Category Archives: Photographs

Robert W. Addis

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

1851 Corner of Centre Square and North Queen Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.[1]

1853                Corner Light and Baltimore Streets, Baltimore, Maryland.[2]

1855                187 Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.[3]

1855-1857       Gallery Next Door West of the City Hotel, Frederick, Maryland.

1858-1859       20½ East King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.1

Robert W. Addis was recorded in six advertisements in the Maryland Union (Frederick, Maryland). The first advertisement appeared on December 27, 1855. Ambrotypes, Photographs, Daguerreotypes, And Every Style Of Picture Known Can Now Be Had At Addis’ Sky-Light Gallery Next Door West Of The City Hotel.

Having completed my instructions at the Gallery of the most Celebrated Photographist and Ambrotypist in the United States, I am prepared top offer to the public every style of pictures known, at greatly reduced rates.

Ambrotypes, or Imperishable Pictures!  This beautiful style of Picture is taken on fine French Plate Glass, and warranted never to fade in any climate.  The advantages over the Daguerreotypes consist in their being unreversed, more brilliant and clear in tone and effects, and can be distinctly seen in any light, or in any position.  A call is only necessary to convince all.

Photographs.  Are taken on Paper, (especially prepared for the purposes,) and cannot be distinguished from a fine steel plate engraving, the likeness being as perfectas a Daguerreotype.  The great improvements in this branch of sun Drawing, by the most celebrated Chemists of this country and Europe, place it far in advance of all other styles.  Another advantage is, that the Picture being a part of the paper, can only be erased by destroying the paper.  These can be supplied by single impressions, or hundreds at an extraordinary low price.  Of Photographs, I have two processes:  Collodion for Portraits, and Albumen for Views, Buildings, Landscapes, Farms, with all buildings attached, &c.  A variety of specimens at the Gallery.

Persons, wishing copies of Buildings, will please remember this, as they are far superior to Daguerreotypes, they being unreversed and beautiful ornaments for a parlor. Great reduction in price of Gold Lockets, Gilt Frames and fancy cases, all of which I have the largest assortment in this city; and all who wish to make a Beautiful and Appropriate Christmas Present, in the way of Lockets, Pearl Cases, Oval and square Ebony, Velvet, or Papier Mache, would do well to call at the City Gallery, where they can be supplied, 50 per ct. cheaper, with Ambrotypes or better Daguerreotypes than at any Gallery in this city.  I am determined to sell my Fancy Stock, cheaper than the cheapest Galleries.

The Daguerrean Apartment will be under the immediate control of D. T. Coweel, [sic.] Esq., late principal Operator at Whitehurst’s Gallery, Baltimore, whose services I have secured and whose reputation as an artist is unsurpassed in the country, as those, who had Pictures taken during my absence, will corroborate.

N. B.—Persons wishing to learn Ambrotyping and Photographing, will do well to call on me as I warrant full instructions for less money than I paid, and of my work they can judge for themselves; facilities for acquiring a perfect knowledge of the business, and can be supplied with material at the cost price without going to the larger cities.  Frederick, Dec. 22, 1855.  R. W. Addis.

The second advertisement ran from August 21 to December 25, 1856. Remember That next door West of the City Hotel, is Addis’ Northern Sky-Light Gallery, Where Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, and Photographs, are taken in the highest perfection of the Art.  Especial attention is called to Ambrotypes, his new and popular process is fast superceding the old style Daguerreotypes, not in their being more durable but for beauty of pictures, they can be seen in any light no matter what position in which they are held, thus doing away with that unpleasant glare which all Daguerreotypes must have and rendering the surface soft and pleasing. When family groups are required in frames, this process is indispensable, for the Likeness can be distinctly seen across a room as accurately as though ’twas in the hand—and for persons who wish pictures to last—one that in fifty years hence will bring vividly to mind a perfect likeness of departed friends or relatives.  This process stands unequalled, and in range of every one in any circumstances in point of price.  In corroboration of this, you have only to call and examine specimens.

Paper Pictures Or Photographs.  These beautiful and also indispensable pictures, are a fac simile of steel plate engravings and when a number are required, they are much cheaper than the lowest price Daguerreotype, thus if one person wants 25 copies, a perfect likeness can be made at 50 cts. apiece, the largest size.

Daguerreotypes, In every Style Of The Art. Crayon, Stereoscope, light and dark background.  The Daguerreotype taken [in] this establishment, for the last 18 months rank with the best productions in the country to perfection of likeness, fleshiness of tone, position, artistic and for brilliancy of finish.  Persons who wish copies of old daguerreotypes of departed friends and relatives can have them accurately taken in either of the above styles.  Pictures neatly set in Breastpins, Rings, Lockets, &c., a variety of Fancy Cases, and full assortment of Gold Lockets always on hand and cheap.

Study your own interest and call on Addis over J. Nussbaunt’s confectionary.

P. S.—Persons who wish to learn Daguerreotyping, Ambrotyping or Photographing, and get a perfect knowledge of all chemical apparatus, &c., would do well to call on Addis.   

The third advertisement ran from December 11, 1856 to February 5, 1857.  Christmas Presents.  Remember Addis’ Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery Next door to the City Hall, Offers the greatest inducement in the way of suitable presents of any establishment in this city.  A large and fresh assortment of Fine Gold Lockets. Made to hold from 1 to 10 Daguerreotypes so that a whole family can be inserted in one locket; lockets purchased at this place are warranted and a large deduction made for the likeness, making the lockets filled with pictures cheaper by 40 per ct. than can be had elsewhere.

Fancy cases of every description both for Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  Also a large lot of handsome Gilt Frames fresh from the manufactures, sold very little higher than cases.

Don’t forget if you wish anything in the Daguerreotype, Ambrotype or Photograph way to give Addis’ a call, where satisfaction is warranted at an extraordinary cheap rate. 

The fourth advertisement ran from January 22 to March 12, 1857.  Cheap:  Cheaper:  Cheapest!  75 Cts.!  75 Cts.!  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Daguerreotypes & Photographs, At Addis’ Sky-Light Gallery:  (Next door to the City Hotel,) For 75 Cents!

Finely Colored, and put up in large size cases, and finely secured, and warranted as good if not better than any taken in this town for $2.

Ambrotypes & Melainotypes are precisely the same thing, bade by the same process and presenting the same appearance,—the only difference is, that Ambrotypes are made on glass, and Melainotypes on iron, the latter process being preferable for many reasons, It being impossible to break them, also being more sensitive to color, for beauty of which they far surpassnthe Daguerreotype.  They can plainly be seen in any light, can be cut to fit lockets, rings, breastpins, oval cases, or any style whatever.

In thus lowering the prices of my pictures, I merely act as my competitors did, when I first made my residence here, and I am now determined to be as cheap as any Gallery in Frederick, if not cheaper; and make as good Pictures as I ever made for double the price now asked for them; and would respectfully inform the many persons who have called at my room for low-priced Daguerreotypes, and been refused and sent elsewhere, to call again, and in place of Daguerreotypes I will give them Ambrotypes or Melainotypes, furnished in the most careful and durable manner.  For &5 Cents!  A large assortment of Gold Lockets, Gilt Frames, and Fancy Cases, of every style, sold for nearly one half the regular price; in fact, a general reduction of everything.

Notice to Students.  All who wish to learn Ambrotyping, Melainotyping, Daguerreotyping or Photographing, can do so at my rooms for $20, and satisfaction guaranteed. An outfit, including instructions, camera and all materials, furnished for $64, and everything prepared so as to open a room one day after getting instructions.  ja.9.   

The fifth advertisement ran from February 12 to April 9, 1857.  Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Photographs, at Addis’ unequalled Sky-Light Gallery, for the sum of 75 cents.

The sixth advertisement ran from April 2 to 9, 1857.  Don’t Forget Addis’ Gallery, where you can get a Splendid Melainotype, done up in a fine case, and beautifully colored, for 75 Cents, warranted to give satisfaction.

Robert W. Addis is recorded in other directories but not in Frederick, Maryland.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry. Craig used the1853-1854 Baltimore City Directory which was published in 1853, there is no corroborating information that he was still active at that address in 1854.

[3] Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900.  1855-1856 Baltimore City Directory which was published in 1855, there is no corroborating information that he was still active at that address in 1856.

C. N. Zeigler

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Location Unknown, [Ohio.]

C. N. Zeigler was recorded in one announcement in The Cadiz Democratic Sentinel (Cadiz, Ohio) on October 26, 1859.  Report of the Awarding Committees of the Harrison County Agricultural Society, Held at Cadiz on the 5th, 6th and 7th days of October, A. D. 1859…..

Ambrotypes.

1st premium.  C. N. Zeigler……..2.00

2d premium.  Henry C. Davis……1.00

Photographs.

1st premium.  Henry C. Davis……2.00

2d premium.  C. N. Zeigler………1.00

Excelsior Painting, or Painted Photographs

1st Premium.  C. N. Zeigler……….2.00.

C. N. Zeigler is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that he was active in Cadiz, Ohio, but since this was a county fair he could have been active anywhere in the county or elsewhere. Additional research is needed.

Joseph T. Zealy

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1849                Rooms over the Post Office, Camden, South Carolina.

1856                Address unknown, Columbia, South Carolina.

Joseph T. Zealy was recorded in one advertisements and two announcements.  The advertisement and the first announcement appeared in The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina). The   advertisement ran from March 21 to 28, 1849.  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Zealy, lately operating in Columbia, has opened his Daguerreian Gallery in the room over the Post Office, recently occupied by Dr. J. Lee, where he will be happy to exhibit his specimens to those who may favor him with a call, and will be prepared to take likenesses in the most approved style.

Pictures warranted not to fade.                      

The announcement appeared on March 28, 1849.  Mr. Zealy.  We call attention to the advertisement of Mr. Zealy, found in another column, who comes among us with the highest recommendation as an Artist.  In Columbia where he has successfully operated for two or three winters, we know his performances are regarded superior to any who had visited that place before him.  His Daguerreian Gallery certainly presents the finest specimens we have seen.

Mr. Z’s pictures are superior in being durable, and in giving a life-like expression to the face.  The greatest objection to Daguerreotypes is the dull—cold—inanimate appearance of the picture.  Mr. Z. has in a great measure overcome this, and uses new chemical combinations with eminent success.  He is a native of the State, and deserves patronage.  We recommend all who wish their faces taken, to give him a call, at his rooms above the Post Office.

The second announcement appeared in the Yorkville Enquirer (Yorkville, South Carolina) on  November 20, 1856.  The Agricultural fair.  Editorial Correspondence.  Columbia, Wednesday, Nov. 11th …. Fancy Painting, Silver Medal—were assigned to E. Dovilliers, of the Barhamville Institute. Messrs. Kingsmore and Wearn, of Newberry, received the award for photograph portraits in oil; and Mr. Zealy, of Columbia, for best Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes &c.  The Photographs were very superior pictures, and richly deserved the honorable mention.  Mr. Zealy’s pictures are equal to his reputation as an artist; but I could not refrain from a malediction on our friend Schorb, for allowing the judgment to be pronounced by default.…

John H. Young

Cameotype, Photographs, , , , ,

1859                145 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.

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

John H. Young was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first appeared on November 15, 1859.  Wanted—A Man, To Color Ambrotypes, At J. H. Young’s Gallery, 145 8th av.

The second appeared on December 9, 1859.  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.

J. H. Young is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1859-1860.  In the Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900 by Ross J. Kelbaugh a listing for John H. Young is recorded in1859 at Corner of Charles & Baltimore Streets, Baltimore.  He was active in Baltimore until 1870.  George England is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in New York City.  Looking through the New York City Directories, residence section he did not appear in the 1858/1859; 1859/1860; or the 1860/1861 directories.

R. L. Wood

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Washington Block, Macon, Georgia.

R. L. Wood was recorded in three advertisements in the State Press (Macon, Georgia).  The first advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859.  Wood’s Gallery Is still the Fashionable resort of all lovers of the beautiful Portraits in Oil and Pastell, Aquarile and Imperial Photographs.  A great many on exhibition.  Ambrotypes, One Dollar and upwards.  Call and see us.  Washington Block, Macon, Ga.  feb. 16.

The second advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859.  Wood’s Photographic Gallery Is daily thronged with delighted visitors; and it is truly astonishing to see what a state of perfection he has arrived at in this Beautiful Art.

The likenesses are so striking, that one will almost speak to them, thinking it is the original instead of the shadows.

These Portraits are painted from Daguerreotypes of deceased persons or from life.  Either in Oil, Pastel, or Aquarell, Ambrotypes one Dollar and upwards.  Call and see us.  R. L. Wood.  may 3.

The third advertisement appeared on June 23, 1859. Wood’s Premium Photographic Gallery Now presents greater attractions than [ever]—A great number of Paintings on exhibition, in Oil, Pastel, Aquarille and Imperial Photographs.

We have just received a new Mammoth Instrument, by which can be taken Pictures as large as life.  Our Prices are so low that they come with in the reach of all.

First class Artists are employed in this establishment, if you want a first rate Picture call on R. L. Wood, Washington Block, Macon, Ga.  apr.9.

R. L. Wood is not recorded as being active in Macon, Georgia in 1859.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list a R. L. Wood as being active in Athens from February to March 1839 (probably a typo?) and Macon, Georgia in 1850-1851.

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.