H. A. Smith

1855-1856       Rooms in the Buckeye Hall Buildings, Opposite the Post Office, Fremont, Ohio.

H. A. Smith was recorded in five advertisements in the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from December 7 to 21, 1855.  Fremont Picture Gallery.  H. A. Smith, Daguerreotypist, Respectfully informs the citizens of Fremont, and vicinity, that he has opened a suit of rooms, in the building known as the “Buckeye Hall Building, nearly, ” opposite Messrs. S. Buckland & Co.’s Drug Store, where intends operating in the Daguerreian and Ambrotype Business.  He has a fine Sky-Light, together with a large Side-Light, fitted in expressly for his own benefit, and under his own directions.  You will find them just suited for the purpose designed.

Pictures taken in Rainy or Cloudy Weather as well as in Clear.  Children’s Pictures taken in Clear Weather in two seconds.  Patrons may rest assured of getting Perfect Miniatures.

His charges will be reasonable.

To the Aged—to those in Middle Life—to the Young—All, now have an opportunity of obtaining “Choice Lights of Remembrance,” to gladden the future, and more especially so, should Death remove the beloved ones from sight.  His services can be had at any time by those wishing to obtain Likenesses of Deceased or Sick persons.

Hours for Children, from 9 A. M., to 2 P. M., Clear weather.  Rooms Adjoining Dr. Parker’s Dental Office, and directly opposite Roberts & Sheldon’s Hardware store.  H. A. Smith.  Fremont, Ohio.

N. B.—Instruction given in Daguerreotyping, Ambrotyping, Pencil Drawing and Oil Painting.  H. A. S.                                                                          

The second advertisement ran from December 28, 1855 to March 28, 1856.  Good News!  Smith, the new Daguerreian, is now taking those fine Ambrotypes, of which, “you read of.”  They are just The thing—they combine durability with beauty, distinctness with softness of tone, and the color of life without the aid of the painter, they can be seen through the glass and are not reversed, like the daguerreotype.

You can see them in any light.  They are free from the polish of the silver plate, and Cannot Be Defaced.  They are impervious to water, air or acid, and will last for Ages Unimpaired.

You are invited to call and look at them, at the New Gallery in Buckeye Hall Building. H. A. Smith.   

The third advertisement appeared on  January 25, 1856.  Only Fifty Cents!!  You can get at the New Gallery opposite the Post Office, Fremont, a good Daguerreotype Likeness, for Fifty Cents! or a fine Ambrotype, one that is beautiful and life-like, and imperishable, for One Dollar.  Call early, as the Artist’s stay in town is limited to a few weeks.  Now is the time to get Good Pictures, and no mistake.  Children’s pictures taken in two seconds.  Copying neatly executed.  Hours for children, from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m., clear weather.  Adults pictures taken in any weather.  All work Warranted good, or no charge.  Oil Paintings, and fine French Engravings, beautifully framed, for sale.  H. A. Smith.

The fourth advertisement appeared on February 22, 1856.  Only Ten Days!  Pictures On Glass For One Dollar!!  Don’t forget the place.  Rooms in “Buckeye Hall Building,” opposite the Post Office, Fremont.  The Rooms will be closed the first of March.  The Artist leaves for Fostoria (or Rome) in a few days.

“First come, first served.  H. A. Smith, Artist.  Fremont, Ohio, February 22d, 1856.

The fifth advertisement appeared on April 18, 1856.  Fremont Picture Gallery.  I. B. Sharp, successor to H. A. Smith, respectfully informs the citizens of Fremont and vicinity, that he is still taking those Ambrotypes in the Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. Smith.  Pictures taken in Rainy or Cloudy weather as well as Clear.  Children’s Pictures taken in clear weather in two seconds!  Patrons may rest assured of getting perfect miniatures. 

Instructions given in Ambrotyping.  Terms, reasonable.  Rooms in Buckeye Buildings, opposite the Post Office.                                                                                               

H. A. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George J. Smith

1855                Opposite Mr. Kophman’s Store, Port Jervis, New York.

1856-1860      147 Congress, corner Whitaker, Savannah, Georgia.[1]

1856                Bryan & St. Julian, Savannah, Georgia.[1]

George J. Smith was recorded in two advertisements in the Tri-State Union (Port Jervis, New York).  The first advertisement ran from November 8 to 22, 1855.  Something new in Port Jervis.  A Daguerrean Gallery open every day, Sunday excepted, from 8½ o’clock, A. M. to 5 P. M.  Gallery opposite Mr. Kophman’s store.  A share of public patronage is most respectfully solicited, and all are invited to call and examine specimens.  Geo. J. Smith.  Oct. 17, 1855.

P. S.—Stock for sale and instruction given in Glass Pictures and Daguerreotypes.          G. J. S.

The second advertisement appeared on December 6, 1855.  Cassedy’s Daguerrean Gallery.  Open every day. Sunday excepted, from 9 a. m., until 5 o’clock p. m.  Gallery opposite Kophman’s Store, Pike Street, Port Jervis, where Pictures are taken in all the improved styles of the art, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.

N. Cassedy. Dec. 6, 1855. N. B.—Having business South I have sold my interest in the Daguerrean Rooms at Port Jervis to Mr. N. Cassedy.  The Rooms which have been neatly fitted up and newly furnished, are now in nice order.  To those that want a good picture I would say give him a call.  G. J. Smith.  Port Jervis, Dec. 1, 1855.

George J. Smith is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Georgia. 


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

G. K. Smith

1857                At the Wharf, Pomeroy, Ohio.

1858                Rooms over T. O. Crawford’s Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

G. K. Smith was recorded in two advertisements in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from August 25 to September 15, 1857. Ambrotypes.  G. K. Smith, Artist, has opened rooms on the “Floating Gallery,” now lying at Pomeroy, where he will remain two weeks, to enable all to get one of his unrivaled miniatures.  These pictures will be found far superior to any ever before taken at this place; they have a life-like tone, combined with a perfect Stereoscope relief that is rarely met with in Photographic Portraiture, and are pronounced by good judges, perfect gems of the Art.

Those in want of a perfect likeness, should improve this opportunity.

Perfect satisfaction guaranteed.

Rooms open from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M.  Hours for children 9 to 11.  August 18th ’57.

The second advertisement appeared on August 31, 1858.  Life-Size Photographs!  Plain, Or Colored, In Oil, Can Be Had At G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Girls.  Who would have a beautiful Likeness of themselves for a “Cousin,” or a friend, Should go to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Mothers Who would have a life-like Picture of their little loves, should go between the hours of 11 A. M. and 2 P. M., to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Ladies, Whether old or young, should remember that they can get better and cheaper pictures than has ever before been made in Pomeroy, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Young Men Who would be remembered in the days of their youth, should get a dozen Photographs to distribute among their friends.  They are the most durable and cheapest picture ever made.  They are only three dollars per dozen at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Parents Should secure one of those imperishable Photographs, colored in oil, to leave to perpetuate their memory among their descendants, long years hence, when but for the Portrait that hangs on the wall, their once-familiar faces should have faded from the mind of their children and be forgotten.  You who have lost your parents and have no likeness left to remember them by, think what a treasure a perfect Likeness would be to you now, and get one while you may, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Old Daguerreotypes.  Those who have old Daguerreotypes, half faded away, of some dear friend, now gone, can have a beautiful colored Photograph made from them, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

The Public Are respectfully invited, whether wanting pictures or not, to satisfy themselves that the above is not gas or humbug, by calling and examining specimens of work at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store. 

G. K. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.

E. A. Smith

1856                5 Main Street, Warren, Ohio.

E. A. Smith appeared in two advertisements in the Western Reserve Chronicle (Warren, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from September 17 to November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes—Pure Nitrate Silver, Sulphate Iron, Acetic Acid, Colodion, Glass Bottles, Funnels, &. C., at E. A. Smith & Co.

The second advertisement ran from November 12, 1856 to February 17, 1858.  Ambrotype Stock And Chemicals.  Cases of various sizes and styles.  Plates and Convex Glass, all sizes.  Glass funnels, assorted sizes.

Iodized Collodion and Varnishes, Vials, Bottles, Cyanide, Bromide and Iodide Potassium, Proto Sulphate Iron, Nitrate Silver, Concentrated Ether, Sulphuric Acid, Gallic Acid, Acetic Acid, No. 8, and a full assortment of Pure Chemicals.

Having made arrangements with Eastern Manufacturers for a constant supply of the above goods, we invite the attention of Artists and Amateurs to an examination of our stock , guaranteeing to supply them at the lowest market rates.  Orders promptly filled and neatly packaged.  E. A. Smith & Co., Druggist and Apothecaries, No. 5 Main St., Warren.

E. A. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.

Andrew Smith

1856                377 North Second, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

Andrew Smith 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.

Smith. — A mediocre artist.

Andrew Smith 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. 

A. F. Smith

1858-1859       Baltimore Street, 2 Doors North of the Post Office, Cumberland, Maryland.

A. F. Smith was recorded in three advertisement  in the Civilian & Telegraph (Cumberland, Maryland).  The first advertisement ran from April 28 to December 22, 1858.  Smith’s Art Union!  Very Great Attraction!  The Well Known & Celebrated Ambrotype & Photograph Artist.  A. F. Smith would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the city of Cumberland and the surrounding country, that he has established himself permanently in this city, and is prepared to execute work in every style of the art, and in all kinds of weather, On Moderate Terms,

Satisfaction given or no charge.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

Surpassing art, by which we lend,

Our countenance to absent friends;

Or leave a token for the bower,

Where love laments the parting hour:

Where childhood, with its winsome faces,

Or lovely woman’s queenly grace;

Or lordly man’s imperial frown.

Are each adroitly penciled down.

Gallery and Reception Rooms, 2 doors North of the Post Office, Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Md.  Full Instruction in the Art on moderate terms.

The second advertisement ran from June 30 to December 29, 1859.  Smith’s Great Southern Sky-Light Gallery 2 doors North of the Post Office, Balto. St., Cumberland, MD.  A. F. Smith would respectfully return his sincere thanks to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the city of Cumberland and surrounding country for their very liberal patronage, and hopes by strict attention to business and his efforts to please, to still merit and receive an equal share of your custom.

I am prepared to execute work in every style of the art on a very accommodating terms.  I am not selling pictures at cost, consequently I can afford to do my work well, in proof of which you only have to call and have one taken in good cases for 25 and 50 cents.

Don’t forget the place—2 doors North of the Post Office, Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Md.

N. B.—I am also selling color Lithographic Views of the Tomb of Washington and Mount Vernon Mansion, in aid of the Ladies Mt. Vernon Association.  Call and examine Specimens. 

The third advertisement ran from October 27 to December 22, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures!!  A. F. Smith would respectfully announce to the citizens of Cumberland and surrounding country, that he has just received from the east a whole sized Camera, one of the largest that has ever been in this city.  He is now prepared to make full size photographs, Ambrotypes and Hollotypesas well as all of the smaller sizes, on the most reasonable terms.

I make no pretensions of being the cheapest, but I do claim to do my work in the most artistic and workmanlike manner, in proof of which you have only to call and examine specimens.

Operators supplied with pure chemicals of my own manufacture on reasonable terms.  Gallery and Reception Rooms 2 doors North of the Post Office, Balt. St., Cumberland, Md.  Also agent for the Stereoscopic Boxes and Views of all parts of the world.  A. and F. G. copy.

A. F. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories.         

A. C. Smith

1850                Rooms at the second door of Briggs’ Exchange Buildings, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

1851                Rooms at the Town Hall, Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

1855                Address Unknown, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

A. C. Smith was recorded in two advertisements and two announcements.  The first advertisement ran from April 18 to May 16, 1850 in The Star of the North (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania).  Daguerreotype Pictures!  A. C. Smith, Respectfully informs the good citizens of Bloomsburg and vicinity, that he will remain a short time to furnish those who wish a fine likeness either in Case, Lockets, Breast-Pins or Rings.

Mr. S., has recommends from celebrated Artist in Baltimore, Washington, D. C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston, that he is capable of furnishing a fine specimen of the art to any favoring him with a sitting.

Rooms at the second door of Briggs’ Exchange Buildings, up stairs. Commence on Monday April 15 th. Instruction will be given in the Art of taking Likenesses. Please call immediately, as I remain but a short time, A. C. Smith, Artist.

The second advertisement ran from October 24 to November 7, 1851 in the Lewistown Gazette  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania).  New Daguerreotype Room, In the Town Hall, Lewistown.  A. C. Smith, daguerreotypist, would call the attention of the citizens of Lewistown and vicinity to his daguerreotypes of Citizens and Others, At Rooms in the Town Hall.

Persons sitting for pictures may rest assured that no pains will be spared to produce them in the highest perfection of art.  His Instrument is of the most powerful kind, enabling him to execute pictures unsurpassed for high finish and truth to nature.

Persons sitting for pictures are neither required nor expected to take them unless perfect satisfaction is given.

N. B. Instruction given in the art, containing the most recent improvements.

The Public are solicited to Call and Examine.  Sept. 19, 1851.

The first announcement appeared on November 14, 1851 in the Lewistown Gazette (Lewistown, Pennsylvania).  List Of Awards By The Mifflin County Agricultural Society, At their Exhibition and Fair in Lewistown, held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 4th & 5th….The Committee on Domestic Household Manufactures, Embroidery, &c., Report:…

Daguerreotypes, taken by Mrs. Reed—first class.

Daguerreotypes, taken by J. Smith—first class.

Daguerreotypes, taken by A. C. Smith—first class.

1855 September 25-28.  Third Annual Report Of The Transactions Of The Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society For The Year 1855.  April 15, 1856, Vol. 3, p 75-76.  Information from Richard Jeffries.

Premiums Awarded…No. 35—Miscellaneous Articles And Fine Arts.

To Washington Barr, of Harrisburg, for a collection of daguerreotypes, photographs and stereoscope, a……………………………….Silver Medal.

To. A. C. Smith, of Harrisburg, for a case of daguerreotypes and two frames of Daguerreotypes, a……………………………………………..Diploma.

To W. Barr, of Harrisburg, for a large collection of daguerreotype cases, a……Diploma.

A. C. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania in1850 or in Lewistown, Pennsylvania in 1851.  In Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 an Alexander C. Smith is recorded in Harrisburg from 1852 to 1862. It is possibly that they are the same person.

W. Robert Small

1847                A few doors from H. S. Cutting’s Store, Green River, Vermont

W. Robert Small was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont).  The advertisement ran from October 29 to December 17, 1847. Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Green River, and vicinity that he will open a room a few doors from the store of H. S. Cutting, on the first of Nov., for the purpose of taking Daguerreotypes.  W. Robert Small.                       

The announcement appeared on November 12, 1847.  Our friend Small, it will be seen by his advertisement, is now at Green River, prepared to daguerreotype “the human face divine.”  He is an excellent artist, and a worthy young man.  We know the latter fact by a pleasant acquaintance with him; and his being instructed by Mr. Cooley is proof of the former.  If personal merit and good pictures can command success, friend S. will have custom enough.

W. Robert Small is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Sloan

1857                Rooms on Texas Street, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Mr. Sloan was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The South-Western  (Shreveport, Louisiana).  The announcement appeared on June 10, 1857.  Melainotypes.—Mr. Sloan, an experienced artist, has opened on Texas street, a gallery, where he is prepared to that Melainotype and Ambrotype pictures in a superior manner.  Being fully conversant will all the latest improvements in the photographic art, he is able to produce superior pictures.

The advertisement ran from June 10 to 17, 1857.  Melainotypes and Ambrotypes.  The subscriber begs respectfully to announce that he has taken rooms on Texas street—No. 1, up stairs—for the purpose of taking these beautiful Pictures, which have been pronounced by artists and connoisseurs to be the newest, latest and greatest improvement in Photography.  The Melainotype possesses several advantages over any other style of picture, among which will name a few, viz: they will receive a fall without fracture; a bend without injury; may be washed off when soiled; be handled without the face being marred; they are susceptible of high and beautiful coloring; which for richness of tone, completeness of design, and boldness of feature, cannot be surpassed by any other style of picture, and can be cut in breastpins, lockets, etc., like a daguerreotype; and for durability, there is no question of their superiority.

Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and view my specimens, whether they want pictures or not.

All pictures warranted to give satisfaction, or no charge will be made.  Sloan.

Mr. Sloan is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Shreveport, Louisiana.

F. M. Slater

1858                Sixth Street, Near Chestnut, Evansville, Indiana.

F. M. Slater was recorded in three announcements in The Evansville Daily Journal (Evansville, Indiana).  The first announcement appeared on February 25, 1858.  We learn that the Ambrotype Car of F. M. Slater on Sixth street near Chestnut is crowded daily with visitors.  We also hear that Mr. Slater is making pictures 25 percent lower than any artist in town.

The second announcement appeared on March 3, 1858.  Ambrotypes for 50 cents at Slater’s Car on Sixth street near Chestnut.

The third announcement appeared on April 29, 1858.  A great Battle with the Mormons.  On the 26th of this month Slater’s Ambrotype Car will be moved to the upper part of the city.  Those who wish to get pictures while the car is still on Sixth street, will please call soon.  Pictures for fifty cents.

F. M. Slater is not recorded in other photographic directories.