Category Archives: Photographs

Clark & Howe

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

Ca. 1856-1860            Ashley’s Building, Westfield, Massachusetts.

 Clark & Howe names were recorded from a Broadside Greg Drake’s Collection.  Ambrotypes, and Cloth Pictures!  E. P. Clark (Artist permanently located in Holyoke) and J. C. Howe, would respectfully inform the citizens of Westfield and vicinity that they are located at Ashley’s Building, Up one flight of stairs—room opposite H. Fuller’s Law office in the same building— for a few days to exhibit a new style of Picture, and to wait upon those who may require their services.

Ambrotypes, Meleneotypes, Ambrographs &c., Also Pictures on Enameled Cloth, Taken for the low price of Twenty-Five Cents, having the beauty of the ambrotype and Daguerreotype combined, and may be inclosed in a letter and sent to any part of the world free of postage.

Do not lose this opportunity to secure a Likeness at the very lowest price.                                      Some beautiful styles of Ambrotype Cases.   E. P. Clark, J. C. Howe.

E. P. Clark is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Providence, Rhode Island in 1855-1856, and also possibly in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1856. J. C. Howe is not recorded in other photographic directories and the partnership of Clark and Howe are not recorded in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Richard Clague

Landscape Painter, Photographs, Portrait Painter, , ,

N. D.                Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.                                                                        N. D.                Address Unknown, Paris France.                                                                                  1857                Address Unknown, Africa.

Richard Clague was recorded in an announcement on September 17, 1857 in the Green-Mountain Freeman (Montpelier, Vermont).  African Explorations… October last, under the auspices of Mahommed Said, the present enlightened Viceroy of Egypt.  The expedition was planned by M. I’Escatrac de Lauture, a Frenchman, who was joined by sis of his own countrymen, four Austrian gentlemen, one Prussia, an Englishman, and one American, all of them men of scientific professions, or attainment.  The American was Mr. Clagne, of New Orleans, a photographic artist.

Richard Clague is not recorded in any of the photographic directories I have referenced.  In fact every reference I have checked only refers to his landscape/portrait painting.  According to The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artist in America 1564-1860 Clague was an artist, teacher and landscape painter, who is recorded as being in New Orleans in 1851.  A search of the New Orleans newspapers might shed more light on Clague’s photographic career.

Professor J. Edwin Churchill

Photographs, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1856                434 Pennsylvania Avenue, Between 4½ and 6th Streets, Washington, D. C. 1857                Address and Location Unknown

Professor J. Edwin Churchill was recorded in two announcements, the first on September 6, 1856 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.).  ….Prof. J. E. Churchill, the distinguished American artist, is in this city.  Some of his exquisite specimens of photographs in oil, among which is a fine likeness of Mrs. Julia Dean Hayne, may be seen at Whitehurst’s gallery.

The second on August 26, 1857 in the same paper.  Prof. J. E. Churchill has just finished a fine photographic portrait in oil, of President Buchanan.

According to The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artist in America 1564-1860 J. Edwin Churchill is recorded as a portrait painted in Philadelphia in 1860.

Francis W. Chase

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

N.D.                Corner of Court and Main Street, Middletown, Connecticut.                            N.D.                Unknown Address, South Dennis, Massachusetts.                                                1859                Main Street, Springfield, Massachusetts.                                                            1860                Unknown Address, West Harwich, Massachusetts.   

Francis W. Chase Information came from an Ambrotype advertising card in my collection.  Obverse—From Chase’s Ambrotype & Photograph Gallery, South Dennis—Satisfaction warranted, or no sale.  Particular attention given to children and copying.  F. W. Chase, Proprietor.  (Note South Dennis is hand written.)  Reverse—(all printed) From Chase’s Ambrotype and Photograph Gallery, Corner of Court and Main Street, opposite the McDonough House, Middletown, CT.  Satisfaction warranted or no sale.

Listed in the 1859 Springfield City Directory, residence section as a daguerreotypist.        Listed in the 1860 New England Business Directory, Harwich.  

The South Dennis Massachusetts and Middletown Connecticut information is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Both Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900, have the Springfield and West Harwich listings.

William H. Chalmers

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

1853-1861       Post Office Corner, Augusta, Georgia.[1]                                                                            1856                   Address Unknown, New York, New York.1                                                                          1856                   Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.                                                                  1858                   over Burpee’s Carriage Shop, opposite the Bank, Athens, Georgia.1  

William H. Chalmers was listed in four advertisements in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  The first three are when he was in partnership with John Leigh as Leigh & Chalmers.  The first advertisement ran from October 1, to November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Those Beautiful and Imperishable Pictures can be had at John Leigh’s Office.  They are superior in Brilliancy, depth of tone and finish to any ever offered in this community.  Leigh & Chalmers.  Edgefield, Sept. 30, 1856.

The second ran from October 1 to December 31, 1856.  Photographs.  This beautiful style of Picture so popular in both this country and Europe, can be had at Leigh & Chalmers’ Gallery, Augusta, Ga.  Persons having Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends can have them photographed from life-size to the smallest miniature.                                                                Leigh & Chalmers.  Augusta, Sept. 30, 1856.

The third advertisement ran on March 4, 1857.  Photograph of Hon. P. S. Brooks.  Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers, of Augusta, have kindly forwarded to us a photograph likeness of our lamented Brooks, for which we return then thanks.  It is just the thing we were endeavoring to procure and is a most acceptable gift.  The likeness is striking and the execution excellent.  As there are very many citizens of Edgefield who would be glad to have a faithful portrait of their late beloved representative, we would suggest to them that, for only $4, they can procure such an one from Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers.  Mr. Leigh brought up a hundred copies the other day, but they are going off very rapidly.  Those who have engaged them should apply early; and those who have not done so, can now make the arrangement with Mr. L., who is at this place for the present.

The fourth advertisement was for William H. Chalmers alone and ran from December 8 to 29, 1858 in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  Ambrotypes For Fifty Cts. At The Chalmers’ Gallery, Post Office Corner, Augusta, Geo.  Wm. H. Chalmers, the well-known and successful Ambrotypist, is still furnishing pictures in the same Beautiful And Life-Like Style, that was so much admired last season, for the Low Price of 50 Cts. and upwards, According to the size and style of case.  The Gallery having a Mammoth Sky-Light and Side-Light combined, together with Instruments of the latest and most approved kinds, Pictures can be taken at all hours of the day, and as well in cloudy weather as in clear.

Having secured the services of several of the Best Operators in the United States, Likenesses will in all cases be Perfect or no charge.  Each Picture will be handsomely colored by an experienced Artist, and warranted not to fade.

The Public are invited to call and examine the large collection of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Paintings, &c., on exhibition.  Entrance to Gallery on door above the Post Office.

N. B. Instructions given in the Art and Apparatus furnished.         Augusta, Dec. 7.

[1] Early Georgia Photographers, 1841 – 1861: a Biographical Checklist, Compiled by E. Lee Eltzroth

L. D. Chafee

Photographs, ,

1856-1859       Haile’s Building, third Story, Brookville, Indiana.

L. D. Chafee was recorded in three advertisement in the Brookville, Indiana newspapers. The first was in the Indiana American on December 19, 1856 and ran until October 23, 1857. Picture Taking.  The Undersigned Wishes To Inform the public, and particularly those who want good looking pictures, that his Gallery, in the 3d story of Haile’s building, is open in fair and cloudy weather, and he guarantees good pictures.—Call and see the pictures of some of the best looking citizens of this place.

The second advertisement appeared on January 30, 1857 in the Indiana American.  If you have not got a copy of your pretty face, it is either because you hav’nt got a pretty face, or because you hav’nt taken a “sit” in Chafee’s Gallery, in Haile’s Building.

The third advertisement ran on February 19, 1858 to February 11, 1859 in the Brookville American (Brookville Indiana.)  How To Get A Wife!  Call at Chafee’s Picture Gallery In Halie’s Building, third story and get a picture taken—show it to your lady-friend—everybody knows that Chafee takes the most perfect and beautiful pictures of course, one of the will admire it, and by a certain hocus pocus you may have occasion to spend 50 cents or a dollar with the “Brookville American,” the price of a marriage notice.                     feb5’58.

L. D. Chafee does not appear in other photographic directories.

Robert A Carden

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

1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                          1853-1854     293 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                        1854                369 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]                                                                1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                  1856                Clay & Kearny Streets, San Francisco, California.[2]                                      1858                Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Based on work done by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn in Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry by John Craig, New York City Directories, and newspaper advertisements and notices in New York City and Washington, D. C.  I’ve put together the following snapshot of Carden’s activity.

Robert A. Carden was not listed in the 1852-1853 New York City Directory, he was listed in the 1853-1854 and 1854-1855 directories as daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway, in 1853-1854 directory his house was listed at 393 Broadway, Carden was not listed in subsequent NYC directories.  In 1853-1854 there was also a listing for Carden & Co, daguerreotypes, at the 293 Broadway.

Carden was recorded on April 13, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Carden & Co., No. 293 Broadway, are still taking those superb Pictures at the low price of 25 cents, notwithstanding there are some who advertise 12 ½ cent one to be taken at a future day.  It is a well known fact that a picture cannot be produced for less than 25 cents; hence the great rush every day at Carden & Co.’s.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry recorded the partnership of Carden & Norton, 369 Broadway from the 1854 Mercantile Directory.

He was recorded in the Daily American Organ (Washington, D. C.) on February 9, 1855 and in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1855.  The Exhibition of the Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute.—…Contributions from Virginia…Smith Bennett and Robert A. Carden, Frames of beautiful daguerreotypes;

Six months later the following advertisement appears on August 9 & 15, 1855 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale in Alexandria, Va.  One of the best rooms in Alexandria.  Will be sold cheap for cash.  Any person who wants to learn the business will be taught; and also will teach the art of Photograph free.  That alone is worth one hundred dollars to any artist.  Two Artist wanted to color Photographs.  Address “RAC,” Artist, Alexandria, Va.

Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn.  They mention that Carden is in San Francisco, California in 1856 working for Henry William Bradley at Clay & Kearny Streets.  Also that he wrote two articles for the Photographic and Fine Art Journal on April 1857, p 112 & 113 on Photography in California and was signed R. A. C. the same as the Evening Star advertisement on August 9 & 15, 1855.   In August of 1858 he wrote about the New Orleans Photographic Galleries on pages 244 & 245. Carden is reported in the same issue on page 256 that that he has returned to New York from New Orleans where he showed Ambrotypes and prints taken while he was there.  Was Carden active as a photographer or possibly as an assistant?  Further research is needed.  He was not listed in as being active in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865, by Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker except to mention the article in The Photographic And Fine Art Journal.

Recorded on November 11, 1859 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  Carden—At Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., on Thursday, Sept. 15, Robert A. Carden, photographic artist, formerly of this city [died], aged 26.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Gallery in partnership of Carden & Norton.                                                   [2] Entry for 1856 & 1858 from Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West.

 

Mrs. Cain or Cane

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                200 Superior, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Two entries today, Mrs. Cain and Mrs. Cane, they are probably the same person.  Mrs.  Cain is recorded in an advertisement that ran on May 23 to 31, 1859 in the Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Ambrotypes And Photographs.—Mrs. Cain has her picture gallery at her old stand, No. 200 Superior street (South Side).  First class pictures taken on reasonable terms, and warranted to suit.                          my18.

Mrs. Cane

1858                106 Superior Street, South Side, Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cane was recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 24 to October, 20, 1858 in the  Cleveland Morning Leader (Cleveland, Ohio.)  Mrs. Cane, Ambrotype and Melaneotype Artist, No. 106 Superior St., South Side.) Cleveland, Ohio.

Mrs. Cain or Cane does not appear in John Craig’s Daguerreian Registry or in Diane VanSkiver Gagel’s Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.  In addition information from the Cleveland City Directories for the late 1850’s cannot verify the correct spelling of her last name or provide a first name.  The Cleveland Morning Leader that I have access to starts on June 1, 1858 (Vol. 12, Issue No. 131) and for the most part is a complete run through December 31, 1859.

Bryant & Smith

Photographs, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Washington, District of Columbia.

Bryant and Smith was recorded in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on June 14, 1859.  From The photographers & publishers, Messrs. Bryant & Smith, we have six photographic (stereoscopic) views of scenes in and about Washington, which, for excellence of execution, are quite equal to the best French stereoscopic views.  They consist of representations of the Patent Office, Washington Monument, Jackson Statute, White House, Capitol extension, (east front,) and the tomb of Washington.  They are for sale by Franklin Philp.

Bryant & Smith are not recorded in in other photographic directories that I have access to.  They were not listed in the 1860 Washington, D. C. Directory.  Three stereoviews by them can be found at the New York Public Library digital collection they are  Jackson Monument, National Observatory and two views of Tomb of Washington.  They are tan mounts with domed images.

Samuel F. Brown

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1851-1852       449 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky.                                                                                  1852-1855       Corner Fifth & Main Streets, Louisville, Kentucky.                                                            1855                   Address Unknown, Louisville, Kentucky.

Samuel F. Brown was recorded in the partnership of Hewett & Brown in an advertisement in the Bardstown Herald (Bardstown, Kentucky.)  The advertisement ran from March 10, 1852 to April 7, 1853.  Based on John Craig’s work the T. F. Brown is more than likely a typo.  Hewett’s National Daguerrean Gallery.  Louisville, KY.  Next To Northern Bank, Corner of Fifth And Main, And Opposite Louisville Journal Office.  Hewett’s old friends in Bardstown and vicinity will please call and see him when in Louisville, “The latch string is never pulled in.”  J. M. Hewett, [sic.] T. F. Brown, Operators.

Hewett & Brown were again recorded in an advertisement that ran from June 5 to July 17, 1855 in the Daily Louisville Democrat.  (Louisville, Kentucky.)  Daguerreotypes and Photographs, Corner of Fifth and main streets.  Hewett & Brown are sending out daily the finest specimens of the two arts.  They will at all times be found ready to fill all orders on short notice, either taken from life or copies from Portraits or Daguerreotypes.  Life-size Photographs made from the smallest Daguerreotypes, and furnished colored in oil or water—the best artist in the city employed to do the coloring.  Call and see specimens.

Hewett’s former customers can here obtain the same superior Daguerreotypes that have secured him premiums over all competitors at the Mechanics Fairs.  my. 9.

Samuel F. Brown was recorded in an advertisement in the Daily Louisville Democrat  (Louisville, Kentucky) which ran from July 17 to September 7, 1855.  Just think of it, at Brown’s Gallery you may obtain a fine Daguerreotype of yourself for the trifling sum of One Dollar, enclosed in a neat case.  Now, don’t delay any longer, but take your family down and have their pictures taken, and you will not regret it.  Sam is hard to beat.

A Samuel F. Brown is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being in Louisville, Kentucky in 1851-1852 as the proprietor of Hewett’s National Daguerreian Gallery at 449 Main Street.  He goes on to suggest that he is the same S. F. Brown in Paducha, Kentucky in 1859-1860 at 24 Broadway.