Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Charles Thomas Rogers

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1849                12 Phenix Row, Belfast, Maine.

1850                Union Block, Front Street, Bath, Maine.

c. 1850-1852   Address Unknown, Portland, Maine.[1]

1853                Address Unknown, Gardner, Maine.1

1854                39½ Fourth, St. Louis, Missouri.

Charles Thomas Rogers was recorded in three advertisements and one entry in a regional directory, and one entry in.  The first advertisement ran from December 14 to 21, 1849 in the Republican Journal (Belfast, Maine).  Daguerreotype Rooms.  The Subscriber would respectfully inform this and adjoining towns, that he has taken rooms over No. 12 Phenix Row for the purpose of giving the ladies and gentlemen an opportunity of obtaining Miniatures of Themselves and friends.

Having practiced with one of the best artists in the country he feels confidence in himself, that he can give perfect satisfaction to all who may feel disposed to call.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  Instruction given in the art, and every thing pertaining thereto furnished on the most reasonable terms, and warranted of the best quality.  C. T. Rogers.  Belfast. Dec. 7, 1849.

The second advertisement ran from May 9 to July 11, 1850 in the Eastern Times (Bath, Maine). 

New daguerreotype Gallery.  C. T. Rogers Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Bath and vicinity that he has taken Rooms in Union Block, Front Street, Over D. Larrabee’s Bonnet Saloon, for the purpose of giving the Ladies and Gentlemen an opportunity of obtaining pictures for themselves and friends in superior style,  Neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets or cases.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens. 

Mementoes Of Life, while under the trying circumstances of final separation no price can purchase.

N.B.  Instruction given in the Art, and every thing pertaining thereto furnished, warranted the best quality, at the most reasonable prices.

Perfect satisfaction given or no pay.  Bath, May 6, 1849.[2]

The third advertisement appeared in the Montague’s Illinois And Missouri State Directory for 1854-1855.  C. T. Rogers, Would respectfully inform his friends and the public, that he has recently removed from his old rooms, on the corner of Fourth and Chestnut streets, to 39½ Fourth Street, Directly opposite the Planters’ House, St. Louis, MO., Where he has far better facilities for producing First Class Pictures, than at his former well known stand.  Mr. R. invites the attention of those desiring something Superior and Unique, in the way of Daguerreotypes, To Call At His New Rooms, Where he keeps constantly on hand a excellent assortment of Common and Fancy Cases, Frames, Gold Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., and will be happy to wait on all who may favor him with a visit.  His rooms are Easy of Access, being up only one Flight of Stairs.

He has also the advantage of a Large Skylight, and every improvement that can facilitate the making of Photographic Likenesses equal to any made in or out of St. Louis.  And without the aid of Foreign Operators.

Charges Reasonable.

The entry from regional directory from Montague’s Illinois And Missouri State Directory for 1854-1855.  Business section under Daguerrean Artists.  Rogers, C. T. 39½ Fourth.

Charles Thomas Rogers is recorded in other photographic directories, the activity dates from 1849 in Belfast, Maine; 1850 in Bath, Maine and the c. 1853-1854 St. Louis, Missouri dates have not previously been recorded.

[1] Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865.

[2] Date may be a typo first available issue to be looked at was March 14, 1850.  The advertisement did not appear between March 14 through May 2, 1850.

Alexander Rodgers

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

Alexander Rodgers was recorded in two announcements (same announcement in two different newspapers).  The first appeared on April 15, 1847 in the Daily National Intelligencer (Washington, D.C.)  Mr. Alexander Rodgers, a daguerreotypist, fell dead in the streets of New York on Monday.  It is supposed that his death was superinduced by inhalation from the mercury bath, which he is compelled to use in the practice of his art.

The second appeared on April 16, 1847 in the Richmond Whig (Richmond, Virginia).  Mr. Alexander Rodgers, a daguerreotypist, fell dead in the streets of New York on Monday.  It is supposed that his death was superinduced by inhalation from the mercury bath, which he is compelled to use in the practice of his art.

Alexander Rodgers is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Rodgers & Hooper

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                142 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut.

Rodgers & Hopper were recorded in two advertisements in the Morning Journal and Courier.  (New Haven, Connecticut).  The first advertisement ran from December 12 to 17, 1853.  Notice.  Rodgers & Hopper, (formerly Gerrish & Rodgers.)  Elm City Emporium Of Art, 142 Chapel Street, New Haven.

Mr. H. J. Rodgers has associated with him Mr. H. Hopper, a celebrated daguerrean operator, and a perfecter of many of the fine arts,—therefore Daguerreotypes executed by him, and Mr. Rodgers, the perfecter of an entirely new chemical process, will need no comment to recommend them.  No expense has been spared in procuring the best Cameras that are manufactured, and as superior materials only are used, they are prepared to take likenesses that are unsurpassed for boldness, truthfulness, beauty of finish, and durability. Pictures taken equally well in fair and cloudy weather, and all are warranted to give entire satisfaction.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine our specimens.  H. J. Rodgers, H. Hopper. 

The second advertisement appeared on December 15, 1853.  Emporium of Art We Greet Thee—Ever Bright And Glorious Christmas And New Years.  Rodgers & Hopper Would respectfully announce to the lovers of the fine arts that they have just received a most splendid assortment of fancy daguerreotype cases, suitable for Holiday Presents, of every style, both foreign and domestic.

Pictures taken at their extensive Emporium of Art shall without fail give the utmost satisfaction.

Our Motto—We will please all.

Then hurrah! For New Years! Away with dull care!

We will join in a chorus of praise that day.

And gaily to Rodgers & Hopper’s repair

To view with delight their artistic display.

Elm City Emporium of Art, 142 Chapel st. New Haven, opp. Lyon Building.

Rodgers & Hooper are not recorded as partners in other photographic directories.  Hart J. Rodgers is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as J. Hart Rodgers and Henry Hopper is also recorded in Craig’s as being active in New Haven, Connecticut.  Preliminary search of the New Haven newspapers suggest that the partnership was short lived.  Rodgers does not show up in the newspapers again until January 12, 1855.  Mr. H. J. Rodgers, (Formerly Rodgers & Hopper) has returned from his successful business tour of nearly a year in the “far west” and south…

R. Robinson

Daguerreotypes

1854                Address Unknown, Waldoboro, Maine.

R. Robinson was recorded in one announcement that appeared on September 7, 1854 in the  Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine).  The Late Fire At Waldoboro.  In our last we gave the account of the recent disastrous conflagration at Waldoboro…more than one hundred and fifty buildings were destroyed, including stores and dwelling houses, and seventy-five families were left houseless…The following is a list of the sufferers:—…R. Robinson, Daguerreotypist.

R. Robinson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Robb & Taylor

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850                Second Street, Maysville, Kentucky.

Robb & Taylor (Joseph Robb & Robert T. Taylor) were recorded in one advertisement that appeared 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.

Robb & Taylor are not listed I other photographic directories.

Rihl & Mayhew

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849-1850       Rooms over Mr. Long’s Drug Store, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Rihl & Mayhew was recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 4, 1849 to January 8, 1850 in The Lancaster Examiner (Lancaster, Pennsylvania).  Rihl & Mayhew, Daguerreotype Rooms, Over Mr. Long’s Drug Store, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  The subscribers have opened a Room at the place, and are now prepared to take portraits of all sizes, ranging in price from $1.00 to $10.00  Visitors are informed that no portrait will be allowed to leave which is not satisfactory to the sitter.

Perfect Pictures Guarantied.  If you wish a family group, a portrait of children.  If you wish a copy of a Daguerreotype—of a painting or engraving, a portrait of a deceased person—a view of a public or private building, a portrait set in a breast-pin, bracelet, locket or ring.  Call upon us.  Pictures taken in all weathers.  Hours from 8 until sunset.  Hours for Children from 10 until 3.

Instructions given and all articles used in the business furnished at reasonable prices.  Rihl & Mayhew.

Rihl & Mayhew (first names unknown) are not recorded in other photographic directories as being in partnership or in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record an Edward Rihl in Philadelphia from 1852 to 1860.  W. T. Mayhew is also recorded c. 1850 address and location unknown.  It is unknown if they are the same persons.

Richards

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                3 Exchange Block, Alexandria, Virginia.

Richards appeared in one advertisement that was recorded on November 14, 1853 in the Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia).  Daguerrean Fancy Goods.—Richards’, No. 3 Exchange Block, has every article generally kept in a Fancy Store, and of the best quality, and will be sold cheap.  Now if you want your Daguerreotype in a first rate case, go to Richards, and buy $5 worth of goods, and he will give you your picture free of charge.  The pictures are perfect, and warranted not to fade. 

Richards is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George K. Richards

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852-1853       New Exchange Building, Concord, New Hampshire.

1853                Address Unknown, Concord, New Hampshire.

George K. Richards was recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 18, 1852 to January 13, 1853 in the Independent Democrat (Concord, New Hampshire), and the Concord, New Hampshire City Directory for 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms!  The subscriber respectfully informs the inhabitants of Concord and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in the New Exchange, Three Doors South, of the Eagle Hotel, Where he invites all those who wish for a good Daguerreotype of themselves or friends to give him a call.  Having the advantage of a good Sky-Light, and using nothing but the best Stock and Chemicals, he flatters himself that he will be able to give satisfaction, and no pains shall be wanting on his part to do so.

The public are invited to call and examine specimens.

Miniatures, Taken single or in Groups, and neatly set in Frames, Jenny Lind, Chinese or common Cases; Lockets, Pins, Bracelets, &c., & c.  Copies taken from Portraits, Engravings, Daguerreotypes, &c.

All Pictures Warranted not to fade.

Daguerreotypes cleaned and Preservers put on to keep out the dust.  Old Pictures reset in New Silk, or Velvet Cases.  Geo K. Richards.

The 1853 Concord, New Hampshire City Directory, Residence Listing records Richards, G. K. as a daguerreotypist, business address not listed he boarded at A. H. Wigging.  

George K. Richards was recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as G. K. Richards as being active in Concord, New Hampshire in 1853-1854.  The debate over using the publication date of the city directory is controversial, at best.  In this case using 1853-1854 suggest that he was active during both years.  When in fact the information was recorded in late 1852 or early 1853. He might have moved on by the time the directory was published, so the 1854 date is misleading.

W. A. Retzer

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1844                341 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1845                129 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1846-1847       Rooms one door above Citizens’ Bank. Lynchburg, Virginia.

W. A. Retzer was recorded in four advertisements and one announcement.  The first advertisement ran from May 28 to August 31, 1846 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Silver Medal Awarded by the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, and the American Institute, New York, from Improved Daguerreotype Likenesses, taken by Van Loan & Retzer.

W. A. Retzer’s rooms one door above the Citizens’ Saving Bank. Lynchburg, Va. Where can be seen specimens of those exquisite works of art, which are pronounced by scientific gentlemen of Philadelphia and New York, to stand unrivalled either in Europe or America.

Oil Paintings, Miniatures, and all kinds of Pictures accurately copied.

Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.

It is a common idea that these pictures will not stand the test of time—all such defect is entirely moved, as they are gilded by the galvanic process and will never fade.  Instructions given in the art, and apparatus of the most approved kind furnished.  Materials of all kinds used in the art for sale.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

Pen  from 8 o’clock, A. M. to 6 P. M.

The announcement appeared on January 7, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  List Of Letters Remaining in the Post Office in Lynchburg, on the 1st day of January 1847…Retzer, Wm. A.

The second advertisement was recorded on January 28, March 18 & 22, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Having appointed J. H. Fitzgibbon my agent in Lynchburg for the sale of Pictures, Cammeras (sic.) Plates, Chemicals, Cases and all other articles used in the Daguerreotype business.  Operators in this section of the Country will find it to their advantage to give me a call for they will find all articles at the Northern prices. Instructions also given in the Art.

Pictures taken as usual at my room nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, in all kinds of weather. Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine the numerous specimens I now have on hand. Open from 8 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M.

The third advertisement he was mentioned in first appeared on April 5, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

The fourth advertisement that he was mentioned in appeared on May 3, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

W. A. Retzer is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active Lynchburg, Virginia.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a W. A. Retzer being active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1844-1845. Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 also records him in Philadelphia in 1840-41.

S. Rea

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                23 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

1851                Rooms in Sharpe & Yandee’s Building, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1852                Address Unknown, Indianapolis, Indiana.

S. Rea (probably Sampson Rea) was recorded in one advertisement and five announcements.  The advertisement ran from January 15 to February 14, 1850 in the  Cincinnati Commercial Tribune (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Rea’s National Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 23 4th st., between Main and Sycamore.  Mr. Rea respectfully informs his patrons and the public generally, that he has recently at a very heavy expense, remodeled and re-fitted his splendid suit of Daguerreotype rooms; in doing which he has ad an eye specially to the comfort and accommodation of the ladies, and he pledges himself that neither pains nor expense shall be spared on his part to render his gallery one of the most fashionable and genteel resorts in the city.

Those calling on Mr. R. for pictures, either single or in groups, are positively assured that they shall have entire satisfaction in every sense of the word, or no charge.

Pictures taken of all sizes, and at all prices, the price ranging according to size and put up in every variety of style.

Hours for operating from 9 o’clock A. M., to 4 o’clock P. M., without regard to weather.

The five announcements were recorded in the Indiana State Sentinel (Indianapolis, Indiana).  The first appeared on February 6.  Mr. Rae’s Portrait Gallery of members of the convention is rapidly filling up.  Amongst the portraits already taken, we observe those of many of the most prominent members of the convention.  These likenesses are perfect, and we have never seen them equaled as works of art.  When completed, the picture will be a beautiful and enduring specimen of the perfection to which the delicate art of Daguerreotyping has been brought by an Indiana artist, and will be alike creditable to the State and honorable Mr. Rae.

Mr. Rea proposes to get up a similar picture of the members of the Senate, to be deposited with this one in the State Library as the property of the State.  If the Senators will call at his rooms and examine his pictures, we are sure they will all willingly do their part towards getting up the picture.

The second announcement appeared on June 12, 1851.  Mr. Rea, the Daguerrean Artist, has removed to the State Library his portraits of fifty members of the Convention.  Taken altogether they are the best specimens we ever witnessed of the perfection to which the beautiful art, originated by Daguerre, has arrived.  Each portrait is a perfect likeness, and shows the features of the face, the hair on the head and each freckle or mole, which marked the original, with a distinctness and truth to nature which could be attained by no other process, and which we never saw before, even in a Daguerreotype.  The gift is an enduring monument of Mr. Rea’s skill and proficiency as an artist.

The following are the names of the gentlemen whose portraits are embraced in Mr. Rea’s Collection: 

T. W. Gibson, Robert Dale Owen, W. F. Sherrod, A. P. Hovey, Geo. W. Carr, W. H. English, Secretary, Daniel Kelso, H. P. Biddle, H. Allen, W. M. Dunn, W. S. Holman, W. R. Haddon, J. B. Foley, Smith Jones, S. P. Mooney, B. F. Brookbank, J. S. Newman, T. A. Hendricks, Jonathan Harbolt, J. P. Chapman, D. Reed, James Lockhart, J. E. Blythe, H. Prather, James Elliott, Jefferson Helm, H. E. Carter, Allen Hamilton, T. I. Bourne, J. F. Carr, W. March, J. B. Niles, R. H. Milroy, C. W. Barbour, M. G. Bright, H. P. Thornton, J. W. Borden, C. C. Nave, J. L. Spann, J. G. Read, J. Rariden, P. M. Kent, D. Kilgore, E. D. Taylor, N. B. Hawkins, O. P. Badger, S. Hall, M. A. Duzan, J. P. Dunn.  **Only 49 names appeared in the article.

The third announcement appeared on October 9, 1851.  “Here Life Seems Speaking From A Hundred Frames.”—The new and beautiful Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. S. Rea are completed, and are now open for the reception of visitors.  The quality of Mr. Rea’s pictures has always been greatly admired, but since he has introduced the improvement of his new sky-light, and side-lights, he is enabled to give a much better finish to Daguerreotypes, and to produce a more perfect picture than heretofore.  By his new arrangement of light, the difficulty heretofore experienced in taking the likenesses of children, aged persons, and those with light-colored or weak eyes, has been removed, and an impression is taken on the plate in a very short space of time.  We have seen several of his pictures taken by the new light, and for beautiful gradation of light and shade, clearness in the image, and the softness of tone, we have never seen them equaled.

The Metropolitan Gallery consists of two large rooms, in Sharpe & Yandee’s building.  One is used for operating, and the other as the gallery and reception room.  The latter is tastefully and splendidly furnished, the pictures being arranged on each side of the room, and also in the frame-work of a circular moveable case, placed on a pedestal in the centre of the room.  His beautiful assortment of fine gold lockets and breastpins for miniatures, occupy a portion of this case.

Mr. Rea has secured the services of Mr. Charles W. Purcell, of Baltimore, an experienced operator, and he pledges himself that not a picture shall leave his establishment that does not give entire satisfaction.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 28, 1852.  The State Fair.  It is supposed that fifty thousand persons visited the Fair yesterday….

S. Rea, of this city, exhibited in two large frames, Daguerreotypes of the members of the last Senate and House, of this State.  Also, likenesses of many of the young ladies of this city—beautiful, of course, or they would not have been likenesses.  These Daguerreotypes were executed in Rea’s best style, which is equivalent to saying that they cannot be excelled in the world.

Mr. Weibling, from Connersville, also exhibits some excellent Daguerreotypes.  Many of his pictures very nearly, if not quite, equaled Rea’s, and were highly creditable productions.

The fifth announcement appeared on November 4, 1852.  Premiums Awarded at the First Annual State Fair of Indiana, 1852, as Reported by the Several Committees….Manufactured Articles….

Daguerrean Art, four frames, from the studio of S. Rea, Indianapolis.  The crowd of admiring spectators who constantly surrounded these pictures, attested the approbation of the public.  They were justly regarded as admirable specimens of the art, in style of finish, posture, coloring, and design.  They are worthy the general commendation they received.  Premium $10 and diploma.

Daguerreotypes, a case from W. Weibling, of Connersville, containing several creditable portraits, and exhibiting a good degree of taste and skill in the artist.  $2 and diploma.

Fancy Label, attached to Rea’s Daguerrean collection, from the same.  The committee pronounce them creditable specimens of the art.

S. (Sampson) Rea is recorded in other photographic directories (Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.)  Further research is needed on Rea, I have only scratched the surface of the Ohio and Indiana newspapers, but preliminary research suggests that they are the same person.  

Several questions remain unanswered, does Rea have a connection with the Plumbe Gallery in Cincinnati?  Recorded in the Cincinnati newspaper the gallery is referred to as “Rea’s National Daguerreotype Gallery”  the similarity to “Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery” comes to mind.

In the same advertisement dated January 15, 1850 he refers to his patrons and the public generally.  This suggest that he may have been operating earlier than January 15, 1850.

In the third announcement dated October 9, 1851 states that “Mr. Rea has secured the services of Mr. Charles W. Purcell, of Baltimore” to work with/for him.  While in Baltimore he did work for Plumbe.  Is this another connection to Plumbe, or just is it just coincidence?