Category Archives: Melainotypes

S. Webster Wyman

1858                Kelley’s Block, opposite the Central House, Woburn, Massachusetts.

1860                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1865                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1867                Main Street, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1868                Kelley’s Building, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

1869                Address Unknown, Woburn, Massachusetts.[1]

S. Webster Wyman was recorded in two advertisements.  The first advertisement was recorded in the Middlesex Journal (Woburn, Massachusetts) on March 20, 1858.  Wyman’s Ambrotype, Melainotype And Daguerreotype Rooms, Kelly’s Block, Woburn.

Particular attention given to copying pictures.  Woburn, March 5, 1858.

The second advertisement was recorded in theWoburn Budget (Woburn, Massachusetts) on July 2, 1858.  Wyman’s Ambrotype Rooms, Kelley’s Block, opposite the Central House, Woburn.

Call and see specimens!  Rooms cool and airy.  Prices low, and satisfaction guaranteed in all cases.

Now Is The Time To Call!  S. Webster Wyman, Artist in Ambrotypes and Daguerreotype.  June 11.

S. Webster Wyman is recorded in other photographic directories from 1860-1869. 


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

George H. Wood

1855-1859                   Patton’s New Block, Corner Main and Bridge, Towanda, Pennsylvania.                    

George H. Wood was recorded in six advertisements and one announcement in the Bradford Report (Towanda, Pennsylvania).  Advertisement ran from May 5, 1855 to January 26, l856.  George H. Wood’s Daguerrean Rooms Removed to Patton’s New Brick Block, corner of Bridge and Main street, where he has fitted up rooms expressly for the business, with a large sky-light and side-light combined.  With these arrangements he will be able to take Pictures with any shade desired.  Grouping done in the best possible manner.  Daguerreotypes taken equally as well in cloudy as clear weather.  Particular attention paid to copying.  Miniatures neatly put into Lockets, Breast pins, and finger rings, &c. Instruction given in the art at reasonable terms.

The announcement appeared on October 16, 1856.  Premiums Awarded at the Fourth Annual Fair of the Bradford County Agricultural Society, October 2, 1856…1st premium for Ambrotypes to Geo. Wood.

The second advertisement ran from January 26, 1856 to April 23, 1857.  George H. Wood’s Daguerrean & Glass Picture Gallery, In Patton’s New Block, Corner of Main and Bridge sts., Towanda, Pa., is the place to get Glass Pictures, (usually called Ambrotypes.)  They are far superior to all other kinds of pictures.  Having no reflection, they can be seen in any position, and can be taken in much lees time than Daguerreotypes, and equally well in cloudy as clear weather.

Miniatures put into Lockets, Breast Pins, &c., as usual.  Rooms open at all hours.  Pictures put up on short notice.            

The third advertisement ran from April 16 to December 3, 1857.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Any Photographs. Or Pictures on Glass, Iron & Paper Also Electrotypes, or Raised Pictures, Taken at G. H. Wood’s Gallery, Patton’s Block, Towanda.

Articular attention given to copying.  Pictures taken in cloudy as well as clear weather.

The quality of my pictures is too well known to need comment.  Call and see for yourselves.

Rooms open at all hours.  All work warranted.                     

The fourth advertisement ran from December 10, 1857 to July 29, 1858.  Now Is The Time To Get Melainotypes & Ambrotypes Cheap!  G. H. Wood Has reduced his prices of all kinds of Pictures with cases, 25 per cent for the Winter.

Frames of all kinds kept on hand also at reduced prices.  Good Cases with Melainotypes, 75 cents; all other kinds in proportion.  Remember the reduction is only for the Winter, and so improve the time.  Rooms open at all hours.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather (except for children.)  All work warranted.  G. H. Wood.

The fifth advertisement ran from July 29, 1858 to August 11, 1859.  Now Is The Time To Get Melainotypes & Ambrotypes Cheap!  G. H. Wood Has reduced his prices of all kinds of Pictures with cases, 25 per cent.

Frames of all kinds kept on hand also at reduced prices.  Good Cases with Melainotypes, 75 cents; all other kinds in proportion.  Rooms open at all hours.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather (except for children.)  All work warranted.         

The sixth advertisement ran from August 11 to December 22, 1859.  New Attractions! At Geo. H. Wood’s Gallery, Towanda, PA.  You can procure, at low prices, Photographs, of all sizes, up to life size, either plain or retouched, colored in oil or pastille.

Also, Melainotypes and Ambrotypes, and almost all other kinds of types.  Pictures in good cases for 50 cents, and other sizes and qualities in proportion.          

Melainotypes made in all kinds of weather, (except for children.  All work warranted. 

George H. Wood is not recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but is recorded in Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 as being active in Towanda, Pennsylvania from 1852-Ca. 1867; 1881; and 1890-1891.

E. B. Wixson

1859                Pearl Street, Sioux City, Iowa.

E. B. Wixson is recorded in one advertisement on August 13, 1859 in the Dakota City Herald (Dakota City, Nebraska).  E. B. Wixson, Photographer. Rooms foot of Pearl street, in the building formerly occupied by Casady & Clark, Sioux City, ……..Iowa, Is prepared to take beautiful Likenesses in all kinds of weather, in the highest and most approved styles of the art.

Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, &c.  To suit customers.

Perfect Transfers taken or prepared Cloth, Paper, Patent leather, &c., suitable for sending by Mail.

Town Plats, Views, &c., Taken with the greatest nicety, and put up in cases, or transferred, as desired.  February 25, 1859.

E. B. Wixson is recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary1839-1865.

O. Wise

1856-1857       Room On Main Street, One door North of the Masonic Hall, Helena, Arkansas.

O. Wise was recoded in one advertisement ran on December 20, 1856 & January 17 & 24, 1857 in the Southern Shield (Helena, Arkansas).  You Want One!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, etc., taken in the highest style of the Art, by the undersigned, who respectfully solicit the patronage of the ladies and gentlemen of Helena and vicinity, and an examination of specimens of their skill, to be seen at their Rooms, on Main street, One door North of the Masonic Hall.  O. Wise & Co.

O. Wise is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George Y. Weise

1857                Room above the Post Office, Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

1857-1858     Market Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

George Y. Weise was recorded in three advertisements and two announcements in the Sunbury American (Sunbury, Pennsylvania).  The first advertisement ran from April 11 to May 9, 1857. Ambrotype, Melainotype And Ambrograph Gallery.  Geo. Y. Weise, will continue for a few day only, to take pictures upon Glass, Iron, or Paper. At his room on the 3d story Brick Building above the Post Office.  Persons wishing a really good likeness had better come at once and secure those truly beautiful embossed shadows of a living substance.

Persons wishing instructions in the Art, can receive them, by applying immediately. 

The first announcement appeared on May 9, 1857.  Borough Election.  At an election held at the Court House on Monday last, for borough officers for the ensuing year, the following persons were elected…Town Clerk—Geo. Y. Weise.

The second advertisement ran from August 22 to November 7, 1857.  Picture Gallery.  Geo. Y. Weise has again commenced and will continue to take Ambrotypes, &c., at his Room above the Post Office.  Persons wishing to have good likenesses taken, will please call and see us.  We will take pictures at reduced prices and take trade in payment for the same.

All kinds of pictures copied. 

The second announcement appeared on August 29, 1857.  Ambrotypes.—Mr. George Y. Weise informs us that he is getting a new supply of cases and other materials from Philadelphia, and will be able to please the taste of all.  Mr. Weise, who has taken some excellent pictures, is a skillful and intelligent operator, and there is no reason why he should not be able to produce first class pictures.

The third advertisement ran from December 12, 1857 to January 9, 1858.  Ambrotypes!  Geo. Y. Weise has removed his Photographic Gallery to his residence in Market Street, three doors east of Youngman’s Printing Office, where he will take Pictures at prices to suit the times.  His assortment of Plain and Fancy Cases are sufficiently large to suit all who may favor him with a call. 

George Y. Weise is not recorded in other photographic directories.

E. E. Weeks

1858                            Address Unknown, Sandusky, Ohio.

E. E. Weeks appeared in one announcement in the Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio) on September 21, 1858.  State Fair—Awards of Premiums…Fine Arts—Drawings And Paintings…

E. E. Weeks, Sandusky, display of daguerreotypes,…… diploma

E. E. Weeks, Sandusky, Ambrotypes,……………………silver medal

E. E. Weeks, Sandusky, melaineotypes………………….silver medal

E. E. Weeks is not recorded in other photographic directories.  R. E. Weeks is recorded in other directories and it is possible they are the same person, but further research is needed.

A. Watson

1857                83 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1857-1859     77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

A. Watson is a complicated entry.  There are a total of twenty six advertisements and two announcements that were recorded from The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Two advertisements and two announcements mentioned a Watson & Son, one of the announcements is recorded as Mrs. Watson and Son.  This is possibly a typo but further research is needed.  There are also a number of advertisements between December 8, 1857 to November 21, 1859 that only mention Watson.  The identification of the son is not recorded in any of the ads or announcements recorded.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does mention John W. Watson as being active in Richmond in 1859, it is possibly that he is the son.

 1.  Advertisement ran on October 23 & 24, 1857.  Genuine Double Glass Ambrotype Picture For 50 Cents, At Watson’s Melainotype And Ambrotype Gallery—On Friday, 23d Oct.—Fine Ambrotype Views of Niagara, taken on the spot by A. Watson.  Visitors wishing a view of the Falls, can secure a most accurate and imperishable mirror of the greatest cataract in the world.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens, as they need only to be seen to be appreciated. 

Remember, Watson intends to give his first week’s profits for the benefit of the poor of Richmond.  Pictures taken from 25 cents to $10.                                                                       

2.  Advertisement ran from October 26 to 31, 1857.  Watson’s Double Glass Ambrotypes, only 25 Cents.—Be sure and see Watson’s Double Glass Ambrotypes at 25 and 37½ cents, before you have your likeness.  Rooms 83 Main street.  Malainotypes and Panotypes taken by him.  The whole of the first week’s profits to be given to the poor of this city.                                                                                                                 

3.  Advertisement ran from October 31 to November 27, 1857.  Watson’s Gives The Largest Ambrotypes, For Fifty Cents—Call and see Watson’s Double Glass Ambrotypes at 25, 37½, and 50 cents, before you have your likeness.  Rooms 83 Main street.  Malainotypes and Panotypes taken by him.  The whole of the first week’s profits to be given to the poor of the city.                                                                                             

4.  Advertisement ran from November 21 to December 10, 1857.  Proclamation.—This is to give notice that if you buy a case a Watson’s Gallery, 83 Main street, he gives you a handsome picture.  Excelsior Ambrotypes taken by him with handsome case, the largest in the city, for 50 cents, and for 25 and 37½, Medalions and cameos taken in Silk Velvet cases for $1.  Also, Malainotypes and Panotypes, which may be sent in a letter, without extra postage.  All pictures taken at his Gallery warranted not to fade.—Old Daguerreotypes copied and pictures put in lockets.

N. B.—The best pictures taken from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.                                          

5.  Advertisement ran from December 8 to 10, 1857.  Removal.—Watson & Son have bought out the old Whitehurst Gallery lately occupied by Mr. Leitch, which they will open on Monday December 7, and are now prepared to take Pictures from 25 to 37½ cents with cases; and extra large for 50 cents with case, which are not to be equaled in the city, and which is regularly charged $1.  Medalions, Cameos, Maianotypes, and Panotypes, which can be sent in a letter to any part of the world.  His Ambrotypes are warranted not to fade.

Remember the old Whitehurst Gallery, 77 main street, Call and see for yourselves, his specimens, and where Photographs of all the United States Senators can be seen.              

6.  Advertisement ran from December 11 to 28, 1857.  Old Whitehurst Gallery.—This is to give notice that if you buy a case at Watson’s Gallery, 77 Main street, he gives you a handsome picture.  Excelsior Ambrotypes taken by him with handsome case, the largest in the city, for 50 cents, and for 25 and 37½, Medalions and Cameos taken in Silk Velvet cases for $1.  Also, Malainotypes and Panotypes, which may be sent in a letter, without extra postage.  All pictures taken at his Gallery warranted not to fade.  Old Daguerreotypes copied and pictures put in lockets.

N. B.—The best picture taken from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.                                  

7.  Advertisement ran from December 28m, 1857 to January 28, 1858.  $500 worth of Jewelry and Fancy Cases received by the Jamestown for Watson & Son, for New Years’ Gifts.  A handsome case and picture for $1, which is regularly charged elsewhere $2 for.  What you buy at other places for $1 we give you for 50 cents.  Pictures from 25 cents up to $10.  Groups taken in large cases and charged as single ones.  Union case, with picture, for $1.  Melainotypes, Panotypes, and Ambrographs sent by mail for single postage.  Pictures for Lockets, Breastpins and Rings taken; and old Daguerreotypes copied.  Pictures taken rain or shine, 20 per cent cheaper than any other gallery.—Good fires always kept.  At Whitehurst’s old Gallery, No. 77 Main street                                                                                    

8.  Advertisement ran from January 27 to March 1, 1858.  “Secure The Shadow, Ere The Substance Fade.”—If you wish a fine picture, call at Whitehurst’s old Gallery, (the best skylight in the city,) and examine the specimens of art produced by Watson.  They are warranted not to fade, nor to be easily defaced—equal to the best in the United States, and 20 per cent cheaper than any other in the city.

Pictures taken from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Pictures copied, and either enlarged or diminished.

Melainotypes and Penotypes, for transmission by mail.

Photographs, 1st sitting, $2; Duplicates $1 each.

Remember, 77 Main street.

9.  Advertisement appeared on March 6, 1858.  “Secure The Shadow Ere The Shadow Fail.”—At Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main street.  Photographs, either colored or plain, made from life, copied from Daguerreotypes or smaller pictures, and enlarged to any size.  Watson’s Ambrotypes, Maleinotype, Panotype, Ambrograph and Nelograph, a new style of Photograph, taken instantaneously, and finished in three minutes for letters, and are of a superior character. Colored or plain, and for beauty of finish are surpassed by none.  Pictures taken for 50 cents; Photographs 32 ; Duplicates $1.

Photograph of the Washington Monument, with Jefferson and Patrick Henry, for sale.  Price $1.

10.  Advertisement ran from March 6 to April 6, 1858.  “Secure The Shadow Ere The Shadow Fade.” If you wish a good picture go to  Whitehurst’s old Gallery, 77 Main st. and examine the Specimens, Photographs, colored or plain, made from life or copied from small pictures and enlarged to any size.  The pure Ambrotype we warrant not to fade or easily be defaced.  Watson’s unrivalled Niellograph or new style of Photograph pictures, taken instantaneously, and finished in three minutes.  Malainotypes, Panotypes and Ambrotypes for transmission by mail.  This gallery contains two of the largest skylights in Virginia, and for beauty of finish, his pictures are surpassed by none.

Pictures taken from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M.

Old Daguerreotypes copied.                                                                                      

11.  Advertisement ran from June 29 to August 3, 1858.  Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main Street.—Notice—Watson takes pictures from 50 cents to $1, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes on leather, and Photographs any size, plain or painted, either in pastille or oil. The painting to be done by a first class Portrait Painter.  He does not pretend to take them by the 1,000 or by the aid of machinery, suitable for running railway cars or an ocean line of steamships.  He has two skylights, enabling him at all times to get good pictures, an advantage, not possessed by any other Gallery in Richmond.                                        

12.  Advertisement ran from September 14 to October 14, 1858.  Watson has just returned from the springs, and will be happy to see his old friends and show them some of his celebrated Chrystal Miniatures, which will neither fade or rub out.

Life-size Pictures, in oil or pastille, at the shortest notice.

Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main Street.—Notice—Watson takes Pictures from 50cts to $100.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes on leather, and Photographs of any size, plain or painted, either in pastille or oil.  The paintings to be done by a first class portrait painter.  He does not pretend to take them by the 1,000 or by the aid of machinery suitable for running railway cars or an ocean line of steamships.  He has two skylights, enabling him at all times to get good Pictures an advantage not possessed by any other Gallery in Richmond.                                        

13.  Advertisement ran from October 16 to November 15, 1858.  Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main Street.—Notice—Watson takes Pictures from 50cts to $1.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes on leather, and Photographs of any size, plain or painted, either in pastille or oil.  The paintings to be done by a first class portrait painter.  He does not pretend to take them by the 1,000 or by the aid of machinery suitable for running railway cars or an ocean line of steamers.  He has two skylights, enabling him at all times to get good Pictures an advantage not possessed by any other Gallery in Richmond.                                        

The first announcement appeared on October 29, 1858.  The Mechanics’ Fair increases in interest, day by day…But, apart from these, are five specimens of sewing machines, always at work, while near them may be seen the photographic displays of Minnis and Watson, that of themselves are worth a visit….

The second announcement appeared on November 10, 1858.  The Fifth Annual Exhibition Of The Virginia Mechanics’ Institute…List of Premiums, Awarded by the Virginia Mechanics’ Institute, at its Fifth Annual Exhibition…

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes And Photographs.  Class No. 26.—

G. W. Minnis, for his collection, silver medal

Mrs. Watson & Son, for pictures on leather, honorable mention.

The Photographs by Fredericks, of New York, are very superior, but were entered too late for a premium.  The Committee of Judges, however, deem them worthy of high commendation.

14.  Advertisement ran from November 15 to December 18, 1858.  What’s The News?—Watson, at Whitehurst’s old gallery, 77 main street, is going to Europe, and is selling off his stock of fine Cases at cost, and he gives you a large sized Ambrotype for 50 cents—sold at $1 in any other gallery.

Photographs from $2 upwards.  Pictures put in medallion and breastpins for 75 cents.

Good fires constantly kept.                                                                            

15.  Advertisement ran from December 16 to 29, 1858.  Be In Time If you want a good Picture.  Watson is selling off his stock of fine Cases at coast, as he will shortly proceed to Europe, and if you do not wish to be artistically humbugged, go to him, for he gives you a true picture, warranted to give satisfaction, at Whitehurst old Gallery, 77 Main street, Richmond.  He puts Pictures in Medallions for 75 cents.  His Gallery and Pictures for sale.      

16.  Advertisement ran from December 30, 1858 to January 15, 1859.  Look Out.—Be In Time If you want a good Picture.  Watson is selling off his stock of fine Cases at coast, as he will shortly proceed to Europe, and if you do not wish to be artistically humbugged, go to him, for he gives you a true picture, warranted to give satisfaction, at Whitehurst old Gallery, 77 Main street, Richmond.  He puts Pictures in Medallions for 75 cents.  His Gallery and Pictures for sale.                                                                                 

17. Advertisement ran from January 26 to February 16, 1859.  Good and Cheap Pictures—All who want good Pictures At Cost, should come at once to 77 Main Street, Whitehurst’s old Gallery, as Watson will remain only a few more weeks longer.

Recollect, if you want cheap and good Pictures, you must call at 77 Main Street.

The Gallery and Fixtures are for sale, and will be sold low.                         

18.  Advertisement ran from February 17 to March 9, 1859.  Positively Only For Two Weeks Longer—All who want good Pictures At Cost, should come at once to 77 Main Street, Whitehurst’s old Gallery, as Watson will remain only a few more weeks longer.

Recollect, if you want cheap and good Pictures, you must call at 77 Main Street.

The Gallery and Fixtures are for sale, and will be sold low.                                     

Advertisement ran from March 10 to 29, 1859.1859 March 10.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  March 10, 1859, Vol. XV, No. 59, P. 2.

Whitehurst’s Old Gallery will open on the 14th inst, with an entire new stock of Cases, from 35 Cents and upwards.

Recollect, if you want cheap and good Pictures, you must call at 77 Main Street.

The Gallery and Fixtures are for sale, and will be sold low.                                     

19.  Advertisement ran from March 21 to April 20, 1859.  Gallery Of Fine Arts, 77, Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.  Important Notice.

Watson feels it due to his patrons and the public to tender them his warmest thanks for the generous support they have favored him with since he opened the above Gallery, and desires to inform them that circumstances has arisen which has induced him to abandon the project of returning to Europe for the present; and he is now receiving an entire new stock of cases of the best quality, which he is determined to sell at New York prices; and he intends to double his efforts to please all who may favor him with their patronage.

Every variety of picture produced by the Photographic art to be seen at his Gallery, which for style and workmanship, is equal to any produced in the city.  Here you can have a picture of surpassing beauty and size for 35 cents—unequalled by any other house—while Photographs, whole size 8 inches by 6 for $3; duplicates $1.  The public are invited to call and judge for themselves.

One Quarter size Camera, nearly new, for sale.                                            

20.  Advertisement ran from April 27 to May 14, 1859.  Great Excitement—By Telegraph—Watson, 77 Main street, Whitehurst’s old Gallery, has received, by the Europa, Stereoscopic Views taken in England, France, Italy, and the Holy Land, of Landscapes, Groups, and Statuary.—Call and see them.

The best style of Photographs taken by Watson for $1.  Likewise Ambrotypes for $35c.

21.  Advertisement ran from May 16 to 27, 1859.  Remember Watson—Whitehurst’s Gallery, 77 Main street—from Boston, Old England, has received, by the Europa, Stereoscopic Views taken in England, France, Italy, and the Holy Land, of Landscapes, Groups, and Statuary.—Call and see them.

The best style of Photographs taken by Watson for $1.  Likewise Ambrotypes for $35c.

Photographs, life size, colored in oil, or pastel, and copied from old Daguerreotypes and enlarged.                                                                                                           

22.  Advertisement ran from May 28 to June 23, 1859.  Grand Exhibition—Free—At Watson’s, (Whitehurst’s Old Gallery,) 77 Main st.—The public has no occasion to go to Europe to see Rome, the Holy Land, Paris or London, for he is constantly receiving views which are more perfect than scientific men ever dreamed of, for the perspective is perfect.  The finest statuary in the world; groups from life; views by gas light; views of the moon.  The whole for exhibition and for sale.  Call and see them.

Photographs for $1.

Ambrotypes from 35 cts upwards.

Pictures life size, copied or taken from life                                                   

23.  Advertisement ran from July 14 to August 18, 1859.  Great Excitement—25,000 People have visited Watson to see his splendid Stereoscopic Views, as well as to have their portraits taken.  His Portraits cannot be excelled; and for cheapness and durability are seldom equaled.  Call and see them.  Portraits from 35 cents; photographs from $1 to $25.  Old daguerreotypes copied or diminished to any size; painted either Water, Pastile, or Oil Colors, all worked up in India Ink.  Remember Watson’s, Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main st.

24.  Advertisement ran from September 13 to October 13, 1859.  Selling Out To Leave, 50 per cent, Below Usual Price.—Great Excitement.25,000 People have visited Watson to see his splendid Stereoscopic Views, as well as to have their portraits taken.  His Portraits cannot be excelled; and for cheapness and durability are seldom equaled.  Call and see them.  Portraits from 35 cents; photographs from $1 to $25.  Old daguerreotypes copied or diminished to any size; painted either Water, Pastile, or Oil Colors, all worked up in India Ink.  Remember Watson’s, Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main st.                           

25.  Advertisement ran from October 20 to November 19, 1859.  Selling Off!  Selling Off!  Selling Off!  At Half Price!  At Half Price!  At Half Price!  Watson’s Gallery, 77 Main Street.  77 Main Street.  To Close Business, 77 Main Street.                                                                                

26.   Advertisement ran from November 21 to December 1, 1859.  By J. H. Diggs, Auct.  Whitehurst’s Old Gallery.—Having concluded to close our business in Richmond, we shall sell at public auction, on Friday Dec. 2d, 1859, at 10 o’clock A. M., (if fair; if not, the next fair day, at our residence, 77 Main street, a collection of Oil Paintings, Pastell do., Photographs, and other Pictures; also , at the same time and place, will be sold a good collection of Furniture: Sofas, Tete-a-Tete, Mahogany Chairs, Mahogany Tables, Glass Cases, velvet Frames of Rosewood, large mirrors, Screens, Beds and Bedding, Bedsteads, one large sign, Window Drapery, a large stock of Cases and Chemicals, a lot of Gilt Frames, &c., &c.  The above goods will be on exhibition till day of sale at our rooms, 77 Main st., Whitehurst’s old Gallery.  Watson & Son.  J. H. Digges, Auct.                                           

A. Watson and Watson & Son are not listed in other photographic directories.  According to Craig’s Daguerreian Registry John W. Watson was listed as being at the Whitehurst gallery in 1859, could this be the son?    

Frederick H. Warner

1856                Block’s Building, Camden, Arkansas.

1856-1857       Address Unknown, Camden, Arkansas.

1857                Address Unknown, Washington, Arkansas.

1857                Rooms in Odd Fellow’s Hall, Washington, Arkansas.

Frederick H. Warner was recorded in four advertisements in The Ouachita Herald (Camden, Arkansas) and one ad in the Washington Telegraph (Washington, Arkansas).  The first advertisement was recorded on May 22 & 26, 1856.  F. H. Warner Resident Ambrotypist & Daguerrean Artist, Camden, Ark.  Will open his rooms in July next, for the reception of Ladies and Gentlemen.

Ambrotypes, Sterescopes, and Daguerreotypes, will be taken in the best style.  His rooms will be open about two weeks—then closed until winter.  May 22, 1856.

The second advertisement appeared on May 22, 1856.  F. H. Warner Resident Daguerrean Artist, Camden, Will occasionally visit all the prominent towns in South Arkansas for the purpose of practicing his Art.  His rooms are in Block’s building, next door to Richmond’s corner, where he will be happy to wait on ladies and gentlemen who may favor him with a call.  Camden, Sept. 27, [1844].

The third advertisement appeared on October 2,  1856.  F. H. Warner Resident Ambrotypist & Daguerrean Artist, Camden, Ark.  Will open his rooms on the 1st December next, for the reception of Ladies and Gentlemen.

Ambrotypes, Sterescopes and Daguerreotypes will be taken in the best style.  His rooms will be open about two weeks—then closed until winter.  Sept. 11, 1856.

The fourth advertisement appeared on January 8 & 22, and March 5,1857.  F. H. Warner Artist, Has again opened his rooms in this place, where he is prepared to take Melainotypes, Ambrotypes, Spherotypes, Daguerreotypes &c., in the latest and most improved style.—Those wishing pictures will please call soon, as I expect to visit Washington in February.  Dec. 18, 1856.

The fifth advertisement appeared on November 25, 1857 in the Washington Telegraph (Washington, Arkansas).  Melainotypes and Ambrotypes.  F. W. Warner takes pleasure of informing the citizens of Washington and vicinity, that he is in their midst prepared to execute picture true to life.  All who wish to see themselves “as others see them,” would do well to call immediately, and secure their “shadow e’er the substance fades.”  An extra fine lot of Miniature Breastpins and Gold Lockets, &c.  Dark clothing best suited for a good picture.  He will remain in Washington but a short time positively.

Persons visiting Camden through the winter would do well to call at Warner’s large Sky Gallery. And examine his different style of pictures, which have no superior. 

Rooms in Odd Fellows’ Hall.  Washington, October 23, 1857.

Frederick H. Warner is recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865.  Note the dates at the end of each advertisement only a few issues were found of The Ouachita Herald and the Washington Telegraph.  In the second advertisement the date at the end is in brackets, because of the quality of the reproduction it’s a straight line, meaning it could only be a one or a four.  So it can’t be 1814 so it has to be 1844. Or it’s a typo, most likely 1854.  As newspapers and further research  become available hopefully his activity dates become clearer.

E. L. Walker

1856                205 or 359 Broadway, New York, New York.

1856                585 Broadway, New York, New York.

E. L. Walker was mentioned in three advertisements.  The first appeared in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) on December 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes And Melainotypes.—The most beautiful specimens produced in this city are by E. L. Walker (formerly of Brady’s Gallery), now at the magnificent Gallery of C. D. Fredericks, Photographist, No. 585 Broadway, opposite Metropolitan Hotel.

The second advertisement appeared on December 12, 1856 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Ambrotypes And Melainotypes.—The Most beautiful specimens produced in this city are by E. L. Walker, formerly of Brady’s gallery, now at the magnificent gallery of C. D. Fredricks, Photographist, 585 Broadway, opposite Metropolitan Hotel.

The third advertisement appeared on December 23,1856 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Ambrotypes and Melainotypes.—The most beautiful specimens produced in this city are by E. L. Walker (formerly of Brady’s Gallery), now at the magnificent Gallery of C. D. Fredericks, Photographist, No. 585 Broadway, opposite Metropolitan Hotel.

Photographs.—Penabert of Paris, Photographist.  Finished in oil, aquarelle, and pastel, by the talented and inimitable corps of Parisian artists, introduced to this country by C. D. Fredericks, No. 585 Broadway, opposite Metropolitan Hotel.

Presents For The Holidays.—There is nothing so acceptable for a Holiday present as a beautiful Photograph, Daguerreotype, or Ambrotype, which should be secured as early as possible at Fredericks Magnificent Gallery, No. 585 Broadway, opposite the Metropolitan Hotel.

Advertisement ran on December 23 & 26, 1856.

E. L. Walker is not recorded in other photographic directories.  He was also not listed in the New York City Directories for the years 1855/1856; 1856/1857; 1857/1858.

Cornelius Murrett Vanorsdell

1859                Opposite C.T. Haigh & Sons’ Store, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Cornelius Murrett Vanorsdell was recorded in two advertisements.  The first advertisement ran from May 7 to September 24, 1859 in the North Carolinian (Fayetteville, North Carolina).  The very thing that was needed in Fayetteville a sky light Photographic Gallery.  C. M. Vanorsdell takes pleasure in announcing to the citizens of Fayetteville and vicinity that he has opened his splendid Sky-light Saloon opposite C. T. Haigh & Sons Store, where he is prepared to give as good likenesses as can be made North or South, having had a long experience in the Photographic Art and being determined to let none but good pictures leave his gallery.  He hopes to receive a liberal patronage. Photographs Ambrotypes Mellaneotypes, cameotypes, &c.

Those for whom our fond emotions cherish,

Secure the shadow e’re the substance perish.

Come all ye fathers and mothers

Come all ye sisters and brothers

Come all ye lovers and friends,

No longer now delay

Come to Van’s Saloon and get

Your picture Before you are called away.

Likenesses neatly set in pins, rings, Bracelets, &c.

Instructions given in the Art.  Stock for sale.

Likenesses taken at short notice of sick or deceased persons at their residence.  Also landscape and views.  April 30.

The second advertisement appeared on July 11, 1859 in the Fayetteville Weekly Observer  (Fayetteville, North Carolina).  Sky-Light Photographic Gallery, In Fayetteville.  Where Photographs, plain or colored, Ambrotypes, Cameotypes, Melaneotypes, and Patent Leather-Types; can be had in all sizes and styles, and in all kinds of weather, except of children, which are to be taken in clear weather only.

Likenesses set in Gold Lockets, Breast-Pins, Bracelets, &c.

Those who wish to patronize this beautiful art are requested to give me a call.

Instruction given in the art, and apparatus, stock and chemicals furnished at a small advance on New York prices.

Likenesses taken at short notice of sick or deceased persons, at their residences.

Old Daguerreotypes correctly copied.  C. M. Vanorsdell, Photographist.  Gallery opposite C. T. Haigh & Sons’ Store.  April 29.

C. M. Vanorsdell is recorded in Photographers In North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1941.