Theodore S. Williams

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1850                Address Unknown, Lynn, Massachusetts.

1854-1858       49 Union Street, Lynn, Massachusetts.[1]

Theodore S. Williams was recorded in one advertisement in the Salem Register (Salem, Massachusetts) and two broadsides.  The advertisement appeared on September 30, 1850.  List of Premiums & Gratuities.  Awarded by the Essex County Agricultural Society, September 26th, 1850. …Fancy Articles [The following Report of the Chairman of the Committee, Fitch Poole, Esq., of Danvers, contains the award of premiums under this head.]…

Daguerreotype Portraits and specimens of Penmanship by T. S. Williams, of Lynn.  These were quite creditable to the artist.  The wonderful discovery of this art of sun painting may yet enlarge the boundaries of Science to an extent once scarcely imagined.  Already the stars have been Daguerreotyped and fixed on the silver plate of the artist.  Why then may not portions of the moon be so represented as to exhibit a part of her disk with that perfection which belongs to this art and then the plate be examined by a powerful microscope which shall let us into the hidden secrets of our Satellite.  We make this suggestion to Mr. Williams with the hope that he will improve the hint, and some fine day—or night, introduce the committee to that noted individual, the “Man in the Moon.”

The firstBroadside is from the Lynn Historical Society Collection.  Patent Mezzotypes and Crystalotypes.  T. S. Williams Beg leave to return his thanks to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Lynn for their liberal share of patronage, and to make his yearly report.  For the year ending Sept. 1st, he has taken over two thousand likenesses, making an increase over the year before of eight hundred.  Now this fact shows at once that the people of Lynn appreciate true merit, and also shows that No. 49 Union Street is the place to get a good Daguerreotype at a reasonable price.

The proprietor intends to give his patrons the benefit of every improvement in the art, therefore he has purchased the Patent Right Whipple, Cutting & Co., of Boston to make Pictures on Glass and Paper.

The Mezzotype is taken on glass, put up and protected by a cement that is neither affected by heat, cold, nor dampness, and consequently will not fade or sport.  They are pronounced by good judges to be superior to Daguerreotypes.

Crystalotypes.  The likeness is first taken on glass, then transferred to paper by the agency of light, in unlimited numbers, as from a copper plate; being equal in beauty to the finest engraving.  If a Teacher or Clergyman wishes to give each one of his pupils or church members a likeness of himself, he can obtain any number of positives of paper by only one sitting once for a negative on glass, and at a cheap rate of about 25 cents apiece by the hundred, much larger, better, and more durable than any cheap Daguerreotypes.

Mr. W. would respectfully invite all teachers and Clergymen in Lynn, to call at his rooms and take a sitting, and for the trouble of so doing each one will be presented with a large sized Photograph of themselves.  An early call is solicited.

A quick process for taking Children, which seldom fails; the forenoon is the best time.  Please call and see specimens.

Daguerreotypes taken in the best style from $1 to $20 and warranted.  Cheap pictures for 50 cents in a good Case.

T. S. Williams, Proprietor.

C. G. Hill, Assistant Operator.

No. 49 Union Street, opposite Central Depot.

The secondBroadside is from the Harvey Zucker’s Collection.  Williams’ Sunbeam Gallery!!  No. 49 Union St., 49,—Lynn.

Immortal sun, great source of light,

Thou that maketh all things bright,

By thy aid and mysterious power,

nature smiles after a genial shower.

By thy aid we are able to trace

The features of the human face,

And upon the polished plate impress

Face and form, with lifelike truthfulness.

Surprising art! by which we lend

our countenance to an absent friend,

Or at the close of life’s eventful career,

Leave a memento for those we hold dear.

Next Thursday will be thanksgiving day,

Some meet for sport, others to pray;

But Williams will his favorite art pursue,

To save the shadows of the noble crew.

For a Holiday Gift of all the rest,

A type of yourself is surely the best,

Then hie for Union Street,—No. Forty-nine,

And get your Picture in a Case or Locket fine.

I have made arrangements with Mr. Hill—a first rate Artist—to assist me during the winter, therefore I shall be prepared to take any number of Pictures at short notice, from the smallest to the largest.  My apparatus is considered the most complete in this country, having a Quick Camera, made expressly for taking Children, by which we can get a perfect likeness in Two Seconds of time; therefore persons wishing for a Good Likeness, at a low price, are invited to call before going else where.

Pictures warranted perfect, or no charge will be made.

Theodore S. Williams is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Lynn, Massachusetts from 1854 to 1858.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

T. & J. B. Williams

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1857                At the Wharf, Sheffield, Ohio.

T. & J. B. Williams were recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 6 to February  24, 1857 in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio).  Ambrotypes And Photographs.  The undersigned takes pleasure to announce to the citizens of Sheffield and vicinity, that their well known Boat, Floating Gallery, is now lying at Sheffield Landing, and will remain there during the winter.  Persons wishing to obtain correct and life like portraits of themselves and families, will give us a call, and we will try to please all.

Our Boat is well got up and well furnished, and has every advantage, and is not inferior to any of the first class Galleries.  T. & J. B. Williams.  Dec. 22.

T. & J. B. Williams are not recorded in other photographic directories.

S. Williams

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852-1853       Rooms where once stood the Vermont House, Brattleboro, Vermont.

S. Williams was recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 26 to July 6, 1853 in the Windham County Democrat (Brattleboro, Vermont).  Daguerreotypes.  The public are respectfully requested to call at the Worcester Daguerrean Gallery (where once stood the Vermont House) and examine specimens executed in the highest perfection of the art.—In making deep-toned, fine finished and life-like pictures, the subscriber challenges competition—Types taken as well in cloudy as in clear weather.  Perfect satisfaction guaranteed or no charge made.  Please call—N. B.  Instructions given in the art if requested.  Terms reasonable.  S. Williams.  Dec. 21.

S. Williams is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Brattleboro, Vermont.  It is possible, but unknown, that this is Simeon Williams who was active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1849.

George B. Williams

Daguerreotypes, ,

1841                Old Taunton Hotel, Taunton, Massachusetts.

George B. Williams was recorded in two advertisement in the Taunton Whig (Taunton, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement ran from August 25 to September 22, 1841.  Miniatures Taken By Daguerreotype.  George B. Williams, would inform the inhabitants of Taunton and vicinity, that he will take Miniatures by the Daguerreotype process, in the latest and most approved style.  Having completed a regular course of instruction, in Boston, at great expense, he solicits the public patronage.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine the specimens; they are assured that as the miniatures are taken by rays of light, they must be perfect.  Every miniature warranted to give satisfaction.  Price $3.50.

Specimens may be seen at s. O. Dunbar’s store, and at the Daguerreotype room, in the old Taunton Hotel, second door of the Post Office.

The second advertisement ran from November 17 to December 1, 1841.  Splendid Improvement in the Art of taking Miniature Daguerreotype.  Particular Notice.

C. B. (Sic.) Williams, having become acquainted with very important improvements in taking Miniatures by the Daguerreotype process, has returned to Taunton with new Camera and apparatus; and informs the ladies and gentlemen of this and the adjoining towns, that he has now taken the room over Mr. Cooper’s (late Sweet & Cooper’s) store, where he will furnish Likenesses in a style warranted to be satisfactory to all.  The public may rest assured that perfect likenesses will be given, or no charge will be made.  A sitting of two or three minutes only is required to take a good Miniature.

Price $3,50 including a beautiful Morocco case.

The room has now occupied is much preferable to his old room, on account of the superior light.  Sitters will not be annoyed by persons passing by, it being upstairs.

N. B. Room open for visitors at all hours of the day.  Specimens may be seen at S. O. Dunbar’s and F. S. Monroe’s stores.  Also, at the Daguerreotype room.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call.

George B. Williams is not recorded in other photographic directories.

D. R. Williams

Daguerreotypes, ,

1844-1845       8 Merchants Exchange, Cleveland, Ohio.

D. R. Williams was recorded in four advertisement, two were recorded in the Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) and two in the were from the Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio).  The first advertisement from the Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer ran from December 4, 1844 to March 5, 1845.  Coming Right Side Up With Care, Colored Photographic Miniatures.  Mr. Williams, late from the east, with all the recent improvements from Paris and New York, has opened Rooms in the Merchants’ Exchange, where he will remain for a short time to give the citizens of Cleveland and vicinity a rare chance of obtaining an Exact Likeness of themselves, or friends.  Painted Portraits copied with the most minute accuracy, thereby enabling each member of a family to be in possession of the likeness of a deceased or distant friend.  Portraits taken by this Late improved process are possed of [a] degree of clearness, accuracy and beauty, seldom if ever seen among the works of art.

Instructions carefully given, and the best quality of apparatus and materials furnished to order.  No. 8 Merchants Exchange.  Cleveland, Ohio.

The second advertisement ran from March 5 to April 2, 1845.  Williams’ Daguerreotype Portraits Colored.  Delays are Dangerous.  Improve Your Time.  Mr. Williams will remain in Cleveland until the opening of navigation; and will be happy to wait on any that may favor him with a call in his profession.  He still continues to “daub his pictures” in a style not to be surpassed in the West.  Pictures put up at eastern prices, and warranted not to cut in the eye, or run down at the heel; or, in other words, warranted to retain their colors.  Pictures made by this process are not troubled with the blues, and become a mere shadow in a few years, as those of the old process.  The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  Cleveland, March 5th. 1845.

The third advertisement ran from April 7 to May 17, 1845 in the Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio).  Williams’ Daguerreotype Portraits Colored.  Delays are Dangerous.  Improve Your Time.  Mr. Williams will remain in Cleveland until the opening of navigation; and will be happy to wait on any that may favor him with a call in his profession.  He still continues to “daub his pictures” in a style not to be surpassed in the West.  Pictures put up at eastern prices, and warranted not to cut in the eye, or run down at the heel; or, in other words, warranted to retain their colors.  Pictures made by this process are not troubled with the blues, and become a mere shadow in a few years, as those of the old process.  The citizens are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  Cleveland, March 5th. 1845.

The fourth advertisement ran from May 19 to June 2, 1845. On Hand Again More Humbuging.  Mr. Williams, Having just returned from the east with some of the more recent improvements in the Daguerrian Art, flatters himself that he will be able to please the most fastidious.

Those that have not heretofore availed themselves of the opportunity of getting an exact likeness, would do will to call soon, as his stay in the city will be governed by the patronage he receives; therefore, delay not—procrastination is the thief of time, don’t forget it.

Instructions carefully given, and the best Cameras and materials furnished to order.  Merchant’s Exchange, No. 2, First Gallery.  D. R. Williams.

D. R. Williams is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Cleveland, Ohio.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a D. R. Williams in Buffalo, NY in 1844 and in Detroit, Michigan in 1846.  It is unknown if they are the same person, further research is needed to determine if they are or not.  

S. H. Williams

Retailer, ,

1848                Address Unknown, Honolulu, Hawaii.

S. H. Williams was recorded in two advertisements in the Polynesian (Honolulu, Hawaii) on March 18, 1848.  Flour, Hides, &c.  For Sale by S. H. Williams & Co. 300 barrels superior Columbia River Flour; 2000 Sandwich Island hides; 25 superior Sea Otter Skins; 67 Rolls 40 yards each 4×4 China Matting.

The second advertisement appeared on July 1, 1848  For Sale A Daguerreotype apparatus, with chemicals complete.  Apply to S. H. Williams & Co.

S. H. Williams is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It appears by the first advertisement that Williams was a purveyor of merchandise.

Williams & Monroe

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Room in Bennets Building, Main Street, Brownville, Nebraska.

Williams & Monroe were recorded in one announcement in the Nebraska Advertiser  (Brownville, Nemaha County, N. T. [Nebraska]) on June 28, 1856.  Daguerreian Gallery.—Messrs. Williams & Monroe Daguerreian Artist arrived in our place this week and have Taken a room in Bennets building, Main street, where they propose to take the “good looking’ faces” of all who will favor them with a call.  Their pictures evince Artistic Skill, and we are confident they will give satisfaction.

Williams & Monroe are not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. Williams

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                413 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

A. Williams 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.

Williams, Market St. — Nothing but daguerreotypes. Pictures dirty, dim and crying aloud for improvement. May they not appeal to stony hearts.

A. Williams is recorded in other photographic directories but is included here because of the first hand account of his work.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers, 1839-1900 (Linda A. Ries & Jay W. Ruby) and Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added. 

S. Willett

Ambrotypes, ,

1857                Rooms over Leech’s Oyster Saloon, Jamaica, New York.

S. Willett was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded that was recorded on June 30, 1857 in the Long Island Farmer, and Queens County Advertiser (Jamaica, New York).  Willet’s Ambrotypes.  The subscriber respectfully announces that he will be in Jamaica for one week.  Room over Leech’s Oyster Saloon, 1st door west of Rider’s Store.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of this place and vicinity have now an opportunity of obtaining these invaluable keepsakes in the highest style of perfection.

Many favorable notices could be adduced, but he prefers to let his work speak for itself.

The popularity of this new style of pictures has become so great that they have superseded the Daguerreotype.

Perfect satisfaction given, or no charge will be made.

Dark dresses make the most pleasing Pictures.  Always avoid white, light pink, and light blue.  S. E. Willett.                                                                   

S. E. Willett is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Jamaica, New York in 1857.  It is possible that this is Seabrook E. Willett who active in Flushing, New York in 1859.

Amos Willes

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Rooms in the Office of Willes & Caine, Seymour’s Building, Ravenna, Ohio.

Amos Willes was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 6 to 20, 1849 in the Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio). Daguerrian Artist.  Rooms in the Office of Willes & Caine, Seymour’s Building.  The subscriber having just returned from the city with a large and entirely new apparatus would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen of Ravenna and vicinity to call at his rooms and examine his specimens.  He will put up Miniatures in Lockets, Breast Pins, Bracelets or Cases to suit persons calling at his rooms.  By the aid of new chemicals which are not liable to be injured by the weather he flatters himself that he can give as good satisfaction as any operator this side of the city.  He always holds himself in readiness to leave his rooms for the purpose of taking likenesses of persons who are unable to visit his rooms, also of persons deceased.

Instructions given in the art with the latest improvements on reasonable terms.—Apparatus furnished if desired to persons commencing the business.  Amos Willes.  Ravenna, June 5, 1849.

Amos Willes is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Ravenna, Ohio in 1849.