Category Archives: Photographs

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.

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.