Category Archives: Photographs

William S. Shaw

Ivorytypes, Photographs, , , , ,


1859                188 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

William S. Shaw was recorded in one advertisement that ran on December 29 & 30, 1859 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Duke’s Southern Photographic Temple Of Art, 188 Main st., cor. Above the Post-Office. Plain Photographs executed for $1 only; Duplicates $9 per doz.  Ivorytypes $10 and up.  Photographs in Indian Ink, pastel, Water Colors, and Oil, from miniatures to life size, on the most reasonable terms.

Mr. Wm. S. Shaw, late of London, who had the honor of being selected by the Protestant Episcopal Missionary Board to photograph the Bishops, Clerical and Lay Delegates of the Episcopal Church of America that met here in convention in October, Is now engaged at the Southern Photographic Temple of Art, and the public may rest assured they will be supplied with first class work in all branches of the art, equal to that of any other establishment in the Union—as Mr. Shaw is well known , and acknowledged one of the first photographers of this Country. Advertisement ran on December 29 & 30, 1859.

William S. Shaw is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Baltimore, Maryland in 1858, and 1858-59, and possibly in Richmond, Virginia in 1860.  

Ross J. Kelbaugh  records in Directory Of Maryland Photographers1839-1900, two listings.  The first entry “Shaw” is from The Photographic And Fine Arts Journal. November 1857, page 331.  Friend Snelling, — I promised to give you a full account of the Exhibition of Photographs and Ambrotypes, at the Maryland Institute Fair this year. Well there is plenty of material to go upon. First, Mr. P. L. Perkins has a grand display, better than last year, and the arrangement of his pictures are more tasteful.  He has life sized photographs painted in oil, some eight or ten; cabinet pictures also.  Mr. Shaw who has been operating at. this establishment, is a good workman and fully understands his business…

The second entry is “Shaw, W., photographer” S. Holliday near Fayette (1858-1859). 

Are they the same person I don’t know, more research is needed to make that determination.

James Shaw, Jr.

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1856                127 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1856-1857       128 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Pennsylvania.[2]

1858-1859       606 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[2]

James Shaw Jr. was recorded on April 1, 1856 in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York).  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.

Shaw, Arch St. — Is another excellent artist. His gallery contains many excellent specimens deserving general praise, I cannot however designate any by name, being mostly portraits.

The ambrotypes are not in the first style, not possessing that depth necessary to give effect to pictures on glass. The photographs however are decidedly superior.

James Shaw, Jr. is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.  [2] Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and

Henry Shaft

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, ,

1855                Address Unknown, Buffalo, New York.

Henry Shaft was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on June 20, 1855 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Photographers.—Wanted, A Person Who thoroughly understands the photographing and daguerrean arts, to go to a large Western city.  To a competent man, a permanent situation, with good salary, will be given.  Address Henry Shaft, box 2410 Buffalo Post Office, with specimens of work.

Henry Shaft is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is possible that Henry Shaft was an agent or contact person and not a photographer.  

Further research uncovered in the 1855 Buffalo City Directory residency listing Henry Shaft is listed as a book-keeper at R. J. Compton.  Richard J. Compton is recorded in the residence listing as an Engraver and Lithographer, 209 Main Street. In an advertisement P. 81 Compton’s Lithographing & Engraving Establishment, 209 Main Street, Buffalo, R. J. Compton, Proprietor, Having purchased the entire interest of my Co-partners, and having the most extensive establishment of the kind in the west, I am prepared to fill contracts for the largest kind of work with punctuality and in the best style.

Charles A. Seely

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographic Stock and Chemicals, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1855                324 Broadway, New York, New York.

1856                387 Broadway, New York, New York.

1856-1857       94 Duane Street, New York, New York.

1857-1859       424 Broadway, New York, New York.

Charles A. Seely was recorded in eighteen advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on August 29, 1855.  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale—At A Lower price and with a cheaper rent than any in the city, or the apparatus will be sold low by itself, or a partner, with $300, will be taken, by an artist in photography, ambrotypes, &c.; also, a small lathe for sale cheap.  Inquire of C. A. Seely, 324 Broadway.

The second advertisement appeared on January 3, 1856.  For Sale At A Bargain—The Apparatus Of the original stereoscopic daguerrean gallery of New York, including two superior half size Harrison cameras, with every thing peculiar to the business, with instructions, for plate and glass pictures, if desired.  Inquire of C. A. Seely, 324 Broadway.

The third advertisement appeared on March 17, 1856. Daguerreotypes, in Cases, 25 Cents; Ambrotypes extra large size 50 Cents, cases included. Charles A. Seely, photographic chemist, is connected with this establishment from this date. Quinby & Co., Factory 387 Broadway.

The fourth advertisement appeared on November 29, 1856. $700.–One Of The Oldest Established Daguerreotype gallery in the busiest parts of the city, well furnished and stocked with large size apparatus, and now doing a good business; the rent is very low. Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, &c., 94 Duane street.

The fifth advertisement appeared on May 5, 1857.  Seely & Garbanati, Photographic Chemicals, &c., have removed to 424 Broadway.  Amateurs supplies in all their wants.

The sixth ad appeared on September 19, 1857.  Ambrotype Gallery For Sale—At A Bargain. In a good location for business, will be sold at a sacrifice, as the present owner has other business.  Apply immediately to Seely & Garbinatti, photographic chemicals, 424 Broadway.

The seventh ad appeared on December 11, 1857.  $200—For Sale, An Old Established Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery, Apply to Seely & Garbanati, 424 Broadway.

The eighth ad appeared on January 22, 1858.  Daguerrean Gallery.—For Sale, The Lease of an old established daguerrean gallery, with instruments, furniture, and everything necessary for all branches of the business.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, Photographic Chemists, 424 Broadway.

The ninth ad appeared on March 24, 1858.  Ambrotype Gallery For Sale—Price $70 cash.  The reason for selling is the owner is going into another business.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, 424 Broadway.

The tenth ad appeared on April 7, 1858.  Ambrotype And Photograph Gallery In Broadway.—Authenticated profits upwards of $75 per week.  Price $1,500; $1,000 down.  The above is well furnished and stocked, and is a rare bargain.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.  An lease on the gallery.

The eleventh ad appearedonMay 22, 1858.  Ambrotype, Photograph And Daguerreotype Gallery.—For sale, the lease, stock and fixtures, and everything pertaining to the art, now doing a good business.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.

The twelfth adappeared onJune 2, 1858.  For Sale Cheap—A Broadway Daguerrean establishment, thoroughly fitted and furnished, and replete with every accessory for the art. The most satisfactory reason giving for selling.  Apply to Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, 424 Broadway.

The thirteenth ad appearedonAugust 17, 1858.  Ambrotypes For Sale—A Well Fitted Up gallery on Broadway, doing a good business, the owners  being engaged in another establishment, will dispose of the above at the lowest price of $175.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.

The fourteenth advertisement appeared on August 25, 1858.  Ambrotypes.—For Sale A Well Furnished ambrotype gallery on Broadway, doing an excellent business; the owner being engaged in another business, will sell the gallery for the low price of $175.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemist, 424 Broadway, New York.

The fifteenth advertisement appeared on April 27, 1859.  To Photographists.—Wanted To Purchase, An interest in, or whole of a first class photographic gallery on Broadway, not above Union square.  Inquire of Seely & Garbanati, 424 Broadway.

The sixteenth advertisement appeared on May 25, 1859.  $1,000 To $50,000—A Valuable Patent, In demand everywhere, for sale by Seely & Garbanati, Photographic Chemists, 424 Broadway.

The seventeenth advertisement appeared on June 29.  Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Photographs, &c. copied, enlarged and colored in all styles of the art at moderate prices, by Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists and publishers, 424 Broadway, Stereoscopic pictures wholesale.

The eighteenth ad appeared on September 5, 1859.  Photographic Engraving.—Patent Rights for sale, engraving done at moderate rates, by Seely & Garbanati, photographic chemists, 424 Broadway.  A complete set of apparatus, chemicals, &c., for taking pictures on glass and paper, for $30.  The American Journal of Photography, semi-monthly, $1.50 per annum; The Ambrotype, price 25 cents; Hardwick’s Photographic Chemistry, 50 cents; Sir David Brewster on the Stereoscope, $1, will soon be out.

Charles A. Seely, Henry Garbanati and Charles J. Quinby are all recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  Seely was recorded in Craig’s as being active in New York between 1857-1860.  It appears that he was active in New York City before the advertisement on August 29, 1855. The partnership of Seely & Garbanati began in 1856 at 94 Duane street, before moving to 424 Broadway.  The other interesting item from all the advertisements is that they were unable to sell the gallery and that they were all over the place with the sale price.  It is also possible that their main focus was the manufacturing of photographic chemicals and not the image side of the business.

Datus E. Sedgwick

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographic Stock and Chemicals, Photographs, , , ,

1857-1859       84 Owego Street, over J. Kendall’s store, Ithaca, New York.              

Datus E. Sedgwick was recorded in three advertisements and one announcement in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  The first advertisement ran from March 11 to August 5, 1857.  Something New!  Excelsior Ambrotype & Daguerrean Rooms.  The undersigned having fitted up the rooms formerly occupied by the Sons of Temperance over J. Kendall’s store and directly opposite the Journal Office, would respectfully inform the citizens of Ithaca and vicinity that he is now prepared to take Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes of the first quality.  Being in possession of all the recent improvements, he will warrant them to be equal if not superior in durability and artistic merit to any thing ever produced in this country.

Having had an experience of some 16 years in this business he is confident of pleasing all who may favor him with a call.  Satisfaction given or no charge and none but first class pictures will be permitted to leave the rooms.

Types taken from the whole size down to the smallest at all hours and on the most reasonable terms.  Remember the place 84 Owego street, over J. Kendall’s store.  D. E. Sedgwick.

The announcement appeared on July 1, 1857. A series of six fine daguerreotype and ambrotype views taken after the late flood by B. G. Jayne & Co., and have been forwarded to Frank Leslie of New York, who telegraphed for the same.  Mr. D. E. Sedgwick has a superb picture of one of the best views after the Freshet.

The second advertisement ran from December 16, 1857 to February 10, 1858.  The very Cheapest Yet!  The subscriber having recently increased his facilities in the Photographic Art, by a New and Large Sky and side Light combined, is prepared to delineate the human Features, in a style which for truthfulness and beauty of finish, is unsurpassed in the state.

Photographs, Ambrotypes & Daguerreotypes in every style, taken in all kinds of weather, at prices to suit the times, 12½ cents to $25.  Now is the time for those who wish cheap Pictures!

Photographs, plain and colored in aquarelle, fully equal to the best Oil Paintings—the best type sending by mail.

Particular attention given to Children’s Types, having an Instrument expressly adapted to this branch of the art.

The subscriber thankful for the liberal patronage heretofore enjoyed, solicits a continuance of the same.

N. B.—Artists supplied with Stock, Chemicals, &c, on terms satisfactory.  Particular attention called to an article of Collodian, of his own Manufacture, which in skilful hands will produce the most superb results known to art.  D. E. Sedgwick. 84 Owego-st.  Ithaca, Dec. 11, 1857.

The third advertisement ran from April 6 to June 15, 1859.  Now on Exhibition!  At Sedgwick’s Premium Photographic Gallery Daguerreotypes, the most perfect and beautiful style of Pictures known to the art, and only require to be seen to be appreciated taken only at this Gallery.  Call and see them Also Superior Photographs, recent discoveries giving a delineation of feature and a brilliancy heretofore unattainable, well adapted to sending to distant friends.  The above pictures are conceded to be the best results ever yet produced by the Camera.

Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes still taken in the best style of the art.  Satisfaction always given and prices as low as 50 cents including case.  Remember the place 84 Owego street, over J. Kendall’s store.     

Datus E. Sedgwick is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1859 in Ithaca, New York without a business address.

Samuel R. Sample

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Hallotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Stereotypes, , , , , ,

1858                Osman’s Post Office Building, Ottawa, Illinois.

Samuel R. Sample of the partnership of Robinson & Sample (Samuel T. Robinson and Samuel R. Sample) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The announcement appeared on April 24, 1858.  Pictures!  Pictures!!—Messrs. Robinson & Sample have just fitted up, in the new post office block (third story) a handsome suit of daguerrean rooms, where they are now ready to make copies of the “human face divine” in a style up to the finest touches of nature.  They appear to be adapts in the whole range of the photographic art.  They take daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, spereotypes, metanotypes, hallotypes, and we don’t know how many other types; at prices ranging from about nothing upwards.  Whether you can afford to have your handsome countenance perpetuated or not, go at least and see their pictures, for they are worth looking at.

The advertisement ran from May 1 to June 5, 1858.  Photography In Ottawa!  Robinson & Sample Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ottawa and surrounding country that they have just fitted up a suit of rooms in Osman’s Post Office Building, where they are prepared to put up Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c., in the highest style of the art.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge made.  Lockets, Pins, and Rings of all sizes filled.    S. T. Robinson,  S. R. Sample.

Samuel R. Sample, Samuel Robinson and the partnership of Robinson & Sample is recorded in A Directory of Early Illinois Photographers Preliminary Investigations into Photography as Practiced in Illinois, Excluding Chicago; from circa 1846 to 1914.

John H. Ryder

Photographs, ,

1859                            Merchants’ Bank Building, Cleveland, Ohio.

John H. Ryder was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in The Ashland Union (Ashland, Ohio). The advertisement ran from March 2 to November 2, 1859.  Ryder’s Premium Photographic Gallery of Art.  Merchants’ Bank Building, Cleveland, O.  The best Oil-painting Photographs in Ohio, are executed at this establishment.

Persons having old Daguerreotypes of lost or absent friends, which they wish to put in more permanent and effective shape, can have them copied in Photograph, to the size of life and painted in oil equal to portraits from life.

Allen Smith, Jr., paints for no other Photographist in this city.                                                          All the various styles of small pictures taken in a superior manner.

The announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  Ryder, of Cleveland, the celebrated Photographist, advertises in our paper this week.  A great fellow is that Ryder to make himself know.  When we lived in the State of New York, his name became perfectly familiar to us, though he was located in a city much further off than Cleveland is from Norwalk.  And it was all on account of his thorough knowledge of the picture business and enterprise in advertising.  Those who desire a life-like representation of themselves, done up by a master in the Photographic art, should be sure to pay Rider’s Gallery a visit the first time they go to Cleveland.  We’ll warrant them satisfaction.—Norwalk Experiment.

We had that satisfaction ourselves a few days since.  Mr. Ryder exhibited to us some as fine specimens of the art as we have ever seen in any city in the Union.  Those who visit Cleveland and neglect to call at Ryder’s Rooms, lose a sight of one of the most attractive places in the city.

John H. Ryder is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Cleveland in 1857-1858.  Ohio Photographers 1839 -1900 list him as being active in Cleveland 1857-1858; and from 1860-1898.

Rugg & Fowler

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

1857                Washington Hall Block, Watertown, New York.

Rugg & Fowler (George S. Rugg & S. J. Fowler) was recorded in two announcements and three advertisements .  The first announcement appeared in the Northern New York Journal  (Watertown, New York) on May 6, 1857.  Daguerrean Gallery.—Messrs. Rugg & Fowler have fitted up a fine Gallery in Washington Hall building, and are taking some excellent life-like likenesses, either Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype, Ambrograph, or Photograph.  Indeed we have never seen better specimens of the art than from their Gallery.  Their advertisement will be found in another column of our paper.

The first advertisement ran from May 6 to August 12, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal  (Watertown, New York).  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery!  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card Board.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We, therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! And Coloring Them In Oil.  Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes Made in the best Style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.        Watertown, March 7, 1857.

The second announcement appeared on May 7, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Daguerrean Artists.  The tendency towards perfection in no art has been more steady and rapid than that of taking likenesses on silver, glass and other prepared substances.  Pictures are now produced in such elegance of style, softness of tone, and exactness of likeness, on silver, glass, paper, paste-board, &c., as would astonish Daguerre himself could be revisit the earth and witness the progress the great art which bears his name has made within a few years past.  Nor is any city or village more fortunate in the possession of skillful artists in this line than Watertown.  The pictures now produced at Rugg & Fowler’s gallery in the Washington Hall block, evince a practical knowledge of the art in all its branches which marks a degree of perfection that may well be called complete.—Their rooms are very tastefully fitted up with new and elegant furniture for the express purpose of making an inviting retreat for all wishing to see their pictures or procure likenesses.

The second advertisement ran from May 7 to August 13, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery.  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card B’d.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes made in the best style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, May 1, 1857.

The third advertisement ran from August 20 to September 3, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Dissolution.  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the name and firm of Rugg & Fowler, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business will be carried on in all its branches by G. S. Rugg.  The debts against the firm will be paid by him, and all debts due the firm must be paid to him.     G. S. Rugg,     sic. O. S. Fowler.        Watertown, Aug. 10, 1857.

Daguerreotyping will be renewed for the benefit of those who still adhere to them, and at reduced prices.  G. S. Rugg.

George S. Rugg is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1854 without an address or location.  J. S. Fowler is listed in 1859 in Watertown, New York without an address.

G. Rosenberger

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1856-1857       Rooms at the Union Hotel, Clinton, Louisiana.

G. Rosenberger was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in The Feliciana Democrat (Clinton, Louisiana).  The advertisement ran from October 25, 1856 to February 7, 1857.  Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, And Photographs.  G. Rosenberger having received instructions from G. Moses, and having experience in the art of taking Daguerreotypes, will be ready by the first of the coming month, to take likenesses by any of the above named processes.

The announcement appeared on November 8, 1856.  G. Rosenberger has opened his Ambrotype and Daguerrean room at the Union Hotel, being the one formerly occupied by G. Moses.

G. Rosenberger is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Root & Hovey

Photographs, , , , ,

1854                Address Unknown[1], New York, New York.

Root & Hovey (Samuel Root & Daniel or Douglass Hovey) were recorded in two announcements.  The first appeared on  October 7, 1854 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Premium List.  The following premiums were awarded at the Fair of the New-York State Agricultural Society, held in this City October 3-6…

Best Daguerreotypes—Meade & Brother, New York                        Dip.                                                  Best sample Photographs—Root & Hovey, New York City.           Dip.

The second appeared in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on October 8, 1854.  New York State Fair…Painting, etc.

Best Daguerreotypes—Meade & Brother, New York                        Dip.                                                     Best sample Photographs—Root & Hovey, New York City.           Dip.

Root and Hovey.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry identifies Hovey as Daniel or Douglass and states that he worked in Samuel Root’s gallery in 1849.  Samuel Root is not recorded as working in Philadelphia in the Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 or in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  Samuel Root does not appear in newspaper advertisements in New York City until 1850 in partnership with his brother Marcus A.

[1] Samuel Root’s address is 363 Broadway.