Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Robert T. Taylor

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1850                Second Street, Maysville, Kentucky.

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

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

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

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

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

A. H. Taylor

Daguerreotypes,

1854-1855       Address Unknown, Rock Island, Illinois.

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

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

Lives in that posture and beams in that face!

As the sunlight transfers the soul speaking eye.

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

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

Since the Lassie herself knows the secret so well,

Enough that we trace in such toughing  perfection.

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

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

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

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

Prices of pictures $1.50 and upwards.

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

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

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

Go gentlemen go, go ladies and children,

Go all ye who love the fine arts,—

Now in Rock Island we have a Daguerrean—

That Skill to the science imparts.

I am sure he is bound to excel

Any that’s been here before—

His specimens you’ll see are done well,

And like Them he can take many more.

Come ye country girls with your fair faces

And sit and your shadows he’ll take,

And ye city belles with your fine graces

More beautiful in pictures he’ll make.

And the widows who are so bewitching—

I’m sure they’d better be fleet, 

For ‘twill save them a deal of hard fishin

To Hang up their busts in the street.

And the bachelors with their wry faces,

I think would look better too,

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

Than to always be seen in a skew.

I’m sure that the artist of Greece,

Or the famed Parhassius of old,

Their patrons no better did please,

For the same small quantity of gold.

Now mind don’t forget thee, I pray,

If you wish for a picture that’s true,

And of some Other place stray,

Where the business they only half do.

A. H. Taylor,—the best in the place,

We know a good artist to be;

If you disbelieve us, we ask you to please

Walk up and his specimens see.  From A Patron.

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

Prices of pictures $1.50 and upwards.

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

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

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

J. Tanner

Daguerreotypes, ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

J. Tanner is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Sturgess & Taylor

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

H. M. Stuart

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

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

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stover

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, Warrenton, Virginia.

Stover (unknown first name) appeared in one announcement on January 10, 1857 in the Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia).  We understand that the man Stover, who spent a month or two in town, some time ago, as a Daguerreotypist, and who left Warrenton one morning very suddenly, just before Christmas, to the surprise and annoyance of the landlord of the Farmers’ Hotel, Mr. Smarr, was ordered away from Rappahannock for saying considered a negro better than a white man.  Such fellows should be watched wherever they go.

Stover is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Virginia.

Jesse & Gardner W. Stone

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1847                2 Gerould’s Building, Keene, New Hampshire.

1851                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Jesse & Gardner W. Stone were recorded in one Announcement and two advertisement in the New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, New Hampshire), and one advertisement in the 1851 Boston City Directory. The announcement appeared on April 29, 1847. Daguerreotypes.–those who desire to have their likenesses transferred with “frightful accuracy” to a polished metallic plate, have ample room to choose. There are at least three good Daguerreotypist ow in town who have contracted with their principal agent, the Sun, for the right kind of light ad just enough of it. Messrs. Stone in Gerould’s block–Parker in Elliot’s buildings and Wilsons, a few doors north of the Cheshire House, are all ready to wait upon their customers, and will give them as good pictures as they will be able to get in the cities.

Those who wish a portrait by a very superior artist, should call upon Mr. Mason, portrait painter, at his rooms at the Cheshire House, where he will be happy to show some fine specimens of the art.

The first advertisement ran from April 29 to May 13, 1847.  J. & G. W. Stone’s Daguerrian Gallery, No. 2 Gerould’s Block.  Persons desirous of obtaining Likenesses of themselves, or friends, or copies from Paintings, Portraits, and Miniatures, are respectfully invited to call, and examine a great variety of specimens.

Are arrangements are such, that we can take Miniatures of Children of almost any age, and decreased persons, either at our Rooms, or at private residences.

In boldness of character, beauty of expression, and delicacy of light and shade, we shall aim at the highest perfection possible.

Miniatures taken in any weather, and set in Frames, Cases, Lockets, Pins, Bracelets, and Rings, and warranted satisfactory Likenesses, or no charge.

American and German Instruments, and Daguerreotype Materials of all kinds for sale; and instruction given in the art.

The second advertisement ran from November 18 to December 2, 1847.  Dissolution.  This day dissolved, by mutual consent, the Copartnership known as the firm of J. & G. W. Stone, Daguerrean Artists.  All accounts settled by G. W. Stone.  Jesse Stone, Gardner W. Stone. Nov. 9, 1847.

A Card to the Public.  G. W. Stone would tender his thanks to his friends and the public for past favors and would inform them that he continues to take Plain and Colored Daguerreotype Miniatures, in the neatest and most approved styles, and set in Pins, Bracelets, Lockets, Cases and Frames, at No. 2 Gerould’s Building.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

1851 Boston City Directory (Boston, Massachusetts).  Stone’s Daguerrian Rooms, No. 34 Tremont Row.  The facilities for executing likenesses,—single and in groups,—at the above rooms, are unsurpassed in the city.  Please call and examine specimens previous to sitting elsewhere.  J. Stone.  G. W. Stone.

Jesse and Gardner W. Stone are both known for working in Boston, Massachusetts.  Gardner W. Stone has previously appeared in the blog on March 28, 2021.  As I work through the New Hampshire newspapers I anticipate I will find them in other locations.

[1] 1851 Boston City Directory residence listing and advertisement.

C. D. Stewart

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Over Gilman’s Drug Store, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

1854-1855       Over M. W. Galt & Brothers Jewelry Store, 324 Pennsylvania Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets, Washington, D. C.

C. D. Stewart was recorded in four different Washington, D. C. Newspapers between June 29, 1854 and December 22, 1855 for a total of forty one entries. Way too many to include in this blog.  But since he is not recorded in other photographic directories I felt it was important to mention him now. 

The list of newspapers are listed below

Daily Evening Star……….17 entries.

Evening Star ………………17 entries.

Daily American Organ…… 5 entries.

Washington Sentinel …….. 2 entries.      

W. A. Stevens

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848-1849       Water Street, over John F. Child’s Harness Store, Augusta, Maine.

W. A. Stevens was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 28, 1848 to January 11, 1849 in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine).  Daguerreotype Miniatures Executed In Superior Style, Plain or Colored, for One Dollar—at the Rooms of the Subscriber, over John F. Child’s Harness Store, Water street.  Miniatures Set In Lockets, Pins, Cases, or in any style to suit.

Portraits, Landscapes, or Daguerreotypes copied true to the original.  Old Imperfect Pictures re-taken, on new Plates, for 50 Cents.  Pictures taken at my Rooms are warranted not to fade.  The public are invited to call and judge for themselves.  W. A. Stevens.

W. A. Stevens is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Edward Stevens

Daguerreotypes, ,

N. D.               Address and Location Unknown.

Edward Stevens appeared in one announcement on February 8, 1853 in the Maine Democrat  (Saco, Maine).  Suicide.—In Kennebunk Port last Monday, 31st ult., Mr. Edward Stevens, having had some words with his wife about correcting one of the children, which very much excited him, took his leave of his family and said he was going up stairs to hang himself.  This he had often said before, and therefore the threat did not alarm them.  After a while his wife thought she would go up and see what he was about.  When she got into the chamber shocking to tell, he had fulfilled his word and was hanging by the neck.  With much courage his wife at once cut him down, to save his life if possible, but the vital spark had fled.  He has got his chest of tools ready to go away to work, when this freak of temper caused him to throw away his life.  This information we have from a correspondent at that place.—Argus.

A correspondent of the Boston Courier says Mr. Stevens was a man of some power and talent, but without stability of purpose or fixedness of principle, and had practiced for short periods most varied pursuits—among others that of a preacher, botanic physician, school teacher, daguerreotypist, writing master, abolitionist and ship carpenter, in which last capacity he was esteemed to be a good workman.  A predisposition to insanity, and long disturbed domestic relations, led to his tragic end, and a wife and five children and a father-in-law are left without the smallest means of support.

Edward Stevens does not appear in other photographic directories.