Professor Laine

Photographs, , ,

1855                165 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York.

Professor Laine was mentioned in an advertisement that appeared on September 2, 1855 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Photograph’s—Plain or Colored, by Huylar, 165 Eighth avenue, having fitted up this gallery in connection with our daguerreotype business, we would be happy to have our friends give us a call.  E. Huylar, first operator; Professors Leine and Hunt assistants.

Professor Laine is not recorded in other photographic directories.  In a search of the New York City Directories for 1854/1855; 1855/1856 and the 1856/1857 no additional information was found to help identify who Professor Laine was.

Albert D. Lacy

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1855                Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan.

Albert D. Lacy was recorded in one announcement in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on October 2, 1855.  Fire at Flint, Michigan.  We have a telegraphic notice of the fire at Flint, Genesee county, Michigan, of Monday last.  The following particulars we take from the papers of that place:—

On  Monday evening, between 8 and 9 o’clock, our flourishing city was visited by the calamity of another of those awful fires whose ravages made a clean sweep from the corner of J. B. Walker & Co., on Saginaw street, to that of Dr. Moon, notwithstanding the almost super-human efforts to stay its progress.  It is impossible to state yet, with accuracy, the precise loss  of the sufferers, but below will be found as near an estimate as we have yet been able to arrive at after careful inquiry.  Fortunately there was time afforded, in the majority of cases, to remove the goods from the stores before the fire reached them.  It originated in the daguerrean rooms of Mr. Lacy, but in what manner is not known, as the rooms were locked at the time….

A. D. Lacy, daguerrean and dentist’s office–$300, No Insurance…

D. S. Frary, daguerrean rooms—$200.  No insurance.  

Albert D. Lacy is recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him in 1855 without a business address.  David V. Tinder’s online Directory of Early Michigan Photographers also list him in Saginaw, Michigan as an ambrotypist in 1862-1863 and a photographer in 1853-1865.  David also reports that at various times in his career he was a dentist, a jeweler, a watchmaker and saloon keeper.

Peter Kohlbeck

Ambrotypes, Portrait Painter, , ,

1856-1858       229 Bowery.

New York City Directories

1855/1856—Painter—h-118 St. Mark’s Place.

1856/1857–Not Listed.

1857/1858—Ambrotypist—h-229 Bowery.

1858/1859—Ambrotypist, 229 Bowery.

1859/1860—Portraits, 229 Bowery.

1860/1861—Artist, 229 Bowery.

Peter Kohlbeck was recorded in one announcement and one entry in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artist In America 1564-1860.  The announcementappeared on November 4, 1856 in the New York Tribune (New York, New York).  Fire In The Bowery.  Yesterday morning about 4 o’clock a fire broke out in the rear part of the second story of building No. 229 Bowery, known as the German American Hall, and before the fireman could subdue the flames the upper stories with most of their contents were destroyed.  The Fire extended to a carpenter shop in the rear, occupied by James M. Duff.  The basement of the front building was occupied by Otto Strum as a large beer saloon; first and second floors by Ernst Hanbold as a large-beer saloon and concert room; third floor by Peter Kohlbeck, daguerreotypist.  Loss of Mr. Duff, $[100]; no insurance.  Loss of Mr. Hanbold, $2,000; insured for $2,000 in the Pacific Insurance Company.  Loss of Mr. Kohlbeck, $400; insured for $1,000 in the Rutgers Insurance Company…  The fire is supposed to have been the work of design, as a man was seen to come out of the building and lock the door shortly before the fire was discovered.  The matter will be investigated by the Fire Marshal.

The entry appeared in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artist In America 1564-1860.  Kohlbeck, Peter.  Portrait painter on NYC.  He was painting portraits in the latter half of the 1850’s, then turned to taking ambrotypes and photographs.  he was active until 1878.   nybd 1856-61; NYCD 1860-78.

Peter Kohlbeck is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active 1858-1859.

Conrad Koehler

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1858                236 Houston Street, New York, New York.[1]

1859                236 Houston Street, New York, New York.

Conrad Koehler (or Kohler)was recorded in two announcements.  The first appeared on April 19, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Coroners’ Inquest Yesterday.  Melancholy Case Of Suicide.—Conrad Koehler, a daguerreotypist, doing business at No. 236 Huston street, committed suicide on Sunday afternoon by taking cyanide of potash, under the following circumstances:—On the afternoon in question two ladies called at the deceased’s saloon and requested that he would take their likenesses.  One of the ladies, on being shown her daguerreotype, said it was an imperfect likeness, and refused to take it.  Deceased seemed somewhat annoyed about the matter, and wished they would call again the following day, when he would make an effort to please them.  The ladies then prepared to take their leave, and were arranging their toilet in the reception room when they heard a loud noise in the adjoining apartment.  On looking around they were shocked to see the artist lying upon the floor, apparently in the last agonies of death.  The alarm was promptly raised and every effort made to save the life of deceased, but without effect.  Deceased never spoke after he fell upon the floor.  Coroner Jackman held an inquest upon the body of deceased yesterday, when the evidence of Mrs. Koehler, explanatory of the sudden death of her husband, was adduced, as follows:—

Maria Koehler, residing at No. 236 Houston street, being duly sworn, deposes and says—Deceased was my husband; he was a daguerreotypist by profession; on Sunday I bought three cents worth of cyanide of potash, a drug which the deceased was in a habit of using in the process of taking likenesses; this was about three o’clock in the afternoon; as soon as I gave him the drug he took it and ate some of it.; I asked him “in the name of Heaven” what he did that for; he made no reply, but asked for some water; he immediately went to the water pipe and turning the faucet, put his mouth under it; as soon as I saw this transaction I informed the ladies who were in the reception room having their likenesses taken that they would have to call again, as the apparatus was broken; when I returned to the operating room my husband staggered and fell across the doorway; I asked him to speak to me, but he was unable to do so, and stared wildly at me; he never spoke afterwards; my husband held a very respectable position in Germany; he was a postmaster in the city of Bensheim Hesse Darmstadt; I have three children now living; I can assign no cause for the commission of the rash act.

John Fergnson, M. D., deposed that he made a post mortem examination of the body of deceased; the stomach was intensely congested, and its mucous membrane was softened and corroded, and easily removed with the handle of the scalpel.  The stomach smelled strongly of cyanide of potash; death was caused from the poisonous effects of the drug in question.

The jury in this case rendered a verdict of “death by suicide.”  Deceased was Forty-one years of age, and had been a resident of the United States for the past eighteen months.

The second announcement appeared on April 22, 1859 in The Daily Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).   

Suicide.—On Sunday afternoon two ladies called at the Daguerrean saloon of Conrad Koehler, Houston Street, New York, and had their likeness taken.  One of the ladies objected to her likenesses as not being accurate, and he requested her to call on Monday.  He then went into an adjoining room, and while the ladies were arranging their toilet they heard a fall as of a heavy body, and on looking into the room they saw the unfortunate Koehler lying in the agonies of death.  On the inquest, Koehler’s widow deposed that on Tuesday afternoon she purchased for her husband three cents worth of Cyanide of potash, a drug used by him in his art; as soon as he got it he art some of it, when she exclaimed “What did you do that for?”  Mrs.  Koehler then told the ladies her husband was not well, but before they left the saloon he fell as above described.  She could not assign any cause for the desperate act.  Koehler, who has been about eighteen months in this country, was post-master for a long time in the city of Bensheim, Hesse Darmstadt.

Conrad Koehler is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry under Conrad Kohler as being active in 1858-1859.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

William R. Knapp

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1843                263 Grand Street, Columbia Hall, New York, New York.

1845-1854       103 Bowery, New York, New York.

1851-1855       559 Broadway, near Prince Street, New York, New York.

1855-1856       477 Broadway, New York. New York.

1857                43 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York.

1857                103 Bowery, New York, New York.

1858                469 Broadway, New York, New York.

1860                398 Bowery, New York, New York.

New York City Directories

1838/1839—engineer—88 Lewis.

1839/1840—engineer—88 Lewis..

1840/1841—engineer—88 Lewis—h-70 Lewis.

1841/1842—gunsmith—50½ Houston—h-18  ave. D.

1842/1843—gunsmith—50½ [Houston]—h-55 Houston.

1843/1844—gunsmith—302 Rivington.

1844/1845—gunsmith–302 Rivington.

1845/1846—daguerreotype—103 Bowery—h-302 Rivington.

1846/1847—daguerrian—103 Bowery.

1847/1848—daguerreotype—103 Bowery & 226 Bleeker—h558 Fourth.

1848/1849—daguerreotype—103 Bowery—h-558 Fourth.

1849/1850—daguerreotype—103 Bowery—h-644 Fourth.

1850/1851—daguerreotype—103 Bowery—h-644 Fourth.

1851/1852—daguerreotype—103 Bowery—h-188 E. 19th.

1852/1853—daguerrean—103 Bowery & 559 Broadway—h-188 E. 19th.

1853/1854—daguerreian—103 Bowery & 559 Broadway—h-188 E. 19th.

1854/1855—daguerrean—559 Broadway—h-180 E. 19th.

1855/1856—daguerreian—477 Broadway—h-75 E. 40th.

1856/1857—daguerreotypist—477 Broadway—h-75 E. 40th.

1857/1858—not listed.

1858/1859—daguerreotypes-469 Broadway—h 145 E. 32d.

1859/1860—no occupation listed—h-145 E. 32d.

1860/1861—photographs—398 Bowery—h-142 E. 33d.

1861/1862—not listed.

1862/1863—not listed.

William R. Knapp is recorded in one advertisement that ran from October 21 to November 2, 1843 in the  New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Daguerreotype Miniatures are taken in a superior style by Wm. R. Knapp, at Columbian Hall, No. 263 Grand street, with all the latest improvements, including color.  Persons wanting a correct likeness of themselves or friends are respectfully solicited to call and examine specimens.  Pictures are taken in cloudy, stormy and fair weather.  Prices including case, from $1.50 to $4.  Hours from 8 A. M. until 4 P. M.                                                                                          

William R. Knapp is recorded in other photographic directories.  But is included here in part with new information.  The activity dates are derived from the city directories and newspaper accounts of over 30 typed pages that have not been included in the blog.  

William Kirk

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1857    Reporter Building, Dover, Delaware.

William Kirk was recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 2 to March 27, 1857 in the Delaware State Reporter (Dover, Delaware).  Daguerreotypes.  A Card.—To The Public. The undersigned, having purchased the entire stock and fixtures of the Daguerrean establishment of H.P. Weaver, will continue the business at the same rooms in the Reporter building.  His pictures are guaranteed to be equal, if not superior, to those taken by the best artists in the country.  Particular attention is invited to a new assortment of elegant cases, of the latest styles and richest designs, suitable as gifts for any occasion.  Call and examine them.

Pictures being warranted to give satisfaction, he hopes to receive, in his new vocation, a liberal share of patronage from his friends and the public generally.  Terms moderate.  Wm. Kirk, Reporter Building, Dover.  dec26.

William Kirk is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Walter I Kirby

Photographs, ,

1859                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

Walter I Kirby was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on April 1, 1859 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  A Good Photographer, Accustomed To Working the dry and wet processes, the daguerreotype and life size pictures, wishes an engagement.  Address Walter I. Kirby, box 130 Herald office.

Walter I. Kirby is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Kirby is not recorded in the New York City Directories for 1858/1859; 1859/1860 or 1860/1861.

Kerlinger & Chenoweth

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1857                Second Street, Near St. Paul House, Shakopee, Minnesota.

Kerlinger & Chenoweth (John M. Kerlinger & John Chenoweth or Chenowith[1]) were recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on September 5, 1857 in the Republican Advocate (Shakopee, Minnesota).  Ambrotyping and Photographing!  Ambrotypes For Seventy-Five Cents!!  Having located on Second Street, near the St. Paul House, the undersigned would respectfully inform the citizens of Shakopee and vicinity, that they are now in possession of a new and well selected stock of Goods, and are prepared to take pictures of the first quality and most improved style.—Those wishing pictures would do well to give us a call.  Satisfaction given or no charge.  Instructions also given in the art.

Give us a call.  Kerlinger & Chenoweth.  Shakopee, August 8th.

Kerlinger & Chenoweth are not listed in other photographic directories as being in a partnership.  The are listed in separate entries in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary 1839-1865.

[1] Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary 1839-1865.

F. P. Kenyon

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1853-1854       Rooms in the building west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1855-1858       55 State Street, New London, Connecticut.

1859-1861       Rooms Corner State & Bank Streets, New London, Connecticut.

F. P. Kenyon was recorded in eight advertisement and one announcement in four different newspapers.  The first advertisement ran from October 27, 1853 to January 12, 1854 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes. The subscriber, having re-opened the rooms formerly occupied by J. Tanner, with many additions and improvements, would inform his friends and the public generally, that he is now prepared to take likenesses in the best style, and at the lowest prices at which good pictures can be obtained.  Using the best American Instruments, and the most effectual Chemical Combinations known, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, he will furnish pictures which shall be inferior to none in their accuracy and beauty of finish.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms in the building west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store.

Sitters should, by all means, wear dresses of a dark color.  F. P. Kenyon.

The second advertisement ran from September 6, 1855 to June 19, 1856 in the New London Weekly Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Photographs on Glass.  These Pictures, so beautiful in tone, bold & clear in effect, are universally admire wherever they are exhibited, and are rapidly taking the place of Daguerreotypes, which too often proves evanescent and changing in their character.

These Pictures are taken upon the best Plate Glass, and indestructible varnish is then put upon them, which is impervious to the weather.

These Pictures may be set in monuments , carried to sea, or otherwise exposed to the action of the elements—and will retain their brilliancy for ages, being as endurable as the Glass upon which they are taken.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens.  Remember the No. 55 State St., New London, Connecticut.  E. P. Kenyon.

The announcement appeared on September 13, 1855 in the New London Weekly Chronical  (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes.—We have seen considerable said in the newspapers recently about this new style of taking likenesses, but had little idea of what it really is, till we went a few days since, inti the Gallery of Mr. Kenyon, 55 State Street, whose advertisement will be seen in another column.  The specimens of his art which he showed us were certainly very beautiful—much superior to Daguerreotypes—and there can be not doubt we think of the decided superiority of the entire process and execution over the old mode.  We commend Mr. K’s room to the attention of our readers as the place where they will be gratified by seeing a great many exquisite pictures, and be as likely as any where else we know of to obtain an excellent likenesses of themselves or their friends.

The third advertisement ran from January 4, 1856 to June 20, 1856  in the New London Daily Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes  Photographs on Glass.  These Pictures, so beautiful in tone, bold & clear in effect, are universally admire wherever they are exhibited, and are rapidly taking the place of Daguerreotypes, which too often proves evanescent and changing in their character.

These Pictures are taken upon the best Plate Glass, and indestructible varnish is then put upon them, which is impervious to the weather.

These Pictures may be set in monuments , carried to sea, or otherwise exposed to the action of the elements—and will retain their brilliancy for ages, being as endurable as the Glass upon which they are taken.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens.  Remember the No. 55 State St., New London, Connecticut.  E. P. Kenyon.

The fifth advertisement ran from June 19, 1856 to December 31, 1857 in the New London Daily Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes!  The Public are invited to call at 55 State St. where they can get Ambrotypes With Colors, Also Daguerreotypes in every variety of style.  F. P. Kenyon.

The sixth Advertisement ran from June 19, 1856 to December 31, 1857 in the New London Weekly Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes!  The Public are invited to call at 55 State St. where they can get Ambrotypes With Colors, Also Daguerreotypes in every variety of style.  F. P. Kenyon.

The seventh advertisement ran from February 3 to May 5, 1859  in the New London Weekly Chronical (New London, Connecticut).  25 Cent Ambrotypes.  Great Reduction In The Price of Ambrotypes. With Union Cases, Medium Size Which I formerly Got $3.00 For, I Now Offer for $1.50.  One-ninth Size at $1.00 With Picture.  Also Other Sizes in Proportion.

Having had for the past year, competition by parties who have sold the Union Case unfitted, to the public, giving them to understand that they could get Pictures set in the at a Reduced price, whereby they could save to themselves from 75 cents to $1.00 per picture, I now offer to my patrons and the public the above reduced prices, which will positively cheaper than they can buy the Cases and get the picture inserted.

I give these prices to the public to inform them that they can get of me pictures Cheaper Than Ever Before Offered In This City.

Also, I tender my thanks to the public for their very liberal patronage, hoping they will sustain me with their favors.

N.B.—Pictures inserted in Rings, Cases, Lockets, Bracelets, Pins, &c.  Also, Pictures made expressly to send by post, on light material, which will not require extra postage. All work will be done with neatness and dispatch.

Rooms On Corner of Bank and State Sts.  F. P. Kenyon.  jan 29.

The eighth advertisement was recorded on September 20 and August 16, 1860 in the New London Daily Star (New London, Connecticut).  Ambrotypes!  The Subscriber begs leave to inform the Public that he has discontinued the low prices that he has been making Pictures for, and resumed his former prices, 50 Cents, Being the lowest price for which good Pictures will be guaranteed.

Rooms On The Corner Of Bank & State Sts., New London, April. 20th.  F. P. Kenyon.

F. P. Kenyon is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New London, Connecticut in 1856 to 1860. Another advertisement (not recorded in the blog) dates from February 13, 1861 which was recorded on May 13 where Kenyon is at the same address and advertises Ambrotypes, Photographs, &c.

John also records an H. P. Kenyon in Westerly, Rhode Island in 1855 this is possibly the same person.

W. G. Kennedy

Ambrotypes, ,

1857-1858       Address Unknown, White Hall, South Carolina.

W. G. Kennedy was recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 10, 1857 to April 16, 1858. In The Independent Press (Abbeville, South Carolina).  Ambrotypes.  W. G. Kennedy Respectfully informs the public that he is permanently located at White Hall.  Where he is fully prepared at all times to give a good Picture and correct Likeness for a moderate remuneration.

W. G. Kennedy is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in White Hall in 1857.