Category Archives: Melainotypes

G. W. Stillman

Melainotypes, ,

1859                            146 Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.

G. W. Stillman was recorded in five advertisements in The Daily Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  The  advertisement ran from February 23 to March 1, 1859.  Home Interest…The Union Gallery, now under the supervision of Mr. Stillman, is one of the best in the city.  Stillman’s pictures astonish the natives by their beauty and cheapness.  Don’t forget to give them a call.  No 146 Fifth street.

The second advertisement ran from March 4 to 10. 1859.  Home Interest…G. W. Stillman, late Hoag’s Gallery, 146 West Fifth street, is prepared to take Pictures at much reduced prices.  Give him a call; you are sure to be pleased.  His motto is “Excelsior.”

The third advertisement ran from March 10 to 19, 1859.  Home Interest…G. W. Stillman is doing a rushing business at his Gallery on Fifth street.  His Pictures are proverbial for their beauty and originality.

The fourth advertisement ran from March 21 to 26, 1859.  Home Interest…Stillman’s is the place to get your phiz taken.  His style of taking pictures is generally admired.

The fifth advertisement ran from March 28 to 31, 1859.  Home Interest…To get a good Melainotype, Stillman is the gentleman to apply to.  He insures a correct Picture always.

G. W. Stillman is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a George H. Stillman in Cincinnati in 1855, and in 1859-60.  It is unknown if they are the same person.

Charles M. Speelman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1859                Rooms over the Chronicle Office, Penn-Yan, New York.

Charles M. Speelman was recorded in three announcements and three advertisements.  The first announcement appeared on March 9, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York.   

Photographs, Daguerreotypes, &c.  Mr. T. J. B. House has disposed of his Photograph and Daguerrean Gallery to Mr. C. M. Speelman, who is to take possession on Monday next.  While we regret to part with Mr. House, we are well pleased to know that his successor is fully qualified to fill his place.  Mr. Speelman is an excellent artist and a through gentleman.  He has had much experience in taking pictures, and we are quite sure Mr. House’s patrons will lose nothing by the change, should they wish anything in the line of Photographs, Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We predict for our young friend Speelman abundant success.

The second announcement appeared on March 10, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Mr. T. J. B. House has sold his Photograph and Ambrotype Gallery together with his entire business, to Mr. Charles M. Speelman of Torrey.  Mr. House is an excellent artist, and a very worthy man.  He has made best of friends during his stay of two years in Penn Yan who will regret his departure.  The young man who takes his place is said to be a skillful artists and worthy successor to Mr. House.

The first advertisement ran from March 30 to August 17, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, &c., Penn Yan, N. Y.  Charles M. Speelman Having purchased the Rooms of T. J. B. House, over the Chronicle office, will carry on the business in all its branches.

Photographs Taken Any Size.  He hopes, by strict attention to business, to retain the public patronage that has ever been given to these rooms.

None But The Best Kind of Pictures taken at this Gallery.  His Instruments are of the best manufacture.  His stock is of the Latest Style and patterns in the New York Market.

Pictures from 50 Cents Upwards.  Cha’s M. Speelman.

The second advertisement ran from March 24 to May 5, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle  (Pen Yan, New York).   Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, &c., Penn Yan, N. Y.  Charles M. Speelman Having purchased the Rooms of T. J. B. House, over the Chronicle office, will carry on the business in all its branches.  Photographs taken any size.  This is the only room in Yates County where Photographs are taken.  He hopes, by strict attention to business, to retain the public patronage that has ever been given to these rooms.

None but the Best Kind of Pictures taken at this Gallery.  His instruments are of the best manufacture.  His [stock] is of the latest style and patterns in the New York Market.

Pictures from 50 Cents Upwards.  Cha’s M. Speelman.

The third announcement appeared on May 11, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).   Pictures.  Mr. Speelman has recently added largely to his stock of plain and fancy Cases, &c., and has reduced his prices for Photographs, Ambrotypes and melainotypes.  He takes excellent pictures, and should be liberally patronized.  See his advertisement in another column.

The third advertisement ran from May 12 to July 14, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle (Pen Yan, New York).  Pictures!  Pictures.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, And Melainotypes, At Speelman’s Gallery, (over the Chronicle’s Office.)

Mr. Speelman continues to take the best Pictures in Town.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, and in fact, every kind of Picture of his [Profession.]  A large stock of Plain & Fancy Cases Just Received, and Prices Lower then ever before.  Call and examine them.  Particular attention paid to copying , and all work warranted to give entire satisfaction.

Charles M. Speelman is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in West Dresden New York in 1859 without a business address.  There are several scenarios that I would suggest. First—the distance between Pen Yan and West Dresden is less then six miles, Speelman might have had a gallery in both towns.  Second—he might have had a gallery there before March 9 or after July 14th.  Third—since he was recorded in the residence section of the city directory without an address he probably lived in West Dresden and worked in Pen Yan.  Having done a lot of work with city directories this has always puzzled me why did they not add a business address.  Either they worked in a different town or it is also possible they were employed by someone else, another suggestion is they were semi-retired, or in-between jobs.  

J. M. Snyder

Melainotypes, ,

1859                Rooms at Light Street, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

J. M. Snyder appeared in one announcement in The Star of the North (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania) on March 2, 1850.  Melainotypes.  We were shown some beautiful specimens of Melainotypes taken by our friend J. M. Snyder, who is now operating at Light Street, and for richness of tone, life-like and durability, surpass any thing we have as yet seen in the Photographic art.  Those wishing a perfect picture either of themselves or friends, cannot meet with a better opportunity.  Mr. Snyder has been attentively engaged in the business for several years and guarantees general satisfaction.  Give him a trial, and judge for yourselves.

J. M. Snyder is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Sloan

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857                Rooms on Texas Street, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Mr. Sloan was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The South-Western  (Shreveport, Louisiana).  The announcement appeared on June 10, 1857.  Melainotypes.—Mr. Sloan, an experienced artist, has opened on Texas street, a gallery, where he is prepared to that Melainotype and Ambrotype pictures in a superior manner.  Being fully conversant will all the latest improvements in the photographic art, he is able to produce superior pictures.

The advertisement ran from June 10 to 17, 1857.  Melainotypes and Ambrotypes.  The subscriber begs respectfully to announce that he has taken rooms on Texas street—No. 1, up stairs—for the purpose of taking these beautiful Pictures, which have been pronounced by artists and connoisseurs to be the newest, latest and greatest improvement in Photography.  The Melainotype possesses several advantages over any other style of picture, among which will name a few, viz: they will receive a fall without fracture; a bend without injury; may be washed off when soiled; be handled without the face being marred; they are susceptible of high and beautiful coloring; which for richness of tone, completeness of design, and boldness of feature, cannot be surpassed by any other style of picture, and can be cut in breastpins, lockets, etc., like a daguerreotype; and for durability, there is no question of their superiority.

Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and view my specimens, whether they want pictures or not.

All pictures warranted to give satisfaction, or no charge will be made.  Sloan.

Mr. Sloan is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Shreveport, Louisiana.

R.H. Sheppard

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                Near the Western Hotel, McArthur, Ohio.

R.H. Sheppard  was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the M’Arthur Democrat (McArthur, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on December 15, 1859

Pictures.—Persons desiring pictures of almost any style or description, are invited to look at the advertisement of Mr. Sheppard, whose Daguerrean car is situated near the Western Hotel.

The advertisement ran from December 15 to 29, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures!  Sky Light Pictures!   If you wish a picture artistically executed, come to the “Roving Palace.”  My facilities for taking Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes, Sphereographs, &c., are unsurpassed, and it is acknowledged by all persons who know anything about pictures, that the Sky-Light picture for clearness, beauty of light and shade, &c., is far superior to the picture made by a side light.  Another advantage is that Good Pictures can be taken in Cloudy Weather. 

Opinions Of The Press.  “We can say conscientiously, that Mr. Sheppard’s work is of the finest order, and is seldom surpassed.—Jackson Standard.

Mr. Sheppard is an excellent artist, he having been engaged in the business for the last fifteen years.  We can safely recommend him to all.—Iron Valley Express.

He has some specimens of Art, in the way of paintings, Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes, &c. as beautiful as were ever looked upon.—Piketon Union.

From what we have seen we can, without fear of successful contradiction, say that R. H. Sheppard is an excellent artist, and can heartily recommend him and his work to the people whom he may visit.—Waverly Dollar Times.

As I shall remain but a short time in this place, I would say that now is the time.  Tomorrow may be too late.  Life size Photographs, plain or in colors, made to order.  R. H. Sheppard

Drawing and Painting.  R. H. Sheppard, of the Maryland Institute School of Design, would respectfully inform the public of McArthur and vicinity that he is prepared to teach free-hand Drawing.  He will also give lessons in India Ink, Water Colors, Distemper and Oil Colors.  Those desirous of learning either of the above beautiful Arts may rely on through instructions for a moderate price.—For Particulars apply at the Roving Palace.  December 8, 1859.

R. H. Sheppard is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Samuel R. Sample

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Hallotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Stereotypes, , , , , ,

1858                Osman’s Post Office Building, Ottawa, Illinois.

Samuel R. Sample of the partnership of Robinson & Sample (Samuel T. Robinson and Samuel R. Sample) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The announcement appeared on April 24, 1858.  Pictures!  Pictures!!—Messrs. Robinson & Sample have just fitted up, in the new post office block (third story) a handsome suit of daguerrean rooms, where they are now ready to make copies of the “human face divine” in a style up to the finest touches of nature.  They appear to be adapts in the whole range of the photographic art.  They take daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, spereotypes, metanotypes, hallotypes, and we don’t know how many other types; at prices ranging from about nothing upwards.  Whether you can afford to have your handsome countenance perpetuated or not, go at least and see their pictures, for they are worth looking at.

The advertisement ran from May 1 to June 5, 1858.  Photography In Ottawa!  Robinson & Sample Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ottawa and surrounding country that they have just fitted up a suit of rooms in Osman’s Post Office Building, where they are prepared to put up Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c., in the highest style of the art.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge made.  Lockets, Pins, and Rings of all sizes filled.    S. T. Robinson,  S. R. Sample.

Samuel R. Sample, Samuel Robinson and the partnership of Robinson & Sample is recorded in A Directory of Early Illinois Photographers Preliminary Investigations into Photography as Practiced in Illinois, Excluding Chicago; from circa 1846 to 1914.

Rugg & Fowler

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1857                Washington Hall Block, Watertown, New York.

Rugg & Fowler (George S. Rugg & S. J. Fowler) was recorded in two announcements and three advertisements .  The first announcement appeared in the Northern New York Journal  (Watertown, New York) on May 6, 1857.  Daguerrean Gallery.—Messrs. Rugg & Fowler have fitted up a fine Gallery in Washington Hall building, and are taking some excellent life-like likenesses, either Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype, Ambrograph, or Photograph.  Indeed we have never seen better specimens of the art than from their Gallery.  Their advertisement will be found in another column of our paper.

The first advertisement ran from May 6 to August 12, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal  (Watertown, New York).  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery!  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card Board.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We, therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! And Coloring Them In Oil.  Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes Made in the best Style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.        Watertown, March 7, 1857.

The second announcement appeared on May 7, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Daguerrean Artists.  The tendency towards perfection in no art has been more steady and rapid than that of taking likenesses on silver, glass and other prepared substances.  Pictures are now produced in such elegance of style, softness of tone, and exactness of likeness, on silver, glass, paper, paste-board, &c., as would astonish Daguerre himself could be revisit the earth and witness the progress the great art which bears his name has made within a few years past.  Nor is any city or village more fortunate in the possession of skillful artists in this line than Watertown.  The pictures now produced at Rugg & Fowler’s gallery in the Washington Hall block, evince a practical knowledge of the art in all its branches which marks a degree of perfection that may well be called complete.—Their rooms are very tastefully fitted up with new and elegant furniture for the express purpose of making an inviting retreat for all wishing to see their pictures or procure likenesses.

The second advertisement ran from May 7 to August 13, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery.  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card B’d.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes made in the best style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, May 1, 1857.

The third advertisement ran from August 20 to September 3, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Dissolution.  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the name and firm of Rugg & Fowler, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business will be carried on in all its branches by G. S. Rugg.  The debts against the firm will be paid by him, and all debts due the firm must be paid to him.     G. S. Rugg,     sic. O. S. Fowler.        Watertown, Aug. 10, 1857.

Daguerreotyping will be renewed for the benefit of those who still adhere to them, and at reduced prices.  G. S. Rugg.

George S. Rugg is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1854 without an address or location.  J. S. Fowler is listed in 1859 in Watertown, New York without an address.

S. T. Robinson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, Stereotypes, , , , ,

1857                Room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery Store,                                    Eaton, Ohio.                                                                                                                                  1857                Main Street, Opposite Stephens & Co.’s Store, Eaton, Ohio.

S. T. Robinson was recorded in two advertisements in the Preble County Democrat (Eaton, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  The Subscriber respectfully announces to the citizens of Eaton and Preble County generally, that he has taken and entirely refitted the room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery, for taking Pictures.  He is prepared to take Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotypes, Stereotypes, Photographs or Mezzographs.

Having had several years experience in the Photographic Art, he flatters himself that he is  prepared to give satisfaction to all that may favor him with their patronage.

Prices—The Melainotype will be put up as low as 75 cents.                                                                Single Photographs, (whole size) $4; by the dozen, $10.                                                                          Color Photographs, $10 each.                                                                                                                               Lockets, Pins, Rings, of any size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.  Eaton, May 21.

The second advertisement ran from July 9 to August 20, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  Persons wishing Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, or Photographs, will please call on the subscriber on Main street, opposite.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather and on the most reasonable terms.

Copies enlarged and put up in the best of style.  Lockets, Pins, Rings, of the smallest size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.

S. T. Robinson is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is possible that this is the same person as J. T. Robinson (posted yesterday 11-6-20).

Robinson & Sample

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Hallotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

1858                Osman’s Post Office Building, Ottawa, Illinois.

Robinson & Sample (S. T. Robinson & S. R. Sample) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The announcement ran on April 24, 1858.  Pictures!  Pictures!!—Messrs. Robinson & Sample have just fitted up, in the new post office block (third story) a handsome suit of daguerrean rooms, where they are now ready to make copies of the “human face divine” in a style up to the finest touches of nature.  They appear to be adapts in the whole range of the photographic art.  They take daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, spereotypes, metanotypes, hallotypes, and we don’t know how many other types; at prices ranging from about nothing upwards.  Whether you can afford to have your handsome countenance perpetuated or not, go at least and see their pictures, for they are worth looking at.

The advertisement ran from May 1 to June 5, 1858.  Photography In Ottawa!  Robinson & Sample Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ottawa and surrounding country that they have just fitted up a suit of rooms in Osman’s Post Office Building, where they are prepared to put up Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c., in the highest style of the art.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge made.  Lockets, Pins, and Rings of all sizes filled.  S. T. Robinson,  S. R. Sample.

Robinson & Sample are not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. Kinney Rishel

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Niellographs, , , ,

1859                Rooms in the Exchange Block, a few doors above the Hotel, Bloomsburg,                                      Pennsylvania.

J. Kinney Rishel was recorded in one announcement that appeared on August 17, 1859 in The Star of the North (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania).  Pictures Unparalleled—Our estimable young friend, J. Kinney Rishel, successor of Joseph Huckle, is amply prepared to execute work in his branch in such a manner as to compare favorably with any work done in the cities.  His room is in the Exchange Block, a few doors above the hotel.  His prices are moderate; thus affording all an opportunity of having a likeness taken of him or herself.  His facilities are such as to enable him to execute Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Niellographs in the best style of the art.  Attend to this matter, friends, while an opportunity is offered you: tomorrow it may be too late!

When death the soul from body once has torn,                                                                                        No artist’s hand can trace the living form.

J. Kinney Rishel is not listed in other photographic directories.