Category Archives: Photographs

Swain & Paul

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Natchez, Mississippi.

1856                Rooms over J. N. Radcliff, Yazoo City, Mississippi.

Swain & Paul were recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 23 to September 26, 1856 in The Weekly American Banner (Yazoo City, Mississippi).  Call, See, And Judge For Yourselves!  Messrs. Swain & Paul of Natchez, informs the public that they have located permanently in Yazoo City, and have opened at those beautiful rooms over J. N. Ratcliff an Ambrotype, Daguerreotype, and Photograph Gallery, where they are prepared to take pictures in all the Photograph Art in a style not to be surpassed by any Artist in the county.  They have a way (peculiar to themselves) of coloring the Ambrotype which makes the most beautiful picture ever produced.

Messrs. S. & P. take pleasure in explaining to those desirous of ascertaining the mode of taking and putting up of these truly elegant and indestructible pictures.  Yazoo City

Swain & Paul are not recorded in other photographic directories.

D. Sutphen

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                6 Seneca-Street, Opposite the Post Office, Geneva, New York.

D. Sutphen was recorded in one advertisement that ran from December 25 to December 30, 1859 in the Geneva Daily Gazette (Geneva, New York.)  Sutphen’s Photographic, Ambrotype, and Daguerreotype Gallery.  No. 6, Seneca-St., Opposite The Post Office.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Geneva and surrounding towns, that he is ready to make all kinds of Camera pictures.—His long experience in the business, and well adjusted chemicals, enables him to make as good pictures as the art can produce.  To be convinced of the fact you need only call and sit for a picture.

If you want a good Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, or Photograph, call at Sutphen’s.  Everything shall be done that is necessary to make this a first-class room, and to make first-rate pictures.

Remember the place, No. 6, Seneca street, over Van Deren’s.  D. Sutphen.

D. Sutphen is not recorded as being active in Geneva, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a David Sutpen as being active in Moravia, New York in 1859.  The distance between the two towns is about 48 miles.  It is unknown if they are the same person but the probability is there.

A. F. Styles

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1858                            Location Unknown, St. Albans, Vermont.

1859                            Location Unknown, Burlington, Vermont.

A. F. Styles was recorded in six announcements.  The first announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on September 24, 1858.  The State Fair…A. F. Styles, of St. Albans, exhibited Ambrotypes, plain and colored.

The second announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on  September 24, 1858.  The State Fair…Award of Premiums…A. C. Styles, St. Albans, Photographs in Watercolors, and Ambrotypes, $5.00.

The third announcement appeared in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont) on September 25, 1858.  Eighth Annual Exhibition of the Vermont Agricultural Society.  The Eighth Annual Fair of the Vermont State Agricultural Society was held at Burlington, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week….Premiums Awarded….Floral Hall…

A. F. Styles, St. Albans, Photographs in Water colors, and Ambrotypes    5.00 

C. L. Howe, Brattleboro, Photographs                                                           5.00

Chas. Miller, Burlington, India Ink Photographs                                           5.00

The fourth announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on  September 16, 1859.  The State Fair…Floral Hall…Mr. A. F. Styles of Burlington, also occupies considerable space with Photographs—some of them quite good, especially the views.  A Photographic view of High Bridge is particularly excellent.

The fifth announcement appeared in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont) on September 24, 1859.  Ninth Annual Fair of the Vermont State Agricultural Society.  In accordance with arrangements effected last year, the ninth annual Fair of the Vermont State Agricultural Society was held at Burlington on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th days of September, inst, on the grounds occupied by the Society in 1856 and again in 1858….Premiums Awarded…Floral Hall…

C. Miller, Burlington, Photographs, 1st premium diploma & 5.00

A. F. Styles, Burlington, Photographs, 2nd premium diploma & 3.00           

The sixth announcement appeared in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on  September 23, 1859.  The State Fair…Photographs…Though the committee assign a second place of honor to the plain photographs, exhibited by Mr. A. F. Styles, of Burlington, there are among them many specimens, of great merit. 

A. F. Styles or (A. C. Styles) is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as A.F. or A. J. Styles as being active in Burlington and St. Albans, Vermont in 1860. 

Ausborn M. Stover

Photographs, ,

1859                Rooms next door to Lynch’s Store, Ottawa, Illinois.

Ausborn M. Stover was recorded in one announcement that appeared on September 24, 1859 in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The County Fair.—The County Fair is expected to be the greatest one ever held in La Salle county, and as everybody is expected to do all they can for the success of the fair, and the pleasure of its visitors, the far famed Photographer, Stover, is going to take, during the fair week all of the latest improved styles of pictures for half price, and we would say to the visitors of the fair and every body else, that comes to Ottawa during the fair week, to give Stover a call and procure one or more of his new styles of pictures for dear Kate and dear Mollie.

Rooms next door to Lynch’s store.

Ausborn M. Stover is recorded as being active in Ottawa, Illinois in 1860.

D. M. Stoughton

Ambrotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

1857-1858       Doctor Rawson’s Block, Findlay, Ohio.

D. M. Stoughton was recorded in four advertisements in The Hancock Jeffersonian (Findlay, Ohio).  The first advertisement dated April 10, 1857 ran on June 19 and 26, 1857, when he was by himself.

A New & Valuable Discovery. 

Enameled Photographs, 

Enameled Photographs,

Can Be Sent By Mail,

Can Be Sent By Mail,

To Any Part Of The World,

To Any Part Of The World,

Without Injury, or Extra Postage,

Without Injury, or Extra Postage,

And the only place where they can be obtained in perfection is at Stoughton’s, Stoughton’s Doctor Rawson’s Block, Stoughton’s old stand, where he can always be found, ready to wait upon his friends and customers,  having during the past season, repaired and refitted his rooms, he flatters himself that they now possess conveniences, both for himself and customers, superior to any in North-Western Ohio.  He never fails in executing Likenesses of children, by the aid of an improvement of his own, together with a powerful Sky-Light, he is enabled to take them at a sitting of only one second.—Enameled Photographs are superior to anything ever discovered, for locket pictures, &c.  Ambrotypes warranted not to crack.

N. B.—Instructions given in the art.  Findlay, April 10, 1857.

The second advertisement ran from July 17 to October 23, 1857 under the firm name of Stoughton & Hartsock.  Sphereotypes.  The undersigned would respectfully announce to the people of Hancock county that they have formed a co-partnership for the purpose of introducing the celebrated Patent Sphereotype!

This style of picture is unparalleled for beauty, and is acknowledged by all to be the greatest improvement of the age, in the Art Of Picture Taking!!

There is a softness and delicacy and beautiful, and which cannot be surpassed.  Call and examine their specimens.  They will also take Ambrotypes!  With all the latest improvements, together with pictures on paper, Cloth, Leather, &c.  Pictures taking on Leather In a recent discovery, and is very convenient for filing Lockets, or for sending any distance by mail in letters, which may be done without injury to the picture or extra postage.  By the aid of a Powerful Sky-Light, and excellent Chemicals, they are enabled to execute Pictures at a sitting of only one second; hence they seldom fail in getting the likenesses of Children.  Satisfaction warranted in all cases, both in regard to Price and Quality!!  And are determined not to be excelled.  They may be found at Stoughton’s old stand.  Stoughton & Hartsock.  Findlay, O., July 10, 1857.

The third and fourth advertisement appeared under the firm name of Stoughton & Reiterman.  The third advertisement ran on March 12 to October 15, 1858.  Stoughton’s. Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices as they can be obtained at any other place.  There may be some, however, that are ignorant of these facts, and for their benefit they are mentioned.

Particular attention is called to our method of taking Likenesses on Leather, Card, Paper, &c. This is a convenient means of sending likenesses by leather, which can be done without extra postage.

Rooms in Doct. Rawson’s Block, opposite Ewing’s.  Stoughton & Reiterman.  D. M. Findlay, Ohio, March 5, 1858.

The fourth advertisement ran on October 15 & 22, 1858.  Stoughton’s. (Stoughton & Reiterman’s) Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices as they can be obtained at any other place.  There may be some, however, that are ignorant of these facts, and for their benefit they are mentioned.

Particular attention is called to our method of taking Likenesses on Leather, Card, Paper, &c.

This is a convenient means of sending likenesses by leather, which can be done without extra postage.

Rooms in Doct. Rawson’s Block, opposite Ewing’s.  Stoughton & Reiterman.  Findlay, Ohio,

D. M. Stoughton, Stoughton & Hartsock and Stoughton & Reiterman are not recorded in other photographic directories.  W. Reiterman is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Findlay, Ohio in 1860.

Erastus Steven

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1855                303 Broadway, New York, New York.

Erastus Steven of the firm De Guinon & Steven was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on June 13, 1855.  A Rare Chance Is Now Offered To An Enterprising person with small capital, to purchase very low, a first class photograph and daguerreotype gallery, now doing a splendid business, and one of the best locations in the city; the parties now interested are going to Europe.  Inquire De Guinon & Steven, 303 Broadway, corner of Duane street.

The second advertisement appeared on June 21, 1855.  A Rare Chance—For Sale, Or A Partner taken.—One of the partners of the photograph and daguerreotype establishment, No. 303 Broadway, is about going to Europe, and a rare chance is offered to a person with small capital, to buy out the establishment, or to join the remaining partner in conducting the business.  A knowledge of the business not requisite, as the remaining party is an old daguerreotypist.  Inquire De Guinon & Steven, 303 Broadway.

Erastus Steven is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as Erastus Stever it is unknown which spelling is correct.

Stebbins Brothers

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Watertown, Massachusetts.

1856                Address Unknown, Newton Corner, Massachusetts.

N.D.                Address and Location Unknown.

Stebbins Brothers were recorded in one advertisement that ran from February 15 to May 8, 1856

In the Waltham Sentinel (Waltham, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes by Stebbins Brothers, Watertown.   Prices from 50 cents upwards, according to the size of plate and style of case.

Particular attention paid to taking children’s likenesses.  Patronage respectfully solicited from Watertown and Newton Corner.

Photographs made from Daguerreotypes.

N.D.  Broadside (Harvey Zucker’s Collection.)

Daguerreotypes!  The Stebbins Brothers, respectfully inform the citizens of this place and vicinity, that they will remain here _____ Weeks Longer, Only.

It is owing to the increase of business, and the great demand for our Pictures, that we are induced to give this notice.  Those who have not yet got a good Likeness will remember this is the Last Chance.

Notice.  This is a good time to get Landscape Views.  Gentlemen wishing their Residence, or any Views from Nature, Daguerreotyped or Photographed, (without reversing,) are informed that they can have them at short notice, and at low prices, by sending orders early.

Pictures Taken In Any Weather.

Likenesses of Sick and Deceased Persons taken at their residences.

Persons having old Daguerreotypes of deceased friends are informed that we can produce nice colored photographs and good Likenesses from them, which will give universal satisfaction.

Stebbins Brothers are recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1856, but not the information from the undated broadside.

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.