Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

R. Atkins

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Address Unknown, Liberty, Missouri.

R. Atkins was mentioned in one advertisement that was recorded on November 18, 1853 in the Liberty Weekly Tribune (Liberty, Missouri).  Daguerrean Gallery:  Telegraph Room Court House, Liberty, MO.  J. C. R. Clark, would respectfully inform the public that having purchased out Mr. R. Atkins’ Daguerreotype Stock he is now prepared to take miniatures in a superior style.

His friends, Ladies, and Gentlemen, and the public generally, are politely invited to call at his room and examine specimens.  His miniatures are warranted to give satisfaction.  Liberty, June 24, 1853.

R. Atkins is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong

Daguerreotypes, Retailer, Stereoviews, , , ,

1850-1851 Address Unknown, Peekskill, New York.1

1853                Address Unknown, Peekskill, New York.

1859                Address Unknown, Peekskill, New York.

Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong was recorded in the Photographic Art-Journal (New York, New York) in the February 1853 issue. Minutes of The N. Y. State Daguerrean Association…Moved that Nichols, Benedict and Whitney, be a committee to investigate the character and good standing of the persons proposed for membership, and report at this meeting.,,

The committee of investigation reported the names of J. B. Marcus, Chenango; G. Evans, Utica; L. Gray, Oswego; E. A. Hudson, Syracuse; Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong, Peekskill; Mrs. Marcilia W. Barnes, Salem Cross Roads; all of whom were unanimously elected…

1859 October 29.  Highland Democrat.  (Peekskill, New York.)  October 29, 1859, Vol. XV, No. 4, P. 3.

A. M. Armstrong Informs the residents of Peekskill and vicinity that at her rooms may be found every style of Stereoscopes, With superior plates and designs by French, English and American Artists, which are offered for sale at prices lower than they can be obtained outside of New York City.  Call and See!!  Peekskill, June 7, 1859.

Advertisement was recorded on October 29 & November 26, 1859.

Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as Miss Armstrong in

1850-1851, 1853.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Register listed as Miss A. M. Armstrong.

J. L. Armstrong

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850                Military Hall, [Jamaica, New York.]

J. L. Armstrong appeared in one announcement in the Long Island Farmer, and Queens County Advertiser (Jamaica, New York) on August 27, 1850.  Daguerreotypes.—Perfect likenesses are always desirable, and an opportunity that seldom occurs, is now offered to our citizens.  The celebrated Daguerrian artist, J. L. Armstrong, has opened his new Daguerrian Gallery at Military Hall, (George C. McKee’s) in this village, where he will remain only a few days.  His pictures are skilfully and artistically made, and his likenesses are finished in such a manner as are warranted not to fade.

J. L. Armstrong is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. E. Armstrong

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854                Rooms over Brooke & Houghton Store, Plymouth, Indiana.

1854                Address Unknown, Plymouth, Indiana.                    

1855-1856       Rooms at his residence, North of Edwards’ Hotel, Plymouth, Indiana.

J. E. Armstrong was recorded in five advertisements, eight announcements, and mentioned in one advertisement and one announcement.  The first advertisement ran in the Plymouth Banner  (Plymouth, Indiana) from April 27 to October 5, 1854.  Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber wishes to inform the inhabitants of Plymouth and surrounding country that he has taken Rooms over Brooke & Houghton’s store, where he is now ready to take Daguerrean Likenesses in a good and approved style, and engages to do that which will be satisfactory to those who wish to obtain so important a relic of their friends or themselves.  J. E. Armstrong.   

The first announcement appeared in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana) on April 27, 1854.  Daguerrean Rooms.—Our readers will certainly be gratified to learn that we have permanently located amongst us an excellent operator in this beautiful act.  Mr. Armstrong, as will be seen by his advertisement, is now ready to accommodate those who may call upon him in the rooms formerly occupied by the Western Bank, up stairs in the old Plymouth Hotel.  Give him a call.

The second announcement appeared in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana) on August 3, 1854.  A Register of the temperature as kept at the Daguerrean Rooms of J. E. Armstrong in this place, for the present month, to the 30th.

at 1 o’clock p. m.        at 5 o’clk. p. m.

July 24            86.                               87.

        25            83.                               84.

        26            76.                               75.

        27            76.                               77.

        28            79.                               80.

        29            88.                               91.

        30            90.                               95.                  

The third announcement appeared in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana) on August 10, 1854.  A Register of the temperature as kept at the Daguerrean Rooms of J. E. Armstrong in this place, for the present month, to the 5th.

at 1 o’clock p. m.        at 5 o’clk. p. m.

July 31            94.                               96.

Aug. 1             94.                               96.

         2             81.                               81.

         3             76.                               79.

         4             79.                               76.

         5             80.                               81.

The fourth announcement appeared in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana) on August 17, 1854.  A Register of the temperature as kept at the Daguerrean Rooms of J. E. Armstrong in this place, for the present month, to the 13th.

at 1 o’clock p. m.        at 5 o’clk. p. m.

Aug. 7             72.                               72.

         8             75.                               73.

         9             70.                               70.

        10            75.                               79.

        11            79.                               80.

        12            76.                               79.

        13            80.                               79.      

The fifth announcement appeared in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana) on August 24, 1854.  A Register of the temperature as kept at the Daguerrean Rooms of J. E. Armstrong in this place, for the present month, to the 20th.

at 1 o’clock p. m.        at 5 o’clk. p. m.

Aug. 14           81.                               82.

         15           76.                               76.

         16           77.                               75.

         17           76.                               76.

         18           78.                               78.

         19           82.                               83.

         20           83.                               85.      

The sixth announcement appeared in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana) on August 24, 1854.  Removal.—The Daguerrean Rooms of Mr. Armstrong are removed to his residence in Edwards’ new building on Michigan street.  His operation heretofore seem to have given general satisfaction, and our citizens should extend him their patronage.                  

The second advertisement ran from August 24, 1854 to February 15, 1855 in the Plymouth Advertiser (Plymouth, Indiana).  Removal The undersigned having removed his place of operating 80 rods north on the same street, still invites the citizens and country people to call while the opportunity is in their reach, and no pains will be spared to obtain good likenesses.  He promises to give satisfaction to all reasonable expectations.  J. E. Armstrong.    

The seventh announcement appeared in the Plymouth Banner (Plymouth, Indiana) on September 7, 1854.  A Register of the temperature as kept at the Daguerrean Rooms of J. E. Armstrong in this place, for the present month, to the 3d.

at 1 o’clock p. m.        at 5 o’clk. p. m.

Aug. 21           88.                               88.

         22           89.                               89.

         23           92.                               93.

         24           93.                               95.

         25           86.                               88.

         26           87.                               86.

         27           84.                               86.

         28           85.                               85.

         29           92.                               93.                              

         30           95.                               94.

         31           93                                94.

Sept.  1            93.                               94.

          2            94.                               92.

          3            93.                               92.      

The third advertisement ran from January 18 to April 26, 1855 in the Plymouth Banner  (Plymouth, Indiana).  New Attraction.  The subscriber having got his new and large Sky-light ready for operating, notifies the public generally, that he is ready to take likenesses in good style.  J. E. Armstrong.

The fourth advertisement ran from August 9, 1855 to April 24, 1856 in the Plymouth Weekly Banner (Plymouth, Indiana).  J. E. Armstrong, attends to all calls in his line of Daguerreotyping, at his residence north of Edwards’ Hotel.

The announcement that J. E. Armstrong was mentioned in appeared in the Marshall County Democrat  (Plymouth, Indiana) on March 13, 1856.  In another column will be found the advertisement of W. H. Rhodes & Co., Ambrotype Artists.  We have seen specimen pictures taken by this mode, and think they are superior to the Daguerreotype.—Give them a call.  Rooms at J. E. Armstrong’s Daguerrean Gallery.

The advertisement he was mentioned in appeared in the Marshall County Democrat (Plymouth, Indiana) on March 13, 1856.  Ambrotype Likenesses!  The attention of the public is called to the fact that W. H. Rhodes is now occupying the rooms of J. E. Armstrong, in this village, where he is taking Ambrotype Likenesses!

The pictures taken by this method are far superior to the Daguerreotype, in life-like appearance—are on glass, and are perfectly durable.  Full satisfaction guaranteed to all who may favor him with their custom.

Those wanting likenesses will please call immediately, as the Rooms will positively be closed in thirty days, Mr. Armstrong having discontinued the business here.          W. H. Rhodes & Co.                          

The eighth announcement appeared in the Marshall County Democrat (Plymouth, Indiana) on October 16, 1856.  Any person wishing an Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, or Ambrograph, could not do better than to call at the Armstrong Daguerrean Rooms, where they can be accommodated.

The fifth 1856 advertisement ran from November 27 to December 18, 1856 in the Marshall County Democrat (Plymouth, Indiana).  Ambrotypes.  Those having Ambrotypes, taken by W. H. Rhodes & Co., that have failed to be what they were represented, can have them taken again, free of charge, by calling at the Daguerrean Rooms of John E. Armstrong, from the 1st to the 7th of December.  J. E. Armstrong.

J. E. Armstrong (and W. H. Rhodes) is not recorded in other photographic directories

Armstrong & Dunham

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1854-1855       Rooms over Wooster’s Drug Store, Plymouth, Ohio.

Armstrong & Dunham (Dr. John Armstrong and J. W. Dunham) were recorded in two announcements and four advertisements in the Plymouth Advertiser (Plymouth, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on July 15, 1854.  Armstrong & Dunham have fitted up the room over Wooster’s Drug Store, for the purpose of Daguerreotyping the faces of just as many people as feel so disposed.  Their room is fitted up very neatly, and in excellent taste.  They have every facility for prosecuting their business successfully, being provided with both side and sky lights.  We have examined specimens of their work, and cheerfully endorse it to our readers.

The first advertisement ran from July 15 to 29, 1854. Daguerreotypes.  Armstrong & Dunham’s new rooms, (over Wooster’s Drug Store,) are now open for the reception of the citizens of Plymouth and the vicinity.  This firm feels confident in saying that there are none better prepared or more capable to give satisfaction in the taking life-like likenesses than they are.  They have procured all the modern improvements in the art, and have finished a room in the best manner, in order that they may not be excelled by any in the country.  All they ask is a trial, and they will give the fullest satisfaction, or no charge will be made.  Children that are old enough to keep still five seconds, can be taken.  Miniatures inserted in pins, lockets, &c.  Pictures taken of deceased persons before burial.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call.  Prices very moderate.                                        

The second advertisement ran from August 5, 1854 to February 16, 1855. Daguerrean and Dental Room, (Over Wooster’s Drug Store.)  Armstrong & Dunham have fitted up the commodious rooms over Wooster’s Drug Store, in the most superb style, for the purpose of carrying on both Daguerreotyping and Dentistry.  In both branches of the business they will give the fullest satisfaction, or no charge will be made.  They feel confident in saying that they can compete with Cleveland or Sandusky in the execution of their work, and at much less prices.  Call and see us when you come to town.  Plymouth.

The second announcement appeared on September 23, 1854.  We were shown a few days since, a most beautiful specimen of Dental skill, executed by Armstrong & Dunham, of this village.  It was a full set of teeth for the upper jaw, on gold plate, for a lady near Mansfield.  For beautiful workmanship, and natural, life-like appearance, it will compare favorably with anything we have ever seen.  The fact that the most of the work of this kind in this part of the state is done here, speaks well for our Dentist.

The third advertisement ran from February 23 to March 16, 1855.  Daguerrean and Dental Room, (Over Wooster’s Drug Store.)  Armstrong & Dunham have fitted up the commodious rooms over Wooster’s Drug Store, in the most superb style, for the purpose of carrying on both Daguerreotyping and Dentistry.  In both branches of the business they will give the fullest satisfaction, or no charge will be made.  They feel confident in saying that they can compete with Cleveland or Sandusky in the execution of their work, and at much less prices.  Call and see us when you come to town.

Those wishing to get good Daguerreotypes had better be about it.  Dunham leaves this country next April, and if there are those who want him to take their likenesses, they must be in a hurry.  Perfect satisfaction warranted.  Good pictures for a little money.  Come while Dunham is here.  Over Wooster’s Drug Store.

The fourth advertisement ran from March 30 to June 16, 1855.  Daguerrean and Dental Room, (Over Wooster’s Drug Store.)  Armstrong & Dunham have fitted up the commodious rooms over Wooster’s Drug Store, in the most superb style, for the purpose of carrying on both Daguerreotyping and Dentistry.  In both branches of the business they will give the fullest satisfaction, or no charge will be made.  They feel confident in saying that they can compete with Cleveland or Sandusky in the execution of their work, and at much less prices.  Call and see us when you come to town.

Armstrong & Dunham are not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Plymouth, Ohio.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a John Armstrong as an Itinerant daguerreian in Ohio without an activity date or location.  It is unknown if they are the same person. 

H. Armington

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1846                Address, Unknown, Pawtucket, Rhode, Island.[1]

1848                19 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island,[2]

1850                Sagamore Building, near the Central Building, Lynn, Massachusetts.

H. Armington was record in a manuscript letter to Southworth & Hawes on October 13, 1846 and one advertisement.  The Manuscript letter from H. Armington & Co. To Southworth & Hawes formerly in Matthew R. Isenburg Collection.[3] 

Pawtucket Mass. Oct. 13th 1846 Messrs.  Southworth & Hawes, Gents, We have seen in pictures in Providence said to have been taken with “quickstuff” prepared and sold by you, which we liken the appearance of very much.  We wish you to send us a bottle of the same with the directions necessary for using it.  If we could produce the same results with it as those we saw in Providence should like to make use of it altogether,

Please write us your lowest price for Scovilles No. 1 Medium Plates.  Also cheapest Medium satin cases also Velvet good articles.

Yours Respectfully, H. Armington & Co.

The advertisement was recorded on April 26, 1850 in the Lynn News (Lynn, Massachusetts).

Daguerreotype Gallery, In The Sagamore Building, near the Central Building, Lynn.  J. H. Currier, Daguerrian Artists, having procured of his late partner, Mr. Armington, his large German Instrument, is now prepared to execute Miniatures of all styles, in groups or single, on small or the largest sized plates that are used.

As a most certain guarantee that he will satisfy his customers, he invites a scrutinizing examination of his specimens, and a trial of his skill by patronage, as he warrants his pictures to be satisfactory, and unexcelled at any other gallery in the country—his customers and their friends being the judges.  Lynn, February 1, 1850.

H. Armington is recorded in other photographic directories in 1846 and 1848, but not in 1850.

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

[2] Craigs Daguerreian Registry.  In partnership as Baker (Elisha W.) & Armstrong.

[3] Letter sent from Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Benajah Jay Antrim

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855-1856       Rose Lane, East side of King Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Benajah Jay Antrim was recorded in two announcement and three advertisements in The Polynesian (Honolulu, Hawaii).  The first announcement appeared on March 10, 1855. 

Passengers.  By the Francis Palmer, from S. F.—B. J. Antrim.

The first advertisement ran from May 5, 1855 to May 3, 1856.  B. Jay Antrim, Daguerrean Artist, Located on Rose Lane, east side of King street, opposite the Bethel, Honolulu.

Pictures taken in every variety of the art, by the latest improved methods. 

The second announcement appeared on August 4, 1855.  The Honolulu Sailor’s Home.  Laying the Corner Stone.  The 31st of July, our Restoration Day was selected as a time appropriate for laying the Corner Stone of the Sailor’s Home.  We saw it all from our own window; it is not often the “makings” of news come so near to the newspaper office.  It was quite pretty looking down upon the well dressed crowd of people in carriages, on horseback and on foot…

Mr. Antrim took from one of our windows a daguerreotype picture of the scene at the moment the stone was being laid.    

The second advertisement ran from November 17, 1855 to February 16, 1856.  Daguerreotypes.  Prices Reduced at the Excelsior Gallery, located on Rose Lane, east side of King-street, opposite the Bethel Church.

Thankful for past favors, the undersigned takes this method of soliciting for a limited time, the patronage of the citizens and visitors of Honolulu, assuring them that strict application has been made to every new feature of the Art, calculated to finish first-class Portraits, Miniatures, and Views for all who may desire them, by the latest and most satisfactory mode of operating in the United States.  Gallery open from 8 A. M. to 4 P. M.  Cloudy weather no detriment.

Call and examine the specimens of Rose Lane Gallery.  B. J. Antrim.

The third advertisement ran on April 5 & 12, 1856.  To the Citizens on Honolulu.  This is to inform the citizens Honolulu, that Mr. Benson, will continue the Daguerrean Art on Rose Lane, after April 14th, 1856.

We would return our sincere thanks to our patrons, and recommend Mr. B., as worthy of their patronage.  B. Jay Antrim, & co.

Benajah Jay Antrim is recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. & Miss Andrews

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850-1851       Over Sanger’s New Store, Ottawa, Illinois.

Mr. & Miss Andrews were recorded in two advertisements and one announcement in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The first advertisement ran from December 7, 1850 to January11, 1851.  Daguerrean Gallery.  Mr. & Miss Andrews would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Ottawa and vicinity that they have unsurpassed facilities for taking Likenesses, at their rooms over Sanger’s New Store.

Please call and see Specimens. 

Daguerreotypes, Paintings, &c., accurately copied.

Likenesses set in plain and Fancy Cases, Frames, Lockets, &c.

Sick Persons and corpses attended at private houses when desired.

The announcement appeared on December 21, 1850.  Andrews’ Daguerrean Gallery.  We have had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Andrews’ rooms over Sanger’s new store and inspecting his pictures, which we found to be of superior or quality.—we would earnestly recommend to such of our citizens who are desirous of procuring miniatures, either of themselves, friends, or their children, to give him a call.  His terms are reasonable, and the quality of his pictures and cases vary to suit all who may desire them.  He has taken the rooms he occupies with a view of remaining her permanently, and it is hoped that he may receive a liberal patronage.  See his advertisement.

The second advertisement ran from March 8, 1851 to April 12, 1851.  Andrews’ Daguerrean Gallery In Sanger’s block, up stairs.  Likenesses taken in the best and latest style of the art; and set in plain and fancy Cases, Frames, Lockets, &c., &c.

Mr. & Miss Andrews are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Ambrose Andrews

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1852-1853       122 Canal, New York, New York.

Ambrose Andrews was listed or not listed in the New York City Directories, Vose Archives, and The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artists in America 1564-1860.  The first directory I looked at was the1849-1850 Doggett’s New York City Directory where Ambrose Andrews, is listed as a Portrait Painter, at 25 Lispenard.

The second was the 1850-1851 Doggett’s New York City Directory.  Where he was not listed in directory.

The third directory was the 1851-1852 Doggett’s & Rode New York City Directory where he is listed as an artist, at 122 Canal.

The fourth directory was the 1852-1853 Wilson & Trow New York City Directory where he is listed as a daguerreotypes, at 122 Canal.

The fifth directory was the 1853-1854 Wilson & Trow New York City Directory where he is listed as a daguerreotypes, at 122 Canal.

The sixth directory was the 1854-1855 Wilson & Trow New York City Directory where he was not listed in directory.

The Vose Archives, Boston, Massachusetts was at the time an unpublished database that Seth Vose shared with me in 1994.

Andrews, Ambrose (born West Stockbridge, MA 19 July 1801—died probably E. Palmyra, NY ca 1877).

Subject:  portrait, miniature, landscape. 

Media:  oil, water color.

Studied:  American Acad. of Fine Arts, NYC Oct-Nov. 1824, New York Drawing Assoc. NYC 1825; NAD, NYC 1826.

Worked:  West Stockbridge, Ma c. 1820-25, c 1833-36; Schuylerville, NY 1824; NYC 1825-26; 1848-62; Pa. 1827; Troy, NY 1829-31; Middletown, CT 1835; New Haven, CT 1837; Houston, TX 1837-41; New Orleans, LA 1841-42, 1844; Cincinnati, OH 1843; St. Louis, MO 1844-48; E. Palmyra, NY 1869-c 1877.

Active:  1824-c. 1877

Comments…In NYC during 1850’s did daguerreotyping and colored photographs.

Ambrose Andrews is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Allen

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847 Rooms at Mr. Silas T. Ketcham’s, Huntington, New York.

Mr. Allen was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York). The announcement appeared on July 2, 1847. Daguerreotypes. –we wish to add our moiety of praise to Mr. Allen’s specimen’s of this art.  To those who wish a facsimile of the “human face divine,” we would say, procure one without delay—and we know of no better way of paying a real compliment to a Lady, than to solicit her picture, and no greater acceptance of one’s own.  It strikes us, this would be an admirable manner of “popping the question”—and to those who intend visiting our village on the 5th, we would say call on Mr. Allen, we can vouch for his ability in the art.  The specimens we have examined, are sufficient recommendation of his efficiency.  See advertisement in another column.

The advertisement appeared on  July 2, 1847.  Allen’s United States Branch Daguerrian Gallery, Is now open at Mr. Silas T. Ketcham’s, in the village of Hunting, where he will that Daguerreotype portraits in the best manner.  Having by long experience in the business [ ?  ] improvements that have been made in the art, both in this country and in Europe—together with some valuable discoveries he has made in the art, enabled him to guarantee a Likeness not to be surpassed.

Copies taken from portraits, and painted, or Daguerreotype miniatures.

He will take likenesses for insertion in Rings, Breast Pins, Lockets or Bracelets.       

Lockets, Rings and Breast Pins for Daguerreotypes, on hand, which he will sell at reduced prices.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Huntington, and the public in general are invited to call and examine his specimens.  Likenesses taken in all kinds of weather, and in all cases warranted perfect or no charge.—likenesses taken of the sick or deceased persons, at their residences, on the shortest notice.

N. B. Instructions given in the art.  Apparatus, chemicals of every kind, furnished at the lowest cash prices.                                          

Mr. Allen is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Huntington, New York in 1847.  It is possible this is William A. Allen active in Brooklyn, New York in 1848. And in New York City in 1849-1852.