Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Adams & Claflin

1853                142 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.

1853-1854       188 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Adams & Claflin (George Adams & Charles R. B. Claflin) were recorded in five advertisements and two announcements in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement ran from January 3 to March 11, 1853. Christmas and New Year Presents.  Adams & Claflin having formed a co-partnership, will be happy to receive a call from their friends and the public generally, at their rooms 142 and 188 Main Street.  A magnificent assortment of all the different styles of Fancy Cases, suitable for presents, just received.  Give us a call.

The second advertisement ran from January 13 to April 7, 1853. Listed under Worcester Business Directory of Manufactures, Trades & Professions under Daguerreotypes.

Adams & Chaflin sic., 188 and 142 Main Street.

The third advertisement ran from May 2 to August 22, 1853.  Adams & Claflin, Artist.  No. 188 Main Street, directly opposite the American House, Worcester, having a fine Sky-Light for Adults, we have recently added to our Establishment an adjoining Room, with a spacious Side-Light, expressly for Daguerreotyping Children, by the use of which Pictures are made almost instantaneously.—Those who have failed at other Rooms, are invited to give us a call.

Hours for small Children, from 10 a. m., to 4 p. m.

The first announcement appeared on May 3, 1853.  Daguerreotypes—We respectfully at the attention of our readers to the Advertisement of Adams & Claflin in another column.  They have recently had their Saloon elegantly and conveniently fitted up for the accommodation of lady and gentlemen sitters; and they have also made improvements, having special reference to taking the likenesses of children.  The pictures of Adams & Claflin are pre-eminently beautiful.  We believe it is impossible to excel them.  The out-lines of their portraits are always clear, the full lights and shadows are broad and deep, while the half shades are taken with the most delicate nicely.  Any one wishing to secure a true semblance of the “human face divine” of some dear friends or relatives should not fail to call on Adams & Claflin.

The second announcement appeared on August 4, 1853.  Colored Daguerreotypes.—Adams and Claflin, of this city, having succeeded in making colored daguerreotypes, which immensely excel every thing of the kind we have seen.  The color is laid on by chemical process, after the picture has been taken i the camera, and so skillful are Adams and Claflin in its application, that the outline, and even the most delicate shades are retained, in all their softness and beauty.

The coloring is clear and beautifully toned, and in our estimation renders the miniatures which Adams & Claflin make, unsurpassable by anything in art.—These daguerreotypes artists are second to none in their profession; and when, to their skill in the use of the camera, is added this beautiful process of chemical coloring, we may safely say they can produce portraits which cannot be excelled.  Those who wish to see what perfection they have attained, should visit their saloon, 188 Main Street.

The fourth advertisement ran from August 8 to 10, 1853.  Special Notice.  The new and beautiful “Chemically Colored” Daguerreotypes are made by Adams & Claflin, and by them only in this City.  For proof of the above statement call at our Rooms and examine our Pictures, colored by this process.  In comparison with some which we have taken over, which were made and sold by another Artist as Chemically Colored Daguerreotypes.  Comment is unnecessary.  Adams & Claflin, 188 Main Street.

The fifth advertisement ran from August 10 to September 27, 1853.  Very Special Notice.  Five Dollar Reward! 

As a certain 50 center, in this city still persists in advertising that he makes and sells “Chemically Colored” Daguerreotypes, we make him the following proposition:

We propose that the Gentleman hangs a case of his “Chemically Colored” Daguerreotypes in the lower hall of the Central Exchange, front of the Post Office, for one week; we will hang a case of our new style side of his, thus giving the public a chance to examine specimens, and see who is the humbug.

A Gentleman who has a love of the beautiful, and who can appreciate the “Fine Arts,” and knows the modesty and retiring disposition of the 50 cent man, has deposited with us Five Dollars, to be given to him, providing he will accept of the above offer.

Will the 50 cent man accept or quibble.  We shall see.  Adams & Claflin, 188 Main Street

Both George Adams and Charles R.B. Claflin are recorded in other photographic directories, but not in partnership.

Adams & Chapin

1851                Waldo Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Adams & Chapin (George Adams & Moses Sanford Chapin) were recorded in eight advertisements and one announcement in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement ran from May 24 to July 8, 1851

Adams & Chapin’s Premium Daguerreotypes, Waldo Block. 

Call and examine Specimens.

“Ah!  see what a picture, behold what a grace

Lives in that posture and beams in that face,

As the sun-light transfers the soul-speaking eye;

It flashes in joy, though there is ‘nobody’ nigh.

Who ‘nobody’ is there is no need to tell,

Since the lassie herself knows the secret so well;—

Enough that we trace in such touching perfection

The intended—an object of cherished affection.”

The second advertisement ran from June 17 to July 8, 1851.  Daguerreotypes!  Who received the highest premium—a Silver Medal and Diploma— at the Mechanics’ Fair, in 1848?  Adams.

Who was the only person to whom was awarded a Silver Medal for the best Types exhibited at the Mechanics Fair in 1849?  Adams.

Who intends to make Daguerreotypes that will distance all competitors for the Fair of 1851?  Adams & Chapin, of Waldo Block.

Brother Artist, take particular notice.

The third advertisement ran from June 20 to 23 1851.  Notice.—In reference to a certain article that appeared in the Spy, dated June__, I would say, in reply, being requested so to do by that Daguerrian Artist to “take notice” who it was that took the medal in 1848.  It was Walker & Adams, not Adams alone, as be stated.  Who was it that took the medal alone, in 1848?

A. W. Van Alstin.

Adams; perhaps the public will say.  Why not A. W. Van Alstin?  Because he was in California.

Who was it that took so many poor pictures in my room while I was there?

Moses S. Chapin.

Where is George Adams operating at the present time?

Providence, R. I., not in Worcester.

Who is in the rooms formerly occupied by Adams?

Moses S. Chapin.

I hope that the remainder of the Artist’ will soon appear, and place him in his proper position, which is at the bench, with a saw and jack-plane.  A. W. Van Alstin.

The fourth advertisement ran from June 25 to 27, 1851.  Particular Notice.—A. W. Van Alstin, alias Dr. Van Alstin, (formerly a Corn Doctor,) of late from California, and “formerly of Lowell,” is respectfully informed that any statement, however false and malicious, he may publish, respecting us, we are willing should go to the public without any comments or refutations from us, believing it unnecessary, so long as the articles appear where he is known, and over his own signature.  G. Adams.  M. S. Chapin

The fifth advertisement ran from June 25 to July 8, 1851.  A. W. Van Alstin, in reference to a “Particular Notice,” which has appeared, signed “G. Adams,” and “M. S. Chapin,” respectfully refers the public to the Report of the Worcester County Mechanics Association, and would ask the following simple facts, quoted from that Report, and denied by “G. Adams” and “M. S. Chapin,” are “false and malicious.”—”No. 49,

A. W. Van Alstin, First Class Daguerreotypes, Silver Medal.”  “No. 630, Walker & Adams, Silver Medal”

Is it “false or malicious” to say that Adams is in Providence, R. I., when he is in Providence, R. I., although it is pretended he is in Worcester?  Is it “false or malicious” to say that A. W. Van Alstin can always be found at his own stand, taking the best Daguerreotypes that can be taken?  A. W. Van Alstin knows that when a rogues corns are trampled on, the rogue halloos; but he begs to say that if certain too tender-toed pseudo-daguerreotypists will call at A. W. Van Alstin’s rooms, over the New York Store, Worcester, he will cure them of the disease in their feet, and present them with their likeness gratis.  A. W. Van Alstin.

The announcement appeared on August 5, 1851.  Splendid Daguerreotypes.—Mr. Adams has returned to his old stand, having during his absence, been practicing in taking the new style of pictures, called vignette daguerreotypes.  Specimens may be seen at the rooms of Messrs. Adams & Chapin, over Waldo Hall, where customers can be accommodated either in the new or old style.  These specimens are exceedingly beautiful.  There is a softness and delicacy in the style, which we think will make them very popular, wherever they become known.  If executed with the skill and taste evinced in those above referred to.

The sixth advertisement ran from August 22 to September 12, 1851.  That the public appreciate the beautiful Daguerreotypes made by Adams & Chapin, in Waldo Block, is sufficiently evident to any one who visits their rooms, as they are constantly thronged with a class of our citizens who have the taste and judgment to disseminate and admire their splendid Miniatures.  The Vignette Daguerreotype is growing rapidly in popularity. 

The seventh advertisement ran from September 29 to October 7, 1851.  Particular Notice.—Geo. Adams would respectfully announce to his friends and the public, that the limitation of his engagement with Mr. Chapin, of Waldo Block, having expired, he has taken a suit of rooms in Brinley Row, over the Citizens Bank, and directly opposite the American House, where all those who are capable of appreciating fine Daguerreotypes are invited to call.  Mr. A.’s Rooms are very easy of access, spacious, and fitted up with every convenience to produce good miniatures.  The room for his Sky-light is of a size suitable for making a group of 40 persons on one plate.

The eighth advertisement ran from January 9 to February 11, 1852.  To the Public—The well known Daguerrean Rooms, Waldo Block, formally owned and occupied by Geo. Adams, and More recently by Adams & Chapin, have not been removed, but still are the center of attraction for all who appreciate good Daguerreotypes, as the facilities for taking daguerreotypes are such as cannot be surpassed in this city, if in the world.  The limitation between Messrs. Adams & Chapin and Adams & Co. Having ceased Sept. 18, 1851, Mr. Chapin would say to the public, that those splendidly finished Daguerrean Rooms, Waldo Block, are still open for exhibition, or all who may favor him with a call Mr. Chapin would say to all who would like good Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends, they will do well to call on Mr. C., Waldo Block, where all may be sure of obtaining perfect daguerreotypes for the extreme low price of 50 cents.  Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  Particular attention paid to taking Children.—Hours for taking children from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.  Call and examine for yourselves.         

George Adams & Moses Sanford Chapin are both recorded in other photographic directories but not in partnership.

Wesley Abbott

1855                19 Central Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

Wesley Abbott was recorded in one advertisement in the Andover Advertiser (Andover, Massachusetts) that was recorded on September 15, 1855.  Wesley Abbott Would say to the citizens of Andover, that he is prepared to take every style of Daguerreotype, in the most artistic manner, at the lowest prices.  He would say that he has the best light in the city, for taking Single Pictures or Groups, and is prepared to execute pictures of every size and price, from 50 cents to $20.

Lovers of the fine arts are invited to call and examine the rooms and apparatus, and see specimens of Stereoscopic pictures, Crayons, Magic and Metalic backgrounds, &c.

His rooms are at 19 Central Street, near the Post Office, Lowell.  March 31.  Wesley Abbott.

Wesley Abbott is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Anthony K. Zuky

1852                Room in the State House, Montpelier, Vermont.

1852                Address Unknown, Northfield, Vermont.

1853                499 Broadway, New York, New York.

1853                Directly opposite the U. S. Hotel, over the Post Office, Saratoga Springs,                           New York.

Anthony K. Zuky was recorded in twelve advertisements and one announcements.  The first advertisement ran on October 21 & 28, 1852 in the Vermont Watchman and State Journal  (Montpelier, Vermont).  Daguerreotypes.  A. K. Zuky, a Lieutenant under Kossuth is now in town, and endeavoring to earn a living by taking Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Zuky brings letters from Kossuth, as well as from American gentlemen of high standing, who recommend him to public favor.  He has taken a room in the State House, and we hope he will be liberally patronized.

The announcement appeared on November 4, 1852 in the Vermont Watchman and State Journal (Montpelier, Vermont).  Portrait of Kossuth.  Lieut. Zuky is at Northfield at present, but will return to his room in the State House on Wednesday or Thursday.  His daguerreotypes are excellent, and he also furnishes daguerreotype copies of a true daguerreotype portrait of Kossuth a rarity indeed, which the admirers of the great Hungarian orator and statesman will highly prize.  Lieut. Zuky was in active service in the Hungarian revolution, and brings honorable testimonials from all the Hungarian Generals.  It is worth one’s while to get sight at the autograph of celebrated men, which these testimonials bear.  Lieut. Zuky will remain one week more, and we hope that brief time will be made profitable to him by the patronage he shall receive.

The second through the ninth advertisement appeared in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The second advertisement ran on March 21, 1853.  Hungarian Daguerreotype Artist, At 499 Broadway.—A. R. Zuky, at the above number, daily takes lifelike pictures of the citizens of New York, at all prices.  A good article furnished by applying at his rooms.

The third advertisement appeared on May 19, 1853.  Hungarian Daguerrean Artist,–A. R. Zuky, 499 Broadway late lieutenant in the Hungarian army, brings recommendations from Hon. George P. Marsh, American Minister at Constantinople; also, from Lord Dudly Stuart, Governor Kossuth, Lieutenant General Messaras, General Perezel, General Baron Stein, and Francis Pulzky.

The fourth advertisement ran on June 10, 11 & 15, 1853.  Daguerreotypes of Superior Quality are taken daily, for the low price of fifty cents and upwards, and warranted to be as good as any taken in those gorgeous palaces on Broadway at the rooms of A. K. Zuky, 499 Broadway.  Mr. Z. is a Hungarian exile and solicits the patronage of the citizens of New York.  Perfect satisfaction given, or no pay required.  Give him a trial.

The fifth advertisement appeared on June 16, 1853.  Daguerreotypes of Superior Quality are taken daily, for the low price of fifty cents and upwards, and warranted to be as good as any taken in those gorgeous palaces on Broadway at the rooms of A. K. Zuky, 499 Broadway.  Mr. Z. is a Hungarian exile and solicits the patronage of the citizens of New York. 

The sixth advertisement appeared on June 18, 1853.  Fifty Cent Daguerreotypes and Upwards, are daily taken at A. K. Zuky’s, 499 Broadway, in a superior style and finish as can be had in the city.  A trial and perfect satisfaction given, or no pay required.

The seventh advertisement appeared on June 23, 1853.  Daguerreotypes of Superior Quality are [taken] daily, for the low price of fifty cents and upwards, and warranted to be as good as any taken in those gorgeous palaces on Broadway at the rooms of A. K. Zuky, 499 Broadway, [ ? ] who solicits the patronage of the citizens of [New] York.

The eighth advertisement appeared on June 29, 1853.  Daguerreotypes are taken cheap at the rooms of A. K. Zuky, 499 Broadway, in superior style.  Pictures taken until Monday cheap, with very fine cases, to dispose of his present stock, as he leaves for the country on that day.  Give him a trial.

The ninth advertisement ran on July 4 & 5, 1853.  Daguerreotypes on the Fourth of July will be taken at half price, by A. K. Zuky, 499 Broadway, as leaves for the country on Tuesday.  Citizens and strangers are invited to call and give him a last trial.

The tenth advertisement appeared in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) on July 19, 1853.  Daguerreian Gallery, Saratoga Springs.—A. K. Zuky informs his numerous friends that he has opened his gallery directly opposite the United States Hotel, over the Post Office, and would be happy to meet his friends who visit the Springs there.

The eleventh advertisement ran from July 21 to August 25, 1853 in the Vermont Watchman and State Journal (Montpelier, Vermont) on July 21, 1853.  The Daguerrean Gallery of A. K. Zuky Is located over the Post Office, opposite the United States Hotel.  A convenient room and a good light.  Pictures taken in good style at low prices.  Saratoga Springs, July 13, 1853.

The twelfth advertisement appeared on July 22, 1853 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Daguerreian Gallery, Saratoga Springs.—A. K. Zuky informs his numerous friends that he has opened his gallery directly opposite the United States Hotel, over the Post Office, and would be happy to meet his friends who visit the Springs there.

Anthony K. Zuky is recorded in other photographic directories and is recorded here because of additional information previously unrecorded.

Joseph T. Zealy

1849                Rooms over the Post Office, Camden, South Carolina.

1856                Address unknown, Columbia, South Carolina.

Joseph T. Zealy was recorded in one advertisements and two announcements.  The advertisement and the first announcement appeared in The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina). The   advertisement ran from March 21 to 28, 1849.  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Zealy, lately operating in Columbia, has opened his Daguerreian Gallery in the room over the Post Office, recently occupied by Dr. J. Lee, where he will be happy to exhibit his specimens to those who may favor him with a call, and will be prepared to take likenesses in the most approved style.

Pictures warranted not to fade.                      

The announcement appeared on March 28, 1849.  Mr. Zealy.  We call attention to the advertisement of Mr. Zealy, found in another column, who comes among us with the highest recommendation as an Artist.  In Columbia where he has successfully operated for two or three winters, we know his performances are regarded superior to any who had visited that place before him.  His Daguerreian Gallery certainly presents the finest specimens we have seen.

Mr. Z’s pictures are superior in being durable, and in giving a life-like expression to the face.  The greatest objection to Daguerreotypes is the dull—cold—inanimate appearance of the picture.  Mr. Z. has in a great measure overcome this, and uses new chemical combinations with eminent success.  He is a native of the State, and deserves patronage.  We recommend all who wish their faces taken, to give him a call, at his rooms above the Post Office.

The second announcement appeared in the Yorkville Enquirer (Yorkville, South Carolina) on  November 20, 1856.  The Agricultural fair.  Editorial Correspondence.  Columbia, Wednesday, Nov. 11th …. Fancy Painting, Silver Medal—were assigned to E. Dovilliers, of the Barhamville Institute. Messrs. Kingsmore and Wearn, of Newberry, received the award for photograph portraits in oil; and Mr. Zealy, of Columbia, for best Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes &c.  The Photographs were very superior pictures, and richly deserved the honorable mention.  Mr. Zealy’s pictures are equal to his reputation as an artist; but I could not refrain from a malediction on our friend Schorb, for allowing the judgment to be pronounced by default.…

Robert A. Young

1851                Mattingly’s Hall, Bardstown, Kentucky.

1851                Telegraph office on Arch street, Bardstown, Kentucky.

Robert A. Young was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the Bardstown Herald (Bardstown, Kentucky). The advertisement ran from November 20 to December 4, 1851.   Rob’t. A. Young, Daguerrean Artist, Having purchased of Messrs. Websters & Holland their Daguerrean Gallery, stinted in Bardstown, at “Mattingly’s Hall,” will continue the business at the same place, for a few days.  The Rooms will be reopened on Monday, the 24th inst., When he will be pleased to see all who may desire to secure correct Likenesses of themselves or friends. The Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  All work warranted so give entire satisfaction.

Come one, come all, and see the wonders of this beautiful art.  Admittance gratis—exit the same price, with a discount of five per cent.  Robt. A. Young.

Then announcement appeared on December 4, 1851.  R. A. Young, Daguerrean Artists, has removed his gallery to the Telegraph office on Arch street, a few doors above the Herald office.

Robert A Young Is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. S. Young

1854-1855       Corner Market and 5th Street, Steubenville, Ohio.

1855                Over Messrs. Acheson’s Store, Washington, Pennsylvania.

J. S. Young was recorded in two advertisements and one announcement.  The first advertisement appeared on February 24, 1855 in The Cadiz Democratic Sentinel (Cadiz, Ohio).  J. S. Young, Daguerreotypist.  Corner market and 5th Street Steubenville, O. [January 22, 1854.]

The second  advertisement ran from December 20, 1854 to April 25, 1855 in the Washington Review and Examiner (Washington, Pennsylvania)  Young’s Daguerrean Rooms, On the Round Corner, over Messrs. Acheson’s Store.  Pictures from as large as life to the smallest miniature Ring or Pin.  If you wish a first class picture call on Young.

The announcement appeared in the Washington Review and Examiner (Washington, Pennsylvania) on March 10, 1855.  Now is the time To get your likeness taken,  These bright Spring days afford just the kind of light best adapted to the purpose.  Mr. J. S. Young has a Sky-Light arranged upon the most approved principles, and that, with his complete apparatus, chemicals, &c., enables him to take as good pictures as can be had anywhere.  Mr. Young stands in the front rank as a Daguerreotypist.  Give him a call!  His rooms are over the grocery store of Messrs. Acheson.

It is possible that J. S. Young is the same person in both locations based on dates of activity and proximity.  The distance from Steubenville, Ohio and Washington, Pennsylvania, (modern route is 49 miles).  J. S. Young is not recorded as being active in Steubenville, Ohio or in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1855.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a John S. Young active in Washington, Pennsylvania 1n 1859.

Benjamin F. Young

1843                235 Broadway, New York New York.

Benjamin F. Young of the firm Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham were recorded in one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York) and one announcement one announcement in the New York Daily Tribune.   The advertisement ran every other day from May 25 to 29, and every day from June 4 to 6, 1843.  Miniature Portraits copied from Daguerreotypes in natural colors on ivory, with perfect accuracy, or with any desired alteration or improvement on very moderate terms.  Specimens to be seen in the Daguerreotype Room, No. 1, at 235 Broadway, near park place.

The announcement appeared on September 19, 1843.  Fair at the American Museum.—The problem of opening a new and spacious Saloon at the American Museum, as a Perpetual Fair or Bazaar for the Exhibition and Sale of Goods, Wares, Merchandize, &c has proved highly successful.  It is now one of the most attractive Halls in the Establishment, and is undoubtedly the cheapest Advertising Medium in the world.  The name, location and business of all depositors are advertised in 100,000 small bills per annum—also in the principal city papers.  The following persons have already made deposites in this Fair, and as nearly all the articles are For Sale, Merchants and others will find it to their interest to make their purchases through this medium.  It is obvious that no articles but those of the best quality are deposited here.  Persons desirous of depositing specimens of Goods or Cards of Business in the perpetual Fair, can do so on reasonable terms.  Circulars of prices, & c. can be obtained at the Office of the Museum.

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..N. G. Burgess, 192 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Gurney, 189 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Plumbe, Jr., 251 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham, 235 Broadway

Benjamin F. Young does not appear in other photographic directories.

Young & Cooper

1841                Rooms in the Kirkland Block, Utica, New York.

Young & Cooper were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Oneida Whig  (Utica, New York).  The announcement appeared on February 2, 1841.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.—The attention of our readers is solicited to the advertisement of Messrs. Young & Cooper.  Any person who is desirous of possessing a perfect miniature

representation of himself, will do well to call and receive a touch of their art.

The advertisement ran from February 2 to March 9, 1841.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Messrs. Young & Cooper respectfully inform the citizens of Utica and its vicinity that they contemplate remaining for only a few weeks longer in this city: so that if there are any persons who are desirous of having their miniatures or portrait beautifully and accurately taken by this wonderful instrument they must attend to it in time; for they may depend upon it they have an opportunity offered them now which they will not again have for years.  They have been able to so arrange their instrument that they are now able to take the most beautiful miniatures that have been taken by this instrument in this country, in the short space of from fifteen seconds to two and a half minutes, without any sun and in all kinds of weather.  The community generally are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens of the art; and the proprietors flatter themselves that on such examination the citizens of this city will very generally consent to see themselves as others see them, through the aid of this instrument.

Messrs. Young & Cooper will be found any time during the day at their rooms in the Kirkland Block.                                                                                        

Young and Cooper are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Yearout & Richardson

1854                303 Broadway, New York, New York.

Yearout & Richardson (John T. Yearout & V. L. Richardson) were recorded in one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on May 28, 1854.  Daguerreotypes—The Daguerrean Rooms, formerly occupied by Dobyns, Richardson & Co., 303 Broadway, corner of Duane street, are reopened and ready for the reception of visitors.  V. L. Richardson operator.  Yearout & Richardson.

Yearout & Richardson are both recorded in other photographic directories, but the advertisement confirms V. L. Richardson as the operator and helps estimates the end dates of the partnership of Dobyns, Richardson & Co. partnership.