Tag Archives: Alexandria Virginia

Richards

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                3 Exchange Block, Alexandria, Virginia.

Richards appeared in one advertisement that was recorded on November 14, 1853 in the Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia).  Daguerrean Fancy Goods.—Richards’, No. 3 Exchange Block, has every article generally kept in a Fancy Store, and of the best quality, and will be sold cheap.  Now if you want your Daguerreotype in a first rate case, go to Richards, and buy $5 worth of goods, and he will give you your picture free of charge.  The pictures are perfect, and warranted not to fade. 

Richards is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George P. Taylor

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , ,

Ca. 1855-1856          10 Federal Street, Salem, Massachusetts.

1857                            Address Unknown, Haverhill, Massachusetts.[1]

1861                            Address Unknown, Salem, Massachusetts.[2]

ND                              Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.

1866-1899                  188 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts.[2]

George P. Taylor was recorded from an entry in 200 Years Of Masonry In Essex Lodge 1779-1979 By Worshipful Harold Pierce Hadley.

George P. Taylor—born June 9, 1836, at 51 Broad Street, Salem.  Educated in Salem schools and at the age of 17 shipped on the White Swallow, to the Pacific.  Upon his return he was employed at D. W. Bowdoin’s.  From 1857-1859 had a traveling studio and practiced through Massachusetts.  During the Civil War he had a studio in Alexandria, Va.  Ca. 1867 with Charles F. Preston bought out the studio of William Snell the firm was Taylor and Preston he retired in 1906 and died on October 17, 1911.

George P. Taylor is recorded in other photographic directories, but is recorded here because of the additional information.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry

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

D. Haas

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                3 Exchange Block, King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                  1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.

D. Haas was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Daily Evening Star (Washington, D. C). The advertisement ran from August 18 to November 25, 1853. Alexandria Daguerrean Gallery Exchange Block, changed hands.  D. Haas having bought out the entire interest of E. L. Brockett in the above Gallery, and replenished his stock with a beautiful variety of new Plain and Fancy Cases, Lockets, Rings, Pins, and Ornamental Frames, is prepared to take Pictures with every improvement in the Art.

Pictures taken in any weather and warranted to give entire satisfaction.  He will not permit any Pictures to leave the Gallery that are not perfect.  Miniatures for lockets, Rings, and other Ornaments taken in the best possible manner an on the most reasonable terms.  The Public are requested to call and examine for themselves.  Remember the place—the only Daguerrean Gallery in Alexandria, No. 3 Exchange Block, King street, Alexandria,  Va.

The announcement appeared on December 15, 1855.  Alexandria Correspondence.  Alexandria, Dec. 15, 1855…The Ladies Fair at Sarepta Hall continues to be the centre of evening gayety…

Among the principal objects of public interest here is the memorial prepared by Mr. Haas, at his daguerrean gallery, to the victims of the recent calamity by the fire.  I[t] consists of a unique frame, enclosing admirable likenesses of the fallen firemen around a circle, in which is daguerreotyped the inscription, “The victims of the fire on King street, November 17, 1855:  Their memory is enshrined in the hearts of their fellow citizens.”  The tout ensemble is really beautiful, and Mr. H. deserves equal praise for his skill as for his public spirit.

D. Haas was recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Alexandria, Virginia from 1860 to 1871.

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.

 

E. L. Brockett

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                3 Exchange Block, King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.

E. L. Brockett was recorded in the Daily Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) in an advertisement which ran from August 18 to November 25, 1853.  Alexandria Daguerrean Gallery Exchange Block, changed hands.  D. Haas having bought out the entire interest of E. L. Brockett in the above Gallery, and replenished his stock with a beautiful variety of new Plain and Fancy Cases, Lockets, Rings, Pins, and Ornamental Frames, is prepared to take Pictures with every improvement in the Art.

Pictures taken in any weather and warranted to give entire satisfaction.  He will not permit any Pictures to leave the Gallery that are not perfect.  Miniatures for lockets, Rings, and other Ornaments taken in the best possible manner an on the most reasonable terms.  The Public are requested to call and examine for themselves.  Remember the place—the only Daguerrean Gallery in Alexandria, No. 3 Exchange Block, King street, Alexandria, Va.

E. L. Brockett is not recorded in other photographic directories that I have access to.

 

Nahum S. Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There are a series of announcements and advertisements in the Washington, D. C. Newspapers that place Nahum S. Bennett in D. C. from 1850 to late 1852.  He was first recorded in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.) in an announcement on August 21, 1850.

We are indebted to Mr. N. S. Bennett, of this city, for a daguerreotype likeness of Mr. Millard Fillmore, the present President of the United States, and lithographed by Mr. A. Newman.  It is an admirable likeness, and beautifully executed.  The President’s face is calculated to grace the art of the daguerreotypist or the painter; but those features are too apt to undergo a premature revolution from the wrinkles of care, which power, if faithfully administered, stamps with its seal upon the brow.…

In an announcement that was published in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) on July 13, 1852.  A Beautiful Daguerreotype.  The most perfect and admirable daguerreotype likeness we have ever seen has just been made of General Winfield Scott, by Mr. Bennett, of this city.  It is of very large size, and as clear and distinct as the reflection from a polished mirror.

We learn that the old General sat for this likeness with cheerfulness and patience, though under protest, declaring that so frequently has he of late been called upon to sit to artists of various kinds that he must henceforth refuse.  If others have succeeded as well as Mr. Bennett, we do not, indeed, think further efforts are needed.

Also on the 13th the following advertisement appears Rocky Mountain Indians!  Daguerreotype likenesses of the principal Chiefs of the Different Rocky Mountain tribes of Indians on exhibition at Bennett’s National Gallery, Penna. av., between 6th and 7th sts.

The last Daguerreotype, from life, of the departed patriot, Henry Clay, may be seen at Bennett’s National Gallery, Pa. av., between 6th and 7th sts.

In an article entitled The Pueblo Indians in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) on August 13, 1852 in part….Bennett, the skilful and popular daguerreotypist, took their portraits yesterday.  They were highly gratified, and, when told that each of them should have a copy of his own likeness, their pleasure knew no bounds.  The old man of the party (aged sixty-four) looked at his image for a while, and then said:  “When I am dead, and gone to heaven, I shall still live in this.”…

In an advertisement in the Daily American Telegraph.  (Washington, D. C.) on September 20, 1852 we learn that a portrait of General Scott is being painted by Stanley[1] which is possibly the best portrait of the General ever painted.  It is from a most beautiful daguerreotype by Bennett, of this city.

The last advertisement in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) appeared on October 26 and ran until November 18, 1852.  Crayon Daguerreotypes.  This style of Photographic Pictures was patented by John A. Whipple, of Boston, about six years since[2], and introduced into this city by Bennett in 1850, as many who have had them know.  Mr. B. continues to take them, in a superior manner, at his Gallery, Pennsylvania avenue, between 6 and 7th streets.

Published in an article about early Daguerreotypist in Washington, D. C. a letter from Samuel Rush Seibert dated October 19, 1896 is included.  It is in reply to Samuel C. Busey’s inquiry about early Daguerreotypist in Washington.  He states in part “Mr. N. S. Bennett had a Daguerreotype gallery a few doors west, on the same avenue, in a building which was on the east side and adjoining L. D. Gilman’s drug store. During the winter of 1851 and 1852 I negotiated with him for the purchase of the gallery for Marcus A. Root and John H. Clark, who immediately obtained possession and refitted the skylight and rooms, and there produced many fine specimens of the Daguerrean art.[3]”

Based on the last advertisement of Bennett’s (October 26, 1852) and the first ad for Root in the Washington papers (December 19, 1852) the sale of the gallery had to be in October-November 1852.  Interesting John H. Clark[e] does not appear in any advertisements found in the D. C. newspapers.  According to Laurie Baty’s unpublished Directory of Washington, D. C. Photographers Clark was a pupil of Root’s and was the operator of his D. C. gallery.

Bennett was on board the steamer Empire which left Troy, NY around 7 P. M. on Friday July 15, 1853 heading to New York City, when it was in a collision with the sloop General Livingston about 2 A. M on the 16th on the west shore of the Hudson River, opposite Clinton Point, about two and a half miles above New-Hamburg, and six below Poughkeepsie.   A number of people were killed or injured in the accident.  The extent of Bennett injuries are unknown it is reported in the Daguerreian Journal that he did lose a valuable collection of daguerreotypes including a whole plate of the last portrait taken of Henry Clay, sixteen specimens of members of the U. S. Senate, Likenesses of the Rocky Mountain Indian Tribes, and a portrait of Billy Bow Legs and John Howard Payne[4], who was an American actor, poet, playwright, and author.

No other advertisements, notices or articles have been found in any of the Washington newspapers that I have access to, until the three advertisements in the Evening Star discussed previously about Smith Bennett who was award a silver medal at the 1855 Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute while he was in Alexandria, Virginia.

Reported in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1857.  That N. S. Bennett has sent an application to the Mechanics’ Fair to exhibit ambrotypes and daguerreotypes.  Then on March 31 (in the same paper) a list was published of the premiums awarded at The Fair…Class 30….

Brady, N. Y.—photographs—Silver Medal.                                                                                 Whitehurst, Washington—ambrotypes—Silver Medal.                                                               Whitehurst, Washington—daguerreotypes—First award of merit.                                         Langenheim, Philadelphia—stereoscopes—Silver Medal.                                                      Vannerson, Washington—photographs, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes—Bronze Medal.   Whitehurst, Washington—photographs—Diploma.                                                                       Cutting & Turner, Boston—ambrotypes—Diploma                                                                                  N. S. Bennett, Alexandria—daguerreotypes—Diploma.

Bennett is reported to have been active in 1860 in Alexandria at 69 King Street.  At this time I have been unable to find directories for Alexandria to verify activity dates and address for Bennett from 1855-1860+.

[1] Probably John Mix Stanley.

[2] Crayon Daguerreotypes were patented by Whipple on January 23, 1849, Patent No. 6,056.

[3] In an article published in the Records of the Columbia Historical Society, Washington, D. C.  Vol. 3, P. 81-95.  Entitled Early History of Daguerreotypy in the City of Washington, by Samuel C. Busey.

[4] Article in the New York Times, July 18, 1853, P. 1.

Nathan S. Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , ,

Nathan S. Bennett was first recorded in the 1844 Boston City Directory as a photographer at 109 Washington Street, Boston[1], with no residence information provided.  He was not listed in subsequent directories.  He next appears in an advertisement in the Wilmington Journal newspaper (Wilmington, North Carolina.)  The advertisement ran from December 24, 1847 to January 28, 1848.

“Transferred by wondrous magic art, Behold how perfect every part.”  N. S. Bennett, From Boston, would most respectfully inform the inhabitants of Wilmington and vicinity, that he has fitted up rooms in the rear of Dr. Ware’s Office, Front Street, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, and would invite all who wish really bold and perfect miniatures of themselves or friends, to give him a call.  By a new and expeditious process, peculiar to himself, he is enabled to take the likeness of infants, of almost any age; and parents may now procure pictures of their little ones which will be protraction’s of life itself.  Hours for operating, from 10 a. m., till 4 p. m.

Nathan S. Bennett is recorded in several photographic directories for his time spent in Boston in 1844.  The possible connection to the Hale brothers (Charles E. and or Luther Holman) has not previously been explored.  There is also another possible connection to Smith Bennett and Nahum S. Bennett in Washington, D. C. and Alexandria, Virginia.

[1] He may have worked for Charles E. Hale and or possibly Luther Holman Hale in 1844-1845 at 109 Washington Street.

Smith Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

Smith Bennett is recorded in the Daily American Organ on February 9, 1855, and in the Evening Star on February 10, 1855.  Both newspapers are published in Washington, D. C. and reported that both Smith Bennett and Robert A. Carden exhibited beautiful frames of daguerreotypes at the Exhibition of the Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute.  Bennett and Carden both have galleries in Alexandria, Virginia.

On March 17, 1855 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) the following announcement appeared of the premiums issued at the fair.  Rehearing And Confirmation.—The Judges on daguerreotypes had a rehearing yesterday at the request of one of the disappointed, which resulted in the unanimous confirmation of the opinion declared on Wednesday evening, viz.  Smith Bennett, of Alexandria, Va., silver medal for the best daguerreotypes and stereoscopes.

Smith Bennett is not recorded in other photographic directories but Nathan S. Bennett, Nahum S. Bennett and Robert A. Carden are recorded in a number of directories and newspaper advertisement in other location.

There is evidence that suggest that Smith Bennett is almost certainly Nahum S. Bennett who has galleries in Washington, D. C. (1850-1852) and Alexandria, Virginia (1855-1857.)  I would also like to tie Nathan S. Bennett into the mix but no concrete information has been found to substantiate this theory.