Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Abel, Henry I.

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1841-1842       123 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[i]

1841 September 2.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 2, 1841, Vol. XII. No. 3406, P. 3

Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms, No. 123 Washington street, over Lows, Ball and Company.  The subscriber begs leave to call the attention to the public to specimens of Daguerreotype Miniature Portraits executed by him.  He has recently made some highly successful experiments, by which the time required in sitting is materially lessened, while the distinctness and legibility of the portrait is increased.  The fidelity to the original which mark these miniatures and the ease and rapidity with which they are taken, render them superior to all other portraits.

Persons desirous of making themselves acquainted with the Photographic process, may receive such instructions as will enable them to take portraits, drawings, & c. in very brief space of time.  H.I. Able & Co., Successors to J. S. F. Huddleston & Co.        Advertisement ran from September 2 to December 15, 1841.

1841 September 20.  Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association

Exhibited daguerreotypes at the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association third exhibition fair in Boston, Massachusetts.

1841 September 26.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.) Vol. XII, No. 3430, P. 2.

Mechanics Fair…Fine Specimens of Daguerreotype Miniatures by H. J. Abel & Co.

1841 October 15.  Boston Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  October 15, 1841, Vol. XII, No. 3443, P. 2,

Daguerreotype.  Mr. H. I. Abell, (sic.) 123 Washington Street, has shown us some beautiful photographic miniatures, which indicate that he has attained to great perfection in this novel and ingenious process of transferring a person’s phiz to a silver plate, in considerable less than no time.  One great excellence in his miniatures is the distinctness with which the features are delineated.  Those who wish to see themselves as they are seen, have but to call at his room, and he will at any time show them up.

[i] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Update

Daguerreotypes

New posts will begin March 1. With well over 4,000 files that include individual daguerreians, ambrotypists, photographers, partnerships, suppliers, and artists that worked coloring images I felt a need to rethink how I am sharing information. 

Previously I only posted new names that had not been published before or additional information about known individuals. With this phase I will post all of my files under 20 to 25 typed pages.  Information from published photographic directories is not included. Also not included are well known image makers who had long careers or advertised daily and whose files can exceed hundreds of typed pages. 

Each entry will begin with the photographer’s name followed by an activity summary based on my current research. Next is a chronological list of appearances in publications illustrating the progression of information followed by publication citation.  Finally, the text transcription itself. 

Note: [ ? ] means that I could not read the text.  [Text] is my best guess based on clarity of the scan.  Spelling and punctuation appear as in the original publications and have not been corrected for modern usage.  

UpDate

Daguerreotypes

On January 29, 2018 I started sharing my research of new names and new information about early photographers here.  April 2, 2023 marks the second complete alphabetical review. While I am continuing this research there are also several projects that I want to devote more time to. The blog with be taking a break and resume in the fall.

Gilbert Wood

Daguerreotypes, ,

C. 1848-1850    Address Unknown, Alstead, New Hampshire.

Gilbert Wood appeared in the same announcement in two different newspapers.  The first appeared on November 21.  1850 in the Congregational Journal (Concord, New Hampshire).  At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.

For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him.  He had been a professor of religion fifteen years.  His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation.  His trust was in God, and his end was peace.  One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.

Gentle thy passing spirit fled,

Sustained by grace divine,

Oh may such grace on us be shed,

And make our end like thine. 

The second appeared on November 22, 1850 in the New Hampshire Statesman (Concord, New Hampshire).  At Ossipee, the 6th inst., at his brother-in-law’s. Rev. Horace Wood, Mr. Gilbert Wood, of Alstead, aged 28 years.

For several years he had been engaged in teaching writing and taking Daguerreotype likenesses, which gave him an opportunity of securing a large number of intimate friends, to whom he was firmly attached and the to him.  He had been a professor of religion fifteen years.  His sickness was very painful and protracted, which he bore with patience and resignation.  His trust was in God, and his end was peace.  One sister and five brothers survive to mourn his loss, beside a large circle of more distant connections.

Gentle thy passing spirit fled,

Sustained by grace divine,

Oh may such grace on us be shed,

And make our end like thine. 

Gilbert Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories.

G. Wilson

Daguerreotypes, ,

1842                Three doors north of the Cheshire House, Keene, New Hampshire.

1845                3 Lamson’s Building, Keene, New Hampshire.

G. Wilson was recorded in two advertisements.  The first appeared on September 14, 1842 in the  Cheshire Republican and Farmer’s Museum (Keene, New Hampshire).  Photographic Miniatures.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully informed that rooms are again open, three doors north of the Cheshire House, for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures.

G. Wilson having returned from Boston, and vicinity, where he has devoted his attention to the acquisition of the recent improvements in the above art, flatters himself that he can produce Miniatures that will not fail to please.

N. Wilson, grateful for past favors, would inform the public that the Watch and Jewelry business is carried on in connection with the above business.  Also, that the Finest as well as common Watches will be cleaned and repaired in superior style, as usual.

Miniatures taken from Portraits with perfect fidelity.

The second advertisement appeared in October 23, 1845 in the Cheshire Republican and Farmer (Keene, New Hampshire).  Cheshire Photographic Institute, G. Wilson, Having returned from Boston, where he has availed himself of the latest improvements, will take Superior Pictures at reduced prices.  His long experience he trusts, will secure him public confidence.

Rooms, No. 3, Lamson’s Building.

G. Wilson is not recorded in other photographic directories.  There were only three newspapers available between 1842-1845 (he was not listed in the May 8, 1845 issue), and only one issue on July 16, 1856 which he was not recorded in.  According to the first advertisement it appears that he was active in Keene before September 14, 1842.

Simeon Williams

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1848                Clinton House, Clinton, Massachusetts.

1849                82 Main Street, Waits Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]

1851                Address Unknown, Claremont, New Hampshire

Simeon Williams was recorded in two books, two advertisements and one announcement.  The first book he was mentioned in was the History of the Origin of the Town of Clinton, Massachusetts 1653-1865 by Andrew E. Ford, 1896.  Daguerrean Artists.  P. 397…S. Williams, who had a saloon near the Clinton House [Clinton, Massachusetts].

The second book he was mentioned in wasThe Worcester Historical Society Publications  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  New Series Vol. I, No. 8, April 1935, p. 438…During the year 1846 we find the firm of White and Andrews located in the Central Exchange.  They appear to have remained in business only for a brief period.  Other men in the field before 1850 were Lewis Babbitt, Simeon Williams and M. S. Chapin.

The first advertisement ran from January 8 to April 18, 1849 in the Worcester Daily Spy  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes for 75 Cents, S. Williams, the proprietor of the City Daguerreotype Gallery, having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by A. Morse, in Wait’s Block, No. 82 Main Street, nearly opposite the Eagle Hotel, and fitted them up with new and Enlarged Lights, arranged and perfectly adapted to the business, is prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses superior to those taken or exhibited at any other establishment in Worcester.  This is the only place in this City where a first rate Daguerreotype can be obtained for Seventy-five Cents—notwithstanding the advertisements to the contrary by Boys who are employed to clean plates at a certain other establishment, the proprietor of which has, for the past seven or eight months, been floating upon the reputation of another Artist.

The object of this advertisement is to inform the public where they can procure a Daguerreotype for the above price, executed by a skillful Artist; instead of being made subjects for the practice of inexperienced Youths.

The announcement appeared on October 23, 1851 in the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).  Daguerreotypes.  In another part of this paper may be found the advertisement of Messrs. Bundy & Williams, Daguerreotypists.  We have seen some specimens of their work, and they are certainly very fine.  We know not that we ever saw Daguerreotype pictures so clear and life-like, as may be found among their specimens.  Call and see them.

The second advertisement ran from October 23 to November 13, 1851 in the National Eagle.

Daguerreotypes.  The citizens of this village and vicinity are respectfully solicited to visit the Daguerrian Gallery of Messrs. J. K. Bundy and S. Williams, now stopping in this place, where may be found a better assortment of Specimens of the Daguerrian Art than has ever been exhibited here before.  The artists guarantee that every judge of Pictures that will call shall feel satisfied that this is the fact, and they shall be shown pictures of some of the most distinguished men of the age, and also some of the most beautiful ladies in New England.

The subscribers are prepared to take and pit up pictures in every variety of style, from the miniature for a finger ring up to as large a size as desired, and at such a reasonable rate that all shall be satisfied.  For clearness of tone and strength of likeness, no picture taken in the country have ever surpassed them.  A dull, smokey, greasy looking Daguerreotype is worse than nothing, and we wish our pictures compared with those formerly taken in this place.—Will Ladies and Gentlemen give us an early call, as our stay must be very short.

Testimonials of the most flattering character will be shown if desired.

Copying of every description done to order.

Ladies and Gentlemen, will be better satisfied with Pictures in dark drapery.

Children should sit in mid-day in fair weather—all others in any weather and at all hours.

We are also acting agents for the sale of Smith & Green’s Seraphines and Melodeons, a beautiful instrument, manufactured with Carkart’s Improvement, and we are authorized to sell them at a more reasonable rate than they can be purchased at any other place.  We have one specimen at our carriage.  Also for sale, Sheet Music.  J. K. Bundy, S. Williams.

Simeon Williams is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1849.

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

Seth N. Williams

Ambrotypes, Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1852-1854       Granite Hall Building, Water Street, Augusta, Maine.

1855                Address Unknown, Rockland, Maine.

Seth N. Williams was recorded in four advertisements, one of which he was mentioned in, in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine).  The first advertisement ran from October 21, 1852 to January 13, 1853.  S. N. Williams, (Successor to A. J. Pierce,) Daguerreotype Gallery, Granite Hall Building, Water Street, Augusta, Me.  Likenesses taken in Clear or Cloudy Weather—Hours for Children from 10 A. M. to 2 P. M.  Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.  Mr. Pierce will remain a few weeks at the Room.

Stock and Apparatus for sale at Boston prices.

The second advertisement ran from October 13, 1853 to February 9, 1854.  S. N. Williams, (Successor to A. J. Pierce,) Daguerrean Gallery, Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Me.  Stock & Apparatus at Boston Prices.

He was mentioned in the third advertisement that that first appeared on June 22, 1854. 

Photographs, Stereoscopic Crayon, Crystalotypes, and other Styles of Pictures, May be found at Isaac H. Dupee’s Rooms, Granite Hall, Water Street, Augusta, Me.  I. H. Dupee respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that he has taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Pierce & Williams, for the purpose of Daguerreotyping.  Having one of the largest Cameras in the city, he is prepared to take large pictures, and especially groups, (no matter how many,) arranged in the most appropriate style.  Having paid particular attention to taking Children, and being provided with a quick working Camera, he can take small children in one quarter of the usual time.  Hours for Children from 9 A. M. till 2 P. M.  Likenesses taken in clear or cloudy weather, and warranted perfect, for the low price of $1 and upwards, including case.  Also inserted in Rings, Pins, Lockets, Seals, &c., a large assortment of which he has on hand at all times.  H having had long experience in this business, solocots a share of your patronage.  All work entrusted to his care will be promptly attended to and warranted as good as the best.

A large assortment of Daguerreotype Materials for sale to the trade at Boston prices.  Operators furnished with every thing necessary to carry on business with.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases.

Sick and deceased persons taken at their houses, if wished, as well as at his rooms.

Portraits, Daguerreotypes and Engravings, copied accurately and put in cases or frames.  The public are invited to call and judge for themselves.  Mr. Dupee, by attention to business, and keeping his rooms open at all hours, hopes to secure Miniatures of all who call and are in want.

I take this opportunity to return my thanks to my friends and patrons for their liberal patronage.  I have sold my Rooms to Isaac H. Dupee, formerly of Bath.  I can recommend him to all who may wish for a good Daguerreotype of themselves or friends.  Mr. D. has had long experience in the Daguerreotype business; he comes well recommended as an artist and a gentleman.  S. N. W.

The fourth advertisement ran from July 12 to August 2, 1855.  Ambrotypes.  Pictures Taken On Glass!  These new Pictures differ essentially from the Daguerreotype, as they can be seen at any angle, are not reversed, will not corrode , or change by time, are as permanent as the glass on which they are made, and will retain their brilliancy for ages.

Letters Patent have been obtained for the United States, Great Britain, and France, by J. A. Cutting, the inventor.

The following counties for sale:—Kennebec, Franklin, Piscataquis, Somerset, Lincoln, Waldo, and Aroostook.  For particulars apply to S. N. Williams, Agent, Rockland, Me.  June 27, 1855.

Seth N. Williams is recorded in ­Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Rockland, Maine as a daguerreian in 1855.  

Whitmore & Porter

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1842                Rooms at the Tremont House, Claremont, New Hampshire.

1843                Rooms at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, Middlebury, Vermont

1843-1844       Room at the American Hotel, Room 6, 2d floor, Burlington, Vermont.

Whitmore & Porter (also spelled Whittemore) were recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in three different newspapers.  The first announcement appeared on April 22, 1842 I the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).   Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We would call attention to the advertisement of Messrs. Whitmore & Porter in another column.—Those of our friends who may wish to have an exact impression of their faces transferred upon steel, can now have an opportunity.  We know nothing about the operation of the Daguerreotype, but the specimens show us are exceedingly beautiful, and such as could only  have been produced by one having a through practical knowledge of the instrument.  There is no quackery here, and if our citizens will favor the above gentlemen with a call, we will guarantee them a gentlemanly reception.

The first advertisement ran on April 22 & 29, 1842 in the National Eagle.  Pencil Of Nature.  Messrs. Whitmore & Porter, respectfully inform the citizens of Claremont, that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, at the Tremont House and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Claremont, specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.  Those who have never seen a specimen of nature’s pencillings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art-the light of heaven alone is the pencil used.                     

The second advertisement ran from June 28 to July 12, 1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press  (Middlebury, Vermont).  Pencil of nature.  Messrs. Whitmore & Porter, respectfully inform the citizens of Middlebury and vicinity, that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, at J. C. Huntington’s Hotel, and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Middlebury, specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of Nature’s pencillings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of a Daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art-the light of heaven alone is the pencil used.              

The second announcement appeared on July 5, 1843 in The Middlebury People’s Press.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.—As our citizens have never before had an opportunity to witness specimens of this kind, and the manner in which faces and objects are painted by nature, as perfect as life, they will do well to call at the rooms of Messrs. Whitmore and Porter at Huntington’s where they will remain a few days.

When it was first announced to the world by the light of Heaven alone the most perfect and minute similitudes of nature’s works could be painted, it was deemed almost incredible.  But its reality is now as certain as human existence, and as like every other art in its infancy it is susceptible of vast improvements, it is likely to produce as great a revolution in pictorial productions, as steam in maritime operations.  Let the people gratify a laudable curiosity in relation to this wonderful art, by calling upon the gentlemen now at Huntington’s, who promise to render every attention necessary for the information of visitors. 

The third advertisement ran from December 15, 1843 to January 12, 1844 in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont),  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mess. Whittemore & Porter, Respectfully inform the citizens of Burlington that they have taken rooms and set up their apparatus for taking Daguerreotype Miniatures at the American Hotel (Room No. 6, 2d. floor) and will remain there a few days, where they will be happy to exhibit to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Burlington specimens of their work, and render such other attention as may be necessary for their information.

Those who have never seen a specimen of nature’s Pencilings can hardly form an adequate idea of the extreme perfection, beauty, and wonderful minuteness of daguerreotype Picture.  Suffice it to say that productions of this process are the works of nature, and not of art—the light of heaven alone is the Pencil used.

N. B. Copies of paintings engravings &c. by the same process.  Instructions given and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.

Whitemore (Whittemore) & Porter are not recorded in other photographic as being active in  

New Hampshire or Vermont.

William F. White

Daguerreotypes, , ,

N. D.               Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

William F. White was mentioned in one advertisement that was recorded on January 25, 1855 in  The Daily Express (Petersburg, Virginia).  Read And Remember.—If you wish a beautiful Gold Locket, Breast Pin, Watch Seal, Key, Ring, Bracelets, Medallion, Fancy Cases or Frames, and a correct and highly finished Daguerreotype taken, to have placed therein, that at the Gallery of Minnis’ is the place to obtain such.

Also remember, that Minnis has removed to the Gallery Formerly occupied by Wm. F. White, on Sycamore street, opposite Bollingbrook street, over the store of Lyon, Abrahams & Davis.

William F. White is not recorded in other photographic directories.

H. N. Wevere

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1855                Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

H. N. Wevere was recorded in three advertisements in the Daily Express (Petersburg, Virginia.) The first advertisement was recorded on September 25, 1855.

“Blest be the art that can immortalize,

The art that baffles time’s tyrannic claim.”

H. N. Wevere having taken the well known and popular Whitehurst Gallery, recently occupied by Wm. G. Edgar, is prepared to accommodate all those in want of life-like and durable Daguerreotypes on reasonable terms and at the shortest notice.  Having had an experience of seven or eight years in some of the principal Galleries in the Union, he flatters himself that he is perfectly competent to produce Pictures equal to any made.

Customers will receive at all times every attention, and no exertion will be spared to render their Pictures satisfactory.  Stereoscopic and Crayon Pictures made in the highest style of the art.  A large assortment of Jewelry and Fancy Cases, made expressly for Daguerreotypes, kept constantly on hand.

Pictures of deceased persons taken at their residences in the most approved style.

No difference on account of the weather, except for small children.  Our motto is, “Exce’sior.”

The second advertisement was recorded on November 29.  1855. M. E. Conference.—Members of the Conference wishing to have their Daguerreotypes taken during their stay in the city, can do so at a liberal reduction from the usual prices, by calling at the old Whitehurst Gallery, over Noah Walker & Co.’s Clothing store, Sycamore street.

No Picture is allowed to be taken from the Gallery unless entirely satisfactory.  The Artist has a reputation second to none in the country.

Pictures fitted in Rings, Pins, and Lockets on the most reasonable terms.  A call is respectfully solicited.  H. N. Wevere, Proprietor.

The third advertisement was recorded on December 25, 1855.  Hurrah for The Holidays!—Nothing is as suitable for a Christmas and New Year Present as a Daguerreotype of those we love.  It is the most beautiful and appropriate souvenir that can be imagined.

H. N. Wevere, at the old Whitehurst Gallery, will be pleased to accommodate all those in want of Daguerreotypes for a reasonable consideration:  His Daguerreotypes are universally admired.  The beauty of tone, the excellence of finish, and arrangement of drapery, combined with the faultless position, render them perfect in every respect.

The Artist needs no further recommendation than that already given by the press.  A large variety of Cases, plain and fancy, kept constantly on hand.  A call is respectfully solicited.  H. N. Wevere., Proprietor.

H. N. Wevere is not recorded in other photographic directories.