Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Louis L. Bishop

Daguerreotype plate importer, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1845                285 Broadway, New York, New York.

1847                12 Maiden-Lane, Up Stirs, New York, New York.

1850                23 Maiden Lane, New York, New York.

Louis L. Bishop was recorded in eight advertisements, seven in The New York Herald, one in the New York Tribune and on one title page.  The first advertisement in The New York Herald ran from July 25 to 27, 1845.  Ruins Of The Burnt District.  The Daguerreotype View of these Ruins, taken from Exchange Place, opposite the spot where stood Crocker & Warren’s store, may be seen at Louis L. Bishop’s, Daguerrian Artist, No. 285 Broadway.

The view, embracing all the ruins in Broad street, New street and Broadway, in their actual state, and such as it will soon be impossible to obtain, forms a picture most interesting to preserve in commemoration of the sad calamity of the 19th inst.  It will be disposed of at a reasonable price.

Apply as above, at Louis L. Bishop’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 285 Broadway.

The title page illustration for The Gipsey in the North published in 1846 is a portrait of Miss Julia L. Northall engraved by Francis D’Avignon, Lithograph by G. & W. Endicott, after a daguerreotype by Louis L. Bishop.   

Advertisement ran from March 18 to April 2, 1847 in Herald.  Daguerreotype Plates.  Just Received per ship Burgundy—

3000 Daguerreotype Plates, full size.

6000 do                       do      Medium size.

From the best French manufacturers.  For sale at the lowest prices, by Louis L. Bishop, importer, 12 Maiden Lane, up stairs.                                                                                                         

The third advertisement ran from June 1 to 14, 1847 in the New York Daily Tribune.  (New York, New York).  Daguerreotype Plates.—The best and cheapest Daguerreotype Plates for sale at Louis L. Bishop’s 12 Maiden-lane, up stairs.

The fourth advertisement ran from June 18 to 20, 1847 in The Herald.  Daguerreotype Plates—Louis L. Bishop, No. 12 Maiden-lane, begs leave to inform all persons in want of Daguerreotype Plates, that he has now a full stock on hand, and is ready to sell them at the reduced price which he has lately announced to his regular customers.  Orders to be directed to Louis L. Bishop, No. 12 Maiden-lane, N. Y.                                                         

The fifth advertisement appeared on March 24, 1850 in the Herald.  To Daguerrian Artists—Louis L. Bishop’s Daguerreotype Plates, warranted to give to portraits a richer tone than any other plates, are for sale at Victor Bishop’s, Importer, 23 maiden Lane, N. Y.

The sixth advertisement ran from April 23 to 30, 1850 in the Herald.  Important to Daguerrean Artists.

To Mr. Victor Bishop, No. 23 Maiden lane, N. Y.

Dear Sir—We cheerfully testify that we have used for some time Louis L. Bishop’s plates, and that they are decidedly superior to all others, either imported or manufactured here.  Beckers & Piard, 201 Broadway.

Those plates are marked in full with the name of Louis L. Bishop, and are for sale only at Victor Bishop’s, No. 23 Maiden Lane.

The seventh advertisement ran from May 3 to June 1, 1850 in the Herald.  Daguerreotype Plates—Lewis L. Bishop’s Plates, acknowledged superior to all others, for sale by Victor Bishop, 23 Maiden lane.

The Eighth advertisement ran from September 17 to 24, 1850 also in the Herald.  Daguerreotype Plates—Great Reduction in price.  We are now enabled to sell Louis L. Bishop’s plates, at $30 per hundred, full size.  They are warranted superior to any other, and sold with the privilege of returning those that would not give entire satisfaction.  Victor Bishop, 23 Maiden lane, up stairs.

Louis L. Bishop is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active from 1845-1848.

Ebenezer James Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1844-1845       449 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky.[1]

1846                St Clair Street, Louisville, Kentucky.

Ebenezer James Bennett in an advertisement that was recorded on January 6 & 12, 1846 in the Daily Commonwealth (Frankfort, Kentucky).  Plumbe National Daguerrean Gallery.  Prof. Plumbe purposes having a Daguerreian Gallery opened in this city, on the 27th inst., on St. Clair street, over Pierson & Merriweather’s Confectionary, to be conducted by E. James Bennett, where he will be gratified to wait upon all those who may be desirous of securing a perfect likeness, warranted durable, and possessing all the distinctness and boldness of relief of a good painting.  In proof of this you need but call at his room and examine for yourselves his specimens.

Ladies and Gentlemen are earnestly requested to take the trouble of calling at his rooms.  They will afford him a pleasure in having the honor of waiting upon them, either in exhibiting specimens, or in receiving their sittings.

Founded 1840.  Awarded the Medal, Four First Premiums, and two Highest Honors, by the Institutes of Massachusetts, N. York, and Pennsylvania, respectively, for the most beautiful Colored Daguerreotypes, and best apparatus ever exhibited.

No. 33, Main st., adjoining the Northern Bank of Kentucky, Louisville, Ky.

No. 251, Broadway, New York.

No. 75 Court street, Boston.

No. 136, Chestnut street, Philadelphia.

No. 122, Baltimore street, Baltimore.

Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Lyceum Hall, Alexandria, D. C.

No. 56, Canal Street, New Orleans.

No. 127, Vielle Rue du Temple, Paris.

No. 32 Church Street, Liverpool.

Market St., St. Louis, Mo.

Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa.

Main Street, between 4th and 5th, east side, Cincinnati.

Broadway, Saratoga.

Douw’s Building, Albany.

Middle Street, Portland, Me.

Main Street, Newport, R. I.

Remarks.—“We have been no inattentive observer of the progress of this novel art, and we are free to say, from what we have seen, and personally examined, that Mr. Plumbe has succeeded in this art so as to surpass all others in the line in this country.”—N. Y. Herald.

“Mr. Plumbe has brought the Daguerreotype to absolute perfection; and miniature painting, we regret to say, is scarcely heard of since the admirable specimens of this artist have become known.”—N. Y. Mirror.

“A photograph of a lady by Professor Plumbe, is the finest thing of the kind we have ever seen.”—Phil. Pub. Ledger.

Ebenezer James Bennett is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as J. Ebenezer Bennett active in 1845-1846 at 449 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky, presumably employed by John Plumbe, Jr.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry

William Bell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                14 Massachusetts Street, Woodward’s Block, Lawrence, Kansas.

William Bell was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on April 28, 1856 in the Kansas Free State (Lawrence, Kansas).  Now Is Your Best Chance!!  William Bell, Daguerrean.  Would respectfully inform the citizens of Lawrence and vicinity that he has obtained a room in the second story of Woodward’s Block, No. 14 Massachusetts St., where all—especially the ladies, are invited to call, and examine the neatness and skill of his workmanship.

As he intends remaining but a few weeks, those who wish daguerreotypes should call at the earliest opportunity.  no. 49.

William Bell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John R. Beard

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Cambridge, Ohio.

John R. Beard was recorded in one announcement 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 server punishment than he now deserves.

John R. Beard is not recorded in other photographic directories.

L. G. Bean

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Address Unknown, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1856                Address Unknown, Fall River, Massachusetts.[1]

L. G. Bean was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 24 to April 21, 1853 in

The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Daguerreotypes.  Have you had your Daguerreotype taken?  If not now is your time to step into L. G. Bean’s Daguerrean Saloon, where he is prepared to execute likenesses of every size, shape and description.  He would respectfully announce to the citizens of Westerly and vicinity, that he will remain here a few days longer to give all those who have not secured their likeness an opportunity to do so before he leaves.

My sky-light being composed of ground glass and connected with a beautiful side light, it enables me to produce pictures unsurpasse3d by any other operator.  Perfect satisfaction or no charge.

For A Few Days Only!  L. G. Bean.

L. G. Bean is recorded in other photographic directories, but not in Westerly, Rhode Island and is possibly Lothrop G. Bean who is recorded as being active as L. G. Bean in addition to Westerly, Rhode Island in 1853, Fall River in 1856 and in Lowell Massachusetts as Lothrop G. Bean in 1857-1859.

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

Aaron Bean

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848-1851       290 Main Street, Buffalo, New York.[1]

1852                Address Unknown, Buffalo, New York.

Aaron Bean was recorded in two announcements.  The first appeared in The Freeman’s Journal  (Cooperstown, New York) on January 23, 1852.  Destructive Fire and Loss of Life.  Buffalo, Jan. 18.—At 2 o’clock this morning a fire broke out in the brick block on the corner of Main and Eagle Streets, originating in the saloon kept by Daniel Dix, in the basement of the corner building under the drug store of P. G. Vonght & Co….

Two mournful accidents occurred.  Aaron Bean, Daguerrean artist, who was sitting up in an upper chamber with the corpse of his child, was smothered to death before assistance could be rendered.  It is supposed he fell asleep and from the rapid spread of the fire, his room filled with smoke before he awoke.  His wife and daughter, in another chamber, were rescued….

The second appeared in the Jamestown Journal (Jamestown, New York) on January 23, 1852.

…The upper story was occupied by families.  Mr. Bean residing with his family over his daguerrean room.  We record with pain the death of Mr. Bean, who was infirm, and in saving the life of his wife, was suffocated in the smoke.  When taken out, he had ceased to breath, and every effort to resuscitate him proved unavailing.  Mr. Bean had just lost a child whose corpse was in the house at the time of the fire, but was taken out…

Arron Bean is recorded in other photographic directories.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Beamer & Turton

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854-1855       Main and Biddle Streets, Centre Wheeling, Virginia.

Beamer & Turton were recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 24, 1854 to November 30, 1855 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Messrs. Beamer & Turton, having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. L. Tarbell as a Daguerrean Gallery, corner of Main and Biddle streets, Centre Wheeling, beg leave to solicit a share of patronage from his friends and the public at large.

They make it a rule not to let any pictures go out but what are satisfactory, and well executed.

Gold and Silver plating executed neatly.

Orders left here for sign painting will be attended to J. Turton & Brother.  mr24.

Beamer & Turton are not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. Beals, Jr

Daguerreotypes, ,

1845                Address Unknown, Springfield, Massachusetts.

J. Beals, Jr. appeared in one announcement on October 14, 1845 in the Daily Republican.  (Springfield, Massachusetts).  Hampden Co. Agricultural Fair.  List of entries at the Show, Oct. 8 and 9—concluded from yesterday.  Specimens Of Fine Arts.  Listed are

G. W. James,                           Springfield,                 12 Specimens Daguerreotype

Stock & Cooley,                     Springfield,                   6 Paintings and 4 Daguerreotypes

J. Beals, Jr.                              W. Springfield,             4 Daguerreotypes

G. W. James,                           Springfield,                   4 Daguerreotypes

J. T. Ames,                              Cabotville,                    2 Daguerreotypes

J. Beals, Jr. is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Bartholomew & Co.

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Westfield, New York.

Mr. Bartholomew & Co. appeared in one announcement in the Westfield Republican (Westfield, New York) on October 7, 1857.  Agricultural Society Report…Painting &c….

In the Daguerreotype Department, there were several exhibitions deserving of more than a Passing notice from your Committee, but as the scale of premiums have been limited, we are reluctantly compelled to contain ourselves to the following;

Best specimens of Daguerreotypes, called Melainotypes, to No. 162, O. Monroe, Dunkirk; 2d do. No. 158.

The committee would respectfully recommend a premium of the 2d class to. No. 316 G. R. Martin, being four Photographs in oil.

There were on exhibition three Ambrotypes without numbers from Messrs. Palmer,

Bartholomew & Co. Westfield, deserving much credit for their perfection and life-like expression of the specimens presented for inspection.

Mr. Bartholomew & Co. is not active in 1857 in other photographic directories.  J. L. Bartholomew is recorded in 1858-1859 in Auburn, New York.  The distance between Westfield and Auburn is 183 to 214 miles away using modern roads.  At this time it is unknown if they are the same person him.

George Washington Barr

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, Stereoviews, , , ,

1850-1855       Second & Walnut Streets, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.[1]

Third Annual Report Of The Transactions Of The Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society For The Year 1855.  (Fair held on September 25-28, 1855).[2]  Premiums Awarded…No. 35—Miscellaneous Articles And Fine Arts.

To Washington Barr, of Harrisburg, for a collection of daguerreotypes, photographs and stereoscope,……………………………….Silver Medal.

To. A. C. Smith, of Harrisburg, for a case of daguerreotypes and two frames of Daguerreotypes, ……………………………………………..Diploma.

To W. Barr, of Harrisburg, for a large collection of daguerreotype cases,……Diploma.

George Washington Barr is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as Barr, W. (D. W.) and he goes on to identify him as Dr. W. Barr active in Harrisburg, Pa. from 1850-1852.  Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 by Ries & Ruby list Barr, George Washington active in Harrisburg from 1850-1855.

[1] Full name, activity dates and address from Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 by Ries & Ruby.

[2] Information from Information from Richard Jeffries.