Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

D. W. Grout

Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , , , , ,

1854                Rooms opposite the Ingersoll Block, Pulaski, New York.

1857                Address Unknown, Pulaski, New York.

1859                Address Unknown, Pulaski, New York.                                                                                

D. W. Grout was recorded in Six advertisements and two announcements in The Pulaski Democrat (Pulaski, New York).  The first advertisement was recorded on July 28, 1853.  Plain and Fancy Harness, which he sells on better terms considering quality, than can be bought in the County, also Bridles, Halters, Trunks, Whips, Lashes, Harness and Carriage Trimmings, Saddlers Silk, and all other articles usually kept in this line of business.

Particular attention paid to repairing, cleaning and oiling harnesses.  Please call before purchasing.  D. W. Grout.  Shop next door to Angell& Seeley’s Store.

The first announcement appeared on January 12, 1854.  We learn that Mr. Tucker has bought the stock of Mr. Grout, harness maker, in this village, the latter retiring from the business.

The second advertisement ran from September 28 to December 28, 1854.  Daguerrean Rooms.  The Subscriber would return thanks to the public for the liberal patronage extended to him since engaging n the Daguerrean business in this place, and hopes for a continuance of the same.  He has just returned from below with a large and choice variety of Beautiful Frames. Morocco, Velvet, Union, Silver plated and Paper Mache Cases, and an Improved Large Sized Instrument which together with the facilities his rooms possess in light and apparatus will enable him to conduct the business to the satisfaction of all.

Pictures of all sizes taken and inserted in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets or any style of Cases.  Old pictures retaken at a slight expense. Likenesses of sick or deceased persons, taken at their residences if desired, at reasonable prices.

Ladies visiting rooms for a picture, if desiring dark drapery should wear black, red, maroon, yellow, Crimson, dark green or brown.  If desiring light drapery, they should wear white, blue, pink, light green or drab.  Good pictures warranted in all cases.

Rooms opposite the Ingersoll Block, Pulaski.  September 21st. 1854.  D. W. Grout.

The third advertisement ran from October 15 to November 19, 1857.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes & Daguerreotypes.  D. W. Grout, Having re-opened his Rooms and arranged things in taking order, will be found on hand at all times ready to wait on those wishing a first-class picture of themselves, family or friends, in any of the modern styles.

Children’s pictures taken in from 1 to 3 seconds between the hours of 10 A. M.to 2 P. M. only

Old pictures copied and improved.  Ambrotypes of residences or other out-door views made to order.  Always on hand a splendid assortment of cases and frames of every style.  Particular attention called to his gilt and plain frames for wall pictures. 

N. B.—20 per cent discount to parties or families of 5 or over.  Those desiring rich dark drapery should avoid in dress an excess of white, pink or light blue.

Rooms openfrom8 A. M.to 5 P.M. and pictures made at all times without regard to weather. 

Satisfaction given in all cases and charges reasonable.  D. W. Grout.

The fourth advertisement ran from January 6 to February 17, 1859.  “Not for a day, but for all time.”  Do you know you can get one of Gout’s superb double glass pictures for 4 shillings at the same price you pay for a worthless imitation?

Having just returned from New York with an assortment of cases comprising over one hundred different styles, sizes and patterns, varying in prices , with pictures, from four shilling to $5.

I would solicit a continuation of the patronage heretofore so liberally bestowed, feeling confident that I can suit the most fastidious, bout in pictures and settings. 

N.B.  Operators supplied with stock of all kinds.  D. W. Grout.  Pulaski, Oct. 14, 1858.

The fifth advertisement ran from January 6 to December 28, 1859.  D. W. Grout, Daguerrean Artists, Pulaski, N. Y.  Lockets, Cases, Frames, &c. of all styles, always on hand. Pictures unsurpassed.

The sixth advertisement ran from March 10 to December 29, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures! The Subscriber has just received an addition to his stock, which comprises all the Latest Styles Of Cases, and everything pertaining to the Picture trade. By keeping posted in all the improvements in the art, I am enabled to give my patrons the benefit of any Real Improvements that may be made, having three different sizes of Quick Working Cameras.

Perfect Pictures in every known Style, Variety, and Size can be made on short notice, and with a beauty of tone and sharpness of outline unsurpassed.

N. B.  The subscriber does not propose to e undersold by anything in this vicinity.

Artists materials and stock of all kinds at New York prices.

For sale, a daguerrean Car—will be sold for half its value. D. W. Grout.

The second announcement appeared on April 28, 1859.  New Office.—We understand that Chas. H. Cross, Esq., will immediately commence the erection of a new brick office, on the present site of Grout’s Daguerrean Saloon, which will soon occupy the second story of the new structure.

D. W. Grout is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a D. W. Gront who was active in Pulaski and Richland, New York in 1859.  They are probably the same person.

D. C. Grinnell

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853-1854       212 Broadway, New York, New York.

D. C. Grinnell was recorded in five advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement ran on December 13 & 14, 1853.  Grinnell’s Daguerreotypes, 212 Broadway, corner of Fulton street, near Barnum’s Museum.—Daguerreotype likenesses of every description, from the largest to the smallest size.  Copies of daguerreotypes, portraits, engravings, landscapes, &c., executed in the highest perfection of the art, 212 Broadway, corner of Fulton Street.  Editors of country newspapers in the United States and Canada copying the above advertisement will be entitled to Daguerreotypes taken at this establishment to the amount of their advertising.  They will forward a paper as soon as inserted.  D. C. Grinnell.

The second advertisement ran from December 15 to 22, 1853.  Grinnell’s Daguerreotypes, in Colors, 212 Broadway, corner of Fulton street, near Barnum’s Museum.  Pearl, papier mache, inlaid, Turkey, embossed, French and American cases, lockets, of every description, suitable for holiday gifts.  Next door to Barnum’s Museum.

The third advertisement appeared on December 25, 1853.  Grinnell’s Twenty-five Cent Daguerrean establishment, 212 Broadway, corner of Fulton street, near Barnum’s Museum, the cheapest and only wholesale establishment in the world.  Daguerreotypes true to life at Grinnell’s, 212 Broadway.

The fourth advertisement appeared on December 27, 1853.  Grinnell’s 25 cent Daguerreotypes, 212 Broadway, corner of Fulton street, near Barnum’s museum.  Daguerreotypes for 50 cents, $1, $3, $5, $10, $20 and $30, in colors or ivory, and of every description known in the art, at the new establishment, 212 Broadway, corner of Fulton street.

 The fifth advertisement appeared on January 26, 1854. A Partner Wanted—With About Three hundred dollars, in an old established cash business, up town, paying a large profit, and no risk whatever, for further information inquire at Grinnell’s daguerrean gallery, 212 Broadway, room 24, fifth floor.

D. C. Grinnell is not recorded in other photographic directories.  There is a possibly that this is DeWitt C. Grenell who was recorded in my blog on 4-9-19.  DeWitt C. Grenell is listed in the New York City Directory for 1852/1853; and Grenell and Grinnell are not recorded in the 1853/1854 NYC Directory.

Thomas J. Gray

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Franklin Mills (Kent), Ohio.

Thomas J. Gray was recorded in one advertisement that ran on June 11 & 18, 1857 in The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  Thos. J. Grey, Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, Photograph and Sphereotype Artist, Franklin Mills, Ohio.  Is taking every known kind of likenesses in the most superior style of the art.  Particular attention is called to my Sphereotype specimens, also to my pictures on Patent Leather.  Persons wishing Likenesses of themselves or friends are invited to call and examine my specimens, at the Car, before going elsewhere.  First premium awarded at the Geauga County Fair, over all competition.  Franklin.

Thomas J. Gray is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Grant & Nixon

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Address Unknown, Union Village, New York.

Grant & Nixon were recorded in one announcement that appeared on August 27, in the  Washington County Journal (Union Village, New York).  Premium Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We take much pleasure in commending the Miniature Gallery of Messrs. Grant & Nixon to the attention of our citizens and the public generally.  They are located in the same building with ourself and in the room directly opposite our office, where they are daily producing some of the finest Pictures and most exact Likenesses we have ever seen.  Their Pictures are beautifully drawn out and possess a clearness, richness, life-like accuracy and brilliancy of finish we have rarely seen equaled and never surpassed! They have likenesses of several eminent public men and a great variety of splendid specimens in the Photographic Art.  Of course you will not take our word for all this, but call and see for yourselves—when, we are quite sure you will not fail to let the Operators give you a sitting of 20 or 30 seconds, just to see what a few glances of the sun beams can do.

Grant & Nixon do not appear in other photographic directories.

Gove & Widney

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1851                Water Street, over the Insurance Office, Evansville, Indiana.

Gove & Widney (Gove & J. H. Widney) were mentioned in two advertisements in The Evansville Daily Journal  (Evansville, Indiana).  The first advertisement ran from August 27 to October 11, 1851.  Daguerrian Gallery.  J. H. Widney would respectfully inform the citizens of Evansville and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by Gove & Widney, over the Insurance Office Water street, where he has located for the purpose of conducting his profession, and would invite citizens and visitors to call at his rooms and examine his specimens, where he will be happy to furnish those who may wish their likenesses in cases of large or small size, single or in groups, in Breastpins or Lockets, on the most reasonable terms, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

N. B.—Instructions given in the art, on reasonable terms.  Likenesses taken in all kinds of Weather.  [aug16.]

The second advertisement ran from November 8, 1851 to June 15, 1852.  Dobyns & Co.’S Daguerreotype Galleries.

No. 489 Main Street, Louisville, Ky.

No. 1 Fowlke’s Row, Memphis, Tenn.

Nos. 6 & 23 Camp Street, New Orleans.

Corner 4th and Chestnut sts, St. Louis, Mo.

J. T. Yearout & L. S. Lipman, of the above firm would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Evansville and the public generally, that they have taken Rooms on Water st., over Insurance office, and that they are permanently located at Evansville, in the Daguerrean Rooms formerly occupied by Gove & Widney, where one of them may be found at all hours of the day, ready and prepared to take Likenesses of all sizes and descriptions, to exhibit specimens of their work, sell stock, give instruction in the art and wait upon all who may favor them with a call.

N. B.—All work done by them will be warranted to give perfect satisfaction or no charge made.

Constantly on hand a full supply of Daguerreotype Stock for sale.

The above rooms are now furnished and open.  All are invited to call and examine for themselves.                                                                         

Gove & Widney are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Gove and Stone

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                7 Main Street, Taunton, Massachusetts.

Gove and Stone (possibly William S. Gove & Gardner W. Stone) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from August 16 to August 22, 1850. In the Taunton Democrat (Taunton, Massachusetts). 

Colored Daguerreotypes.  Messrs. Gove & Stone from Boston.  Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Taunton and vicinity, that they have taken the new sky light Daguerreotype Rooms formerly occupied by H. S. Dunshee & Brother No. 7 Main St., where they will be happy to wait upon all who may be in want of good likenesses of themselves or friends, being provided with a superior German Camera and every other facility for making good pictures, and having been for a long time practically engaged in the business, sparing neither pains nor expense in availing themselves of every improvement they feel confident that they can furnish as good pictures as can be produced in the art.  Miniatures taken in any weather single or in groups, plain or colored, and neatly set in Lockets, Bracelets, in Pins, or Cases, and warranted to give satisfaction.

Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken. 

Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.

They would respectfully invite all, whether they wish to sit for their Pictures or not, to call and examine their specimens, that they may be enabled to judge for themselves.

Advertisement ran from August 16 to August 22, 1850.

Gove & Stone are not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. T. Goodell

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

ND                  251 Broadway, New York, New York.

1845                Corner Thames & Mary Streets, Newport, Rhode Island.

ND-1849         North William and Chatham Streets, New York, New York.

1853-1854       Corner of J and Third, Streets, Sacramento, California.[1]

A. T. Goodell was recorded in one advertisement in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode) and one article in the St. Louis and Canadian Photographer (St, Louis, Missouri).  The advertisement that ran from May 29 to July 31, 1845.  Daguerreotype Rooms.  A, T. Goodell, Late of Plumbe’s, Broadway , New York, Would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport and vicinity, that he has engaged Rooms at the corner of Thames & Mary streets, for the purpose of taking pictures by the Daguerreotype process, where may be had miniatures, single or in groups, which for beauty of color, tone and effect, can be at all ties commend themselves; and if not superior, are equal to any that have been heretofore taken, upon as favorable terms at least.  They are also inserted in breast pins, lockets, &c., at various prices.

Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.

The ladies and Gentlemen of Newport are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens, if they intend sitting or not.

Taken in clear or cloudy weather.

Instructions carefully given—terms moderate.

The article appeared in the St. Louis and Canadian Photographer (St. Louis, Missouri) on March 1896, P. 114.  Our First Photographers

In reading of the recent death of the veteran photographer, M. B. Brady, in which it was claimed he was the father of photography in this country, I feel it is only justice to correct some of the statements, so I consulted Dr. A. T. Goodell, who began his career as a photographer in 1843 in this city, and obtained some facts which may interest your numerous readers.

In the year 1840‑41, a short time after Daguerre had invented the process of taking pictures bearing his name‑‑the daguerreotype‑‑John Plumbe, Jr., William H. Butler, S. Draper, James R. Chilton, and Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventor of telegraphy, opened a place at 7 Bowery to experiment in taking pictures by the Daguerre process.  They used only a side light.  It occurred to John Plumbe, Jr., that a skylight would bring about better results, and he leased the upper floors of 251 Broadway, corner of Murray street, where the Postal Telegraph building now stands, and opened Plumbe’s National Gallery, employing twelve operators and Mrs. Thomas, an artist, taking 400‑500 pictures a day at from $3 to $8 each.  At that time M. B. Brady was manufacturing daguerreotype cases at 187 Broadway.

Plumbe’s phenomenal success with the top light led many others to embark in the business, among which were Anthony, Edward & Clark, 247 Broadway, J. Gurney, 189 Broadway, and A. Bogardus, 217 Greenwich street.  J.M. Scoville started in the manufacturing of stock for galleries, and Brady still made cases, but in about 1845 or 1846 he opened a gallery at his factory, 187 Broadway.

Thus it appears that Plumbe was the first photographer in this country.

He opened galleries in all the principal cities in the United States, in London, and Paris, and made a fortune.  Dr. Goodell, who was Plumbe’s head operator, opened his own place at North William and Chatham streets, selling it out to go to California in 1849, around Cape Horn, and when he became stranded, after various ups and downs, his training with Plumbe enabled him to take charge of R. H. Vance’s gallery in Sacramento, the price for one daguerreotype being a half ounce of gold dust, worth about $8.  From the old Daguerre process, so successfully improved and enlarged by Plumbe and his operators, all of whom became prominent, grew the albumen process on glass, the collodion process, then dry plates, and so on.

Plumbe opened two galleries in Washington, one of which was in the Capitol building, and took the pictures of all the prominent men of the day.  [W. M. Chapman, in N. Y. Sun.

A. T. Goodell is recorded in other photographic directories, but the information above helps to clarify his early years.  Goodell is not listed in the New York City Directories between 1839/1840 to 1849/1850.   

[1] Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865.

David Goff

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1851                Rooms in the old Masonic Hall, Abbeville, South Carolina.

1851                Rooms at Dr. Connor’s, Cokesbury, South Carolina.

David Goff was recorded in one announcement and four advertisements, the announcement and the first three advertisements appeared in The Abbeville Banner (Abbeville, South Carolina), the fourth advertisement appeared on August 5, 1854 in the Independent Press (Abbeville, South Carolina).  The announcement appeared on April 26, 1851.  The attention of our citizens is called to the advertisement of David Goff, Esq., in another column.  We are pleased to learn from good authority, that he has made such proficiency in the art, as to rank him among the first artist in the country.

The first advertisement ran from April 26 to May 17, 1851.  Daguerreotypes.  David Goff respectfully informs the citizens of the village and the public generally that he will be in the village sometime during next week, and that he is now fully prepared to take Likenesses in all the perfection of the art.

Rooms in the old Masonic Hall.  The public are invited to call and examine his specimens.         

The second advertisement ran from May 10 to 17, 1851. Daguerreotypes.  David Goff respectfully informs the citizens and the public generally that he has arrived in the Village, and is now fully prepared to take Likenesses in all the perfection of the art.

Rooms in the old Masonic Hall.  The public are invited to call and examine his specimens.         

The third advertisement was recorded on June 21 & July 9, 1851.  David Goff, Daguerreotypist.  Cokesbury.  Has taken Rooms on Dr. Connor’s premises, and is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses in all the perfection of the Art.

The citizens are invited to call and examine his specimens.

The fourth advertisement first appeared on August 5, 1854 in the Independent Press (Abbeville, South Carolina).  Town Lot for Sale.  State of South Carolina, Abbeville District.  In Equity.  John H. Wilson, Adm’r of Ann Goff, vs. Samuel Goff and David Goff} Bill to sell Real Estate.

By Order of the Court of Equity, I will sell the Goff House and Lot, described in the Bill, on sale day in September next, at Abbeville, C. H., on a credit till the first of January next.  The purchaser will give bond with surety to secure the purcase (Sic.) money.

Said lot containe (Sic.) one and a quarter acres, more or less, and is situated on the public street, adjoining lots and lands of Charles Dendy.—Costs to be paid in cash.  H. A. Jones, C. E. A. D.

Commissioner’s Office, August 3, 1854.

David Goff is recorded in other photographic directories.  The fourth advertisement might identify S. Goff as Samuel who is mentioned in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940 by Harvey S. Teal.

Goddard & Metcalf

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1849-1850       Over J. C. Molton’s Hat Store, Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Goddard & Metcalf (Emerson Goddard & Charles H. Metcalf) were recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on March 23, 1850 in the General Advertiser (Providence, Rhode Island).  Goddard & Metcalf, Daguerrean Artists, Woonsocket, Rhode Island.  Having made arrangements for continuing together in the Daguerrean Business, would say to the public that they are prepared to execute Likenesses in the highest perfection of the art, having every convenience and facility which observation and experience can suggest.  We have the best light for all kinds of shading, being a sky-light in connection with a North side light.  We gild by the best process, and warrant our pictures permanent.  Particular attention is called to the easy and natural expression of the eye in our Daguerreotypes. We have all the best and latest styles of settings for Daguerreotypes. 

Satisfaction Given. Instruction given for $25, and Apparatus at cost.

Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine our specimens, settings, &c.

Gallery over J. C. Molton’s Hat Store, and near Harris’ High Bridge, Woonsocket.  Emerson Goddard.  Chas. H. Metcalf.  au.26.

Goddard & Metcalf are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Unfortunately no newspapers were available to reference between December 18, 1847 and March 23, 1850 and the next available issue was on January 25, 1851.  In fact only fourteen issues were available to look at in the General Advertiser between 1847-1858.  The date on the advertisement was August 26, [1849].  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record Emerson J. Goddard active in Providence in 1849; 1855-1859.  There is no listing for Charles H. Metcalf.

Gillies & Johnson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1859                156 Bowery, New York, New York.

Gillies & Johnson (Gillies & John H. Johnson) were recorded in three advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on October 9, 1859.  Draw The Conclusion.–$5,000 Rent For A First class gallery in Broadway; $800 for the same class gallery in the Bowery; go, then, to the Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, four doors from Broome street, for your pictures.  Photographs $1 and upwards.  Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes, 50 cents and upwards.  This is the most extensive and best fitted up gallery on Bowery.  Gillies & Johnson, proprietors.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The second advertisement appeared on November 6, 1859. Holyday Gifts.–Go to The Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, for your pictures, Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents (and) upwards. This is the largest and best fitted up gallery on the Bowery. Gillies & Johnson. N. B.–Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The third advertisement appeared on November 16, 1859.  Holiday Gifts.—Get Your Pictures Taken At 156 Bowery.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents and upwards.  Gillies & Johnson.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

Gillies is not recorded in other photographic directories, nor is the partnership of Gillies & Johnson.  John H. Johnson is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1860 at 156 Bowery address.  What is possibly new information is that Johnson worked for Gurney since ca. 1851.