Category Archives: Melainotypes

D. I. Edwards

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

Ca. 1854          Address Unknown, Cincinnati, Ohio.                                                                                    1854                  Greenwood’s Building, Second Story, Gallipolis, Ohio.                                                Ca. 1854          Address Unknown, Porter, Ohio.                                                                                        Ca. 1854          Address Unknown, Vinton, Ohio.                                                                                        Ca. 1854          Address Unknown, Wilkesville, Ohio.                                                                                    1857                  Isham House, Jackson, Ohio.                                                                                          1857-1858       Rooms at Sisson & Halbert’s Hotel, McArthur, Ohio.

D. I. Edwards was recorded in three advertisements and in three announcements. The first advertisement ran from June 29 to August 3, 1854 In the Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio). Pictures!  Pictures!!  Pictures!!!  “Secure the shadow ere the substance fade.”  What better memento can be given to those we love and cherish, and from whom we are about to be separated, “it may be for years, and it may be forever,” than a faithful resemblance of ourselves.  How pleasant to look upon when the dear one is wandering afar off; or perhaps, alas, numbered with the cold and silent dead.  What a melancholy, yet a pleasing recollection to ponder upon each well known feature, and call up pleasant memories, as we trace each lineament of the absent one; and how consoling to know that although distance divides, and oceans may roll between, still we have the image, as it were, living and breathing before us, and perhaps so life-like is the resemblance, if taken by a good artist, that the imagination is sometimes carried away, and we almost fancy we fear his “foot fall on the stairs.”  Hasten then while you have the opportunity and secure a correct picture, not one that you have to turn to all points of the compass, before you can catch a bare resemblance, but a fine, bold, artist picture that can at once be recognized by everybody.  D. I. Edwards, from Cincinnati, has opened a room in Greenwood’s Building, second street, where he will remain for a few days for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Likenesses in the first style of the art.  He has a large instrument of very powerful construction, for the purpose of taking correct pictures of children and aged persons, whereby the time generally occupied for sitting is reduced one half.  An instrument of this kind has long been desired by artist, and he has had the good fortune to procure one.  Pictures taken in any weather, and put up in handsome morocco cases, lined with silk velvet, for $1.50.  Also, a large assortment of Paper Mache, Velvet, Plush, Shell, Book and fancy cases cheap.—Portraits, Miniatures, Daguerreotypes and engravings copied.  Likenesses set in lockets, breast-pins and finger-rings.  Call and see specimens, and pictures guaranteed equal to them.  Don’t forget, second story of Greenwood’s building.

In an announcement that ran on July 27, 1854 in the Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio). “Tis not in mortals to command success, But we’ll do more; deserve it.”—Shakespeare.  We are led to the above sentence from the “divine bard” on seeing the beautiful tone, and lifelike pictures that Edwards has been producing, during his stay among us.  Our citizens have been so often humbugged by itinerant botches that we have thought it our duty to warn our subscribers, so that they might not be imposed upon, and our citizens both in town and country were cautious in having their faces and features distorted from their natural position, by, it might be, some tyro in the art, but Edwards’ pictures soon convinced them of the real beauty of a fine Daguerreotype, and the consequence was a rush to his rooms, at Greenwood’s building.  Call and look at his numerous specimens of well known residents and we are sure you will not leave without “seeing yourselves as others see you.”  Edwards takes all pictures equal to specimens, and satisfaction guaranteed in all cases.  Mr. E. only requires a person to sit from 5 to 20 seconds, for a first rate picture.

The second announcement appeared on August 31, 1854 in the Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio).  We are requested to inform our subscribers in Porter, Vinton, and Wilksville, that Mr. Edwards the Daguerrian Artist, who has been operating in Gallipolis for the past two months, will visit the above named towns, commencing in Porter, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Pictures.  Mr. E. is a first rate artist, and has taken some of the best pictures ever seen in this town.  Call and see his specimens, which we think are hard to beat.

The third announcement appeared on April 9, 1857 in The Jackson Standard (Jackson, Ohio).  We are under obligations to D. I. Edwards, for late Cincinnati Papers.—Mr. Edwards intends visiting Jackson again in taking pictures.  See Advertisement.

The second advertisement ran from April 9 to July 9, 1857 in The Jackson Standard (Jackson, Ohio).  Embrace the present Opportunity, And Secure a Picture as Is A Picture!  D. I. Edwards, has the pleasure to announce to the citizens of Jackson, that he intends stopping for a short time, and has taken rooms at the Isham House, for the purpose of taking Ambrotype Pictures, in a new mode, and colored to represent life.  He invites particular attention to his new style of Pictures, called Melainotypes, which are superior to any thing ever made.

To put these new pictures within the reach of all, he has reduced the price of Pictures and Case, to One Dollar, guaranteeing them to be superior to any thing yet made in Jackson.  A large assortment of Lockets, Breastpins, and Fancy cases on hand.  Call early and secure one of the life-like pictures.

The third advertisement ran from November 19, 1857 to January 21, 1858 in the M’Arthur Democrat (McArthur, Ohio).  Call and Get a Picture while You Have The Opportunity!  D. I. Edwards Has taken rooms at Sisson & Halbert’s Hotel, for a short time only, for the purpose of taking Sun Pictures of all kinds and descriptions, by the Ambrotype process, and warranted correct likenesses.

Any kind of picture taken and put up in a good case For One Dollar!  N. B.  No suspension, but pictures taken in any weather.  McArthur, Nov. 12, 1857.

D. I. Edwards is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Henry N. Eastman

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857-1861       Genesee Street, East Saginaw, Michigan.[1]                                                                        1859                   Rooms over Sanborn & Tucker’s Provision Store, East Saginaw, Michigan.

Henry N. Eastman was recorded in two advertisements, the first advertisement ran from June 16 to December 29, 1859 in the East Saginaw Courier (East Saginaw, Michigan).  Ambrotypes.  Eastman, Having Fitted Up Rooms over Sanborn & Tucker’s Provision Store, is now prepared to take Ambrotypes in superior style, and put them up in beautiful cases just received by Express.  Good pictures taken as low as Fifty Cents.

The second advertisement ran from August 4 to November 3, 1859  in the East Saginaw Courier (East Saginaw, Michigan).  The World Still Moves!!  Notwithstanding The Earth Continues to perform its diurnal revolutions round the Sun it is nevertheless true, that Eastman still retains his position among the lesser planets of this continental hemisphere, and can daily be seen with the naked eye, and his Ambrotype Gallery, over Sanborn & Tucker’ Store’s.

Pictures Taken in any kind of weather, and satisfaction guaranteed.  Those who desire an Ambrotype, Melainotype or any of the new styles, of pictures which are taken as natural as life, and far better looking than the original, will find it greatly to their interest to call at the Rooms of H. N. Eastman.  His Prices are extremely moderate.  Of those, for whom, you fond emotions cherish, Secure the Shadow, ere the substance perish.

Henry N. Eastman is recorded in Directory of Early Michigan Photographers by David V. Tinder

[1] Directory of Early Michigan Photographers by David V. Tinder

J. W. Duke

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857                Rooms over Lindsay and Gordon’s Store, Yorkville, South Carolina,

J. W. Duke was recorded in an advertisement that ran from September 17 to October 8, 1857 In the Yorkville Enquirer (Yorkville, South Carolina).    Ambrotypes and Melainotypes.—J. W. Duke would respectfully inform the citizens of Yorkville and the surrounding country that his Gallery, over Lindsay and Gordon’s Store, will be open for the reception of visitors from this date.  Pictures taken for One Dollar, warranted to please.  Give him a call.

J. W. Duke is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1857 in Hillsborough, North Carolina. The distance between the two towns Hillsborough and Yorkville (now called York) is 166 miles. It’s possible they are the same person but at this point it is only speculation.

George W. Cornelius

Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , ,

1858-1859       Address Unknown, Winchester, Indiana.                                                                              1859                   Address Unknown, Farmland, Indiana.                                                                      1859                  Address Unknown, Winchester, Indiana.

George W. Cornelius was recorded in an advertisement that ran from December 2, 1858 to June 9, 1859 in the Randolph County Journal (Winchester, Indiana).  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Solograph, Photographs, etc.  G. W. Cornelius Would respectfully inform the citizens of Winchester and vicinity that he is on hands with the same old Car in which years ago in this place, he took Over 600 Pictures acknowledged by one and all to be Superior to any taken before or since in the place.  Having the advantage of a large Sky Light!  His pictures are unsurpassed in brilliancy of tone, accuracy of expression, and clearness of the Eye.

By the aid of a Quick worker, the only instrument of the kind this side of Cincinnati, he Never Fails to secure the Likeness of a Child however small.

On November 10, 1859 the following announcement appeared in the Randolph County Journal.  (Winchester, Indiana).—Mr. G. W. Cornelius left here yesterday morning with his Daguerrean Car for Farmland, where he expects to remain two or three weeks, and then return to Winchester.  Those who want good pictures of themselves or friends can not do better than to give him a call while he sojourns at Farmland.  He is a superior Artist.

On December 15, 1859 an announcement in the Randolph County Journal (Winchester, Indiana).—G. W. Cornelius, the Daguerrean, has returned to Winchester.

George W. Cornelius is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as George W. (Cornelis) Cornelius.  In partnership of Bishop & Cornelis in 1853 Northwest corner of Main & 5th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. And in 1860-1861  Address Unknown, Winchester, Indiana.  In Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 he is recorded as a daguerreotypist in Cincinnati in 1853.

Clark & Howe

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

Ca. 1856-1860            Ashley’s Building, Westfield, Massachusetts.

 Clark & Howe names were recorded from a Broadside Greg Drake’s Collection.  Ambrotypes, and Cloth Pictures!  E. P. Clark (Artist permanently located in Holyoke) and J. C. Howe, would respectfully inform the citizens of Westfield and vicinity that they are located at Ashley’s Building, Up one flight of stairs—room opposite H. Fuller’s Law office in the same building— for a few days to exhibit a new style of Picture, and to wait upon those who may require their services.

Ambrotypes, Meleneotypes, Ambrographs &c., Also Pictures on Enameled Cloth, Taken for the low price of Twenty-Five Cents, having the beauty of the ambrotype and Daguerreotype combined, and may be inclosed in a letter and sent to any part of the world free of postage.

Do not lose this opportunity to secure a Likeness at the very lowest price.                                      Some beautiful styles of Ambrotype Cases.   E. P. Clark, J. C. Howe.

E. P. Clark is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Providence, Rhode Island in 1855-1856, and also possibly in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1856. J. C. Howe is not recorded in other photographic directories and the partnership of Clark and Howe are not recorded in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

William H. Chalmers

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

1853-1861       Post Office Corner, Augusta, Georgia.[1]                                                                            1856                   Address Unknown, New York, New York.1                                                                          1856                   Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.                                                                  1858                   over Burpee’s Carriage Shop, opposite the Bank, Athens, Georgia.1  

William H. Chalmers was listed in four advertisements in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  The first three are when he was in partnership with John Leigh as Leigh & Chalmers.  The first advertisement ran from October 1, to November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Those Beautiful and Imperishable Pictures can be had at John Leigh’s Office.  They are superior in Brilliancy, depth of tone and finish to any ever offered in this community.  Leigh & Chalmers.  Edgefield, Sept. 30, 1856.

The second ran from October 1 to December 31, 1856.  Photographs.  This beautiful style of Picture so popular in both this country and Europe, can be had at Leigh & Chalmers’ Gallery, Augusta, Ga.  Persons having Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends can have them photographed from life-size to the smallest miniature.                                                                Leigh & Chalmers.  Augusta, Sept. 30, 1856.

The third advertisement ran on March 4, 1857.  Photograph of Hon. P. S. Brooks.  Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers, of Augusta, have kindly forwarded to us a photograph likeness of our lamented Brooks, for which we return then thanks.  It is just the thing we were endeavoring to procure and is a most acceptable gift.  The likeness is striking and the execution excellent.  As there are very many citizens of Edgefield who would be glad to have a faithful portrait of their late beloved representative, we would suggest to them that, for only $4, they can procure such an one from Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers.  Mr. Leigh brought up a hundred copies the other day, but they are going off very rapidly.  Those who have engaged them should apply early; and those who have not done so, can now make the arrangement with Mr. L., who is at this place for the present.

The fourth advertisement was for William H. Chalmers alone and ran from December 8 to 29, 1858 in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  Ambrotypes For Fifty Cts. At The Chalmers’ Gallery, Post Office Corner, Augusta, Geo.  Wm. H. Chalmers, the well-known and successful Ambrotypist, is still furnishing pictures in the same Beautiful And Life-Like Style, that was so much admired last season, for the Low Price of 50 Cts. and upwards, According to the size and style of case.  The Gallery having a Mammoth Sky-Light and Side-Light combined, together with Instruments of the latest and most approved kinds, Pictures can be taken at all hours of the day, and as well in cloudy weather as in clear.

Having secured the services of several of the Best Operators in the United States, Likenesses will in all cases be Perfect or no charge.  Each Picture will be handsomely colored by an experienced Artist, and warranted not to fade.

The Public are invited to call and examine the large collection of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Paintings, &c., on exhibition.  Entrance to Gallery on door above the Post Office.

N. B. Instructions given in the Art and Apparatus furnished.         Augusta, Dec. 7.

[1] Early Georgia Photographers, 1841 – 1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth

Charles Carel

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , , ,

1857-1858       Court Street, Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.                              1858                   Court Street, Rooms over Swallow’s Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

Charles Carel is first recorded in an announcement and a advertisement on December 29, 1857 in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio.)  Charles Carel is taking fine pictures for forty cents.

The advertisement ran from December 29, 1857 to February 29, 1858.  Cheap Pictures.  I Would respectfully inform the people of Pomeroy and vicinity that I am now taking Splendid and Life-Like Ambrotypes and Melainotypes at Forty Cents.  Also a large assortment of Cases, to suit any taste, and at the most moderate prices.  Room over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.  Call soon as I warrant my pictures not to fade.  Pictures taken in cloudy as well as clear weather.

In the same newspaper again an announcement followed by an advertisement appeared on  February 16, 1858.  Charles Carel, Daguerrean artist gives notice of his intention to leave Pomeroy, and those who fail to procure the advantages of his low prices for pictures, can but blame themselves.

The advertisement ran from February 16 to March 23, 1858.  “Pitch In.”  Pictures Cheaper Than Ever.  I take this method of informing the public that hereafter I will take splendid and life-like Pictures Cheaper Than Ever.  Also, to call soon, as I can stay in this place but a short time longer.  I will take $1.50 Pictures for $1.25; $1.25 do. for $1; 75 cent do. for 60 cents, and all others in proportion.

Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.  Please call soon, as it is the Last chance you will have of getting Splendid Pictures at such low prices.  I warrant my pictures not to fade in any climate.

N. B.—Instruction given in every branch of the art. Price $30. Apply soon.

The next advertisement ran from April 6, 1858 to June 8, 1858.  Carel Still About.  I am Still In Pomeroy, And Shall remain till further notice.  Pictures from 40 cts. to Five Dollars, Warranted not to fade.  A splendid Stock of material on hand.  Call soon and get one of my durable and, if desired, Cheap Pictures.

Rooms over W. Stivers’ Store.  Entrance on Court street, next door below O. Branch’s store.

N. B.—Instruction given in every branch of the art. Price $30. Apply soon.

The following announcement appeared on August 10, 1858 followed by and advertisement.  Carel, the “countenance taker,” has something to say this week, and he says it right out.  Don’t overlook the “document.”  See his card in another column.  When carel is beat in his line, we venture to say he will “draw the drapery of his couch around him”—and quit.

The Advertisement ran from August 10 to 24, 1858.  Read This, Everybody!  Whereas, The proprietor of a “one horse” Picture Boat has taken pains to tell people that my 50 cent Pictures will fade.  I would inform the public that it is Utterly False, as can be proven by Hundreds of my pictures which I have taken during my stay here, of which Not One has ever faded In The Least.

Recollect that I am stationed here permanently, and am Accountable for Every Picture I turn out.  I Warrant my 50 cent pictures and all others to Stand in any climate; if not, Return Them And You Can Have Your Money!  I can always be found at my Gallery, over Swallow’s Store, on Court Street, where I will take Pictures for 50 cents, which I will warrant Never to fade, and which are better and more life-like than those which the “Fellow” referred to above charges  One Dollar for.  I have just received a fine stock of Cases and Material of all kinds, which I will dispose of Cheaper than any floating “gas” concern at or within forty miles of Pomeroy.  Recollect, I Pledge myself to take Better, More Durable and Cheaper Pictures than Any floating concern on the River.  I have settled Permanently in Pomeroy, and if any of my pictures fade, I will always be found ready to refund the money.             Chas. Carel.

On August 24, 1858 J. C. Moore responses to Carel’s advertisement.  For the Telegraph.  Messrs. Editors:  My attention has been called to an advertisement which appeared in your last week’s issue, in which a contemptible scamp signing himself “Chas. Carel,” made an attack upon me and my business, in terms that would have done credit to the vilest blackguard in the land, the whole thing being no more nor less than a perfect tissue of falsehood and slander.

Among other things, he informs the public that he can take “better pictures for 50 cents than we do for one dollar.”  Now, Mr. Editor, in order to test the sincerity of the above piece of hombast, we make the above mentioned “Charles Carel.” the following proposition, which we dare him to accept.  We will deposit 50 or $100, in the hands of any responsible citizen of Pomeroy, he to deposit a like amount with the same.  He can take any citizen he may choose, and take two, four, or six impressions—do his best.  We take the same person and take one-half the number he does, and send the pictures to Cincinnati to three Artist.  He to select one, we another and they a third, and the “fellow” who makes the best picture takes the whole amount of money so deposited.  As the aforesaid “Chas.” Is of a sporting turn, we may expect to have some fun when he accepts the above proposition.  In conclusion I will say to the public that I am now taking very much finer pictures than have ever been taken in Pomeroy, as I do not work in a half-house side light room, but am provided with the best arranged light ever on the Ohio River.  Remember we take no 25 cent shadows, but warrant every pictures for all time.

N. B. The public are respectfully invited to call on board and examine our specimens, and compare them with some of “Carel’s,” which we have taken over.     J. C. Moore, Floating Artist.

On October 26, 1858 the following notice appears.  Mr. E. Feiger has bought out the Daguerrean Gallery in Swallow’s building, on Court street, and proposes taking pictures of all kinds as cheap and good as has before been taken in this place.  See advertisement.

Charles Carel is not listed in other photographic directories during the scope of the project dates.  He possibly is listed in Ohio Photographers, 1839-1900.  Diane list a Carel (no first name) in Gallipolis in 1860-1865, and a Charles Carel in Gallipolis from 1866-1884.  Pomeroy is about twenty miles from Gallipolis.

John W. Campbell

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857-1859       Rooms over James Campbell’s Grocery Store, Winchester, Tennessee.

John W. Campbell was recorder in one announcement and four advertisements in The Winchester Home Journal (Winchester, Tennessee.)  This is new information and not a new name, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him as a daguerrean from 1860-1861.  The first advertisement ran from November 21, 1857 to January 9, 1858.   Ambrotypes And Melainotypes Jno. W. Campbell has opened a room over James Campbell’s Grocery Store, and would invite the people of Winchester and Franklin County to come and give him a trial, as he feels confident he can give entire satisfaction in the melainotype and ambrotype—two styles of pictures which are now universally admired and recommended above all others.  Pictures taken at prices ranging from Dollar to Twenty.

Without any puffing or blowing, he would simply ask all in want of pictures to come and see if he cannot perform to their satisfaction.   Nov. 21.      John W. Campbell.

The announcement ran on January 16, 1858.  Mr. J. W., Campbell inserts a card in to day’s paper, stating that he is newly fitted for taking pictures.  We have examined his specimens and must pronounce them excellent.  We solicit for him a call from any who want themselves pictured.

The second advertisement ran from January 16 to July 15, 1858.  Pictures.  Jno. W. Campbell Again takes the privilege of informing the ladies and Gentlemen of Winchester and vicinity that he is taking the best and cheapest Ambro and Melainotypes in the State.  He has a new instrument, which he knows is perfect, and will take almost all colors.  If not, he flatters himself that he can use the paint brush, and give the richest of colors.  He invites all to call soon.

The third announcement ran from May 28 to June 10, 1858.  Fine Arts.  J. W. Campbell Takes pleasure in informing the Ladies of Winchester that he has recently refitted his Ambrotype and Melainotype Gallery for the reception of all who may call and desire good pictures.  Call at Campbell’s Gallery.

The fourth advertisement ran from 1858 November 4, 1858 to February 24, 1859.  J. W. Campbell, Ambrotype and Melainotype Artist, Public Square, Winchester, Tenn.

Mrs. Cain or Cane

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                200 Superior, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Two entries today, Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Cane, they are probably the same person.  Mrs.  Cain is recorded in an advertisement that ran on May 23 to 31, 1859 in the Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Ambrotypes And Photographs.—Mrs. Cain has her picture gallery at her old stand, No. 200 Superior street (South Side).  First class pictures taken on reasonable terms, and warranted to suit.                          my18.

Mrs. Cane

1858                106 Superior Street, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cane was recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 24 to October, 20, 1858 in the  Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Mrs. Cane, Ambrotype and Melaneotype Artist, No. 106 Superior St., South Side.) Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cain or Cane does not appear in John Craig’s Daguerreian Registry or in Diane VanSkiver Gagel’s Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.  In addition information from the Cleveland City Directories for the late 1850’s cannot verify the correct spelling of her last name or provide a first name.  The Cleveland Morning Leader that I have access to starts on June 1, 1858 (Vol. 12, Issue No. 131) and for the most part is a complete run through December 31, 1859.

H. S. Breen

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Room at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.

H. S. Breen was recorded in two advertisements in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana) on January 1, 1859, advertisement ran through January 29th.  Photographic Rooms, Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington.—Mr. H. S. Breen has at considerable expense, fitted up his rooms and is now prepared to execute in every style any kind of picture made in the United States.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, plain and colored, and Crayon Mezzographs on canvass.

Those wishing pictures and portraits that are artistic and durable, are requested to give him a call.  He can not compete either in price or execution with cheap Operators whose only expense is a pocket instrument and a dozen paper cases.  Those wishing cheap worthless pictures need not call.

The second advertisement ran from February 12 through April 30, 1859.  Photographic Gallery.—Odd Fellows’ Building, Washington, La.  It is as great a mistake to suppose that anybody can become a good Photographist as to conclude that any one can be a Hiram Powers or a Shakespeare.  There was a time within memory of all when the entire country was overrun with a set of one horse daguerrean operators whose claim to the name artist were about as well founded as those of the Rev. Dauphin Williams to the throne of France.  This “noble army of martyrs” has been gradually decreasing for some years past and a very superior class of men an acknowledged position among the fine arts, and has been brought to a high degree of perfection by the combined efforts genius and labor.  Mere dabsters have been taught that two or three weeks is not sufficient to place them on a par with men who have spent years of toil and study in developing and perfecting the art.  Among those who have made this art their study since the first incipient process was invented by the immortal Daguerre Is H. S. Breen who has lately fitted up in Washington one of the most complete suite of rooms in the South.  He has a light containing over one hundred feet of glass two dozen cameras of every kind and size and a very extensive laboratory of chemicals?   In fact he is prepared to execute in the most complete style of art any kind of picture made in the United States.  Particular attention is called to his plain photographs which are gems in their way and afforded at so low a price as to be within the reach of all.

His photographs colored in oil are as durable as any oil painting on canvas besides which they are always true representations of the original.  Washington, La., February 5, 1859.

Breen is not recorded in other photographic directories.