to any size.  O. C. Benjamin, 274 Broad st.

Advertisement ran from June 13 to September 17, 1856.

1859 July 20.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  July 20, 1859, Whole No. 8353, P. 6.

Wanted—Two Artist To Color Photographs in water and pastille.  P. C. Benjamin[1], Photographer, 274 Broad st., Newark, N. J.

1859 November 15.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  November 15, 1859, Whole No. 8471, P. 7.

Wanted—Two Artists To Color Photographs in oil, water and pastille.  Inquire at Benjamin’s, 274 Broad Street, Newark, N. J.

[1] Probably Orrin C. Benjamin

Beniczky, Kornel W.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1854-1856       293 Broadway, New York, New York.

1857-1860       65 Chatham, New York, New York.

1860                210 Bowery, New York, New York.

1862-1873       2 New Chambers, New York, New York.

1863                151 Fourth, New York, New York.

1853  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1853/1854 published by John Fowler Trow.

Not listed in residence directory.

1854  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1854/1855 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, K. W.—Daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway.

1855  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1855/1856 published by John Fowler Trow.

Not listed in residence directory.

1856  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1856/1857 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W.—Artist, 293 Broadway.

Burgess, Nathan G., (Burgess & Beniczky), Photographers, 293 Broadway.

1857  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1857/1858 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Cornelius—Photographer, 65 Chatham, h-287 Fourth.

Burgess, Nathan G., (Burgess & Beniczky), Photographers, 293 Broadway.

1858  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1858/1859 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Cornelius—Photographer, 65 Chatham

1859  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1859/1860 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W.—Photographer, 65 Chatham, h-114 Chrystle

1860  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1860/1861 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W. & Co.—Photographers, 209 Bowery & 65 Chatham, h289 Madison.

1861  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1861/1862 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W.  Not listed.

1862  New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1862/1863 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Cornelius W.—Photographer—2 New Chambers, h-289 Madison

1863 New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1863/1864 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Cornelius W.—Photographer—2 New Chambers,& 151 Fourth,  h-59 West Washington Place.

1864 New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1864/1865 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W.—Photographer—2 New Chambers, h-59 West Washington Place.

1865 New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1865/1866 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W.—Photographer—2 New Chambers, h-59 West Washington Place.

1866 New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1866/1867 published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W.—Photographer—2 New Chambers, h-82 Sixth Ave.

1867-1873 New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1867/1868-1873/1874, published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Kornel W.—Photographer—2 New Chambers, h-59 West Washington Place.

1874 New York City Directories (New York, New York.)  1874/1875, published by John Fowler Trow.

Beniczky, Sarah, wid. Kornel W.—Photographer—2 New Chambers, h-59 West Washington Place.

1856 April 16.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 16, 1856, Whole No. 7170, P. 6.

To Artists.—Wanted. An Artist, Who Understands the art of painting photographs, to go to a Southern city, to whom a liberal price will be paid.  Apply immediately at Burgess & Beniczky’s photographic gallery. 293 Broadway, up stairs.

1856 May 6.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 6, 1856, Whole No. 7190, P. 5.

Pearl Ambrotypes.—A New Discovery in ambrotypes.—Pearl ambrotypes, which possess all the brilliancy and whiteness of a daguerreotype, are taken only at 293 Broadway, by Burgess & Beniczey (sic.).  Pupils taught this new art.  Photographs taken for $1; colored, for $5, by A. Cosmas, artist, from Paris.

1856 June 17.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 17, 1856, Whole No. 7237, P. 7.

For Sale—A Splendid Uniform Belonging to an officer of the 69th Regiment N. Y. S. M., consisting of cap, coat, epaulettes, sword, belt, pants, &c.  To be sold low, on immediate application at Burgresss and Beniczky’s photographic rooms, 293 Broadway.

1856 October 27.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 27, 1856, Whole No. 7363, P. 5.

Fremont, Filmore and Buchanan.—Ambrotype portraits of Presidential candidates for sale, wholesale and retail, by Burgess & Beniczky, No. 293 Broadway.  Agents wanted.

1873 December 2.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 2, 1873, Whole No. 13,617, P. 8.

Mortuary Notice.  Beniczky.  On Monday December 1, at his residence, No. 59 West Washington Place, K. W/ Beniczky, aged 43 years.

Bendann, Daniel

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , ,

Ca.1853-1854 77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1855                Address Unknown, Baltimore, Maryland.

1856-1857       110 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1858                145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1859                205 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

1854 June 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 13, 1854, Vol. IV, No. 199, P. 2.

Daguerreotyping.—Mr. Daniel Bendann, an operator at Whitehurst’s Daguerrean Gallery in this city, has shown us some very beautiful specimens of his art, in some views, taken by himself, of the handsome residence of Mr. Stewart, on Brook Avenue.  The beautiful Mansion, embowered in a grove; the family group gathered upon the porch; the horses and carriage seen, at a little distance, in the shade of the trees, all are the very counterpart of life.  Mr. Bendann deserves great credit for this work.  He is a young artist, who has been for several years associated with the accomplished Mr. Metcalf, the principal operator in Whitehurst’s gallery.  He bids fair to be an ornament to his profession.

1856 March 31.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  March 31, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 73, P. 2.

A Card.—The subscriber for the last three years connected with the establishment of Mr. J. H. Whitehurst in this city, and lately at Baltimore, begs leave to inform his friends and the public generally, that he has taken the commodious and well arranged rooms No. 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s jewelry store, and fitted them up thoroughly, in a neat and elegant manner, for the purpose of conducting the Ambrotype, Photograph and Daguerreotype Business, with all their latest improvements; and hopes that by strict attention to business, and by the production of good pictures, to merit a liberal share of the public patronage.

Respectfully, Daniel Bendann.

A nice front room, suitable for a single gentleman, for rent, low.  Inquire at the Gallery.

Advertisement ran from March 31 to April 1, 1856.

1856 April 5.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 5, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 78, P. 2.

Notice.—I have just received a lot of Fancy Cases for Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, and would invite those wishing Pictures to give me a call, as I have no doubt of being able to please.

D. Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 Main st., next door to Mitchell & Tylers.

A front room over the gallery for rent.                                                                      

Advertisement ran from April 5 to 8, 1856.

1856 April 15.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 15, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 86, P. 2.

To get an easy and graceful position, either in an Ambrotype, Photograph, or Daguerreotype, go to D. Bendann‘s Gallery, who has the most happy faculty of getting that pleasant expression so desirable in a Picture; and as his prices are reasonable, he would request those wishing a counterpart of themselves to give him a call.

Gallery 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry store.

Advertisement ran April 15 & 16, 1856.

1856 April 17.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 17, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 88, P. 2.

To get an easy and graceful position, either in an Ambrotype, Photograph, or Daguerreotype, go to D. Bendann‘s Gallery, who has the most happy faculty of getting that pleasant expression so desirable in a Picture; and as his prices are reasonable, he would request those wishing a counterpart of themselves to give him a call.

Gallery 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry store.

1856 June 1.  Photographic and fine Arts Journal.  (New York, New York.)  June 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 6, P. 217.

In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Three, Richmond. The author visited 7 Galleries in Richmond.

Sic. Bendon. — Photographs seem to be this artist’s forte; he was the first to introduce them to any extent in this city. I believe he has done a brisk business, since he commenced, a few months ago, which is calculated to keep up one’s spirit, but with this artist it has had a contrary effect, for right in the midst of his business he took the Blues (a military company), and has not got entirely rid of them yet, although he has been taking golden pills from them daily. His large photographs of Gov. Wise and Wm. P. Ritchie, are fine specimens of the art. His ambrotypes are not so numerous nor so good as his paper pictures. If he would take a few lessons from some first-rate

ambrotypist, he could excel in that, as he now does, in all the other branches of the art.

1856 June 6.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 6, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 131, P. 2.

Richmond L. I. Blues.—I take pleasure in informing those ladies who have been desirous of seeing the Photographic Likenesses of the Richmond L. I. Blues, (active and honorary members,) that they are now ready and on exhibition at my Gallery, where they and the public are most cordially invited to call and see them.  The set consists of one Hundred and Twenty-Five Pictures.

Dan’l Bendann, 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from June 6 to 11, 1856.

1856 June 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 13, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 136, P. 2.

Some persons seem to be laboring under the mistake, that because the better class of our community patronize Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, his prices are higher than other establishments.  He would inform the public that ladies and gentlemen will go to his Gallery, not only to Get Pictures cheaper than anywhere else, but also because they are not persuaded to take a Picture unless it pleases.

Dan’l Bendann, 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store.

Advertisement ran from June 12 to 14, 1856.

1856 June 16.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  June 16, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 139, P. 2.

It is to be regretted that so little attention is paid by the soi dissant Artist of the present day, to the prose and expressions of their subjects.  Bendann seems to be endowed with the rare faculty of getting that ease of position and naturalness of expression, so desirable, but seldom attained, in pictures, Photographs, Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes in their perfection, upon the most accommodating terms at Dan’l Bendann, 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store.                                                                                                             

Advertisement ran from June 16 to 19, 1856.

1856 July 2.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  July 2, 1856, Vol. X, No. 2, P. 2.

The Photograph, multiplied an infinitum; the Ambrotype, visible on both sides of the plate, and the brilliant Daguerreotype—all can be gotten, finished in the most elaborate manner, at Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, and that, too, upon the most reasonable terms.  Call and examine specimens.  110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.    

For Rent—Two most desirable front rooms over my Gallery, suitable for single gentlemen.

Dan’l Bendann.                                                                                                          

Advertisement ran from July 2 to 4, 1856.

1856 July 10.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  July 10, 1856, Vol. X, No. 9, P. 2.

Great inducement to those wishing Fine Pictures.—In consequence of the general dullness of business during the month of July, I will take Photographs, Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, at greatly reduced prices.  The best of work made, and no picture sold unless it pleases.  I would only invite a call, having no doubt of being able to please the most fastidious.  Particular attention paid to children’s pictures.  Call early at D. Bendann’s 110 Main st., Next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                                                                                 

Advertisement ran from July 10 to 12, 1856.

1856 August 12.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  August 12, 1856, Vol. X, No. 37, P. 2.

Oh, dear, what a Picture, rare!

Exclaimed a maiden, pure and fair.

Where had you that Ambrotype made?

With such graduations of light and shade?

At Bendann’s Gallery, where I am sure

You as fine a one can procure;

And he’ll not charge you near as much

As some ignorant, pretending botch.

And if the first one you should not pleasing find,     

He’d soon make one more suited to your mind.

Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 main street.                                                   

1856 September 4.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  September 4, 1856, Vol. X, No. 57, P. 2.

A good Picture consists not only in a mere likeness of a person, but it should also possess that person’s natural expression—not tortured into that unmeaning stare so observable in most Sun-Pictures.  The real artist will not brook a solitary position into which to force old and young, grave and gay, but diversified it so as to harmonise (sic.) with his subject.  To get an Ambrotype or Photograph, to reflect you naturally, we would advise you to try D. Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 Main st., next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                                                 

Advertisement ran from September 4 to 6, 1856.

1856 October 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  October 13, 1856, Vol. X, No. 100, P. 2.

Something new, beautiful and meritorious—eclipsing anything yet attempted in the way of Pictures.  They gave a prominence of relief and softness of tint never before attained.  In them we also avoid the somber look heretofore so objectionable in Ambrotypes, and as the sitting is but a second, it is invaluable for children.  The subscriber has spared neither pains or expense to introduce this truly beautiful art in this city, and hopes that an appreciative public will give him their support.  He produces faultless portraits in all weather, and at all hours of the day.  D. Bendann, Gallery, 110 Main st., next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.     

Advertisement ran October 13 & 14, 1856.

1856 October 28.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  October 28, 1856, Vol. X, No. 113, P. 2.

Bendann’s Photographic Gallery is the resort of those wishing the artistic and natural representations of themselves, not those stiff and wooden things called Pictures.  An easy and graceful position is as necessary to a good picture as a good fit for a garment; without it both are tasteless.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, Stereographs, and Daguerreotypes, taken in a style unsurpassed; and as his charges are so moderate as to put his work within the reach of all, he would solicit a call, at 110 main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                     

Advertisement ran on October 28 & 29, 1856.

1856 November 11.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  November 11, 1856, Vol. X, No. 125, P. 1.

Awards Of The Mechanics’ Institute.  Made November 8, 1856 ….Class No. XLIII—Ambrotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Materials.

Ambrotypes, by Peter E. Gibbs, a silver medal.

Photographs, by J. H. Whitehurst, first class diploma.

Photographs, by D. Bendann, second class diploma.

1856 November 18.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  November 18, 1856, Vol. X, No. 131, P. 2.

Bendann’s Star Gallery of Photographs and Ambrotypes, continues to be the resort of those wishing tasty and faithful Portraits of themselves, friends, and children.  He produces faultless Portraits in all weathers, and at all hours of the day.  A call is cordially invited, to examine specimens, at 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s Jewelry Store, where pictures are warranted to please, or no charge.   D. Bendann.                                       

Advertisement ran from November 18 to 20, 1856.

1856 December 23.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  December 23, 1856, Vol. X, No. 161, P. 2.

The most appropriate and desirable Christmas or New Year’ Gift, either to a parent, child or friend, is an enduring copy of yourself.  You must have a good one, however.  For such a one, go to Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, and get one of those Chrystal Miniatures, he is so justly famed for.  They are really gems of art.  Should you wish several, he will duplicate you into a half dozen Photographs at but little more cost than you would have to pay elsewhere for a single picture.  Gallery 110 Main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler.                 

Advertisement ran from December 23 to 25, 1856.

1857 February 16.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  February 16, 1857, Vol. XI, No. 40, P. 2.

Something Novel and Piquant.—having greater facilities than ever, to make that beautiful style “of picture, the Photograph,” and being enabled to make an indefinite number of copies from a single sitting.  I will, if ladies and gentlemen form clubs, from ten to fifty of their friends, take their Portraits, and furnish each of them with an illustrated album of the whole, or place them into any style of Book or Album, at a small cost, there by enabling persons to have a gallery of their friends, and a valuable ornament at the same time.  Call and see specimens at Bendann’s Photographic Gallery, 110 main street, next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.         

Advertisement ran from February 16 to 18, 1857.

1857 April 3.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  April 3, 1857, Vol. XI, No. 80, P. 2.

Free and interesting Exhibition.—Bendann has just returned from Washington with a fine Photograph of President Buchanan delivering his inaugural Address.  Also, Photographs from life of the following distinguished gentlemen:  Ex-President Pierce, Senators Butler and Toombs, General Cass and Quitman, Lieut. Maury of the National Observatory, Messrs. Orr of S. C., Faulkner and Letcher of Va., Geo. Peabody, Esq.; the late lamented Preston S. Brooks and Jno. M. Clayton; several committees of congress, and others.  The public are cordially invited to call and see them at Bendann’s Gallery of Photography, 110 Main st., next door above Mitchell & Tyler’s.                                                                                                                                   

Advertisement ran April 3 & 4, 1857.

1858 January 28.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  January 28, 1858, Vol. XIII, No. 24, P. 2.

Splendid Photograph Of The Monument And Equestrian Statue, taken by D. Bendann, at Sanxay & Co.’s. Photographic Rooms, where duplicates are exhibited and for sale.  145 Main street, sign of Gothic Window.                                                                                      

1859 November 2.  The Daily Exchange.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  November 2, 1859, Vol. IV, No. 526, P.1.

Closing Of The Fair.  Yesterday evening the twelfth annual exhibition of works of industry and art at the Maryland Institute, closed in the presence of a large an assemblage as has been convened since its opening—the Blues’ band being present during the evening….Award of Premiums…Class No. 43.—

Bendann & Bros., for Retouched Photographs, Silver Medal.

F. W. & R. King, for Stereoscopic and View Cameras, Silver Medal.

Bell, John R.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857-1865       117 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1858.  Charlestown City Directory.  (Charlestown, Massachusetts.)  P. 43.

John R. Bell’s Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, and Photographic Rooms, No. 117 Hanover St., cor. Friend St., Boston. 

Copies from Paintings, Statuary, and everything appertaining to the art, executed in the best style, and at the lowest rates.

[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Beers, William A.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1855                11 & 12 Street Building, New Haven, Connecticut.

1855-1859       144 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut.

1855 June 4.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  June 4, 1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

Copartnership Notice.  The subscribers would notify their patrons and the public generally, that they have formed a Copartnership under the firm of Beers & Mansfield for the transaction of the Daguerrean business in all its branches.  Wm. A. Beers, Sereno Mansfield, “Union Daguerrean Gallery.”

Owing to the above arrangement, having united the rooms formerly occupied by Mr. Wm. A. Judson, in Elliot’s Building, with those of Wm. A. Beers, Street’s Building, and having thoroughly refitted and improved the interior of both Galleries, we are prepared to execute Pictures of any and all styles at either establishments, in the most artistic manner, and with all the modern improvements of the profession.  Our splendid collection of specimen pictures on exhibition are well worthy the attention of those who are (or may be) in want of a likeness, either for themselves or their friends, as we warrant all our own work to be unsurpassed by any Operator in the trade.  Our instruments are of the best manufacture now in use, and our stock of the most superior quality, therefore, we flatter ourselves that with this superiority, together our double advantage of a side and sky light, we can please all our patrons in all respects, as at no other Gallery in the State are the same conveniences secured.  Likenesses of infants and Children taken in a few seconds, and warranted perfect to life.  A liberal discount made to families or groups.  Our arrangements for taking sick or deceased persons is second to none.  We also take views of Churches and all other Buildings, either in or out of town, at short notice and on reasonable terms. 

Tendering our thanks to patrons for past favors, we hope by strict attention and “superior work” to merit a continuance of the same.

Instruction given in the Art.

Hours of Operating from 7 A. M. to 7 P. M.

Prices of Pictures, from 50 cents to $30.  Beers & Mansfield, Practical Daguerrean Artists, Union Gallery, No. 144 Eliot’s Building, and 11 & 12 Street Building.

Advertisement ran from June 4 to 7, 1855.

1855 November 24.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  November 24, 1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

Photographic Portraits On Glass.  The Proprietors of the Union Daguerrean Establishment would respectfully call the attention of the public to this entirely new process for taking the most  beautiful pictures on glass.  By the Photographic method, a likeness is obtained far superior to any produced by either the Ambrotype, The Photographic, or the Daguerrean.  Muck less time being required in the process than by those methods, the Photogenic is peculiarly adapted for taking of children and family groups, a true and life-like expression being thereby much more readily obtained.  Having received instructions of a superior artist and skillful operator of New York city, and having fitted up our rooms expressly for this purpose, we would respectfully request any to favor us with a call who may wish for a First-Rate Portrait on glass, or by the Daguerrean process.

N. B.—Pictures copied, and old Daguerreotypes removed and replaced by the Photogenic.

Prices made satisfactory.

Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, 142 Chapel st. Elliot’s Building.  Beers & Mansfield, Artist.

Advertisement ran from November 24 to 29, 1855.

1855 December 3.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 3, 1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

What A Perfect Resemblance!  How beautiful it is taken!  Are the remarks that are made daily  by crowds of Ladies and Gentlemen, who visit our Gallery, and take away with them one of our specimens of the Daguerrean or Photogenic art.  Pictures on glass executed by us are pronounced by competent judges far superior to any other process, for taking a correct likeness, ever offered to the public.

Prices in all cases made satisfactory.

N. B.—All pictures warranted not to fade or corrode in the least.  Children and groups taken extraordinary.  Call soon at Beers & Mansfield’s Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, Elliot’s Building 144 Chapel st.

Advertisement ran from December 3 to 10, 1855.

1855 December 11.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 11,

1855, Vol. X, P. 2.

Those Pictures on Glass That are on exhibition, and are daily taken, at the Union Gallery, seemed to please all who have examined and procured one.  The brilliant tone and life-like appearance cannot be surpassed.  By the way Daguerreotypes executed by us are pronounced by good judges to be as good, if not a little better, than pictures which are generally taken.  We Invite all to give us a call, and examine our specimen, as we should be happy to exhibit them.

Read this.  Our prices are cheaper than at any other establishment in the city, and our Cases, Frames and Lockets superior in finish and durability.

N. B.—Children taken life-like and cheap.

Remember the place, Beers & Mansfield’s Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, 144 Chapel st. Room 5 and 7 Elliot’s Building.

Advertisement ran from December 11 to 15, 1855.

1855 December 18.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 18, 1855, Vol. X, P. 3.

Beauty Restored!  The Greatest Praise Awarded To Beers & Mansfield.  For their superior pictures on Glass.  Also, for their highly finished Daguerreotypes, which are daily taken in large numbers at their Gallery,  We would most respectfully remind the Ladies and Gentlemen of New Haven, and all who intend to procure a Likeness for the Holidays, that we have made ample arrangements for the accommodation of all who may see fit to favor us with their patronage.  We have a good assortment of Cases, Frames, &c. all of which we have marked much below the usual prices.  Our $1.00 Pictures will be sold at 75 cents, and others in proportion—until after the Holidays.

Remember the place,  Beers and Mansfield’s Photogenic and Daguerrean Gallery, 144 Chapel st. Rooms 5 and 7 Elliot’s Building.

Advertisement ran from December 18 to 20, 1855.

1855 December 24.  Morning Journal and Courier.  New Haven, Connecticut.)  December 24, 1855, Vol. X, P. 3.

Unfading Gifts.  Something Splendid For Holiday Presents.  What can be more suitable for a token of affection and esteem, or for a Holliday Present, than one of those life-like and unfading Glass or Daguerreotype portraits executed by Beers & Mansfield.  Ladies and Gentlemen, we would respectfully remind you, that in making our selection of Cases, Frames, &c. we have not forgot to secure a good assortment, (many of them new patterns, never before offered to the public,) all of which are now ready, and on exhibition at our Gallery, for you to select from.  We have reduced our prices very low, and shall do our best to please all In Cases, Picture and Price.  $1 Pictures are reduced to 75 cents.  All others in proportion.

We will close by wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  Our Rooms will be open all day Christmas and New Years.  Please remember the number, and give us a call.  Beers & Mansfield, Artists, Rooms 5,6 and 7 Elliot’s Building, 144 Chapel st.

Advertisement ran from December 24 to 31, 1855.

1859 January 1.  Columbian Register.  (New Haven, Connecticut.)  January 1, 1859, Vol. XLVII, No. 2406, P. 3.

Christmas and New Year’s.  Grand Attraction.  Something very appropriate for Holiday Presents!  Imperishable Gifts.  Beers Mansfield’s, at 144 Chapel st., Is The Place.  We wish to call the particular attention to our patrons and all seekers of something beautiful, durable and truly appropriate for a holiday present, to our splendid assortment of Cases, Frames, etc., many of them entirely new patterns, purchased especially for this occasion.  It is our intention to insert in them any style of Photograph, Ambrotype, or Daguerreotype (including the hermetically sealed

Beers, C. C.

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1847                Room over E. & T. G. Birdseye’s Store, Birmingham (Derby), Connecticut.

1847 October 14.  The Derby Journal.  (Birmingham,(Derby) Connecticut.)  October 14, 1847, Vol. I, No. 42, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  C. C. Beers Respectfully informs the inhabitants of Birmingham and its vicinity, that an opportunity is now offered for obtaining a true and perfect Likeness, by calling at his room. Over E. & T. G. Birdseye’s store.  Call soon, as his stay is limited to a few days.

Surprising art! by which we lend

Our countenance to absent friend,

Or leave a token for the bower,

Where love laments the parting hour;

By which the child who absent hies

Gladdens the parent’s longing eyes;

Our parents, as the child doth roam,

Cheers him with memories of home.  Sept. 30.

Beckers, Alexander

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1845-1850       201 Broadway, New York, New York.

1852                201 Broadway, New York, New York.

1855-1856       264 Broadway, New York, New York.

18571861        411 Broadway, New York, New York.

1845 April 7.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 7, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 96, Whole No. 4058, P. 3.

Voigtaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from April 7 to May 3, 1845.

1845 May 13.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 13, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 131, Whole No. 4093, P. 3.

Voigtaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from May 13, to June 27, 1845.

1845 July 3.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  July 3, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 181, Whole No. 4043, P. 3.

Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  Arrangements recently made with their brother-in-law, Mr. Voigtlaender, Vienna, enable the subscribers to sell those Apparatus at reduced prices, viz:–

Largest size Apparatus, with three inch lenses for full size plates, at $145.

Medium size Apparatus, with two inch lenses for half size plates, at $78.

Small size Apparatus, with one-and-a-half inch lens for quarter size plates, at $50.

Gentlemen sending remittances in accordance with the above prices, may depend upon receiving the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, and not a worthless imitation article, they having procured the sole agency for the United States.

Plates and Chemicals, of their own importation, as well as all other articles connected with their art, for sale at lowest market price.  Philadelphia Exchange.  W. A. F. Langenheim.

Referring to the above advertisement, the subscribers inform the Daguerrean Artists in general that the above Apparatus and other materials can be procured to the stated prices, at their Daguerrean Atelier, No. 201 Broadway, New York.  Langenheim & Beckers.      

Advertisement ran from July 3 to August 27, 1845.

1845 October 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 5, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 254, Whole No. 4136, P. 3.

Daguerreotype General Furnishing Establishment And Agency For The Sale Of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus.  Besides a new supply of the above Apparatus, the subscribers have received best Plates, Chemicals and Polishing substances, and the newest improvements in the Art.  Instructions given in the Art, and orders from every part of the country promptly attended to, by addressing (post-paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia Exchange.  Langenheim & Beckers, New York, 201 Broadway.                                                                                          

Advertisement ran from October 5 to January 5, 1856.

1845 October 30.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  October 30, 1845, Vol. XI, No. 279, Whole No. 4151, P. 3.

Improvement In Daguerreotype.  By a Mathematically Correct Mirror the subscribers are now Producing Portraits without reversing the image, showing the parting of hair, watch chains, finger rings, &c., precisely as they are worn; but what is more important their portraits cannot fail to be in every respect correct likenesses, whereas, in the usual mode of Daguerreotyping it is impossible to obtain a perfectly correct portrait of any one, they being reversed.

N. B.—Our pictures, taken with this instrument, were awarded a Silver Medal by the American Institute, at its late fair.  Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway. 

The only agents in the United States for Voigtlaindes Instruments, are W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia, and Langenheim & Beckers, New York.             

Advertisement ran from October 30 to November 9, 1845.

1846 January 10.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  January 10, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 9, Whole No. 4222, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Several Furnishing Establishments and Sole Agency for the sale of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus. 

The genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, also the best plates, Chemicals, Polishing Materials and Morocco Cases, &c., &c. may be procured at the subscribers’, wholesale and retail, by addressing (post paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia, or Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, N. Y.

The following gentlemen have agreed to act as Agents for the sale of the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus:–

Messrs. Litch & Whipple, Boston, Mass.

Mr. James L. Lyon, Richmond, Va.

Mr. S. Broadbent, Columbia, S. C.

Mr. James P. Perry, Charleston, S. C.

Mr. S. Noessel, New Orleans.

Messrs. Johnson & Jacobs, New Orleans.

W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia.                                

Advertisement ran from January 10 to February 19, 1846.

1846 April 5.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 5, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 94, Whole No. 4307, P. 3.

Langenheim & Beckers, Daguerreotypers, 201 Broadway, Below Fulton Street, have enlarged their Atelier, and are now provided with the best kind of light—the style and quality of Pictures they produce with it are like those made at the Exchange in Philadelphia, by W. T. Langenheim, their partners.

Their new mode of deadening the background of Pictures, by sundry permanent colors, is now patented, and gives such beauty of effect to Daguerreotypes, as to be for the public very inviting, at least to examine specimens of this art.

Langenheim & Beckers, Agents for Voigtlaender & Sohn’s German Cameras and L. Beckers, Daguerreotype Chemicals, &c.

Advertisement ran from April 5 to June 13, 1856.

1846 June 25.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 25, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 175, Whole No. 4398, P. 3.

Daguerreotype General Furnishing Establishment And Sole Agency for the Sale of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus, Philadelphia, Exchange Rooms 26 & 27.

The Subscribers have just received a new supply of the above Apparatus, of all sizes, and warrant them to be genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus.  They also have on hand best French Plates, Chemicals, Polishing Substances, and every other article used in this art.

Orders from any part of the Union, South America and the West Indies, shall be promptly attended to when accompanied with remittances, address (post paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia, or to Langenheim & Beckers, New York, 201 Broadway.                         

Advertisement ran from June 25 to July 2, 1846.

1847 January 6.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  January 6, 1847, Vol. XII, No. 5, Whole No. 4602, P. 3.

Agency For The Sale Of Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Apparatus.  A New supply of the different sizes of the above apparatus, just received.  W. & F. Langenheim, Philadelphia; or Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, New York.                                                                 

Advertisement ran from January 6 to February 11, 1847.

1847 April 7.  Delaware Gazette.  (Delhi, New York.)  April 7, 1847, Vol. XXIII, No. 26, P. 3.

Daguerrian Atelier.  Langenheim & Beckers, No. 201 Broadway, two doors from Franklin House, New York, sole agency for the sale of Vorgslander’s Daguerreotype Instruments and L. Beckers’ Chemicals.

Advertisement ran on April 7 & 14, 1847.

1847 November 24.  The New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  November 24, 1847, Vol. XIII, No. 322, Whole No. 4919, P. 3.

Voightlaender’s Quick Daguerreotype Instruments, with four times intenser light; lenses of three inches and a quarter diameter, to work on medium plates, for $140.  At Langenheim & Becker, 201 Broadway.  Camera Box extra $5.                                                                  

Advertisement ran from November 24 to December 3, 1847.

1849 April 24.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 24, 1849, Whole No. 5436, P. 5.

Daguerreotypes Of Children Of Any Age are taken at Langenheim & Beckers’, 201 Broadway, instantaneously and without difficulty.

1849 May 1.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  May 1, 1849, Whole No. 5443, P. 5.

Daguerreotypes Of Children Of Any Age, taken at Langenheim & Becker’s. 201 Broadway, instantaneously, and without trouble, from 11 o’clock, A. M. until 3 o’clock, P. M.

1849 June 15.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  June 15, 1849, Whole No. 5483, P. 3.

Voigtlaender’s Daguerreotype Instruments, with improved arrangements, for sale at the agency of Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, above Earle’s carpet store.

1849 September 25.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  September 25, 1849, Whole No. 5589, P. 3.

Dissolution.—The Firm Of Langenheim & Beckers is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business of the concern will be settled by A. Beckers.  W. & F. Langenheim.  A. Beckers.

We have conferred the Agency for the sale of Voigtlaender’s Optical Instruments on Mr. E. White, 217 Broadway.  W. & F. Langenheim.  Alex. Beckers will continue the Daguerreotype business, with all the facilities and instruments as before, at 201 Broadway; above T. Earle’s Carpet Store.

1849 December 18.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 18, 1849, Whole No. 5673, P. 2.

Beckers & Piard, Daguerrean Artists, may be found at 201 Broadway.  Alexander Beckers, Late firm, Langenheim & Beckers.  Victor Piard, Late with Anthony, Clark & Co.

Advertisement ran on December 18 & 25, 1849.

1850 April 23.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  April 23, 1850, Whole No. 5798, P. 2.

Important to Daguerrean Artists.  To Mr. Victor Bishop, No. 23 Maiden lane, N. Y.

Dear Sir—We cheerfully testify that we have used for some time Louis L. Bishop’s plates, and that they are decidedly superior to all others, either imported or manufactured here.  Beckers & Piard, 201 Broadway.

Those plates are marked in full with the name of Louis L. Bishop, and are for sale only at Victor Bishop’s, No. 23 Maiden Lane.

Advertisement ran from April 23 to 30, 1850.

1852 December 14.  New York Herald.  (New York, New York.)  December 14, 1852, Whole No. 7348, P. 4.

The Great Invention of Daguerreotypes.—Now is the time for persons to make their Christmas and New Years gifts, and there is nothing prettier, or more appropriate than a daguerreotype.  Of course, you want one the beauty and perfection of the great new discovery, by which persons are taken with the speculum, without being reversed , in actual position.  Call, them, at the only place to get an elegant daguerreotype picture.  Beckers & Piard, 201 Broadway.

1852 December 30.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  December 30, 1852, Vol. XII, No. 3652, P. 7.

New Years Gift.—A new and elegant style of Daguerreotypes is taken at Beckers & Piard’s, No. 201 Broadway, by speculum instruments, avoiding reversion of the picture—a fault so detrimental to all other Daguerreotypes—and children are taken by their treble achromatic instrument instantaneously.

1855 December 22.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  December 22, 1855, Vol. XV, No. 4579, P. 8.

Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits.  Highest prize $1,000.  For particulars see circulars at the Museum.  Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.

J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway;  Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.

1856 January 1.  Photographic and fine Arts Journal.  (New York, New York.)  January 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 1, P. 19.

In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Beckers & Piard — This is an excellent gallery. I was really pleased with their specimens of stereoscope ambrotypes. These gentlemen excel in this branch of the art. The gallery contains a large collection of stereoscopic views which are worth looking at. Both these gentlemen have been connected with the art ever since its first introduction into this country, and their talents in an artistic point of view, as well as their skill in manipulation, is proverbially of the highest order.

1857 November 7.  New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York.)  November 7, 1857, Vol. XVII, No. 5164, P. 6 & 7.

Premiums Awarded at the Twenty ninth Fair of the American Institute…Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c.

M. B. Brady, No. 359 Broadway, N. J., for best plain and retouched photographs.

………………………………………………………………………………….Small Gold Medal    

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for plain and retouched Photographs (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)……………………………………………………………………..Diploma

M. M. Lawrence, No. 381 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Daguerreotypes and Miniatures in Oil

…………………………………………………………………………………Large Silver Medal

Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway, N. Y., for instantaneous Daguerreotypes.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best life-size Photographs in Oil (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)………………………………………………………………Diploma

C. D. Fredricks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for life-size Photographs in Oil (a Gold Medal having been before awarded)………………………………………………………Diploma

C. D. Fredericks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Crayon Photographs and Hallotypes………………………………………………………………………Large Silver Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for Crayon Photographs and Hallotypes.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographs in Aquerille.

…………………………………………………………………………………Small Silver Medal

C. D. Fredericks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for Photographs in Aquerille.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

S. C. Holmes, No. 289 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographic Views.

…………………………………………………………………………………Small Silver Medal

B. Hafnagel, No. 413 Broadway, N. Y., for photographic Views and copies of Prints.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

Phillip E. Bogart & Co., No. 58 Pine street, N. Y., for Photographs by the Solar Camera.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….Diploma

G. N. Bernard, Syracuse, N. Y., for Photographs on Wood.

…………………………………………………………….…………………………Bronze Medal

C. C. Harrison, Fifty-third Street, near East River, N. Y., for Photographic Cameras (a Silver Medal having been before awarded………………………………………………………Diploma

Robert A. Werner, No. 25 East Broadway, N. Y., for an ingeniously planned Diaphragm.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

A. Beckers, No. 411 Broadway, N. Y., for a Stereoscopic Panorama.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

R. Newell & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., for three delicately tinted Portraits.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

J. Gurney, No. 349 Broadway, N. Y., for the best Photographs in Pastel.

……………………………………………………………………………………….Bronze Medal

C. D. Fredricks, Nos. 585 and 587 Broadway, N. Y., for Photographs in Pastel.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..Diploma

1889 March 9.  Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin.  (New York, New York.)  March 9, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 5, P. 144-146.

Fifteen Years’ Experience  of a Daguerreotyper.  By Alexander Beckers. Read before the Society of Amateur Photographers of New York, January 31, 1889.

In response to the request of your Corresponding Secretary, Mr. Duffield, I hereby give an outline of my experience ‘in the history of the daguerreotype, for a period of fifteen years.

The details of this antiquated, senior branch of your art can interest you only in such parts as are similar. A comparison of the two, however, will show the progress of the half century we commemorate to-day, as also the centennial of the birth of Daguerre.

The first daguerreotype I saw, was made by Robert Cornelius, in Philadelphia. His laboratory was conspicuous. On the outside could be seen a large mirror, swung on a bracket, for illuminating his sitters with reflected sunlight The use of bromine was not yet known in 1840, but Boudine introduced it soon after. In the same year Robert Chilton called on my brother to make hyposulphite of soda, offering four and a half dollars per pound, stating that the French article cost over five dollars to import, although still impure. Thus the first hypo was made here at the corner of 23d street and Fourth avenue, the present site of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Orders for other chemicals followed, and in 1843 Louis Beckers was the first to manufacture photographic chemicals exclusively, at Old York Road, Philadelphia.

In the same year I entered the daguerreotype business of Mr. Fred Langenheim, in the Merchants’ Exchange of Philadelphia. Here there was little to be seen of the things you see nowadays in a photographic art gallery. A kind of a hiding-place for a dark room, and a spyglass-like camera were all the indications of the mystery 1 was to learn. The camera rested on a candlestick-like tripod, with three set-screws for adjustment, and was placed on an ordinary table. To interchange the ground glass and round daguerreotype plate, it was necessary to unscrew a flanged ring, and replace the same by a reverse motion. For the adjustment of the focu?, there was the rack and pinion, as Voightlander’s instruments still have. This instrument was one of the first made according to the mathematical calculations of Professor Petzval, of Vienna, having two achromatic lenses. It had been sent by young Voightlander to his college-mate, WiHiam Langenheim, as a present, with supplies and instructions, but also the warning not to try daguerreotyping, unless he had courage enough to try five hundred times more after failing with the first hundred pictures. William Langenheim, a lawyer, did not have the courage, but his brother Fred had, and succeeded so well that he was offered six hundred dollars for that odd camera.

The manipulations of preparing a daguerreotype plate will not interest you much. I should state, however, that the production of a chemically clean surface on silver, is a difficulty that increases four-fold with the size of the plate. Another difficulty is the use of the chemicals in a volatile state. The iodine can be controlled by sight with faint day-light, but the bromine only by even temperature and constant practice.

At Langenheim’s necessity soon introduced a square camera, with square plates and holders. A high tripod was also used instead of the table. In the summer of 1843 dozen of small Voightlander objectives, such as are still on tlie market, were imported. Soon after, four larger ones, for 6 x 8-inch pictures, arrived. In the fall of that year, Phillip Hass, formerly of Paris, showed Fizeau’s method of fixing the image on the plate by cold gilding. Soon after the picture was made more brilliant by heating the plate while the gold solution was on it. In that winter the first polishing wheel was made. It was constructed like an ordinary grindstone, worked by a treadle, the wheel being cushioned and covered with buckskin. With the aid of this machine, and after weeks of hard labor and many experiments, we succeeded in making the first good large daguerreotype of 6 x 8 inches, called whole size; half and twothirds size were advertised and made with success. At that time we also succeeded in making a picture of a sick lady at her own residence, which had been considered impossible.

In the spring of 1844 Mr. Edward White bought one of the large Voightlander instruments, and for him I made the first large daguerreotypes in this city at 175 Broadway. There were then but a few daguerreans here. They were I. Gurney, Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, Augustus Morand, Van Loan, Burgess, Brush, Weston, Artho, Insley, Plumb, and others I cannot recall.

I remained with Edward White until December, 1844, when it became impossible to make a picture in his operating room on account of the extreme cold, for Mr. White would not allow a fire in the place over night. Then I commenced business for myself, at the comer of Nassau and John streets, and after May, 1845, 201 Broadway, under the firm of Langenheim & Beckers, agents for Voightlander & Louis Beckers.

At that time the large Voightlander objectives had a chemical and a visual focus, so that in order to make a large, near picture, the lenses were moved out one-eighth of an inch, while for usual work the ground glass was set permanently one-sixteenth of an inch nearer than the plate. That summer I look a view of High Bridge before the scaffolding was removed. This picture was taken for the engineers, and was perhaps the first one ever taken here in aid of architecture. By taking out-door views I discovered that the plates increased in sensitiveness with the time between the preparation and exposure, and in 1848 obtained a sharp picture of a procession in motion.

In 1847 I began to use a speculum metal mirror, in order to have my pictures not inverted. For very unsymmetrical faces this arrangement was quite indispensable in order to get a likeness. The mirror was attached to the instrument at an angle of 4 5 degrees. The use of the mirror required double the time of exposure. It was made by Fitz, Senior, the optician, and was used for years after.

In 1848 Fred Langenheim bought the Fox-Talbot patent for the United States, at six thousand dollars. He introduced it here and failed in the undertaking. Our daguerreotypes were taken so perfect that they were preferred to any Talbotype. Abroad the superiority of our pictures was attributed to our clear atmosphere until American Daguerreotypists, as Dentists, took the lead all over the world.

In 1849 “*y firm was changed to Beckers & Piard. Having now more time, we succeeded in substituting machinery for cleaning our plates, and thus obtained cleaner and better plates in one-third the time required by hand.

In 1852 M. M. Root, of Philadelphia, made two pictures on one plate. We succeeded m making four on one plate, and in such a way that the exposed quarter was in the center of the field of the lens. It was then a great relief, as locket pictures were in fashion. In 1856 Mr. Ormsbee patented this same multiplying plate holder and collected considerable money on it, until my priority made his claim void.

The production of stereoscopic portraits was the next task. Marchner, of Philadelphia, made patent cases to show these pictures in a very neat way. In 1854 F. Langenheim had commenced to manufacture stereoscopic views on glass. He sent me three dozen of his make, to find sale for them here. At the first exhibit of these pictures one dozen of them were broken. This loss set me to thinking how to find an arrangement to show and secure the pictures against breakage, and in 1857 I obtained a patent for my revolving stereoscope. The increasing demand for this machine induced me to sell my daguerreotype business in 1858.

Thus I was relieved from satisfying the vanity of each individual beauty of this world, and ended my career as a daguerrean.

1889 April 13.  Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin.  (New York, New York.)  April 13, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 7, P. 209-211

The Daguerreotype Experience.  By Alexander Beckers.  Read before the Photographic Section of the American Institute.

In response to a request of your Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. J. B. Gardner, I hereby give you a brief outline of my daguerreotype experience.

The details of this senior branch of photography can interest you, I presume, only in such parts as have a bearing on the more recent modes of picture making. A comparison of these will show the progress of the half century we commemorate and also remind us of the centennial of the birth of Daguerre. The first daguerreotype I ever saw was made by Robert Cornelious, in Philadelphia. His laboratory was conspicuous, for on the outside could be seen a large mirror swung on a bracket to illuminate his sitters with reflected sun-light

The use of bromine was not yet known in 1840 ; but Boudine introduced it soon after. The same year Robert Chilton called on my brother to make hyposulphite of soda, offering $4. 50 per pound ; stating that the French article, though very impure, cost $5 per pound to import. Thus the first hypo was made here, at the corner of 23d street and Fourth avenue, the present site of the Young Men’s Christian Association. Orders for other daguerreotype chemicals quickly followed, and in 1843 Louis Beckers was the first to manufacture these chemicals exclusively, at Old York Road, Philadelphia.

The same year (1843) I entered the daguerreotype business of Mr. Frederick Langenheim, in the Merchants’ Exchange of Philadelphia. Here there was little to be seen of the things you see now in a photo gallery. A kind of hiding place for a dark room and a spyglass-like camera were the only indications of the mystery I was to learn. The camera rested on a candlestick-like tripod, with three set screws for adjustment, and was placed on an ordinary table. To interchange the ground-glass and round daguerreotype plates, it was necessary to unscrew a flanged ring and replace the same by a reverse motion. For the adjustment of focus there was the rack and pinion, as Voigtlander ‘s instruments still have. This instrument was one of the first made according to the mathematical calculations of Professor Petzval, of Vienna, having two achromatic lenses. One of these instruments was sent by young Voigtlander to his college mate, William Langenheim, as a present, with supplies and instructions, but also with the warning not to attempt daguerreotyping unless he had courage enough to try five hundred times more after failing in the first hundred pictures. This young lawyer, William Langenheim, proved not to have the courage, but his brother Frederick had, and succeeded so well that he was offered six hundred dollars for that odd camera. The preparing of daguerreotype plates will not interest you much, though I should state that the production of a chemically clean surface on silver is a difficulty that increases four-fold with the size of the plate. Another difficulty is the use of the chemicals in a volatile state. The iodine can be controlled by sight with faint day-light ; but the bromine only by even temperature and constant practice. The round plates were used only for a short time, and so far as I know Langenheim was the first to introduce a square camera, plates and holders; also a tripod in place of a table. In the summer of 1843 the first dozen of small Voigtlander objectives were imported. One of these, 1 believe, is still in the possession of Mr. J. B. Gardner. Soon after four large ones, for 6×8 pictures, were imported. In the fall of that year Philipe Haas, formerly of Paris, showed Fizeau’s method of fixing the image on the plate by cold gilding. Shortly after this it was found that the picture could be gilded in much less time and made more brilliant by heating the plate while the gold solution was on it, and so Fizeau’s method went entirely out of use. During the winter of 1843 the first polishing wheel was made. It was constructed like an ordinary grindstone, the wheel being cushioned and then covered with buckskin. With the aid of this machine, and after weeks of hard labor, we succeeded in making the first 6×8 daguerreotype. At this time the only sizes used with any degree of success were 3×4 and 5^ x 4 J. There were also many plates used two sizes smaller that were designated as sixths and ninths. At that time we also succeeded in making a picture of a sick lady at her own residence, which was then deemed impossible.

In the spring of 1844 Mr. Edward White bought one of the large Voigtlander instruments, and for him I made the first large daguerreotype in New York City, at 175 Broadway. There were then only a few daguerreans in the city. They were J. Gurney, Anthony, Edwards & Chilton, Van Loan, Burgess, and a few others I cannot recall. I remained with Mr. White until December, 1844, when it was impossible to make a picture on account of the severe cold, for my employer would not allow a fire in his place over night Then I commenced business for myself at the corner of Nassau and John streets, and after May, 1845, at 201 Broadway, under the firm of Langenheim & Beckers, agents for Voigtlander & Louis Beckers.

At that time the large Voigtlander objectives had a chemical and a visual focus, so that in order to make a picture sharp the lenses were moved out one eighth of an inch. This we soon after rectified by having the ground-glass of the camera set permanently one-sixteenth of an inch nearer the lens than the sensitive plate.

That summer 1 took a view of High Bridge, before the scaffolding was removed. This picture was made for the engineers, and was perhaps the first taken in this country in aid of architecture.

By taking out-door views, I soon discovered that the plate increased in sensitiveness by not exposing it immediately after sensitizing. I found, however, that any very long delay (say for three hours or more) made the plate entirely useless. In 1847, the optician, Fitz, Sr., made for me a speculum metal mirror, with which I was enabled to avoid the inversion of my pictures. For many faces and objects this was a great advantage, though it doubled the time of exposure. This mirror was attached to the instrument at an angle of forty-five degrees, and “So well did it serve my purpose that I continued to use it for a number of years.

In 1848 Langenheim bought Fox Talbot’s patent for the United States at six thousand dollars, but financially it proved a failure, as this process never became popular in this country. Why it should not prove a success is quite evident when we remember how infinitely superior the daguerreotype was to any sun picture made on paper. In England Talbot’s process could be received with greater favor, as it did not come in competition with the daguerreotype as made in America. It is true that the daguerreotype was made in many of the large cities of Europe, but in none of these could it compare with the work of this country. The daguerreotypists here took the lead in the beginning ; and up to the time when the collodion process became popular, never allowed themselves to be excelled by any other nation.

In 1849 my firm was changed to Beckers & Piard. Having now more time, ‘we succeeded in constructing a machine for cleaning plates in one-third the time required by hand.

In 1852 we contrived a method for making four pictures on one plate, and in such a way that the exposed quarter was in the center of the field of the lens. To us this was a very useful improvement, for locket pictures were then in great demand. In 1856 Mr. Ormsby obtained a patent for this same multiplying plate-holder, and collected considerable money on it, until my priority claim proved his to be void. The production of stereoscopic pictures was the next task. Mascher, of Philadelphia, made patent cases to show these portraits in a very neat manner. In 1854 F. Langenheim commenced the manufacture of stereoscopic views on glass. He sent me three dozen, to find sale for them in New York. At the first exhibition of these pictures one-third of them were broken. This loss set me to thinking how to contrive an arrangement to show and secure the pictures against breakage, and in 1857 I obtained a patent for my revolving stereoscope. The increasing demand for this machine induced me to sell my daguerreotype business in 1858.

Thus being relieved from catering to the vanity of humanity, my career as a daguerrean was ended.  Hoboken March 4, 1889,

Bear, John W.

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1845                Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1845                17 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

1846                Address Unknown, Wilmington, Delaware.

1846                Address Unknown, Washington, Delaware.

1846                Court House, Annapolis, Maryland.1

1846                Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Frederick, Maryland.1

N. D.               Court House, Hagerstown, Maryland.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.1

1847-1848       Address Unknown, Winchester, Virginia.1

1848                Rooms in the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

1850                Address Unknown, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. 

1850-1852       Various towns in Pennsylvania.1

1846 January 29.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  January 29, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 45, P. 2.

Baer, the ‘Buckeye Blacksmith,’ is now taking daguerreotype likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not, he drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.

1846 January 30.  Blue Hens Chicken & Delaware Democratic Whig.  (Wilmington, Delaware.)  January 30, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 24, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Likenesses.  Mr. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, respectfully informs the citizens of Wilmington and vicinity, that he has taken the room occupied by Messrs. Miller & Co., as a Writing School.  He will warrant a correct likeness not to fade, in a good Morocco Case for one dollar and a half.  Jan. 16.

1846 February 7.  The Hartford Times.  (Hartford, Connecticut.)  February 7, 1846, Vol. XXX, No. 1520, P. 3.

Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is now taking daguerreotypes likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not. He drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.  Boston Mail.

1846 February 21.  Democratic Banner.  (Bowling Green, Missouri.)  February 21, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 50, p. 1.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is Taking Daguerreotypes likenesses at Washington, Delaware.

1846 October 6.  The Spirit of the Times.  (Batavia, New York.)  October 6, 1846, Vol. 28, No. 16, P. 3.

John W. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith, who has figured considerably as a whig stump speaker, is now taking daguerreotype likenesses in Annapolis, Md.

1846 October 23.  American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  October 23, 1846, Volume XV, No. 99, P. 4.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is across the Potomac, in Alexandria, taking daguerreotype likenesses.  He is a kind of man-of-all-work.  First a blacksmith, next a political orator, afterwards an Indian agent, then a temperance lecturer, and now a daguerreotypist.

1846 November 2.  The Columbian Fountain.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  November 2, 1846, Volume 1, No. 273, P. 2.

Mr. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith is still alive and kicking, and is at present taking daguerreotype likenesses in Alexandria, Va.

1846 November 18.  Auburn Journal and Advertiser.  (Auburn, New York.)  November 18, 1846, Vol. 14, No. 29, P. 2.

John W. Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is established at Alexandria, Va., as a Daguerreotypist, and meets with great encouragement.  If he can portray features as well as he did the political iniquities of Van Burenisn, we do not wonder at his success,

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 2.

Correct Pictures.  Mr. John W. Bear has opened rooms at the Court House for the purpose of receiving visits of those who may desire Daguerreotypes—Mr. B. has in his position the best apparatus that has ever been in our place, or else is the best operator—probably both, combined—for his pictures are certainly the most correct delineations of the originals that we have ever seen.  Having examined his specimens we can speak thus positively, and all who desire good pictures will do well to “embrace the present opportunity.”  His card will be found in another column.

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 3.

Only $1.50 for the Best Daguerreotype Likeness ever taken in Charlestown—

Mr. J. W. bear respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Court House, for a few days only, where, with the latest and best apparatus ever imported, and materials of the first quality, he is fully prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, of all sizes, in a style not to be surpassed by any other artist in the country.  Giving to the picture a bold relief from that deadness usually seen in Daguerreotypes, [and] fully developing the eyes, (the imperfections of which have so long been an objection to this class of Miniatures.) and giving the whole picture a life-like appearance unusually seen in the Daguerreotype Miniature.

Likenesses of Children, as young as two years, taken in exquisite style; and where is the parent that would not pay the paltry sum of $1.50, for a correct likeness at that interesting age?

Family groups taken on the largest scale ever taken in this country, in splendid style and at moderate prices.

Single pictures, medium sizes, colored true to life, and warranted not to fade for $1.50, including a fine morocco case.

As his stay will be limited to a few days, those wishing to procure miniatures or examine specimens would do well to call soon.

Miniatures taken without regard to the state of the weather from 6 o’clock, A. M., until 5 o’clock P. M.  Instructions given in the art with all the latest Improvements for a reasonable price.

RULES.

 No person shall be bound to take a picture unless they and their friends who are present when it is taken are satisfied that it is a correct likeness.  But no miniatures will be taken back and retaken after it leaves the room, under $1.

Call as soon for my prices are low.  If your pictures don’t please you I’ll call it no go.  Likenesses of servants taken in a splendid style.  Charlestown, July, 25, 1848.

Advertisement ran from July 25 to August 15, 1848.

1850 May 9.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 9, 1850, Volume 2, No. 15, P. 3.

We announced in our last issue the arrival of J. W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, and we must this week record his departure for Orwigsburg, attended by an escort of one or two constables.  His charge is seduction under promise of marriage.  The girl is a resident of Pottsville.—Schuylkill Haven Map.

1850 May 30.  Jefferson Republican.  (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 30 1850, Volume 10, No. 40, P. 3.

John W. Bear.  We learn that the suits commenced against John W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, have been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice.  Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.

1850 June 6.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  June 6, 1850, Volume 2, No. 19, P. 3.

To The Public.  Mr. B. Bannan:—Sir—I perceived a small paragraph in the Miners Journal of Saturday 18th inst., stating that the prosecution or suits commenced against John W. Bear, “had been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice, and that Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.”  In reply to which, I beg leave to answer, that the withdrawal of the suits was at the instance of John W. Bear’s Counsel, which, after reflection and consideration, I yielded to, upon the payment of costs and expenses, and with the understanding that he, (Bear,) would leave the county in a short time, permanently.  With reference to my having admitted that I had acted under improper advice, this is entirely incorrect.—Before the suits were brought, as since, and at present, I conceive it to be my duty, and the duty of every parent in this and all communities, to try and save their children from the seductive snare of the aged and artful, who are disposed to offer violence to the young and unwary, altho’ at the expanse of broken hearts of parents, family, and friends.

Your humble serv’t, most respectfully,  James Staats.  Pottsville, May 21st, 1850.  

[1] The Life And Travels of John W. Bear, “The Buckeye Blacksmith.” P. 138-152. .

[2] Boston City Directory, Residence Listing.  Not recorded in Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.