Category Archives: Photographs

D. L. Clark

Photographs, , , ,

1858                Address and Location Unknown, Maryland.

D. L. Clark was recorded on November 3, 1858 in The Daily Exchange (Baltimore, Maryland).   The Maryland Institute Exhibition, Closing Night.  Address of the President, Sam’l Sands, Esq.  The Award Of Premiums…Class No. 43.—

F. W. & R. King, for photographic view cameras and stereoscopic view cameras, Silver Medal;                                                                                                                                                                            S. G. Israel, for photographs in oil, water color, India ink and plain, and ambrotypes and photographic views on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Silver Medal.                                            D. L. Clark, for photographic view of Barbee’s Fisher Girl. Diploma.

D. L. Clark is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Baltimore, Maryland. Both F. W. & R. King and S. G. Israel are known to be active in Baltimore.

C. H. Clark

Ambrotypes, Photographs, ,

1858                Rooms in Younglove’s Building, Union Village, Greenwich, New York.    1859                Rooms over White’s Fancy Store, Union Village, Greenwich, New York.

C. H. Clark was recorded in two advertisement, the first ran from September 23 to October 21, 1858 in the Washington County People’s Journal (Greenwich, New York).  Phototypes & Ambrotypes.  C. H. Clark would announce to the public that he has opened Rooms in the building formerly owned and occupied by John Younglove for the purpose of giving Perfect Impressions to all those who wish to secure a copy of themselves and friends ere the grave closes and mortality fades.

I can and will in all cases, fully satisfy my customers or make no charges.  As proof of the truth of these intimations.  I would cordially invite all to call and examine Specimens of my work, and so satisfy themselves of their merits.  N. B.—Pictures colored or plain, and done up in every style of Case, Frame, Pin, Ring or Locket.

The second advertisement ran from January 20 to February 10, 1859 in the Washington County People’s Journal (Greenwich, New York).

Ambrotypes.                                                                                                                                                    As some folks make a dreadful fuss,                                                                                                              And try to kick up quite a muss                                                                                                                          About their skill in taking faces,                                                                                                                          I’ll tell you now just where the place is.

If you have not heard it before,                                                                                                                            It’s over White’s new fancy store                                                                                                                           And least you may forget, just mark,                                                                                                               The Artist’s name is C. H. Clark.

Some Gossips have reported round                                                                                                                  That Mr. Clark had left town,                                                                                                                                But mind, he will not pull a stake                                                                                                                        So long as there’s a face to take.

His pictures, as I understand,                                                                                                                                Are unsurpassed by any man,                                                                                                                               And if this any should deny,                                                                                                                                  The proof is call and let him try.

His prices too, he will compare                                                                                                                             With first rate Artist any where;                                                                                                                            Two shillings each, and then they rise                                                                                                              To every price, and style, and size

Death’s arrows fly on every hand,                                                                                                                       And-life, you know, is but a span,                                                                                                                        Then hurry up, friends, one and all,                                                                                                                    And give this C. H. Clark a call.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list C. H. Clark in 1859 in Greenwich without a business address.  It is unknown at this time if Clark stayed in Greenwich between October 21, 1858 (the end of the first advertisement) and January 20th, 1859 (the start of the second advertisement).

Alexander Hemmet Clark

Photographs, ,

1857                Address Unknown, London, England

Alexander Hemmet Clark was recorded on March 27, 1857 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Manslaughter By An American Photographer.—A singular case of manslaughter is reported in the London Morning Star, of March 3, substantially as follows:

It appears that a woman named Eliza Bunn, forty years of age, in company with another woman, called at the rooms of Alexander Hemmet Clark, an American Photographic artist, to have a little boy’s likeness taken.  After it was finished some words ensued respecting the payment of the cash.  Clark ordered the woman to leave the room, which they declined to do without the portrait, when a regular fight ensued between them.  Clark at the time had a small hammer in his right hand, and while deceased was struggling with him he struck her with it upon the head.  He was first arrested for the assault merely, for which he was fined twenty shillings and costs; but it was afterwards appeared that the wound with the hammer had fractured the skull of the woman, of which wound she died in a day or two.  Clark was then arrested on the charge of manslaughter.

The second announcement was recorded on May 17, 1857 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York).  Alexander Clark, the American photographer was indicted on Wednesday, at the Central Criminal Court, for the manslaughter of Eliza Bunn who had a quarreled with him over the photograph of her son.  Clark’s plea was that he acted only in self-defence, after the deceased had struck him; and the jury found him not guilty.

Alexander Hemmet Clark was not recorded in A Directory of London Photographers, 1841-1908 nor he is recorded in any of the American photographic directories the I have consulted.

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.