Category Archives: Photographs

E. B. Wixson

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

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.

William V. Winter

Photographs, ,

1856                140 South Second, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

William V. Winter was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia. Winter. — Some of the specimens are good at a stretch — but speaking of the gallery in a general way, we should pass it by in silence.

William V. Winter is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because ot the first-hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added. 

M. L. Winter

Photographs, ,

1859                Address and Location Unknown.

M. L. Winter appeared in one advertisement on October 20, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  An Experienced Photographer Wishes An engagement.  Address M. L. Winter, Box 188 Herald office.

M. L. Winter is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Since the contact information is the Herald office it is possible that he did not reside in New York City.

B. S. Wilson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1855-1857       Elmendorf Building, opposite the American Hotel, Penn Yan, New York.

B. S. Wilson was recorded in two announcements, two advertisements and mentioned in a third advertisement in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York) and one advertisement in the  Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  The first announcement appeared on September 26, 1855 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Yates County Fair.  The annual Fair and Cattle Show of the Yates County Agricultural Society came off per announcement, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last….S. B. Wilson, Daguerrean Artist, exhibited several beautiful specimens of his skill in the line of Ambrotypes, Photographs, &c.

The second announcement appeared on October 17, 1855.  But few are probably aware of the rapid progress that has been made in bringing the art of Daguerreotyping to perfection.  The latest, and we may say the greatest improvement that has yet been made in the art, is that of taking Ambrotypes and Photographs on glass.  The Ambrotypes are pictures taken on the back of plate glass, forming a picture that is seen in any light, and its natural position, not reversed as in Daguerreotypes.  The picture is covered with a gum that hardens and forms a secure protection from dampness or dust.  Indeed the picture can be destroyed only by breaking the glass.  It is seen through the glass, and is equally clear and distinct seen at any angle.  They are afforded at about the same rates as Daguerreotypes.

The Photographs are also taken on glass, and then by chemical process, the impression is transferred on to paper, presenting an appearance equal to the finest steel engraving, and any number of impressions can be taken from the same plate.  Bring on light paper you are enabled to present your distant friends with a beautiful and accurate picture of yourself, and that at a trifling expense.

Mr. Wilson, successor to Mr. Flower, at his rooms, opposite the Yates County Bank, is now prepared to furnish all who wish with either Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, or Photographs in the highest style of the art.

The first advertisement ran from October 31, 1855 to February 25, 1857.  Photographic And Daguerrean Gallery.  B. S. Wilson would inform the citizens of Penn Yan and surrounding country that he has now introduced the new and wonderful art of taking Likenesses on Paper and Glass.

While he is prepared to take these new pictures in the best of style, his facilities for producing Daguerreotypes are not inferior, but superior to what they have ever been, and all wishing the regular Daguerreotype, can rely on getting good pictures as heretofore.  The rooms are open and free at all hours, and all are invited to call and examine specimens.    B. S. Wilson.

Successor to S. J. Fowler, nearly opposite the Yates Co. Bank, Penn. Yan.  Instructions carefully given in the art, and apparatus furnished cheap.  Penn Yan, Oct. 31, 1855.

The third advertisement ran from February 21, 1856 to March 5, 1857 in  the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Pictures Taken On Paper And Glass.  The undersigned after being to considerable expense in [ ? ] and preparing to take pictures as above, is now enabled to put up pictures with Neatness And Dispatch.

And now while I return my sincere thanks and gratitude to the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, for the liberal patronage that they have given me, I would say to them that I have a new process for Glass pictures, that surpasses anything before [ ? ].  The advantages in taking in this style of picture is 1st.  You do not sit more than [ ? ].  2d.  It does not reverse but makes a positive Picture.  3d.  It is secured from dampness.  These pictures are decided by the most competent Judges, to be [as] much superior to the Plate Picture, as a Steel Engraving is to a Wood Cut Picture.

My pictures shall be as Cheap as the Cheapest; please give me a call, and you shall be [ ? ] or no charge.

Rooms in Elmendorf building, opposite the Yates Co. Bank, formerly occupied by S. J. Fowler.  B. S. Wilson.

N. B.  Pictures taken on plate as before, if desired.  A good assortment of Locket, Pins, and a variety of Cases, always on hand, all of the latest style.

Daguerreotype [ ? ] for sale to Artists and sent to all parts by Express if desired.

The fourth advertisement appeared in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York) on April 1, 1857.  Daguerreotypes.—Mrs. Lansing has taken the rooms formerly occupied by S. B. Wilson, opposite the American, where she will be pleased to furnish such as may wish with a superior quality of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We have been shown several specimens of her work, and they are certainly very fine.

B. S. or S. B. Wilson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Wilson & Coulter

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859               Sandusky Street, Evans’ Brick Building, Delaware, Ohio.

Wilson & Coulter were recorded in two advertisements and one announcement in the Delaware Gazette (Delaware, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from March 25 to October 21, 1859. Wilson & Coulter’s Ambrotype & Photograph Gallery.  Persons wishing a fine and life-like Picture should call at Wilson & Coulter’s.  Their pictures, for fineness and durability, are unsurpassed in the State.  They make the drapery to original color, thus giving to the picture a beautiful life-like appearance.  Pictures taken as cheap at this gallery as at any other well regulated gallery in the State.  They warrant their pictures not to fade, as their plan for putting them up is the best in the State.  All are invited to call and examine their fine collection of specimens.

Rooms in Evans’ Brick Building, Sandusky street, west side, between the Sash Factory and Shoub House. Pictures taken as well in cloudy weather as in clear.—Instruction given in the art.  March 18, 1859.

The first announcement appeared on June 17, 1859.  We are under Obligations to Messrs. Wilson & Coulter for a photograph of Rev. Dr. Thomson.  It is a beautifully executed picture and a most truthful and life-like likeness.—These gentlemen (whose advertisement will be found in another column) have recently added to their facilities for operating, and are prepared to execute orders in their line in the most satisfactory manner, both as regards style of work and prices.

The second advertisement ran from October 28 to December 2, 1859.  Wilson & Coulter Will make you a better Picture for 50 cents than any Premium Picture or no charge will be made.  Call and examine specimens.  Rooms in Evan’s Brick Building, Main street; Sign of American Flag.                                              

Wilson & Coulter are not recorded as being active in Ohio as partners.  After looking through Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 it is possible Wilson is R. T. Wilson who was active in Delaware, Ohio from 1859-1863.  Only one Coulter is recorded C. D. (Aka C. C.) who is recorded in Kalida, Ohio in 1859-1860.  Kalida is between 90 and 100 miles away (using modern roads).  It is unknown if the information collected is from a 1859/1860 city directory or if it is from two separate directories.

Theodore S. Williams

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1850                Address Unknown, Lynn, Massachusetts.

1854-1858       49 Union Street, Lynn, Massachusetts.[1]

Theodore S. Williams was recorded in one advertisement in the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts) and two broadsides.  The advertisement appeared on September 30, 1850.  List of Premiums & Gratuities.  Awarded by the Essex County Agricultural Society, September 26th, 1850. …Fancy Articles [The following Report of the Chairman of the Committee, Fitch Poole, Esq., of Danvers, contains the award of premiums under this head.]…

Daguerreotype Portraits and specimens of Penmanship by T. S. Williams, of Lynn.  These were quite creditable to the artist.  The wonderful discovery of this art of sun painting may yet enlarge the boundaries of Science to an extent once scarcely imagined.  Already the stars have been Daguerreotyped and fixed on the silver plate of the artist.  Why then may not portions of the moon be so represented as to exhibit a part of her disk with that perfection which belongs to this art and then the plate be examined by a powerful microscope which shall let us into the hidden secrets of our Satellite.  We make this suggestion to Mr. Williams with the hope that he will improve the hint, and some fine day—or night, introduce the committee to that noted individual, the “Man in the Moon.”

The firstBroadside is from the Lynn Historical Society Collection.  Patent Mezzotypes and Crystalotypes.  T. S. Williams Beg leave to return his thanks to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Lynn for their liberal share of patronage, and to make his yearly report.  For the year ending Sept. 1st, he has taken over two thousand likenesses, making an increase over the year before of eight hundred.  Now this fact shows at once that the people of Lynn appreciate true merit, and also shows that No. 49 Union Street is the place to get a good Daguerreotype at a reasonable price.

The proprietor intends to give his patrons the benefit of every improvement in the art, therefore he has purchased the Patent Right Whipple, Cutting & Co., of Boston to make Pictures on Glass and Paper.

The Mezzotype is taken on glass, put up and protected by a cement that is neither affected by heat, cold, nor dampness, and consequently will not fade or sport.  They are pronounced by good judges to be superior to Daguerreotypes.

Crystalotypes.  The likeness is first taken on glass, then transferred to paper by the agency of light, in unlimited numbers, as from a copper plate; being equal in beauty to the finest engraving.  If a Teacher or Clergyman wishes to give each one of his pupils or church members a likeness of himself, he can obtain any number of positives of paper by only one sitting once for a negative on glass, and at a cheap rate of about 25 cents apiece by the hundred, much larger, better, and more durable than any cheap Daguerreotypes.

Mr. W. would respectfully invite all teachers and Clergymen in Lynn, to call at his rooms and take a sitting, and for the trouble of so doing each one will be presented with a large sized Photograph of themselves.  An early call is solicited.

A quick process for taking Children, which seldom fails; the forenoon is the best time.  Please call and see specimens.

Daguerreotypes taken in the best style from $1 to $20 and warranted.  Cheap pictures for 50 cents in a good Case.

T. S. Williams, Proprietor.

C. G. Hill, Assistant Operator.

No. 49 Union Street, opposite Central Depot.

The secondBroadside is from the Harvey Zucker’s Collection.  Williams’ Sunbeam Gallery!!  No. 49 Union St., 49,—Lynn.

Immortal sun, great source of light,

Thou that maketh all things bright,

By thy aid and mysterious power,

nature smiles after a genial shower.

By thy aid we are able to trace

The features of the human face,

And upon the polished plate impress

Face and form, with lifelike truthfulness.

Surprising art! by which we lend

our countenance to an absent friend,

Or at the close of life’s eventful career,

Leave a memento for those we hold dear.

Next Thursday will be thanksgiving day,

Some meet for sport, others to pray;

But Williams will his favorite art pursue,

To save the shadows of the noble crew.

For a Holiday Gift of all the rest,

A type of yourself is surely the best,

Then hie for Union Street,—No. Forty-nine,

And get your Picture in a Case or Locket fine.

I have made arrangements with Mr. Hill—a first rate Artist—to assist me during the winter, therefore I shall be prepared to take any number of Pictures at short notice, from the smallest to the largest.  My apparatus is considered the most complete in this country, having a Quick Camera, made expressly for taking Children, by which we can get a perfect likeness in Two Seconds of time; therefore persons wishing for a Good Likeness, at a low price, are invited to call before going else where.

Pictures warranted perfect, or no charge will be made.

Theodore S. Williams is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Lynn, Massachusetts from 1854 to 1858.

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

T. & J. B. Williams

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                At the Wharf, Sheffield, Ohio.

T. & J. B. Williams were recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 6 to February  24, 1857 in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio).  Ambrotypes And Photographs.  The undersigned takes pleasure to announce to the citizens of Sheffield and vicinity, that their well known Boat, Floating Gallery, is now lying at Sheffield Landing, and will remain there during the winter.  Persons wishing to obtain correct and life like portraits of themselves and families, will give us a call, and we will try to please all.

Our Boat is well got up and well furnished, and has every advantage, and is not inferior to any of the first class Galleries.  T. & J. B. Williams.  Dec. 22.

T. & J. B. Williams are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Professor White

Photographs, , ,

1858                289 Broadway, New York, New York.

Professor White was mentioned in an advertisement for Silas A. Holmes on August 3, 1858 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Life-Size Portraits (Photographic) for $10—Taken by Professor White.  Niagara Falls, city views, and river and mountain scenery photographed upon the free labor and no money principles, equality of mankind, &c., by Holmes, No. 289 Broadway.

Professor White is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Wheeler

Photographs, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Dundee, New York.

Wheeler was mentioned in one advertisement for Hathaway and Letts that appeared on May 5, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle (Pen Yan, New York).  Photographs!  Life Size!—Life Color!  Mr. J. M. Letts, of the Elmira firm of Hathaway & Letts, will visit Penn Yan every few days for the purpose of taking Negatives For Photographs to be finished in Elmira.  They will be taken from the smallest dimension up to life size.  They will also be handsomely and naturally colored, so as to present all the elegance and expression of a first class Oil Painting.—These Pictures are the most popular Photographs ever taken.

Daguerreotypes of Deceased Persons Or Others, Can Be Copied And Enlarged To Any Size And Colored In Oil.—Pastel Or Plain.

Orders may be left at Burns’ Bookstore or Mrs. Lansing’s Gallery, Penn Yan or Wheeler’s Gallery, Dundee.  In sending Daguerreotypes, be particular in describing the Color of Hail, Eyes, Complexion, &c.  Perfect satisfaction guaranteed in every case.  Hathaway & Letts.

Wheeler is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John Wenzen

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                St. Anthony Street, Near the Post Office, St. Paul, Minnesota.

John Wenzen was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on January 3, June 13 & August 8, 1857 in the Saint Paul Financial, Real Estate and Railroad Advertiser (St. Paul, Minnesota).  John Wenzen.  Ambrotypes And Photographs, taken in the latest style for from $1.00 to $1.15, at his Gallery, on St. Anthony st., near the Post Office, St. Paul.

John Wenzen is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865,by Peter E. Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn—John Wenzen this is probably the same person.