Category Archives: Photographs

Root & Granniss

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1856                352 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Root & Granniss (Marcus A. Root & G. N. Granniss) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 29 to August 11, 1856 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Root & Granniss, M. A. Root.  G. N. Granniss Photographic, Ambrotype, and Daguerrean Gallery.  Is Now Open At No. 352 Pennsylvania avenue, near Seventh street, where Photographs, colored or plain; Ambrotypes tinted and colored, new style; and Daguerreotypes, are taken in the highest perfection of the art.

The Public are respectfully invited to visit our Gallery whether desiring pictures or not.

Root & Granniss are not recorded as partners in other photographic directories.

S. T. Robinson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, Stereotypes, , , , ,

1857                Room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery Store,                                    Eaton, Ohio.                                                                                                                                  1857                Main Street, Opposite Stephens & Co.’s Store, Eaton, Ohio.

S. T. Robinson was recorded in two advertisements in the Preble County Democrat (Eaton, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  The Subscriber respectfully announces to the citizens of Eaton and Preble County generally, that he has taken and entirely refitted the room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery, for taking Pictures.  He is prepared to take Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotypes, Stereotypes, Photographs or Mezzographs.

Having had several years experience in the Photographic Art, he flatters himself that he is  prepared to give satisfaction to all that may favor him with their patronage.

Prices—The Melainotype will be put up as low as 75 cents.                                                                Single Photographs, (whole size) $4; by the dozen, $10.                                                                          Color Photographs, $10 each.                                                                                                                               Lockets, Pins, Rings, of any size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.  Eaton, May 21.

The second advertisement ran from July 9 to August 20, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  Persons wishing Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, or Photographs, will please call on the subscriber on Main street, opposite.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather and on the most reasonable terms.

Copies enlarged and put up in the best of style.  Lockets, Pins, Rings, of the smallest size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.

S. T. Robinson is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is possible that this is the same person as J. T. Robinson (posted yesterday 11-6-20).

J. T. Robinson

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, [Eaton, Ohio].

J. T. Robinson was recorded in one announcement on October 29, 1857 in the Preble County Democrat (Eaton, Ohio).  Premium List.  A list of Premiums awarded at the 8th Annual Fair of the Preble County Agricultural Society, held on the Fair Grounds at Eaton, the 14th, 15th, and 16th days of October, 1857….

J. T. Robinson, best ambrotypes,        Diploma.                                                                                            J. T. Robinson, best photographs,       Diploma.

J. T. Robinson is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is possible that this is S. T. Robinson (posted tomorrow 11-7-20) who was active in Eaton in 1857, or T. J. Robinson who was active in Dayton, Ohio in 1857.

Robinson & Sample

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Hallotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

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

Robinson & Sample (S. T. Robinson & S. R. Sample) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The announcement ran 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.

Robinson & Sample are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Robinson & Finch

Photographs, , , ,

1859                            Unknown Location, Dayton, Ohio.

Robinson & Finch (T. J. Robinson & O. D. Finch) were recorded in two announcements in the Dayton Daily Empire (Dayton, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 24, 1859.  A life-sized Photograph of Dr. McIlhenry, Superintendent of the S. O. Lunatic Asylum, adorns the window of Messrs. Wilhard & Wheaton, on Third street.  It is from the establishment of Robinson & Finch, and is a picture of which they may well be proud, as a specimen of artistic skill.  Mr. E. Edmonson has added much to his celebrity as an artist, in the putting on of the paint, and the effort of  the whole have been crowned with success, as the picture has been pronounced by “old masters” as one of great merit and truthfulness.

We will mention, by the way, that Edmonson is regularly employed by Messrs. Robinson & Finch to color and finish all work of the kind entrusted to their care, and we have no doubt but that their business will improve “even as the days do grow” from this time.

The second announcement appeared on September 20, 1859.  The Journal of this morning says:…There is also , in More’s show window, a photographic portrait—not painted—the work of Messrs. Robinson & Finch, which, will be recognized by every one who has ever seen our worthy City Solicitor.  It could not well be mistaken for any body else.

These works of art speak well for the ability of our talented artists.  We doubt whether any other city in Ohio, or the West, will furnish their equals.

The partnership is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry records T. J. Robinson as being active in Dayton, Ohio from 1850-1860.  He is in the partnership of Robinson & Seebohm 1856-1858.  Craig states that the partnership was still listed in 1858-1859.  O. D. Finch is not recorded in other directories.

G. W. Robbins

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.                                        1859                Rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, Louisiana.

G. W. Robbins was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).  The first announcement appeared on February 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes.—When the art of Daguerreotyping was discovered, the world was taken by surprise to see the very elements brought to do the work of the portrait painter, exceeding the miniature likenesses of the most eminent masters in giving truly the form and features of the subject.  But there were a few deficiencies in that art—that have now been overcome by the late discovery of the art of Ambrotyping—which, while the features are given with strict fidelity, are susceptible of being viewed from any point, without changing their appearance.

We have been shown several specimens of Mr. Robbins’s proficiency in this art, and can certainly say of them that they are inferior to none.  He evidently has mastered all the intricacies of his business, and understands it thoroughly.

Mr. R. has taken rooms at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, where he will remain for a limited time.  Our neighbors should avail themselves of this chance to preserve their features; they can never do it younger.

The first advertisement ran from February 14 to 28, 1857.  Ambrotypes—Respectfully To All!  G. W. Robbins has taken rooms (for a short time only), at Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, and is ready to execute Ambrotype Likenesses in the latest and most approved style of this new and beautiful art.

Mr. R. solicits Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine specimens of his work, hoping, from twelve years experience as a Daguerrean, and two years practice in Ambrotyping, to be able to please all who may favor him with their patronage.

Correct Likenesses taken in any weather, or no charge will be made.                                            Children’s Likenesses taken only in fair weather.

The second announcement appeared on November 26, 1859.  Photographic.—We invite attention to the advertisement of Mr. G. W. Robbins, who has taken rooms in Washington for the purpose of taking likenesses in the most approved styles of the art.

Mr. Robbins enjoys a high reputation in his line of business, and our citizens should not let the present opportunity pass to secure superlative likenesses.

The second advertisement ran from November 26 to December 31, 1859.  Photographs and Ambrotypes.  G. W. Robbins, would announce that he has taken rooms, for a short time only, at Odd Fellows’ Hall, Washington, La., and is prepared to execute Ambrotype Likenesses in the best and most approved Styles of the Art.

Having spared no pains nor expense to keep himself well posted in all valuable improvements with more that twelve years successful practice Mr. R. hopes to please all who favor him with their patronage, and guarantees his work to compare favorably with the best work done in New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, or elsewhere, when seen side by side, which will be a sure test.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his work.  Bring your best Pictures to compare with his, and judge for yourselves.

Rooms open from 8 to 12 o’clock A. M., and from half past 1 to half past 4 P. M.                        Children Likenesses taken in fair weather only, 10 o’clock A. M., to 3 o’clock P. M.                      Prices from One to Ten Dollars.                                                                                                                          Terms, Cash on delivery.

Copying in the best manner.  Views made to order.  Last and best of all, Stereoscopic Likenesses and Views, made upon scientific principles, which render them the most perfect Pictures in the world.

G. W. Robbins is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Washington, Louisiana.  Craig’s Daguerreian Register list a G. W. Robbins in Houston in November 1852 and Huntsville, Texas in January 1853, it is possible that they are the same person.

Richard

Ambrotypes, Photographs,

1855                71 Cortland Street, New York, New York.

Richard was recorded in one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York)  which appeared on September 21, 1855.  Instruction in Ambrotyping and Photography.—Daguerreotype artists and other desirous of a knowledge of the above processes, may acquire the same in a few days, by addressing a line to Richard, 71 Cortland st.

Richard is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is unknown if Richard was a practicing photographer or not.

Stephen Remington

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Ivorytypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, Zoonograph, , , , , ,

1857-1859      1 Clark’s Marble Block, corner Main & Madison Streets, Memphis, Tennessee.

Stephen Remington was recorded in nine advertisements and four announcements in the Memphis Daily Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee).  The first advertisement ran from January 1, 1857 to August 4, 1858.  The Sphereotype.  The latest and by far the most important improvement in Photography is the recently patented picture known as the Sphereotype, which is not only new and unlike any of its predecessors, but greatly superior to all.  The Sphereotype is proof against Time, Air, and Water, and for the richness of tone, warmth of expression and distinctness has to equal—in fact the illusion is such that the picture, or image, seems suspended in air, entirely independent of the background.

For this picture we have the exclusive right for Memphis.  Specimens can be seen in our Gallery, where pictures are also taken in the various styles by our Artist, Prof. Remington, who combines the chemist with the Artist, which enables him at all times to produce superior Pictures.  F. H. Clark & Co., No 1 Clark’s Marble Block.  dec2.

The second advertisement ran from January 1 to May 6, 1857.  Dissolution.  On the 1st June, 1856, the firm heretofore existing between F. H. Clark and A. C. Wurzach was dissolved by mutual consent.  F. H. Clark is charged with the settlement of the business of the late firm of F. R. Clark & Co.  F. H. Clark.  A. C. Wurzbach.  New Firm… of F. H. Clark & Co.  F. H. Clark,  Jas. S. Wilkins, Thos. Hill.

A Card.  Our New Firm…Established 1841….Our leading branches are, first—Watches,…Jewelry….Guns, Guns….Pistols,…Silver Goods….Silver Plated Goods…Cutlery…Our Mechanical Branch…..Engraving…

Our Daguerrean Gallery, Prof. Remington, Artist, Embraces a suit of rooms built expressly for the purpose, and we are prepared to furnish our customers with first class pictures in all the various styles.

In building expressly for our business, we have combined every convenience for the different branches, and greatly reduced our expenses, which, with our facilities and the extension of our business, enables us to sell goods and do work on the most reasonable terms.  Goods cheerfully shown and fairly represented, and we invite all, both buyers and the curious, to drop in without ceremony and examine our stock.  We keep open house for all.   F. H. Clark & Co.  oct16.

The first announcement appeared on March 13, 1857.  At Clark’s Daguerrean Gallery is a colored Photograph of Mr. Fray, the artist, colored by himself and taken by Mr. Remington, which is as perfect and beautiful a likeness as one will see anywhere.  It is a large, but not a full size.  Mr. Frye has also painted several other likeness of well-known citizens, among others a most perfect portrait of Fletcher Lane, Esq., and one of James Elder, Esq., Michael Magevney, Esq., etc.

The second announcement appeared on June 6, 1857.  Gen. Walker was again called to stand up and show himself, so as to give all an opportunity to see him, and he appeared a few moments on the stand, bowing modestly to the excited and enthusiastic multitude.

After the reception had concluded, General Walker was conducted in an open carriage to Clark’s Daguerreian Gallery, where Professor Remington succeeded in getting two very excellent likenesses of him—one a photograph and the other an ambrotype.  We understand it is his intention to multiply copies of the photograph and place them in the reach of all who wish a copy….

The third advertisement ran from June 6 to July 8, 1857.  Gen. Walker.  On Monday, June 8, will be issued at F. H. Clark & Co.’s Gallery, copies of Prof. Remington’s Photograph of Gen. Walker, the only original picture of him in Memphis.

The third announcement appeared on October 9, 1857.  The Zoonograph.  The superiority of the Ambrotype over the Daguerreotype is universally acknowledged, and they in their turn are totally eclipsed by the Zoonograph, which is the result of a new chemical process discovered by Professor Remington, and perfected after much labor and perseverance.

These pictures are more clear in their outlines, brilliant in tone, life-like in expression, durable, richly-colored and elegantly finished, than any style of Photographic picture that it has ever been our pleasure to examine critically.

Clark’s Gallery contains everything requisite, every convenience and facility that can be desired or obtained to execute in the most perfect manner any of the various styles of photographic work.  It will richly repay a visit, and especially so to those who desire artistic pictures.

We can also assure the public that Prof. Remington is in possession of several processes and materials in his art, that no other establishment in this part of the country commands.  As a consequence, he is enabled to give a beauty, finish and life to his pictures that we shall in vain look for from other artist.

Give him a call and judge for yourselves.  Clark’s marble Block, Corner Main and Madison streets.  sep29.

The fourth advertisement ran from November 12 to December 18, 1857.  Premium Pictures!  The Zo-onograph!!  The superiority of the Ambrotype over the Daguerreotype is universally acknowledged, and they in their turn are totally eclipsed by the Zo-onograph, which is the result of a new chemical process discovered by Professor Remington, and perfected after much labor and perseverance.

These pictures and all the styles known to the art are taken by Professor Remington, in the new operating room of F. H. Clarke & Co.

The fourth announcement appeared on January 17, 1858.  A Mammoth Photograph.—We were yesterday shown a fine photograph of the gifted young tragedian, Edwin Booth, taken by Remington at Clark’s Gallery.  This picture is the best that we have seen coming from the same hands, and will, we think, compare with the best photographs executed at the North.  It is a large picture—12×14 inches—and photographs the character of the subject to the life.  We understand that Remington has just added a new improvement to his much admired Zoonograph, which he styles the Crayon Zoonograph.  Everybody should see his specimens before procuring pictures at other establishments.

The fifth advertisement appeared on December 21, 1858.  F. H. Clark & Co.’s. Column.  Watchmakers, Jewelers, Silversmiths, And Engravers, Importers And Dealers In Watches, Clocks, Silver and Plated Ware, Guns, Fancy Goods, Jewelry, &c.

New Goods…Fine Goods…Watches…Jewelry…Silver Ware…Clocks…Guns, Guns!… Spectacles…Cutlery…Engraving…

Our Picture Gallery—Professor Remington, Artist, Is one of the most extensive in the Union.  Superior Pictures taken in all the various styles known to the Photographic art.  The Sphereotype and Remington’s Zoonographs, are worthy of special notice.

J. O’B. Inman[1] This Celebrated Artist.  This Celebrated Artist has permanently located in one of our rooms connected with our Gallery, with whom we have made arrangements to color in oil Remington’s Cabinet size Canvas Photographs.

These pictures combining as they do, the skill of the two Artists, are among the most perfect specimens of the Art.  No. 1 Clark’s Marble Block.

The sixth advertisement ran from October 9 to 15, 1859.  Clark & Remington’s Gallery, No. 1 Clark’s Marble Block.—Photographs from Miniatures to life size, colored in oil or water colors.  Ambrotypes and sphereotypes.

The sixth advertisement ran from October 9 to 15, 1859.  Clark & Remington’s Gallery, No. 1 Clark’s Marble Block.—Photographs from Miniatures to life size, colored in oil or water colors.  Ambrotypes and sphereotypes.

The seventh advertisement ran from October 18 to November 8, 1859.  Ivorytypes!  Ivorytypes!!  Clark & Remington’s Gallery.—The greatest improvement ever invented, having all the softness and brilliancy of color peculiar to the genuine ivory miniature, and at prices within the reach of all, taken Only at Clark & Remington’s mammoth sky-light gallery.  Also photographs, sphereotypes and ambrotypes.

The eighth advertisement ran from November 20 to December 17, 1859.  Everybody visits Clark & Remmington’s famous Gallery of Art.  Their Ivorytypes, Photographs, Sphereotypes and Ambrotypes are works of art.  Perfect pictures and warranted to please.  Remember the place—Clark & Remmington’s mammoth sky-light gallery, corner Main and Madison streets.

The ninth advertisement ran from December 14 to 25, 1859.  Christmas Gifts.—Clark & Remington have just received a large assortment of fine pearl, velvet and gilt cases, especially intended to supply the demand for their pictures as Christmas approaches.  Our prices will be found to suit all who wish good and durable pictures—Ivorytypes, photographs, miniatures in oil, ambrotypes, etc.  Look in and examine specimens, corner of main and Madison streets.

Stephen Remington is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as a possible daguerreian in the partnership of F. H. Clark & Co. in 1859-1860.   Reading the advertisements and announcements Clark is the owner of the business that has a photograph Gallery in it.

[1] The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564-1860 list his full name as John O’Brien Inman.

Moses S. Quivey

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1858                Rooms in Haynes Block, above the Bank of Chenango, North Main Street,                                      Norwich, New York.                                                                                                  1859                Address Unknown, Norwich, New York.[1]

Moses S. Quivey was recorded in One Advertisement that ran from September 23 to December 2, 1858.  In The Chenango American (Greene, New York).  M. S. Quivey, Daguerrean and Photograph Artist. Norwich, N. Y.  Rooms in Haynes Block, above the Bank of Chenango, North Main Street.

Moses S. Quivey was recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1859 without a business address.

[1] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

William T. Purviance

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1854                2nd Street, two doors North of Powell & Co.’s. Store, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. 1854-1855     Graham’s Row, two doors east of the Journal office, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. 1856                Rooms at the Town Hall, Curwensville, Pennsylvania.                                                    1858                Address Unknown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.                                                                    1858                Address Unknown, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.                                                                    1859                Address Unknown, Clearfield, Pennsylvania.

William T. Purviance was recorded in five advertisements and three announcements.  The first six entries are from the Raftsman’s Journal (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  The last two entries are from the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  The first advertisement ran from August 23 to November 15, 1854.  “Secure the shadow, ‘ere the substance fades,” and call at Purviance’s Daguerrean Gallery on 2nd st., two doors north of Powell & Co.’s. Store.

The second advertisement ran from August 23 to November 22, 1854.  Business Item:  Purviance’s Daguerreotype Gallery, Second St., 2 doors north of the Powell & Co.’s. Store, Clearfield, Pa.

The third advertisement ran from December 13, 1854 to January 10, 1855.  Removed:—Purviance’s Daguerrean Gallery to Graham’s Row, two doors east of the Journal office, up stairs.  He will be happy to see his friends, and furnish them vivid, life-like pictures.  Give him a call.

The first announcement appeared on June 4, 1856.  Ambrotypes.—By an advertisement in today’s Journal, it will be seen the Mr. W. T. Purviance is at present engaged in taking ambrotype likenesses.  There is one quality about these likenesses that is preferable to the daguerreotypes—and that is, they cannot be easily destroyed.  A visit to Mr. P’s rooms will well repay any one who may be desirous of having likenesses taken.  We would state that Mr. Purviance is a good artist, and will undoubtedly render satisfaction.

The fourth advertisement ran from June 4 to 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  Mr. W. T. Purviance, Photographist, begs leave to announce to the citizens of Curwensville and vicinity, that he has opened Ambrotype Rooms at the Town Hall in Curwensville where he will be happy to receive the calls of Ladies and gentlemen, whether they wish pictures or not.  The Ambrotype may be regarded as the ne plus ultra of the photographic art, and is rapidly superseding every other style of picture wherever introduced.—Its brilliancy of tone, beauty of finish, delicacy of expression, and deep luster of drapery, have won for it the highest encomiums of the people and press everywhere.  Combining the highest artistic beauty with absolutely Unfading Durability! It must take the place of all other processes.  It is also worthy of mention that Mr. Purviance does not reverse his pictures.

Landscapes, Views of residences, &c., taken in the highest style of the art.  Paintings, Daguerreotypes, and engravings beautifully copied at reasonable prices.  Small children taken by an Instantaneous Process, with unerring certainty and accuracy.  Ambrotypes beautifully colored if desired.  No difference on account of dark or cloudy weather.  Please call soon, as I shall be able to remain but a week or ten days.

The second announcement appeared on June 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes.—The attention of the citizens of Curwensville and vicinity is directed to the advertisement of Mr. W. T. Purviance in today’s Journal.  Mr. P. is a good artist and has rendered entire satisfaction here.  The ambrotype is a much more desirable picture than the Daguerreotype, for the reason that it is more clear and distinct, and possesses the quality of “unfading durability.”

The fifth advertisement ran from August 18 to September 29, 1858 in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Wm. T. Purviance, Ambrotypist And Photographic Artist of Pittsburgh, Will visit Clearfield on a professional tour, on or about the 15th of September next, where he will remain a short time.  Those who wish to get Ambrotypes, or other Photographs, taken in the best style of the art, will than have an opportunity of indulging their taste.  Mr. Purviance brings with him the experience of many years close application to this beautiful art, in and about the City, and all the improvements which have been introduced.  He therefore flatters himself that he will be able to give the most ample satisfaction to those who may give him a professional call.

The third announcement appeared on February 16, 1859 in the Clearfield Republican (Clearfield, Pennsylvania).  Artistic.—We are requested to state that Purviance, our old artistic friend and fellow citizen, has again come to life and revived his business as an ambrotypist.  He has procured fresh chemicals, and new stock, and is now producing, we are informed, brilliant and life-like specimens of the photographic art.  He engages to give entire satisfaction in regard to work and prices.

William T. Purviance is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Pittsburgh from 1857-1863.