Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Major Pelham

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1849-1850       Corner Main and Elm Streets, Little Rock, Arkansas.

1851                Rooms in Temperance Hall, Washington, Arkansas.

1851                Rooms in the Brick Office, opposite D’Armond’s, Washington, Arkansas.

1851                Rooms in Temperance Hall, Washington, Arkansas.

Major Pelham was recorded in four advertisements and three announcements.  The first two advertisements appeared in the Weekly Arkansas Gazette (Little Rock, Arkansas).  Follower by two advertisements and three announcements in the Washington Telegraph (Washington, Arkansas).    The first advertisement was recorded between February 1 to September 20, 1849.Rock Hotel.  Major Pelham has leased, and will open for the accommodation of visitors and boarders, by the day, month, or year, that large brick edifice on the bank of the river, the first below the State House, in the city of Little Rock, Arkansas.  The House has been thoroughly cleansed and repaired, newly furnished, and entirely renovated in every respect.  His table will always be abundantly supplied with the very best the market affords.  A Reading Room has been opened, in which may always be found newspapers from various parts of the United States.

The Rock Hotel will be opened on the 5th day of February, 1849.

The second advertisement ran from September 20, 1849 to February 15, 1850.  Rock Hotel.  By Major Pelham, On the bank of the River, immediately below the State House, Corner Of Main And Elm Streets Little Rock, Arkansas.

A comfortable Reading Room and a stationary Daguerrean Gallery are attached to the Rock Hotel.

The third advertisement ran from July 9 to 30, 1851.  Mr. Pelham Has opened his Daguerrean Rooms in the Temperance Hall, (entrance next Dr. Jett’s Drug Store) where he will be found at all times.  He has a superior Camera, &c., and a splendid stock of materials.  Ladies and gentlemen please call and examine for yourselves.  July 4, 1851.

The fourth advertisement ran from August 6 to September 17, 1851. Daguerrean.  Mr. Pelham has opened Daguerrean Rooms in the Brick Office opposite Mr. D’Armond’s, where he will be pleased to see the ladies and gentlemen of Washington and vicinity.  He has a superior instrument and fine material, consisting in part of extra fine cases, Lockets, Pins, &c.  He has arranged a sky light, by which he is enabled to take likenesses in cloudy as well as clear weather.

The first announcement appeared on August 6, 1851.  Maj. Pelham is still taking excellent Daguerreotype portraits, at his rooms opposite D’Armond & Silliman’s store.—As the Major contemplates remaining but a short time longer, we would advise those who desire good portraits to call upon him without delay.

The second announcement appeared on November 26, 1851.  Daguerreotypes.—Major Pelham has re-opened his Daguerreotype rooms at Temperance Hall, with an entirely new apparatus, combining all the new improvements.  He will remain in town a week or ten days longer, and would be pleased to receive calls from all who desired his services in the line of his profession.

The third announcement appeared on December 10, 1851.  Maj. Pelham closes his Daguerrean rooms on Saturday next, positively.—Those who desire  fac similes of their beautiful faces, should make good use of the intervening time.

Major Pelham is recorded in Pioneer Photographers from The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865. The above provides additional information.

Peirce

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853-1854       39 Royal, and 30 Dauphin Streets, Mobile, Alabama.

Peirce was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on March 29 and December 6, 1854 in the Grove Hill Herald (Grove Hill, Alabama).  Peirce’s Daguerrean Gallery, Entrances, Nos. 39 Royal, and 30 Dauphin streets, Mobile.  Same Building with Turner’s Dental Office.  December 20, 1853.

Peirce is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Payne & Wellman

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1845                Rooms, over N. Beckwith’s Store, New London, Connecticut.

1845                Lawrence Building, Bank Street, New London, Connecticut.

Payne & Wellman (Elijah H. & Wellman) were recorded in three advertisements in the Morning News (New London, Connecticut..)  The first advertisement ran from April 11 to 18, 1845.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Payne & Wellman Would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen of this city to call at their Rooms, over N. Beckwith’s Store, on the Parade, and examine specimens of the Daguerrean Art, whether they contemplate sitting or not.  Their pictures are finished in such a manner that they are Indelible, and will be found to stand the test of a saline atmosphere.

Seaman will find this a favorable opportunity for procuring an imperishable and life-like Miniature of themselves, or friends.

Persons having Likenesses taken by the old process, can have them re-taken at a trifling expense.

The second advertisement ran from April 19 to 29, 1845.  Payne & Wellman Have Removed their Rooms to Lawrence’s Building, on Bank-street, where they are prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, in a manner superior to any heretofore taken in this city.

Ladies and Gents are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

The third advertisement ran from May 3 to 14, 1845.  Payne & Wellman, Daguerreotype Miniature Rooms, Lawrence’s Building, Bank-St.   Likenesses taken in all kinds of weather, warranted durable, and possessing all the beauties and perfection of nature.

Payne & Wellman are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Elijah H. Payne is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as (E. H. Payne) and being active in New London by himself in 1846.

Partridge

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Parkersburg, Virginia.

Partridge (unknown first name) was recorded in one article on March 1, 1859 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Look Out For Him!—An adroit thief, calling himself J. B. Hawkins, broke into the room of John R. Beard, a daguerrean artist at Cambridge, Ohio, night before last, and stole a valuable gold watch and a considerable sum of money.  Mr. Beard was in town yesterday on the hunt of the rascal who is now supposed to be lurking about this city.  Hawkins is supposed to be the same man who recently broke into Mr. Partridge’s daguerrean gallery in Parkersburg, and stole a sum of money.  He pretends to be a photographer, and has a smattering knowledge of the art.  He is about six feet high, sandy complexion, slightly freckled, grey eyes and decidedly awkward in his general appearance.  He has been pretty extensively engaged in the thieving line, and should be checked in his career before he does something which may entitle him to severer punishment than he now deserves.

Partridge is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Parkersburg.  Since the article was published in Wheeling, Virginia it is possible that this is Asa Cheney Partridge with an unknow gallery.  This is speculation on my part because no documented reference has been found to substantiate this claim.

Parker

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Elliot’s Buildings, Keene, New Hampshire.

Parker (first name unknown) was recorded in one announcement that appeared on April 29, 1847 in the New Hampshire Sentinel (Keene, New Hampshire).  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 now in town who have contracted with their principal agent, the Sun, for the right kind of light and 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.

Parker is not recorded in other photographic directories. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record John O. Parker in Manchester New Hampshire in 1856, at this point in time its unknown if they are the same person.  

John M. Parker

Daguerreotypes, ,

1860.               Address Unknown, New York, New York.

John M. Parker was recorded in one article that appeared on May 25, 1860 in The New York Times (New York, New York).  Law Report.  General Sessions.  The Court of General Sessions, Judge Russell presiding, commenced to try cases yesterday, at 11 A. M., and did not adjourn till some minutes after 6 P. M.  Yet only three cases were tried, and but one disposed of. 

John M. Parker, alias King, was charged with the manufacture of counterfeit bills on the Exchange Bank of Hartford, Conn.  He was a young man of respectable appearance, and a daguerreotypist by profession.  The principal evidence against him, perhaps, was a large box in his apartment in Fifty-second-street, containing about twenty bottles of chemicals, such as are used in the photographing process; several sheets of paper, resembling that on which bank bills are printed, but of inferior quality; and a newspaper, on which test had been made of the color and force of the stamp, in red designed for the denomination of the bills.  The bills exhibited in Court were evidently photographs, and were not good specimens of the craft of the artist.

A Man named Thomas Newell was detected in Fifty-first-street, on March 29, attempting to pass some of these bills.  He was a co-mate of Parker’s, residing in the same house, and his arrest led to that of Parker.  He will probably be tried to-day.  The defence yesterday set up for Parker was, that he was a daguerreotypist and photographer by profession, and that in taking photographic impressions of these bills he was only practicing, just as a young artist would sketch anywhere and everywhere, to give him facility and skill.  The jury, however, took another view of his photographing propensities and found him guilty of the offence charged.  Where-upon Judge Russell thought that a residence of five years in the State Prison would be beneficial to him, and he goes there, and for that time, accordingly.

John M. Parker is not recorded in other photographic directories, he is also not listed in the New York City Directories.

G. B. Parker

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847-1848       Rooms over R. W. Farwell’s Store, Claremont, New Hampshire.

G. B. Parker was recorded in two advertisements in the National Eagle (Claremont, New Hampshire).  The first advertisement ran from October 29 to December 3, 1847.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  G. B. Parker, Daguerrian Artists; Rooms over R. W. Farwell’s Store.  Persons desirous of obtaining likenesses of themselves, family or friends, are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  Pictures taken singly or in groups with or without coloring, [regardless] of weather.

G. B. P. having availed himself of the many recent improvements in Chemicals and Apparatus, feels confident in saying his pictures can be surpassed by none.

Portraits, Paintings, Engravings and Daguerreotypes copied.

The second advertisement ran from December 31, 1847 to March23, 1848.  Daguerreotype Miniatures executed in a clear, strong, bold character at Parker’s Daguerreotype Rooms over R. W. Farwell’s Store.  Those desirous of obtaining an elegant and correct Daguerreotype are respectfully invited to call at my rooms and examine numerous specimens of my work, executed in this place.

Prices varying from $1.00 to 5.00.

A Perfect Likeness warranted in any weather.

Instruction given and Apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.

G. B. Parker is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John A. Palmer

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854                Over Alderson’s Bookstore, Lewisburg, Virginia.

John A. Palmer was recorded in one advertisement that ran four times from June 17 to August 5, 1854 in the Greenbrier Era (Lewisburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes!  John A. Palmer Daguerreotypist.  Is now in this place, where he will remain a short time, and offer his services to the public—most earnestly soliciting a share of their patronage.  Pictures taken at from $1 to [$30] or [$10], and entire satisfaction guarantied.

Rooms—over Alderson’s Bookstore.

Attention is called to the Stereoscopic or solid Daguerreotype—the Most Perfect of all pictures—which he takes in the best style the art.

Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.  June 17.

John A. Palmer is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Outley & Denison

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1851-1852       Corner Washington Avenue and Third Street, St. Louis, Missouri.

Outley & Denison (John J. Outley & A. C. Denison) appeared in one advertisement on July 5, 1852 in the Daily St. Louis Times (St. Louis, Missouri).  One Dollar!  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  At Outley & Denison’s Daguerrean Gallery, (formerly Wood & Outley) corner of Washington avenue and Third street, St. Louis.

Pictures taken at the above Gallery from $1 to [10], which we warrant to be equal to any taken in St. Louis.  We would respectfully invite the public generally to call and [see] specimens before having pictures taken at any other rooms, as we pledge [ourselves] to give entire satisfaction in all cases, or no pay.

Instructions given in the art for $25.  All kinds of Daguerreotype stock on hand and for sale low. Outley & Denison, Artists.  oct3.

Outley & Denison are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry under Outley, John J. as Dennison (A. C.).  A more accurate date on the advertisement is October 3, probably 1851.  We also learn he was active prior to October 3 date in the partnership of Wood & Outley, this is possibly Gardner Wood based on entry dates in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Marcus Ormsbee

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

1842                62 Milk Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1843                75 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

1843-1844       31 Middle Street, Over J. D. Kidder’s Store, Portland, Maine.

1845-1846       144 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1847-1851       112 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1848                Cataract Block, Saco, Maine

1849-1850       8½ Daniel Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

1851-1862       203 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

1855                777 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

Marcus Ormsbee, this is a partial record of his activity before the partnership Ormsbee & Silsbee in Portland, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts (see yesterday’s post for partnership records).  He was recorded in eleven advertisements (three of which he was mentioned in) and one announcement in four different newspapers.  The first advertisement appeared on January 2, 1844 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  Ormsbee’s Daguerreotype Rooms, For Colored Miniatures, No. 31 Middle Street….Portland.  The Proprietor, who was the operator and Teacher at the Daguerreotype Studio, No. 62 Milk St., Boston, where the art flourished and superseded all other establishments of the kind, (the first year) has, since that time, been employed in the same capacity, at the well-known establishment, “Plumbe” Daguerrian Gallery, No. 75 Court Street; and in fact, has been Teacher of this beautiful and most desirable art ever since the application of the process to taking miniatures.

In compliance with numerous and urgent invitations from the inhabitants of Portland and vicinity, he has opened Rooms, (as above) where can be examined specimens of his work, some of which are taken of public men well known to most persons, and he does not hesitate in saying, would be recognized from their miniatures as readily as they could be, were their faces reflected in a mirror.—He is as will be observed, (having been long time familiar with every department,) well qualified to instruct, or execute, in the very best manner, Miniatures taken from life, copies of Portraits, Bust, Pictures, &c. &c., and color them equal to the finest and most delicately finished painting, with every variety of color in the dress.

His prices being the same, with settings and case, as heretofore charged without—the advantage to his Glass House, so easy of access, (being but one flight of the stairs from the ground)—also affording a light that will admit of producing equal results in any weather—he hopes from these inducements to receive an early call from those who are wanting miniatures taken by his process, which he warrants to produce a copy that cannot be mistaken by the youngest acquaintance.  He will further say, that should the miniatures after being taken and put into cases, not suit, the persons are under no obligation to take them.

N. B.  Instructions in the art given, and every article appertaining to the business furnished, warranted of the best quality, and at the very lowest prices.

Terms.—A single Miniature, with setting and case, $3.  Cases and Lockets furnished, (of superior quality,) from $5 to $15.

All communications (post paid) will receive prompt attention.  Dec. 27.

The second advertisement ran on June 4 & October 29, 1844 and on February 18, & April 15, 1845 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  The Art At Last Perfected!  By recent improvements, Ormsbee has brought the Daguerreotype Art of taking Miniatures to a perfection heretofore unparalleled, and he can now warrant, in every instance, a Perfect Likeness, colored or plain, and as strongly brought out as the finest painting or engraving.  Satisfactory proofs of this fact, may be seen at his Rooms, over the Store of J. D. Kidder, Middle Street, in the Miniatures of many well-known citizens, taken by him.  In no case will a sitter be obliged to pay for a Miniature unless it is perfectly satisfactory.

The process is not wearing to the most debilitated invalids; and such applicants as are confined at home he will wait upon at their houses, either in or out of the city.

A Single Miniature with handsome case $3.—Gold, Plated, and Gilt Lockets furnished cheaper than can be had here, or elsewhere.

Apparatus, with his late combination Lenses furnished, and instructions given at the lowest prices.  Portland May 29, 1844.

The third advertisement ran on December 3 to 24, 1844 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Now.  Thanksgiving, Christmas and New-Year are approaching.  Those who wish to confer presents, on ‘Cousins,’ parents, brothers or sisters, could not select a more appropriate gift than a Beautiful Miniature, colored and correct to the minutest particular—such a one may be obtained for only $3, at Ormsbee’s Daguerreotype Rooms, (over J. D. Kidder’s ) Middle st.—Now Is The Time.  nov. 29.

The fourth advertisement appeared on April 15, 1845 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Yes! It is rumored that Ormsbee is about leaving Portland—but notwithstanding his numerous invitations to go to Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and elsewhere, he is yet to be found at his old stand, “One Gross,” (143) Middle street, where he is now exhibiting Daguerreotype Miniatures taken by his very late improvement, by which they are taken much larger, more distinct, and in about one-fourth the time—the process now being but from 9 to 15 seconds sitting.  He is able to obtain Miniatures of groups of children much younger then heretofore, and to the same degree of perfection as of adults.

A single Miniature, with handsome case, $3—Gold, Plated, and Gilt Lockets furnished cheaper than can be had in any other place.

N. B.  Persons wishing to acquire the Art can be furnished with Apparatus of his recent improvements and be warranted with satisfactory instructions, with a few days’ practice, in the new process.

All communications, post paid, will be immediately answered.

The fifth advertisement appeared on December 16, 1845 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser. 

Thanks.  Giving, Christmas, and New Year’s.  If those in want of Presents for either of those days, would just reflect for a moment, will readily perceive the Great advantage that a Daguerreotype Miniature has over any other selection that would cost twenty times the amount.  Portland, Dec 2. 1845.

The sixth advertisement (the first he was mentioned in ) appeared on October 6, 1846 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Commercial Academy.  Messrs. Keene & Drake Have opened a Room at 144 Middle Street, same entrance as to Ormsbee’s Daguerreotype Rooms, for the purpose of teaching Writing and Book Keeping…

The seventh advertisement ran on January 26 & February 2, 1847 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Of Course!!  Although some have thought that Ormsbee would “of course” raise his prices for Daguerreotypes, because his competitors have left the city—he is yet happy to inform them that this opinion is incorrect.  All have still and opportunity of obtaining the most perfect Miniature, set in a good Morocco Case, for the same low price as heretofore–$1.50.  No. 112 Middle, opposite the [bot.] of temple St.

Then let those who are desirous of making the most acceptable Christmas or New Year’s Present, call on the subscriber and obtain a miniature of unrivalled finish.  See a new and splendid case of miniatures at the door.  Ormsbee.  Portland, Dec. 22, 1846.

The first announcement appeared on January 18, 1848 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).

Likeness of Gov. Fairfield.—Mr. Omsby (Sic.) has, at his Daguerreotype Room, an excellent likeness of the late Hon. John Fairfield, taken just before he left home for the last time,  From this he has taken several copies for some of our townsmen, and can take any number more.  The copies are life-like.  There are also likenesses from the plate engraved for the Democratic Review, but the expression is not so natural.  Mr. John Dennett has taken some very good Daguerreotype copies of this engraving.

Mr. Omsby’s room is in the Cataract Block, where all who wish may see this remembrancer of our late friend—and get a copy of their own features if they choose.

The eighth advertisement ran from April 11 to June 13, 1848 in the Maine Democrat.  Drowning.  “Drowning Men,”  the old adage says “will catch at straws.”  This I believe to be the case with my neighbor, and I would say competitor, had he ever produced one miniature that would bear the least comparison with the most ordinary of even the subscriber’s pupils.  The gent, of course a scholar, being a preacher and doctor, has called the public attention by his advertisement, which I presume he thinks is somewhat peppered with wit.  The troubled man says to the public, not to be duped by persons boasting of their superiority.  In reply to this, I will say that the gent fired without effect, as the daily increase of my customers induce me to believe that his reference to two or three group specimens, which were taken when in practice as a pupil , will not change public opinion in any degree, as relates to his, the ‘Elder’s great Humbug.’  Truly wonderful discoveries!  Hillographic Drawings, not the old dark, rough Daguerreotype, as he is pleased to call it.  I will further state to the public, that I practice the Daguerreotype process, and keep pace with the improvements in the art, having been favored with business enough to keep my whole time employed.  I shall not be obliged to attend two or three other kinds of professions, therefore can give my customers the best miniatures the art affords.  Ormsbee.  Saco, April 3, 1848.

The ninth advertisement (second that he was mentioned in) ran from July 12 to September 14, 1848 in the Portsmouth Daily Advertiser (Portland, Maine). 144 F. M. Danielson Having taken a Room No. 144 Middle Street, wishing to solicit the favor of the citizens of Portland and vicinity, in sitting for their Daguerreotypes, having been in the employ of Ormsbee & Silsbee for the past, and Ormsbee the two years preceding years, feels confident that he can satisfy his patrons with a Daguerreotype Miniature, equal if not better than any one who professes the art, and at the very low price of $1.50 put into Velvet lined, and $1.25 in silk lined cases. May 9. 144 Middle Street.

The tenth advertisement ran from December 26, 1849 to July 18, 1850 in the New-Hampshire Gazette (Portsmouth, New Hampshire).  Daguerreotypes Executed by the aid of Sky-Light.  The subscriber having made some further improvements, also securing the assistance of Mr. F. M. Danielson, his operator for about four years, and the past year having obtained the premium for the best miniatures, feels assured in stating to the citizens of Portsmouth and vicinity, that they may obtain likenesses as much superior to any ever made by common process, as those would be when compared with pictures taken when in the infancy of the Daguerreotype art.  Ormsbee.  Rooms 8½ Daniel street.  dec. 18.

The eleventh advertisement (third that he was mentioned in ) ran from November 13 to 15, 1850 in the Portland Daily Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  Daguerreotype Notice.  The subscriber having disposed of his Stock and Stand to George M. Howe would respectfully recommend him to his friends and the public generally.  M. Ormsbee.

Notice Extra!  George M. Howe having purchased the Stock and taken the Stand of M. Ormsbee would inform the public that Daguerreotypes can be had at his place as well as at any other establishment in the city or country.  Having secured the services of Ormsbee’s best operators he cannot fail to satisfy his customers.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, from one dollar to ten and rendered satisfactory, or no charge, at No. 112 Middle street.

Marcus Ormsbee is known and appears in several photographic directories, histories and journals.  The first advertisement we learn that in 1843 he was working for John Plumbe, Jr. in Boston.  A closer look is needed with his activity during and after 1848.  According to Craig’s Daguerreian Registry the partnership (Ormsbee & Silsbee) ended in 1848.  That is verified in the announcement that appeared on January 18, 1848 in the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine), and the following advertisement that ran from April 11 to June 13, 1848 in the Maine Democrat.   In the advertisement that ran from December 26, 1849 to July 18, 1850 in the New-Hampshire Gazette we learn that he is operating in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  That makes the advertisement that ran from June 1, 1858 to February 20, 1851 in the Christian Mirror (Portland, Maine). Question that assessment.  Daguerreotypes can be obtained at the rooms of Ormsbee & Silsbee, 112 Middle St. from the size fitting the Smallest Ring, Bracelet or Pin, to that of the plate measuring 55½ square inches.

Also—apparatus and stock of every kind appertaining to the business, furnished at prices Low as Can be purchased elsewhere.

N. B.  Instructions given in their Peculiar mode of operating.

Except for the eleventh advertisement above, where he sold the gallery and supplies to George M. Howe on November 13, 1850.  

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