Henry William Bradley

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

1844- c.1846   Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.                                                                   1844                  Room in the corner house, opposite Judge Morgan residence, Baton-Rouge,                                 Louisiana.                                                                                                                            c.1846-1849    Address Unknown, Wilmington, North Carolina.                                                  1850-1878       San Francisco, California.                                                                                                1853-c. 1854   Sacramento, California.

Henry William Bradley was recorded in the Baton-Rouge Gazette (Baton-Rouge, Louisiana) on October 12 & 19, 1844.  Card.  H. W. Bradley, Daguerreotypist of New Orleans, respectfully informs the citizens of East and West Baton Rouge, that it is his intention to occupy a room in the corner house, opposite the residence of Judge Morgan for a short time, where he will be pleased to attend to those who may favor him with their patronage.  He is desirous that all should call and examine his specimens, which will speak for themselves; and guarantees to give a good picture, with or without coloring, or make no charge; which in all cases will be reasonable.  Pictures of any description accurately copied.

Bradley was not recorded in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865 (Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker).  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry mentions that Henry W. Bradley learned the daguerreotype process in New Orleans, Louisiana but does not reference any dates.  John goes on to say that he arrived in California in 1849 and by August 1850 was operating a business. Also listed in Biographies of Western Photographers (Carl Mautz.) In Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1864 (Peter Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn) List Henry William Bailey as being active in New Orleans, Louisiana c. 1846; Wilmington, North Carolina, c. 1846-1849; San Francisco, California 1850-1878; Sacramento, California 1853-c. 1854.

Based on the above information and checking all available photographic directories I am confident that the article below is for Henry William Bradley.  Recorded in the Southern Standard (Tarboro’, North Carolina) on January 31, 1852.  Agriculture In California.  Gold is not the only source of wealth in California.  But her soil is rich, and in many localities capable of immense production.  Agriculture appears to be attracting much attention, and has been very profitable during the past season.  We find in the San Francisco “Courier,” of the 14th November, a notice of an award of premiums for best agricultural specimens…and added to the exhibition are also beautiful specimens of the daguerrean and photographic art from Mr. Shew, and also from Mr. Bradley….

C. D. Boyden

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1850                Address Unknown, Charleston, South Carolina.                                                1850                Rooms in the Sumter Court House, Sumterville, South Carolina.

C. D. Boyden was recorded in a notice and advertisement which ran from February 27 to March 6, 1850 in The Sumter Banner (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  The notice.              By the arrival of Mr. C. D. Boyden, from the Daguerrean Gallery of Messrs. Bostwick & Fuller, the citizens of Sumter are enabled to have correct likenesses of themselves and family taken, at a very moderate charge and in a style unequaled for durability and life-like expression.  Mr. B. is certainly master of his profession, and we recommend to all, have their Likenesses taken by him immediately—such an opportunity rarely occurs and advantages should be taken of it.

The Advertisement.  Daguerreotypes, C. D. Boyden, from the Daguerrean Gallery of Bostwick & Fuller, has taken rooms in the Sumter Court House, and is now prepared to take perfect and imperishable likenesses of all who will favor him with a call; and at prices to suit the times.  Come and see.  Sumterville, Feb. 20, 1850.

In the book Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers, 1840-1940. By Harvey S. Teal.  Page 48.  Bostwick & Squires…Bostwick “states in a May 1850 Georgetown newspaper that he was “recently from New York & directly from the City of Charleston.”  The same information is also recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Boyd

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1854                Address Unknown, Natchitoches, Louisiana.                                                1854                Address Unknown, Shreveport, Louisiana.

Boyd was recorded in an advertisement in The South-Western (Shreveport, Louisiana) on November 15 to 29, 1854.  Electro-Magnetic Sky-Light Daguerreotype Saloon.  After operating a few weeks at  Natchitoches, I shall receive from N. York a large and improved apparatus, involving  newly applied principles of optics, when I shall be able to exhibit to the ladies and gentlemen of Shreveport and surrounding country, Daguerrean likenesses excelling any hitherto executed in this region.  Having great experience in the art, and in possession of all the late improvements, I will be prepared, by the aid of an ample Sky-Light and the celebrated Electro-Magnetic process, to take likenesses almost instantaneously, thereby committing to “metallic immortality” the happiest expression of the “human face divine,” and avoiding the staring and frowning contour, attendant upon long sittings.  By a secret accelerating process, in connexion with a “Buickworker,” likenesses of Infants will be taken in fair weather with extraordinary certainty and perfection.  I intend also to introduce some new style of pictures by patent chemical processes that are all the go in the northern cities.  The celebrated “crayon,” or Byron, and vignette miniatures.  The fine illustrated or halo pictures, and those wonders of science and art, “stereoscope” pictures which by some mysterious physiological or psychological process impress upon the mind of the beholder the idea of Solidity, or an outstanding form.  Those lovers of the fine arts who desire something rare and artistic—gems of the “art divine”—will do well to make their arrangements for a sitting when this gallery opens.  Daguerreotypes have in this age of progression, become an indispensable requisite to our earthly happiness; and we are continually and mournfully reminded that “delays are dangerous.”  Let it be distinctly understood that I will take good likenesses in any kind of weather.  Children in fair weather.  The remains of the departed daguerreotyped, and landscapes, residences, etc., taken in their natural position.

At this time Boyd’s first name is unknown and he does not appear in other photographic directories practicing in Louisiana.

 

E. F. Boyd

Daguerreotypes, ,

1859                Address Unknown, Jackson, Mississippi.

E. F. Boyd was recorded in the Memphis Daily Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee.) on December 24 & 25, 1859.  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale.—The undersigned wishing to engage in different business, offers his gallery for sale in Jackson Mississippi.  It is the oldest and the best in the city, and commands a business of $3000 a year—expenses light.  For particulars address immediately,  E. F. Boyd, Jackson, Miss.

Even though the advertisement appeared in the Memphis, Tennessee newspaper it is possible that the gallery is in Jackson, Mississippi, a distance of over 200 miles.  Boyd does not appear in other photographic directories.

H. M. Bowman

Daguerreotypes, ,

1858                Main Street, Opposite the Ellicott House, Hillsboro, Ohio.

H. M. Bowman was recorded in a notice and advertisement in The Highland Weekly News (Hillsboro, Ohio.) on December 9, 1858.  We call the attention to the Card of Mr. Bowman, Daguerreotypist, who has recently opened here in the room formerly occupied by his brother.  We have seen some first-rate specimens of Mr. Bowman’s skill as an artist, and have no doubt he will render satisfaction to all who patronize him.

The advertisement.  Look This Way!  All who desire Superior Pictures will do well to go to Bowman’s Gallery, Opposite the Ellicott House, Main Street, Hillsboro, O., Mr. Bowman is an Operator of great skill and experience, and positively does take the Very Best of all the different kinds of Pictures, From Ten To  Thirty Per Cent, Lower than can be had elsewhere in Hillsboro.  Call and see.  H. M. Bowman.

H. M. Bowman is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1860-1861 on the East side of the Public Square, Greensburg, Indiana.  It is unknown if they are the same person.

Alfred Bowman

Daguerreotypes, ,

Alfred Bowman was recorded in three advertisement in The Highland Weekly News (Hillsboro, Ohio.)  The first advertisement ran from December 10 to 31, 1857.  Splendid Christmas Gifts!  At Prof. Bowman’s New Sky-Light Gallery, third building below the Court House, Main street, Hillsboro, are to be had Magnificent Likenesses, At such low prices that all can afford to present them to their friends.  These Pictures being made by correct skylight, are warranted perfectly correct, and no humbug.  Also, the Grecian Oil Paintings, and Flowers painted in the most brilliant colors ever compounded.  They are beautiful, indeed.

The second advertisement ran from January 7 to July 22, 1858.  Pictures in Cases for 25 Cents.  A. Bowman’s New Skylight Gallery, opposite the Ellicott House, Main st., Hillsboro, O.  He is the first and only artist who has ever sold Pictures at this extremely low price in this place, and solicits a large patronage, otherwise prices must raise.  Let Hillsboro be illustrious for cheap and good Pictures.  His is the only skylight Gallery in the Place.

The third advertisement ran from July 29 to August 12, 1858.  Closing!  Respectfully to the citizens of Hillsboro and vicinity, I tender my sincere thanks for their unbounded patronage, and notify them that I will positively sell fine cases at a large reduction on my regular prices, in order to close out a large lot on hand by the middle of August, after which time my room will be closed.  For reference come and see new specimens.        Alfred Bowman.

Alfred Bowman is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Ohio.  John Craig does list an Alfred Bowman in Shelbyville, Indiana in 1860-1861.  It is unknown at that time if they are the same person.

David F. Bowers

Daguerreotypes, ,

David F. Bowers appeared in an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number Two, Philadelphia, in the Photographic and Fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856.  The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.  Bower. — An artist of the 4th class, though some of the specimens range above this. This only goes, however, to show that good pictures might be taken, if sufficient attention were given to the manipulations. There was also great lack of cleanliness. Fly.—I noticed some pretty good daguerreotypes, and some pretty poor ones, some pretty clean ones, and some pretty dirty ones, evidently evincing a varied taste.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 by Linda A. Ries and Jay W. Ruby were used to assist in identification of the first name and address. Craig list him as D. F (P.) Bowers and he is also noted as Bowen.  Ries & Ruby list him as David F. Bowers they also reference him as being identified as D. F Bowen in 1856-1857.

Below are the activity dates and addresses for David F. Bowers from Ries & Ruby’s Pennsylvania Directory.                                                                                                                                            1855                  246 North Second Street                                                                                                            1856-1857       217 North Second Street                                                                                                  1858-1861       317 North Second Street                                                                                                    1863                   263 North Second Street                                                                                                    1865                   323 North Second Street

Thomas E. Boutelle

Daguerreotypes, , ,

Thomas E. Boutelle is known, he is listed in both Craig’s Daguerreian Registry  and in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.  The new information is that The England Business Directory also list him in Exeter, New Hampshire in 1856, 1860, and 1865.  Below is an quote from the book Whittier-Land, by Samuel T. Pickard, 1904. P. 97 & 100.

The likeness of Whittier  is from a daguerreotype taken in October, 1856, and has never before been published in any volume written by or about the poet. Mr. Thomas E. Boutelle, the artist who took this daguerreotype, is now living in Amesbury at the age of eighty-five. He tells me how he happened to get this picture,—a rather difficult feat, as it was hard to induce the poet to sit for his portrait. He had set up a daguerrean saloon in the little square near Whittier’s house, and Whittier often [Pg. 100] came in for a social chat, but persistently refused to give a sitting. One day he came in with his younger brother Franklin, whose picture he wanted. When it was finished, Franklin said, “Now, Greenleaf, I want your picture.” After much persuasion Greenleaf consented, and Mr. Boutelle showed him the plate before it was fully developed, with the remark that he thought he could do better if he might try again. By this bit of strategy he secured the extra daguerreotype here reproduced, but he took care not to show it in Amesbury, for fear Whittier would call it in. He took it to Exeter, N. H., and put it in a show-case at his door. His saloon was burned, and all he saved was this show-case and the daguerreotype, which many of the poet’s old friends think to be his best likeness of that period.

 

Mr. Boswell

Daguerreotypes, ,

Mr. Boswell was listed in an advertisement in the Holly Springs Gazette (Holly Springs, Mississippi) on November 16 & 30, 1849.  Daguerreotyping.  All those wishing fine Miniatures will do well to call at “Boswell’s Daguerrean Gallery” without delay, as Mr. B. expects to be absent for some time after the coming week.  The date on the above advertisement was recorded on November 9, 1849.

An announcement appeared in the Holly Springs Gazette (Holly Springs, Mississippi) on February 10, 1853.  Office of the Gazette, Hernando Street, South Side, in the rear of E. A. Talbot’s Drug Store.  In the building formerly occupied by Boswell’s Daguerrean Gallery, up stairs.

The Record for Mr. Boswell is incomplete because of the amount of newspapers I had access to.  The Holly Springs Gazette a four page weekly newspaper was published between July 28, 1841 to at least February 10, 1853.  In 1841 there were four issues missing, 1842 eight issues were missing, 1843 seven issues were missing, 1844 seventeen issues missing, 1845 thirteen issues missing, 1846 it was a complete run until March 14.  1847 and 1848 there were no issues available.  In 1849 only four issues were available July 13, October 12, and November 16 & 30.  In 1850 only three issues were available January 18, June 20, and November 15.  1851-1852 there were no issues available.  In 1853 only the one newspaper was accessible and appeared on February 10, 1853.  It’s hard to get a picture of the community through the newspapers when so many newspaper issues are missing.

Since the February announcement that the offices of the Gazette were moving into the rooms formerly occupied by Boswell’s Daguerrean Gallery we might assume that Boswell was active in Holly Springs longer then the last date of the advertisement November 30, 1849.  Boswell does not appear in other photographic directories.