Category Archives: Photographs

Thomas J. Gray

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Franklin Mills (Kent), Ohio.

Thomas J. Gray was recorded in one advertisement that ran on June 11 & 18, 1857 in The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  Thos. J. Grey, Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, Photograph and Sphereotype Artist, Franklin Mills, Ohio.  Is taking every known kind of likenesses in the most superior style of the art.  Particular attention is called to my Sphereotype specimens, also to my pictures on Patent Leather.  Persons wishing Likenesses of themselves or friends are invited to call and examine my specimens, at the Car, before going elsewhere.  First premium awarded at the Geauga County Fair, over all competition.  Franklin.

Thomas J. Gray is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles Graver

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857-1858       Address Unknown, Plaquemine, Louisiana.

Charles Graver was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Southern Sentinel (Plaquemine, Louisiana).  The announcement appeared on December 12, 1857. 

Ambrotyping.—It will be seen by the card of Mr. Graver that he has arrived in our town, and proposes introducing our citizens to his beautiful art of Crystalographing and Ambrotyping.  Those who have not yet taken advantage of this beautiful art to perpetuate their own or the features of those whom they love, should not lose the present opportunity.  Mr. G. guarantees that his pictures cannot be surpassed; and he speaks with confidence which gives surety that he is a perfect master of his art.  See his card.

The advertisement ran from December 12, 1857 to January 13, 1858.  Crystalographs and Ambrotypes!  Charles Graver Has the honor to inform the citizens of Plaquemine and vicinity that he has arrived for the purpose of submitting to their respectful notice his peculiar style of taking those beautiful, mellow toned and everlasting images called Crystalographs and Ambrotypes!

The Crystalograph is a positive Photographic image, taken on glass.  It possesses a boldness of relief, a softness, a commingling of light and shade, a distinctness and delicacy of tone, which eclipses every other kind of sun drawn picture.

Any lady or gentleman having in their possession pictures taken in New Orleans, the Northern States or elsewhere, are urgently requested to bring them up to the Gallery for comparison, and if I cannot produce a picture which, for striking resemblance, elegance of position, pure natural flesh color, nice gradation of light and shade and harmony of tone, infinitely surpassing the specimen brought, no charge will be made.

All lovers of the beautiful in the Fine Arts are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens, whether they wish pictures or not.

Black silk or plaid dresses preferable to all others.

When a family is taken a large deduction will be made.      

Crystalograph copies taken from Daguerreotypes, and improved on the original.

Equally fine pictures taken in cloudy as in fine weather.

Other operators’ pictures taken over at a very low figure.

Prices varying from $2.50 to $5.00.

Parties anxious to secure pictures which cannot be excelled by Any in the United States or in Europe, are requested to call immediately, as the operator’s stay is very limited.    

Charles Graver is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Giroux

Photographs, , ,

1854                Mechanics’ Institute, New Orleans, Louisiana.

1856                142 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Mr. Giroux was recorded in three announcements and two advertisements in the partnership of Giroux & Hirsch.   The first announcement was recorded on December 27, 1854 in the New Orleans Daily Crescent (New Orleans, Louisiana).  Destructive Fire—The Mechanics Institute in Ruins.—Last evening about 6 o’clock, a fire broke out in the rear part of the basement of the Mechanics’ Institute, on the Philippa street front of University Square, and in little more than a hour’s time the splendid edifice was reduced to a pile of smoking ruins; nothing being left standing but the front and portions of the side walls…

The Repository of Arts and Sciences, kept in one of the rooms by Mr. Brocket, lost every thing—valued at about $3000.  Mr. Truehols, the portrait and picture painter, occupying another room, lost every thing.  One picture alone, of large size, which he had nearly finished entitled “The Crucifixion,” he valued at [$3000].  Mr. Giroux, the photographist, occupying the from=nt room of the floor, opposite the library, lost every thing.  He had just finished fitting up at an expenditure of $2500.  Mr. Gomes who kept a cabinet making and repairing shop on the ground floor, under Mr. Giroux’s room, also lost his all—about $1000 worth…

The second announcement (same as the first) appeared on December 27, 1854 Times-Picayune.  (New Orleans, Louisiana).  Burning of the Mechanics’ Institute.  We regret to state that this noble building, one of the city’s proudest ornaments, was destroyed by fire last evening…   

Mr. Giroux, who had just established rooms for practicing the art of photography, lost about $2,500.

The third announcement (same as the first) appeared on January 5, 1855 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Burning of the Mechanics’ Institute, at New Orleans.  [From the New Orleans Picayune, Dec. 27.]  We regret to state that this noble building, one of the city’s proudest ornaments, was destroyed by fire last evening…Mr. Giroux, who had just established rooms for practicing the art of photography, lost about $2,500.

The first advertisement was appeared on April 23,1856 in the Semi-Weekly Creole (New Orleans, Louisiana).  Heliographic Gallery.  Portraits Drawn in a few Seconds by the Attraction of the Light.  Giroux & Hirsch. No. 142 Canal street, between Bourbon and Dauphin streets.

Messrs. Giroux & Hirsch, Heliographs, Informs the public that their Saloon and Studio are now opened, at 142 Canal street, where visitors will be gladly received.

They avail themselves of this opportunity to call the attention of amateurs to their improvement, in New Orleans to Heliographic Portraits, and present, to be compared with what has been done heretofore in the line, the proof Portraits exhibited in their gallery.

Messrs. G. & H. announce, besides, that with a view to the popularity of their art, the prices of their Portraits, whether black or colored, will be very moderate.  mh5.

The second advertisement (same as the first) was recorded July 1 to September 12, 1856 in the   New Orleans Daily Creole (New Orleans, Louisiana).  Heliographic Gallery.  Portraits Drawn in a few Seconds by the Attraction of the Light.  Giroux & Hirsch. No. 142 Canal street, between Bourbon and Dauphin streets.

Messrs. Giroux & Hirsch, Heliographs, Informs the public that their Saloon and Studio are now opened, at 142 Canal street, where visitors will be gladly received.

They avail themselves of this opportunity to call the attention of amateurs to their improvement, in New Orleans to Heliographic Portraits, and present, to be compared with what has been done heretofore in the line, the proof Portraits exhibited in their gallery.

Messrs. G. & H. announce, besides, that with a view to the popularity of their art, the prices of their Portraits, whether black or colored, will be very moderate.  mh5.

Mr. Giroux is recorded in other directories as being in the partnership only.  First names are not known at this time.  There is an advertisement for Leon Giroux, 142 Canal Street for Fancy Shoes the same address as the partnership.  It is unknown if this is the same person.  No additional advertisements have been located at this time for Hirsch.  Hirsch is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as a “painter of photographs” which led me into looking at The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists In America 1564-1860.  There is one listing for Siegfried Hirsch, miniature and portrait painted who was active in New York City as a miniature painter from 1851-1855; then he went to Charleston, South Carolina; and by 1857 he was back in New York City. It is also unknown if he is the same person.

Gillies & Johnson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1859                156 Bowery, New York, New York.

Gillies & Johnson (Gillies & John H. Johnson) were recorded in three advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on October 9, 1859.  Draw The Conclusion.–$5,000 Rent For A First class gallery in Broadway; $800 for the same class gallery in the Bowery; go, then, to the Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, four doors from Broome street, for your pictures.  Photographs $1 and upwards.  Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes, 50 cents and upwards.  This is the most extensive and best fitted up gallery on Bowery.  Gillies & Johnson, proprietors.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The second advertisement appeared on November 6, 1859. Holyday Gifts.–Go to The Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, for your pictures, Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents (and) upwards. This is the largest and best fitted up gallery on the Bowery. Gillies & Johnson. N. B.–Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The third advertisement appeared on November 16, 1859.  Holiday Gifts.—Get Your Pictures Taken At 156 Bowery.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents and upwards.  Gillies & Johnson.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

Gillies is not recorded in other photographic directories, nor is the partnership of Gillies & Johnson.  John H. Johnson is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1860 at 156 Bowery address.  What is possibly new information is that Johnson worked for Gurney since ca. 1851.

Thomas R. Gettys, Jr.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Ivorytypes, Photographs, , , ,

1855-1859                   Exchange Building or Odd Fellows Hall, above the store of A. B. Cramer, Bedford, Pennsylvania

1859                            Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania.

Thomas R. Gettys, Jr. was recorded in eight advertisements, and five announcements, five advertisements and four announcements in The Bedford Gazette (Bedford, Pennsylvania); and three advertisements and one announcement in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle (Bedford, Pennsylvania).  The first advertisement ran from December 21, 1855 to February 1, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette.  Improved Daguerreotypes!  All who wish to have a good likenesses of themselves or of their friends, can now be accommodated at the “Exchange Building,” Immediately above the store of A. B. Cramer, Where Daguerreotypes of all sizes are done up in the most beautiful style by Thomas R. Gettys, Jr.  Taken singly or in groups.  Persons taken after deceased.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.

Young Lady, bring in that venerable father and that watchful mother, and secure that likeness to-day for to-morrow it may be too late.  Mothers, bring in those little ones with curling locks and sparkling eyes: they will make pretty pictures, and then should death remove them, you can exclaim—

“Gone to rest yet we would not recall them

Back to this world of sorrow and pain;

Gone to their rest where no ill can befall them,

Yet we have their likeness both perfect and plain.”

Gold Lockets single and Double.  Also fancy cases constantly on hand.

Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.   Dec. 21, 1855.

The second advertisement ran from December 21, 1855 to April 18, 1856 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle.  Improved Daguerreotypes!  All who wish to have a good likenesses of themselves or of their friends, can now be accommodated at the “Exchange Building,” Immediately above the store of A. B. Cramer, Where Daguerreotypes of all sizes are done up in the most beautiful style by Thomas R. Gettys, Jr.  Taken singly or in groups.  Persons taken after deceased.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.

Young Lady, bring in that venerable father and that watchful mother, and secure that likeness to-day for to-morrow it may be too late.  Mothers, bring in those little ones with curling locks and sparkling eyes: they will make pretty pictures, and then should death remove them, you can exclaim—

“Gone to rest yet we would not recall them

Back to this world of sorrow and pain;

Gone to their rest where no ill can befall them,

Yet we have their likeness both perfect and plain.”

Gold Lockets single and Double.  Also fancy cases constantly on hand.

Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.  

The first announcement appeared on June 6, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette.  We are happy to inform our readers that T. R. Gettys, Jr., has returned home and reopened his Daguerrean Rooms in the Exchange Building, where he intends to remain during the Summer.  His pictures are good, and cannot be surpassed anywhere.  Those who wish a true, life like picture of themselves, will not be disappointed in getting one if they call him.

See his advertisement in another column, and then visit his gallery at once.

The third advertisement ran from June 6 to December 12, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette. 

Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  Reader have you ever heard of Gettys’ inimitable Daguerreotypes?  If not go at once to his Saloon and see for yourself: and if you want a likeness of yourself or friends, as true as Nature and Art combined can make it, that is the place to get it.  If you want a picture put up in the most approved style and of the best materials—or, in short, if you want the worth of your money in a splendid Daguerreotype or Ambrotype, go to Gettys, as he is the only Artist in Bedford County who can take the new style of Daguerreotype and Ambrotypes.

He spares no pains to give full satisfaction, and permits no picture to go out until he is confident that it will do so.  Having just returned from the East, he is in possession of all the latest improvements in the Art, and can assure his patrons that he can furnish them with a style of picture not taken by any other person in the county.

Rooms at the “Exchange Building,” or Odd Fellows Hall, immediately above the store of Mr. A. B. Cramer.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.            

The fourth advertisement ran from June 6, 1856 to January 9, 1857 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  Reader have you ever heard of Gettys’ inimitable Daguerreotypes?  If not, go at once to his saloon and see for yourself, and if you want a likeness of yourself or friends as true as nature and art combined can make it, that is the place to get it. 

If you want a picture put up in the most approved style and of the best materials—or in short if you want the worth of your money in a splendid Daguerreotype or Ambrotype, go to Gettys, As he is the only Artist in Bedford County who can take the new style of Daguerreotype and Ambrotypes.

He spares no pains to give full satisfaction, and permits no picture to go out until he is confident that it will do so. 

Having just returned from the East, he is in possession of all the latest improvements in the Art, and can assure his patrons that he can furnish them with a style of picture not taken by any other person in the county.

Rooms at the “Exchange Building,” or Odd Fellows Hall—immediately above the store of Mr. A. B. Cramer.    T. R. Gettys, Jr.                       

The second announcement appeared on December 26, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette.  Holliday Presents.  As the time is at hand for the presentation of gifts, nothing could be more appropriate than one of Gettys’ beautiful Daguerreotype or Ambrotype pictures, done up in plain or ornamental cases, at moderate prices.  We have examined some of his specimens, and have no hesitation in saying that they will compare favorably with any we have seen in the city galleries.  His rooms are in the Exchange.  Give him a call.

The fifth advertisement ran from May 22, 1857 to March 4, 1859 in The Bedford Gazette.  Gettys’ Photographic Galleries!  Exchange Building, Bedford, Pa., Where Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c., &c., of every description, are executed in the latest style and improvements of the Art.  A full assortment of plain and fancy cases, and gold and plated Lockets, at very low prices.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.

The sixth advertisement ran from May 29, 1857 to November 20, 1857 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle.  Gettys’ Photographic Galleries, Exchange Building, Bedford, Pa., Where Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c., &c., of every description, are executed in the latest style and improvements of the Art.  A full assortment of plain and fancy cases, and gold and plated Lockets, at very low prices.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.  May 22, 1857.

The third announcement appeared on October 16, 1857 in The Bedford Gazette.  New advertisements.  A number of new advertisements appear in this number of the Gazette…—T. R. Gettys intends taking any quantity of Daguerreotypes, &c., during fair week.

The seventh advertisement ran from October 16-23, 1857 in The Bedford Gazette.  “Oh! the Show, the Beauties of the Show!”  It is generally supposed that the great attraction of the approaching County Fair, will be the Elephant or some other animal, but we are sure that those who fail to visit Gettys’ celebrated and elegantly fitted up Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, will miss the greatest attraction of the season.  He has the most magnificent collection of Photographs, colored and plain, also Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, on Exhibition, we have ever seen, and those who fail to see them and also secure one of themselves, will ever after have cause of regret.  Room in the Exchange Building.                

The fourth announcement appeared on November 6, 1857 in The Bedford Gazette.  Bedford County Agricultural Society October 21st. 22d. and 23d. 1857.  Premiums Awarded….Domestic manufactures, 2d Division…Thos. R. Gettys, Jr., exhibited a beautiful display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, which was highly creditable to his artistic skill, we award him a premium of $1.

The fifth announcement appeared on November 6, 1857 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle. 

Bedford County Agricultural Society, Award Of Premiums, October 1857.  …Thos. R. Gettys, Jr., exhibited a beautiful display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, which was highly creditable to his artistic skill, we award him a premium of 1 00.

The eighth advertisement ran from July 1 to November 4, 1859 in The Bedford Gazette. 

New Improvements at Gettys’ Photographic Gallery.  The undersigned, having procured the services of Mr. John Vallade, of Paris, an artist of rare attainments, is now prepared to furnish photographs in India Ink, oil and water colors, 50per cent cheaper than any ever offered to the citizens of this Borough.  Also the next and beautiful improvement known as the “Ivorytype” will be furnished for less than city prices. These pictures are beautifully colored and possess all the delicate tints of the paintings on ivory surpassing in beauty and richness of tone anything of the kind heretofore introduced.

A skylight Gallery will be fitted up at the Bedford Springs this week, where those partial to Skylight Pictures can be accommodated.  June 1, 1859.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.

Thomas R. Gettys, Jr. is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active between the target dates of this project.  Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 does list Gettys as being active in Bedford in 1864-1866.

Faris & Erwin

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1857                363 Broadway, New York, New York.

Faris & Erwin (Thomas Faris & Erwin) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 11 to September 19, 1857 in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper (New York, New York).  Diaphaneotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes, at the Root Photographic and Fine Art Gallery, 363 Broadway, corner Franklin street.  Faris & Erwin, Proprietors.

Thomas Faris is recorded in other photographic directories as purchasing Samuel Root’s Gallery.  Erwin is not recorded in partnership with Faris nor is he recorded in New York City.

Excelsior Stereoscopic and Photographic Company

Photographs, Stereoviews, ,

1859                663 Broadway, New York, New York.

Excelsior Stereoscopic and Photographic Company appeared in one advertisement on September 28, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Photographic Visiting Cards.  The last and most fashionable mode in Paris.  These visiting cars giving no name, but an unmistakeable likeness of the individual, may only be obtained at the Excelsior Stereoscopic and Photographic Company, 663 Broadway.

Excelsior Stereoscopic and Photographic Company is not recorded in other photographic directories

George English

Photographs, , , ,

1859                145 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.

1859                Corner of Charles & Baltimore Streets, Baltimore, Maryland.

George English was appeared in one advertisement in the  December 9, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Artists.—Wanted, A First Class Artist To color photographs; none others need apply.  Apply at or address George England 145 8th ave., N. Y., or J. H. Young, corner of  Charles and Baltimore sts., Baltimore, Md.

George English is not listed in other photographic directories.  John H. Young is recorded in Directory of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900 and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry (two listings) one in New York and one in Baltimore. 

Empire Gallery

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                177 Greenwich Street, New York, New York.[1]

Empire Gallery was recorded in one advertisement on November 25, 1857 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Evacuation Day Will Be Celebrated At The Empire Gallery, 177 Greenwich street, near Cortlandt, by taking 500 ambrotypes, photographs, &c., at from 25 cents upwards.  Call and see them.

Empire Gallery is not listed in other photographers.

[1] Not listed in the 1856/1857; 1857/1858; or 1858/1859 New York City Directories.

Dustin & French

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1859                Richards’ Building, Keene, New Hampshire.

Dustin & French (Samuel C. Dustin & J. A. French) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from October 26 to December 28, 1859 in the Farmer’s Museum (Keene, New Hampshire).  The “Great Eastern” Has Not Arrived, But Dustin & French Would respectfully inform the citizens of Keene and vicinity that they are daily making Ambrotypes and Photographs. of every size, style and price.

The Photograph, or Paper Pictures, so much resembling the steel engraving, can be finished in India Ink, or beautifully colored in Oil or Water colors, giving the true colors of nature.  This is a very desirable picture for framing, and the readiness with which an indefinite number of prints can be made from the negative without extra sittings, gives the preference over all other styles of portraiture.

The Patent Leather Picture, a style just introduced, is well adapted for mailing to an absent friend, and durable as the leather itself.

Miniatures Inserted in Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c.

Fading Daguerreotypes and Portraits accurately copied.

Likenesses of small children made best between 10 and 12 A. M., in clear weather.

Ladies and gentlemen are cordially invited to call at our Gallery In Richards’ Building, 4 Doors North Of The Cheshire House, And examine specimens.  S. C. Dustin, J. A. French.

Dustin & French are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Samuel C. Dustin is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Keene, New Hampshire in 1860.