Category Archives: Photographs

Starbird & Dodge

Photographs, , , , , , , , , , , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

Starbird & Dodge (Charles H. Starbird) was recorded in one announcement in Oxford Democrat (Paris, Maine) on  September 30, 1859.  Maine State Fair…There is a fair display of plain and colored Photographs exhibiting great perfection in this wonderful art.  Photographs are destined ere long to supersede portraits painted in oil, not only because they can be taken in greater perfection but because they cost so much less.

Burnham Brothers of Portland…

Silsbee, Case & Co., of Boston…

Starbird and Dodge of Augusta occupy the next space and have a fair collection.  Their portraits of the Augusta Clergymen were very fine.

S. W. Sawyer, of Winthrop…

[Simon] Wing of Warterville.

Starbird & Dodge are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Augusta, Maine in 1860.

James L. Stapleton

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs

1856                Rooms over Fuller’s Store, Main Street, Middlebury, Vermont.

James L. Stapleton was recorded in two advertisements in The Middlebury Register  (Middlebury, Vermont).  The firs advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Chrystallographs, Pictures on Isinglass, And Daguerreotypes.  I beg leave to inform the ladies and gentlemen of Middlebury and vicinity, that I have commenced taking the above beautiful pictures.  The Ambrotypes are cemented between two French plate glasses with an imperishable gum, rendering them proof against the effects of any climate and the action of the strongest acids.  They have none of the disagreeable metallic or mirror-like reflection of the daguerreotype, and can be seen with any light.  The Chrystallographs are taken on glass, perfectly secured, and as durable as the Ambrotypes.  My pictures on Isinglass are acknowledged by all who have seen them to be superior specimens of the art. They are the only kind of photograph well adapted to be sent to any distance by mail or otherwise.  They can be inserted between the folds of a letter without apparently increasing the weight or bulk of parcel.

As I intend to locate myself permanently in this place, my patrons will run no risk of being imposed on by inferior pictures, as I will always hold myself in readiness to remedy defects in pictures occasioned by fault of mine free of charge.  I take the above pictures on all sizes of plates, and they will cost no more than their corresponding sizes of daguerreotypes.  Ambrotypes neatly fitted into lockets and pins.  Sick and deceased persons taken at their residences.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms over Fuller’s store, Main st.  Jas. L. Stapleton.  Middlebury, May 20, 1856.

The second advertisement ran from July 16 to August 20, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes!  As the subscriber must positively leave here in a few weeks, all those wishing to possess Ambrotypic Pictures of themselves or friends, would do well to call immediately at his rooms, over Fuller’s store.  My Pictures are no dearer than the common Daguerreotype, are almost as durable as the glass on which the impression is taken.  Unlike the Daguerreotype, the image is not reversed on the plate, and they have none of that peculiar dazzling luster of all Daguerreotypes.  My pictures are warranted not to fade in any climate.  Ambrotypes neatly put up in Lockets and Pins.  Also pictures on Mica—better known as Isinglass Pictures—the only kind of picture well adapted to be sent and distance as they can be put between the folds of a letter or parcel of any kind without apparently increasing its weight or bulk.  Also Landscape and other Views put up at moderate prices.  Sick or deceased persons taken at their residences.  Business hours from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Jas. L. Stapleton. 

James L. Stapleton is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Eldridge Stanton

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1856-1857       Pratt’s Block, over Kerr’s Hardware Store, Chatham, Ontario, Canada.[1]

1859                Address Unknown, Moundsville, Virginia.

1859                Address Unknown, Barnesville, Ohio. (?)

1859                Rooms at the Monroe House, Woodsfield, Ohio.

1859                Rooms at Davis’ Hotel, Woodsfield, Ohio.

Eldridge Stanton was recorded in five announcements and one advertisement in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  We are informed that all the handsome ladies about town intend to have their ambrotypes taken by Mr. Stanton.—Pretty much everybody else intends to do the same thing.  His terms are cheaper, and his pictures better, if we may judge from his reputation, than those of any of his predecessors in this place.

The advertisement ran from May 18 to July 13, 1859.  Mr. Stanton Is Taking Pictures For Fifty Cents, At The Monroe House Woodsfield Ohio.

The second announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  Mr. E. Stanton, Photographer.  This gentleman, who has been here for some time, engaged in taking pictures for our citizens took his departure yesterday, bound for Barnesville, Belmont co., Ohio, where he will remain a few weeks before his departure for Canada, his place of residence.  While here he made many warm friends, and we were sorry to give him the parting hand, as we found him to be a worthy friend and fellow, and passed many a pleasant evening with him.  We commend him to those among he may chance to sojourn for a time—not only as a gentleman, but as an artist of the first water.  He has been a practical chemist for many years, and was the first to introduce the photograph (paper picture) into Western Virginia.  We can attest the fact of his skill as an artist from having the most life-like picture of ourselves taken by him, that we ever had taken in our life, although we have tried many artist.  He knows the use of the camera thoroughly.—Moundsville Sentinel.

The third announce appeared on May 25, 1859.  War!  War!  Before you start for the seat of War, give Mr. Stanton a call at Davis’ Hotel, and get your likeness taken to leave with your friends.

The fourth announcement appeared on July 6, 1859.  Interesting To All.—Mr. Stanton will be absent from town till Thursday the 7th Inst., when he will return and close up operating here by the 14th.  His success heretofore is sufficient evidence of his skill, we would advise all desiring those excellent Melainotypes, to give him an early call as the last day will undoubtedly be crowded.

The fifth announcement appeared on July 20, 1859.  Going to Remain.  Mr. Stanton had determined to depart from here on Friday, but such has been the rush of business at his rooms that he has concluded to remain until after court.  He is doing more than double the amount of business that any artist has done before him.  He makes the best pictures, by one half, and the cheapest by seventy-five per cent, that have ever been taken in this place.  That’s so.

Eldridge Stanton is not recorded in other photographic directories during the daguerrean period.  Born in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada on March 7, 1835, died Toronto in 1912.  Stanton was active in Baltimore, Maryland from 1867-1870, and in Detroit, Michigan in 1870.[1]

[1] A Biographical Index of Daguerreotypists in Canada 1839-1871 by Graham W. Garrett.

Staffer & Stedman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1856                Over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer & O. F. Stedman) were recorded in two announcements and three advertisements in The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on August 21, 1856.  Pictures.—Those who desire to obtain valuable and correct likenesses of themselves or their friends, should call at the Ambrotype rooms of Staffer & Stedman in Allen’s Block.  See Advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from August 21 to December 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes taken by Staffer & Stedman, at their Rooms over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, O., for seventy-Five Cents, where every variety of likenesses can be obtained.  Ambrotypes inserted in breast pins and lockets.  Whole size likenesses for $5 and $6—former price $10 and $12.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  Having a large sky and side light, impressions taken in from three to five seconds.  Our likenesses are all positive and not reversed. All work warranted.  Likenesses taken either in clear or cloudy weather. 

The second advertisement ran from September 4 to December 11, 1856.  Something New.—Staffer & Stedman are now taking Ambrotypes on Paper.  The finest articles in the picture line to send by mail, as it cost no extra postage. 

The second announcement appeared on September 25, 1856.  Portage Co. Agricultural Society.  At the Portage County Agricultural Fair, held September 17th and 18th, 1856, premiums were awarded as follows…On Miscellaneous Manufactured Art… 

L. V. Staffer & Co., Best specimen daguerreotype pictures,  dip.   

The third advertisement ran from October 16 to December 4, 1856.  Premium Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes.  L. V. Staffer  Co., respectfully invite the public to call at their rooms over Baird’s Jewelry, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, and examine their specimens upon which they received the first premium at the last county fair.  We offer the following reasons why we can produce better pictures than can be obtained elsewhere in this county.  We have the largest and most powerful camera in this section of the state.  Our light is so arranged as not only to give a life like expression to the features, but also drapery of the utmost beauty and richness.  (The want of which is a great fault in the work of some operators.)  We use the genuine chemicals, regardless of expense, and having had ten years experience in the art we know that we can produce better results than the mere tyro of a few months practice.  Those wishing good pictures of themselves or friends will find it to their advantage to call at our rooms and be convinced that this is the place to get a perfect likeness.  Prices as low as in any rooms of good repute in Northern Ohio. Children’s likenesses taken in one or two seconds.  We seldom fail to get a good likeness of the most restless.

Daguerreotypes.—As there are some who still prefer this style, we would say that we are at all times prepared to take them.

Caution.—The public are cautioned against Ambrotypes backed up with black paint or varnished, as the backing will crack eventually and the picture become worthless.  All good operators have discarded this process, we have not used it for many months and all persons having pictures put up by us in that way, are invited to call and when they become cracked and have them made good.  Such pictures can be known by their having a glass over the matting, the position of the setter being reversed, and having a dull appearances at arms length,.

Remember the place, over Baird’s Jewelry Store.  Oct., 16, 1856.  L. V. Staffer  Co.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer &  O. F. Stedman), the partnership is not recorded in other photographic directories. L. V. Staffer is also not recorded, O. F. Stedman is recorded in other directories as being active in 1859-1860.

Charles M. Speelman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miss Alice Smith

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

1857                Address Unknown, Watertown, New York.

Miss Alice Smith was recorded in one announcement in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York) on October 1, 1857.  Jefferson County Agricultural Society.  Premiums Awarded…Pictures…

Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Thos. Waite, Pamelia, book.

Best Specimens Photographs, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. & $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Photographs, G. S. Rugg, Watertown, book.     

Miss Alice Smith, Watertown, recommended, $3.00.

Hart & Hose, Watertown, recommended, $2.00

Those recommend a discretionary premium of $3.00 to No. 207 for best Ambrotypes, also one of $2.00 to No. 65 for 2d best Ambrotypes.

The committee would recommend that, at the next annual exhibition there be one premium for the best ambrotypes and one for the 2d best, and also a premium for the best ambrotype views.  A large portion of the pictures exhibited were of this character, and as they form a very interesting part of the exhibition the committee have recommended premiums to be given, and that greater inducement be offered by the society hereafter for the exhibition of specimens of art.  E. Q. Sewall, T. C. Chittenden, Jr., E. H. Smith, Judges.

Miss. Alice Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Watertown, New York.

G. K. Smith

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                At the Wharf, Pomeroy, Ohio.

1858                Rooms over T. O. Crawford’s Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

G. K. Smith was recorded in two advertisements in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from August 25 to September 15, 1857. Ambrotypes.  G. K. Smith, Artist, has opened rooms on the “Floating Gallery,” now lying at Pomeroy, where he will remain two weeks, to enable all to get one of his unrivaled miniatures.  These pictures will be found far superior to any ever before taken at this place; they have a life-like tone, combined with a perfect Stereoscope relief that is rarely met with in Photographic Portraiture, and are pronounced by good judges, perfect gems of the Art.

Those in want of a perfect likeness, should improve this opportunity.

Perfect satisfaction guaranteed.

Rooms open from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M.  Hours for children 9 to 11.  August 18th ’57.

The second advertisement appeared on August 31, 1858.  Life-Size Photographs!  Plain, Or Colored, In Oil, Can Be Had At G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Girls.  Who would have a beautiful Likeness of themselves for a “Cousin,” or a friend, Should go to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Mothers Who would have a life-like Picture of their little loves, should go between the hours of 11 A. M. and 2 P. M., to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Ladies, Whether old or young, should remember that they can get better and cheaper pictures than has ever before been made in Pomeroy, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Young Men Who would be remembered in the days of their youth, should get a dozen Photographs to distribute among their friends.  They are the most durable and cheapest picture ever made.  They are only three dollars per dozen at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Parents Should secure one of those imperishable Photographs, colored in oil, to leave to perpetuate their memory among their descendants, long years hence, when but for the Portrait that hangs on the wall, their once-familiar faces should have faded from the mind of their children and be forgotten.  You who have lost your parents and have no likeness left to remember them by, think what a treasure a perfect Likeness would be to you now, and get one while you may, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Old Daguerreotypes.  Those who have old Daguerreotypes, half faded away, of some dear friend, now gone, can have a beautiful colored Photograph made from them, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

The Public Are respectfully invited, whether wanting pictures or not, to satisfy themselves that the above is not gas or humbug, by calling and examining specimens of work at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store. 

G. K. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.

A. F. Smith

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1858-1859       Baltimore Street, 2 Doors North of the Post Office, Cumberland, Maryland.

A. F. Smith was recorded in three advertisement  in the Civilian & Telegraph (Cumberland, Maryland).  The first advertisement ran from April 28 to December 22, 1858.  Smith’s Art Union!  Very Great Attraction!  The Well Known & Celebrated Ambrotype & Photograph Artist.  A. F. Smith would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the city of Cumberland and the surrounding country, that he has established himself permanently in this city, and is prepared to execute work in every style of the art, and in all kinds of weather, On Moderate Terms,

Satisfaction given or no charge.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

Surpassing art, by which we lend,

Our countenance to absent friends;

Or leave a token for the bower,

Where love laments the parting hour:

Where childhood, with its winsome faces,

Or lovely woman’s queenly grace;

Or lordly man’s imperial frown.

Are each adroitly penciled down.

Gallery and Reception Rooms, 2 doors North of the Post Office, Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Md.  Full Instruction in the Art on moderate terms.

The second advertisement ran from June 30 to December 29, 1859.  Smith’s Great Southern Sky-Light Gallery 2 doors North of the Post Office, Balto. St., Cumberland, MD.  A. F. Smith would respectfully return his sincere thanks to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the city of Cumberland and surrounding country for their very liberal patronage, and hopes by strict attention to business and his efforts to please, to still merit and receive an equal share of your custom.

I am prepared to execute work in every style of the art on a very accommodating terms.  I am not selling pictures at cost, consequently I can afford to do my work well, in proof of which you only have to call and have one taken in good cases for 25 and 50 cents.

Don’t forget the place—2 doors North of the Post Office, Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Md.

N. B.—I am also selling color Lithographic Views of the Tomb of Washington and Mount Vernon Mansion, in aid of the Ladies Mt. Vernon Association.  Call and examine Specimens. 

The third advertisement ran from October 27 to December 22, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures!!  A. F. Smith would respectfully announce to the citizens of Cumberland and surrounding country, that he has just received from the east a whole sized Camera, one of the largest that has ever been in this city.  He is now prepared to make full size photographs, Ambrotypes and Hollotypesas well as all of the smaller sizes, on the most reasonable terms.

I make no pretensions of being the cheapest, but I do claim to do my work in the most artistic and workmanlike manner, in proof of which you have only to call and examine specimens.

Operators supplied with pure chemicals of my own manufacture on reasonable terms.  Gallery and Reception Rooms 2 doors North of the Post Office, Balt. St., Cumberland, Md.  Also agent for the Stereoscopic Boxes and Views of all parts of the world.  A. and F. G. copy.

A. F. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories.         

R.H. Sheppard

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                Near the Western Hotel, McArthur, Ohio.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Sheldon

Photographs, ,

1858                Address Unknown, Kingston, New York.

Mr. Sheldon was recorded in one announcement on December 9, 1858 in Tri-State Union (Port Jervis, New York).  An Ingenious Swindle.—A few days since, Mr. Sheldon, a photographic artist of Kingston, was rather cleverly swindled.  A young man presented himself at the rooms and asked to have his portrait taken.  Pending the arrangements, he suggested the propriety of his noble person being decorated with a gold chain.  Having none of his own he made bold enough to ask the loan of one from Mr. Sheldon, who readily granted the favor.  The likeness was taken, the plate was removed from the instrument, and taken to the chamber, where certain processes are performed to develop the picture, occupying a minute or two.  Mr. Sheldon returned to the sitting room, with the full expectation of gladdening the eyes of his customer with a veritable similitude of himself, but was struck with astonishment to discover that the “substance had vanished while the shadow remained.”

Mr. Sheldon in not recorded as being active in Kingston, New York in 1858.