Category Archives: Photographs

Douglass & Van Scoy

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1855-1856       Address Unknown, Sag Harbor, New York.

Douglass & Van Scoy were recorded in two advertisement, the first ran from April 25, 1855 to June 9, 1855 in The Corrector (Sag Harbor, New York).  Photographs and Daguerreotypes!  Photograph Portraits Taken On Paper, beautifully colored, and far surpassing in execution the finest Mezzotint Engraving—are now on exhibition at our Sky Light Daguerrian Gallery.

These Portraits are taken upon the most approved plan and far surpass anything ever before attempted in the art of picture taking.  Our charges are much less than in New York, and at the same time we flatter ourselves that we can execute photographs equal to any city establishment; to prove which fact we are willing to compare with any taken elsewhere.

Photographs can be mounted on cards, and sent uninjured, in a common letter envelope, to any part of the world without extra postage.  Persons having friends in California or at a distance, who would like to present them with a token of friendship, could not send them a more acceptable gift than one of these beautifully executed portraits of themselves.

Views—Too much cannot be said in praise of Views in Photography.  They need only to be seen to be appreciated.  Photograph Portraits set in Lockets, Cases, & c. and mounted on elegant embossed Bristol Board for remitting in letters.  Daguerreotypes as usual, taken in all the various styles of the art.

We are about taking a Photographic View of Sag-Harbor and shall have a specimen ready in a few days.  Those desirous of obtaining a view for themselves of friend will please inform us.  The public are respectfully invited to call.  Douglass & Van Scoy, Photographic & Daguerrian Artist.

The second advertisements ran from December 22, 1855 to January 5, 1856 also in The Corrector (Sag Harbor, New York).  Daguerreotypes And Photographs Appropriate And Beautiful Gifts For The Holidays!  We have just received from the city a splendid assortment of plain and fancy cases, suitable for Christmas and New Year presents.

Persons desirous of presenting their friends a really valuable memento, and one that can be kept and prized a life time, have now a favorable opportunity.  Pictures taken by our New Sky Light, in cloudy as well as clear weather.  Douglass & Van Scoy.

Douglass is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is possible that he is the same person as Douglas of Parker and Douglas (1849-1850) or more likely C. C. Douglas who references Van Scoy.    Isaac S. Van Scoy is listed in 1859 in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Dougherty & Crosby

Ambrotype Wagon, Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1858                Car, Corner of Main & Marietta Streets, St. Clairsville, Ohio.                                  1859                Car, on Public Square, Near the Court House, St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Dougherty & Crosby were recorded two advertisements, the first advertisement ran from July 1 to 29, 1858 in the Belmont Chronicle (St. Clairsville, Ohio).  Pictures for 50 Cents.  Ambrotypes, Photographs, and all the various styles of pictures taken at Dougherty & Crosby’s Ambrotype Car, Corner of Main and Marietta Streets.  Persons wanting pictures will do well to call soon, as we will remain in town but a short time.

The second advertisement ran from January 27 to March 3, 1859 in the Belmont Chronicle (St. Clairsville, Ohio).  Back Again Dougherty & Crosby are in town again, with their Ambrotype Car.  They can be found on the Public Square, near the Court House.  Where they are prepared to execute all the various kinds of Pictures in a style of beauty.  Coloring, and durability unsurpassed.  And on the most reasonable terms.

Dougherty & Crosby are not recorded in other photographic directories.

John W. & Henry M. Diggins

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Cincinnati, Ohio.

John W. and Henry M. Diggins was recorded in an article on November 10, 1857 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.).  The Photographed Bank Bills.—The examination of John W. and Henry M. Diggins, on a charge of being engaged in photographing bills of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, took place before the Police Court in Cincinnati on the 3d inst.  Against John W. there was no evidence whatever to connect him with the charge, and he was discharged by the Court.

The principal witness against the defendants was Henry Campbell, father of Alexander Campbell, who furnished the information upon which the two brothers were arrested.  He testified that he took a letter to the daguerrean room of Henry M. Diggins, from his son, who was in jail at Louisville, urging the brothers to raise money to get him out of the scrape; that in the course of a conversation with Henry M. the latter said that the photographed bills were as good as half the money afloat, and as the banks were all cheating he did not think it any harm to make the bills; that they could be made so as to pass in the banks.

On his cross-examination, Campbell admitted that he had insisted upon the brothers raising $85 to get his son out of the scrape, and that he told Henry M. that unless the money was forth-coming he would have him arrested upon the charge which was subsequently made against both brothers.

This was the substance of the testimony upon which the defense attempted to show a conspiracy to extort money on the part of the Campbells.  None of the bills were found upon the persons or premises.  The prosecution claimed that with the evidence of their principal witness, the younger Campbell, they would be able to fasten crime upon Henry M. Diggins.  Mayor Thomas, acting Police Judge, therefore held him to bail in $300, which was given, and the accused set at liberty.—Cin. Gaz.

Henry M. Diggins is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.  John W. Diggins has not been recorded in other photographic directories.

John W. Davis

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1856                Rooms in Ammons’ Brick Building, corner Fourth and Market Streets,                                              Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

John W. Davis was recorded in an advertisement that ran from April 11 to May 2, 1856 in the Lewisburg Chronicle (Lewisburg, Pennsylvania).  Daguerreotypes.  John W. Davis, having taken a room in Ammons’ large three storey brick building, corner Fourth and Market streets, would respectfully invite the citizens of Lewisburg, and vicinity, to call at his establishment, and examine his specimens.  From his long experience in the art, in connection with one of the best artists in the country, he flatters himself that he can give general satisfaction.  Having gone to great expense in procuring the largest size and best made instruments, he is prepared to take Life-like Daguerreotypes, Crayons, Crystalotypes, Stereoscopic Pictures.

John W. Davis is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a John W. Davis in Sumter, South Carolina in 1859, but it is unknown if they are the same person.

L. M. Cyrus

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1843                231 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                  1850                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

L. M. Cyrus was recorded in two advertisements in 1843 and two announcements in 1850. The first advertisement ran from March 16 to April 17, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York). Daguerreotype Likenesses Taken, With All The Beauties Of Natural Colors, And On A Large Size, By Doctor L. M. Cyrus, 231 Broadway, Up Stairs.  Likenesses taken every day, from early morning until 3 o’clock, P. M.

The second advertisement ran from May 10 to June 15, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Photograph Portraits.—Dr. L. M. Cyrus, the inventor of this new art produces by it not only a correct likeness of the original portrait, but a so purity of design a brilliancy of coloring, which far surpass the chief d’oeuvres of the most celebrated artists, whether ancient or modern.—Grateful for the encouragement he has received from his numerous friends and the public generally, Dr. L. M. Cyrus would fain inform them that he has fitted up, for the accommodation of ladies, a suite of rooms in park Place House, corner of Broadway, where he trusts his skill in his profession, and his attention to all who may honor him with their favors, will insure him a continuance of the patronage hitherto so liberally bestowed on him.

The Doctor gives instruction in every department of the Daguerreotype and Photographic art.  Instruments for taking portraits on a large or small scale, for sale, as also the necessary chemical preparations for taking the portraits in Phytographs or colors.  Terms moderate.

The first announcement appeared on June 29, 1850 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  New Discovery in the Daguerreotype Art.—Dr. Cyrus has invented an Electro Galvanic Buff for polishing plates, and preventing them from oxidizing, in every variation of atmosphere.  This buff gives a sensitiveness to plates heretofore unknown, and enables the operator to take pictures in less than half the ordinary time of sitting.  Harrison & Holmes have purchased a right in this new discovery, and will prove the importance of it to all who may demand fine pictures, at their rooms, in the Lafarge building, 289 Broadway.

The second announcement appeared on July 25, 1850 in the New York Herald (New York, New York).  To Daguerreotypist.—Dr. L. M. Cyrus’ newly invented Buff, has been reduced to the very low price of ten dollars, in order to place it in the power of all operators [eo] purchase.  None genuine, except signed by Scoville Mfg. Co., 57 Maiden Lane.

  1. M. Cyrus is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1850-1851.

Mr. Coutant

Ambrotypes, Photographs, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1859                Rooms at the store recently occupied by G. P. Brinck, on Texas Street,                                              Shreveport, Louisiana.

Mr. Coutant was recorded in an announcement on January 19, 1859 in The South-Western  (Shreveport, Louisiana).  Portraits.—Those wishing to obtain handsome and life-like portraits, miniatures, photograph or ambrotype pictures, are referred to the card of Mr. Coutant.

He was also recorded in an advertisement that ran from January 19 to February 9, 1859 in The South-Western (Shreveport, Louisiana).  W. H. Coutant. Portrait Painter, Photographist and Ambrotypist, Respectfully inform the citizens of Shreveport, that he has taken rooms at the store recently occupied by G. P. Brinck, on Texas street, where he would be pleased to execute all orders in the above arts entrusted to him.

Mr. Coutant is not recorded in other photographic directories.  A listing for W. H. Coutant, was found The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of American Artists In America 1564-1860. W. H. Coutant, miniaturist, New Orleans, 1832.  This is possibly the same person.

George W. Cornelius

Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , ,

1858-1859       Address Unknown, Winchester, Indiana.                                                                              1859                   Address Unknown, Farmland, Indiana.                                                                      1859                  Address Unknown, Winchester, Indiana.

George W. Cornelius was recorded in an advertisement that ran from December 2, 1858 to June 9, 1859 in the Randolph County Journal (Winchester, Indiana).  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Solograph, Photographs, etc.  G. W. Cornelius Would respectfully inform the citizens of Winchester and vicinity that he is on hands with the same old Car in which years ago in this place, he took Over 600 Pictures acknowledged by one and all to be Superior to any taken before or since in the place.  Having the advantage of a large Sky Light!  His pictures are unsurpassed in brilliancy of tone, accuracy of expression, and clearness of the Eye.

By the aid of a Quick worker, the only instrument of the kind this side of Cincinnati, he Never Fails to secure the Likeness of a Child however small.

On November 10, 1859 the following announcement appeared in the Randolph County Journal.  (Winchester, Indiana).—Mr. G. W. Cornelius left here yesterday morning with his Daguerrean Car for Farmland, where he expects to remain two or three weeks, and then return to Winchester.  Those who want good pictures of themselves or friends can not do better than to give him a call while he sojourns at Farmland.  He is a superior Artist.

On December 15, 1859 an announcement in the Randolph County Journal (Winchester, Indiana).—G. W. Cornelius, the Daguerrean, has returned to Winchester.

George W. Cornelius is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as George W. (Cornelis) Cornelius.  In partnership of Bishop & Cornelis in 1853 Northwest corner of Main & 5th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. And in 1860-1861  Address Unknown, Winchester, Indiana.  In Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 he is recorded as a daguerreotypist in Cincinnati in 1853.

W. H. Conant

Photographs, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1859                292 Main Street, Calhoun Block, Memphis Tennessee.

W. H. Conant was recorded in an announcement on July 30, 1859 in the Memphis Daily Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee).  Artistic.—W. H. Conant, portrait painter and Photographist, respectfully informs the citizens of Memphis that he has taken rooms in the Calhoun Block, No. 292 Main street, adjoining Mr. Yearout’s daguerrean gallery. Portraits and photographs in oil on canvass, cabinet or life size, will be painted from life, ambrotypes or daguerreotypes.

W. H. Conant is not recorded in other photographic directories. He was also not listed in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of American Artist 1564-1860.

Samuel A. Cohner

Photographs, , , ,

1857                380 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Samuel A. Cohner was recorded in The Photographic and Fine Art Journal (New York, New York) on December 1857.  Washington Galleries.  Washington November 5, 1857.    Mr. James McCleese of Philadelphia, has opened his new gallery below the Kirkwood House.  His operator is Samuel A. Cohner, Esq., a practical chemist of some notoriety; he is very successful in all of his operations.  I was shown many of his beautiful plain photographs, that in tone and sharpness were exquisite.  But ‘tis just like Mr. McC., he never has any body about who does not fully understand his business.  His gallery is one of the finest in Washington, and the many water colored pictures that are adorning his walls, speak highly for the business.  His artists is a man of the first order and paints with unusual rapidity.  Mr. Vannerson is the agent of Mr. McClesse’s gallery, and for the length of time he has resided in Washington, no man is more capable of doing the agreeable in securing the public patronage.  This gallery will do a large share of the business the coming winter.  I fully predict a brilliant career for them, and well they deserve it.  By the time your next number appears, I hope to be able to speak more of this gallery.

Samuel A. Cohner is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Lybrand Clayton

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1856                168 South Second Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

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

Clayton. — These specimens show a gradation from indifferent to very good, proving the artist capable of producing fair pictures. This artist has several stereoscopes in front of the door, which I noticed was the case with several establishments. This is undoubtedly          probono publico.

Listed as a daguerreotypist in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, also recorded in Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900.

[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.