1849 North West Corner of Fifth and Main, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1854 10 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.
1854-1856 28 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
1849 October 29. Spectator. (New York, New York.) October 29, 1849, Vol. LII, No. ?, P. 1.
Fire At Cincinnati.—The Cincinnati Commercial of Monday furnished the following particulars of a fire in that city, of which a record has previously been received by the telegraph.
Between 11 and 12 o’clock, on Friday night, a fire broke out in the old block of buildings, on the North west corner of Fifth and Main streets, known as the old “Museum Buildings.” The fire originated in the room occupied by the Nonpareil office, and had gained complete ascendancy before it was discovered. The following is the list of sufferers by this conflagration.
…G. P. Ball, Daguerreotypist, was injured to the amount of $150.
1854 June 8. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) June 8, 1854, Vol. 1, No. 11, P.2.
One of the most attractive features of the Mechanic’s Institute Exhibition, in Cincinnati, which closed on Thursday last, was the splendid portraits contributed by Ball, of 28, 4th street, all of which have been removed to his Gallery, where visitors may call and see them free of charge.
1854 June 8. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) June 8, 1854, Vol. 1, No. 11, P. 3.
J. P. Ball Daguerreotypist, Nos. 28 Fourth & 10 Fifth sts. Cincinnati. My facilities for taking pictures of children are not equaled in the city, having lately added a new room with a superior light expressly for that purpose.
Pictures taken in all kinds of weather. March 9, 1853.
Advertisement ran from June 8, 1854 to September 11, 1856.
1854 June 8. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) June 8, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 1, P. 3.
J. P. Ball’s Daguerrean Rooms, No. 10 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati. Miniatures put up in cases, Lockets, Rings and Breastpins. Likenesses taken in a few seconds without regard to weather. Ladies and Gentlemen visiting the city are requested to call. Portrait Gallery open at all hours. Admission Free.
1854 June 15. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) June 15, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 2, P. 2.
The weather is highly favorable for Daguerrean operations and we advise our readers who visit Cincinnati, go to Ball’s 28 Fourth Street, and have their likeness taken. Mr. Ball is an artist of great merit and never fails to give satisfaction to his patrons.
1854 June 22. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) June 22, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 3, P. 2.
It is astonishing the large amount of business done in the art of Daguerreotyping in Cincinnati. But the largest amount done by any one, is by Mr. J. P. Ball, No. 28 Fourth street. It is an indisputable fact that there never has been a better patronized gallery in the West than Ball’s. Go there at whatever time you will, and you are sure to see his saloons and operating rooms crowded. He has nine operators-all artist of the first class, as is well known to all visitors of the gallery.—Their pictures are gems of art and beauty—remarkable for accuracy of detail and faithfulness of likeness. His gallery is a perfect boudoir, where all who come may luxuriate in the enjoyment of everything that the art of genius can furnish for repose. Ball deserves patronage.
1854 June 29. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) June 29, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 4, P. 2.
Where Do They All Come From? This is a question that is naturally asked by persons who visit Ball’s Gallery, No. 28 West Fourth-street, for the first time. When he first enters he will find the Gallery crowded, and nine operators hard at work, supplying the wants of the visitors. Still as fast as one customer leaves, another comes in, thus keeping up a continual crowd; so that a person is led to ask “Where do they all come from?”—Now, it may not be out of place to ask in the same connection, “Why do all come there?” The answer is plain: They come there because Ball’s pictures are unsurpassed, and his facilities for taking them are unrivaled.—
Through the whole length and breadth of the land his reputation is wide spread, and we would do him injustice if we did not say that he well deserves the flattering reputation he enjoys. Our friends will at all times find Mr. Ball’s Gallery a comfortable resting place, and his operators ever ready to furnish them with most admirable Daguerreotypes.
1854 July 6. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) July 16, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 5, P. 2.
Crowds attest the skill of the artist employed by J. P. Ball, No. 28, Fourth Street, and accord to them the *meed of praise in the art of Daguerreotyping. If you want a Likeness that is the place.
*meed – a noun, archaic Middle English/Old English word meaning “A reward or recompense.”
1854 July 20. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) July 20, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 7, P. 2.
By visiting Ball’s Gallery, No. 28 West Fourth Street, you can look at pictures of most of the great characters of this country. His Gallery is a perfect Museum, and is well worth a visit. His pictures are most excellent, his Gallery splendidly furnished, and his prices for Daguerreotypes very moderate.
1854 August 17. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) August 17, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 9, P. 2.
There is something peculiarly pleasing in the possession of the likeness of a relative or friend, especially of one who is absent, and the value of his possession is increased vastly by the excellence of the likeness. Now the best place to get a Daguerreotype in Cincinnati is at Ball’s spacious and splendid Gallery, No. 28 West Fourth-street. By visiting his Gallery, you can at all times secure a perfect likeness and that, too, at a very moderate price. He has no superior as an artist, and is therefore worthy of patronage.
1854 September 7. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) September 7, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 12, P. 2.
For the information of our readers, among whom the impression had gone abroad that J. P. Ball had sold out his splendid Gallery to his brother, we will make the following explanation: Messrs. J. P. Ball and R. G. Ball brothers, had been partners in the gallery located at No. 10 Fifth-street, until a few weeks ago, when they decided to dissolve partnership the extensive business of both rendering imperative that each one should attend strictly and exclusively to one establishment. This decision was carried into effect, and an announcement to that effect was made in the advertising columns of this paper: and from the wording of this announcement many of our readers have got the idea that J. P. Ball had sold out. This is not correct Ball still continues to do a large and prosperous business at his magnificent Gallery, No. 28 West Fourth street, where we advise our readers to call when they want a good Daguerreotype.—Cin. Eng.
1854 September 21. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) September 21, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 14, P. 2.
If you want a good Likeness go to Ball’s No. 28 Fourth Street.
1854 October 12. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) October 12, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 17, P. 2.
Our friends should not forget that Mr. Ball, at his old stand, 28 Fourth-street, North side between Main and Walnut, is taking those spirited, bold and truthful pictures for which he has so long been celebrated. Ball’s pictures are always popular, for they are, always good.
1854 October 19. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) October 19, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 18, P. 2.
The pictures taken by Ball, No. 28 West Fourth-street, are life-like and beautiful. As he gives his personal attention to the business, he never allows a poor, badly-executed Daguerreotype to leave his Gallery; none but first rate pictures are given to his patrons. His artist are the very best that can be procured and are engaged without regard to expense.—We advise our readers to visit his Gallery when they want a good picture.
Notice ran from October 19 to 26, 1854.
1854 November 2. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) November 2, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 20, P. 2.
While merchants are all complaining of hard times, it is refreshing to know that there are those who have their hands full of business. Such a man is Ball. No. 28 Fourth Street; his Gallery is constantly crowded, and his pictures go off like hot cakes. Give him a call, and our word for it you will have every reason to be perfectly satisfied with the result of your visit.
Notice ran from November 2 to 16, 1854.
1854 December 7. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) December 7, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 25, P. 2.
Notwithstanding the splendid new building going up o Fourth-street, Ball’s Daguerrean establishment continues to be the great center of attraction. His daguerreotypes are universal favorites, and may be seen in the parlors of the elite of the city and the country everywhere. We venture to say that Ball sells more Daguerreotypes in one day than all the country Daguerreotypist in the state.
1854 December 21. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) December 21, 1854, Vol. 11, No. 27, P. 2.
At the Fair held at Mechanics’ Institute, in Cincinnati a few weeks since, Ball, at No. 28 Fourth Street, was awarded a medal for the finest Daguerreotypes. It is astonishing the proficiency and skill exhibited by the operators at his rooms. The pictures taken there are the finest in everything constituting artistic skill
Notice ran from December 21, 1854 to January 4, 1855.
1855 January 11. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) January 11, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 30, P. 2.
Among the mail from the Crimea, which reaches England weekly, a large number of Daguerreotypes are usually found. It is said they are but poor affairs. What a pity it is that a good artist is not on hand to sketch those important scenes. If the army had such an artist as Ball in its train, what splendid Pictures he would furnish. He is decidedly one of the best living artist. His Gallery is on Fourth street, No. 28.
Notice ran from January 11 to 18, 1855.
1855 February 1. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) February 1, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 33, P. 2.
If you want a correct Likeness be sure to go to Ball’s No. 28, Fourth-street, and you will be suited in quality and price.
Notice ran from February 1 to 15, 1855.
1855 February 22. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) February 22, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 36, P. 2.
It is every day rumored that there will be a change in the cabinet at Washington.—Be this as it may, there will be no change in Ball’s Daguerrean Gallery, No. 28, West-Fourth street. He will still continue to furnish his visitors with those splendid pictures, which have so often charmed the beholder in by-gone years.
Notice ran from February 22 to March 1, 1855.
1855 February 22. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) February 22, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 36, P. 2.
Ball’s Panorama. There is every prospect that this splendid work of art will be ready for exhibition in a short time. It will be a correct representation of the principle cities of America; also, of Africa and Cuba. It is a vast extent, and will excel anything in the shape of a panorama that has ever been exhibited in this country.
Notice ran from February 22 to March 1, 1855.
1855 March 15. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) March 15, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 39, P. 2.
Humbugs are frequently successful through the capriciousness of people, but do not last. Ball, No. 28 Fourth-street, is opposed to everything of the kind. He pretends to nothing that he does not accomplish in every particular. His Pictures will stand the test of examination and time. They are finished with care, and are cheap at his prices.
1855 April 5. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) April 5, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 42, P. 2.
The opening of Spring and of agreeable weather, has witnessed a rush to Ball’s Great Western Daguerreotype Saloon, that was never equaled before. His spacious and elegant apartments are crowded from morning to night and the amount of business he does would be absolutely astonishing to one who never saw Daguerreotyping on a large scale before. It is an incontrovertible fact that Ball takes unrivaled pictures—hence his immense popularity. His place is at 28 West Fourth street, between Main and walnut. Go there for first class pictures.
Notice ran from April 5 to 12, 1855.
1855 April 19. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) April 19, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 44, P. 2.
Now that the sun shines brilliantly and the weather is warm, parents should take their children to Ball’s Gallery, No. 28 Fourth street, and secure one of his splendid Pictures. He is at the head of his profession, and his prices are moderate.
Notice ran from April 19 to 26, 1855.
1855 May 17. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) May 17, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 48, P. 2.
Those who wish to be astonished and gratified, would do well to call at mechanics’ Institute, and after taking a survey of ball’s Pictures, to call at 28 West Fourth street, and have a counterfeit presentment of their own faces gotten up in the same style.
Notice ran from May 17 to 24, 1855.
1855 May 31. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) May 31, 1855, Vol. 11, No. 51, P. 2.
The position of the allies in the Crimea is critical, and Ball’s Gallery, No. 28 Fourth street, is daily filled with a crowd of visitors anxious to secure one of his splendid Pictures. Ball still heads the list of artist, and his Pictures enjoy a wider reputation than those of any artist in the West.
1855 June 14. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) June 14, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 1, P. 2.
Ball’s Gallery, No. 28 West Fourth-street.—There are several reasons why Ball’s Gallery, No. 298 West Fourth street, should be well patronized. Imprimis, it is the most fashionable and well-furnished Gallery in the city; then, too, the Pictures taken there are beautiful, life-like and well finished. Give your patronage to Ball when you want a good Picture.
Notice ran from June 14 to 21, 1855.
1855 July 5. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) July 5, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 3, P. 2.
You can always depend on getting a first rate likeness of Ball, No. 28 Fourth-street.—He employs none but the best Artist, and will not permit a poor Picture to leave his Gallery. Hence his great popularity. His prices are so moderate as to suit all.
1855 July 12. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) July 12, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 4, P. 2.
There seems to be no cessation in the immense business done by Ball, No. 28 Fourth street. His Gallery is constantly filled with visitors, all of whom bear away with them a specimen of his art. His pictures have few equals—No superiors.
Notice ran from July 12 to 26, 1855.
1855 August 2. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) August 2, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 7, P. 2.
People differ greatly in their opinions of matters and things, but all unite in saying that Ball, No. 28 Fourth street, takes the best Picture in the city. In this they are right, for he has no superior. Call at his Gallery, and feast your eyes on his splendid specimens.
Notice ran from August 2 to 16, 1855.
1855 August 30. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) August 30, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 11, P. 2.
It is not to be supposed for a moment that Ball, No. 28 Fourth-street, has never sent out from his Gallery a poor Picture. He never will permit a Picture to leave his Gallery that does not give entire satisfaction to the purchaser. Call at his Gallery and examine some of his splendid specimens.
Notice ran from August 30 to September 6, 1855.
1855 September 13. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) September 13, 1855, Vol. 13, No. 11, P. 2.
We are glad to learn that Ball, No. 28 Fourth street, is meeting with continued success in his business. His Gallery is constantly thronged with visitors. This is owing to the excellence of his Pictures, which cannot be beat.
Notice ran from September 13 to October 4, 1855.
1855 October 18. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) October 18, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 18, P. 2.
Ball, No, 28 West Fourth street, is always prepared to take Likenesses accurately and without delay. His preparations and arrangements are such that he cannot be surpassed in speed or in fidelity to the original.—Call on him, and you will be satisfied.
Notice ran from October 18 to November 1, 1855.
1855 November 8. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) November 8, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 21, P. 2.
So highly do the public appreciate the Pictures taken by Ball No. 28 Fourth street so rich in appearance and so correct in delineation of feature and as a consequence so great has his patronage increased, that to meet the demands of his customers he was forced to employ a steam engine to assist in his operations. When you visit the city call in at 28 Fourth street, and view the operations of steam Daguerreotyping.
Notice ran from November 8 to 22, 1855.
1855 November 29. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) November 29, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 24, P. 2.
The rush to Ball’s Gallery, No. 28 Fourth street Cincinnati, on Thanksgiving Day, was immense. He took several hundred Pictures. He is decidedly at the top of his profession in that city, and enjoys a large patronage.
Notice ran from November 29 to December 13, 1855.
1855 December 27. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) December 27, 1855, Vol. 12, No. 28, P. 2.
The beautiful pictures on glass, called Vitrotypes, taken by J. P. Ball, at No 28 West Fourth street Cincinnati, are the most satisfactory likenesses that have yet been offered to the public. They are clear distinct and free from the glaze of the daguerreotype.—Call and see the beautiful specimens on exhibition.
1856 January 3. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) January 3, 1856, Vol. 12, No. 29, P. 2.
We learn that since Ball introduced steam into his gallery, No. 28 Fourth-street, his business has increased wonderfully. We are glad of this, for Ball’s energy and enterprise should insure success to their possessor. He is a first rate Daguerreotypist, and no mistake.
Notice ran from January 3 to 17, 1856.
1856 January 31. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) January 31, 1856, Vol. 12, No. 33, P. 2.
Vitriotypes.—Elegant and accurate Vitriotypes, of the most approved description, taken with all the latest improvements, can be had at any time by calling on Ball, No. 28, West Fourth street. This establishment is provided with the most accurate instruments and machinery for every thing in that line.
Notice ran from January 31 to February 14 1846.
1856 February 21. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) January 21, 1856, Vol. 12, No. 35, P. 2.
No. 28 Fourth street,—Remember that Ball’s gallery is on Fourth street, No. 328. If there is any thing you desire in the shape of a photograph, vitrotype or Daguerreotype, he can furnish it at a moment’s notice.
Notice ran from February 21 to March 6, 1856.
1856 March 13. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) March 13, 1856, Vol. 12, No. 38, P. 2.
Photographs.—Ball, No. 28 West Fourth street, takes Photographs in excellent style, and on the most improved system. He is also at all times prepared to take Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes with a neatness unsurpassed by any one.
Notice ran from March 13 to 27, 1856.
1856 March 29. Anti-Slavery Bugle. (New-Lisbon, Ohio.) March 29, 1856, Vol. 11, No. 33, Whole No. 547, P. 2.
The Colored Population of Cincinnati, as we learn from the press of that city, number 5000, of both sexes, and the Sun says “they are, as a general thing, sober, thrifty, and industrious.” Of their occupations and wealth it is stated—there are five physicians, one of whom has a very large practice among both whites and blacks; twelve grocers; thirty music and school teachers; five daguerreotypist;…J. P. Ball, R. G. Ball and J. C. Ball, who take as fine daguerreotypes as are taken in the world, and who are worth $30,00 at least…….
1856 April 3. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) April 3, 1856, Vol. 12, No. 41, P. 2.
The fact that Ball employs his own artist exclusively to color all photographs taken at his gallery is an important one. By this means he’s enabled to give a good picture at a moderate price. His glass pictures are gems of beauty, and like a “thing of beauty” will endure forever. Give him a call at 28 West Fourth street, Cincinnati, and examine his specimens.
Notice ran from April 3 to 17, 1856.
1856 April 9. Cazenovia Republican. (Cazenovia, New York.) April 9, 1856, Vol. II, No. 50, P. 1.
The Colored Population of Cincinnati—The colored population of Cincinnati number about 5,000 of both sexes. They are, as a general thing, sober, thrifty, and industrious. Of the occupation and wealth of this class, a contemporary says:
There are five physicians, one of whom had a very large practice among both whites and blacks; twelve grocers; three music and school teachers; five daguerreotypist;…J. P. Ball & R. G. Ball, who take as fine daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and photographs, and who are worth $30,00 at least.
1856 April 24. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) April 24, 1856, Vol. 12, No. 44, P. 2.
There is much discussion about Freedom and Slavery, and about enlarging the areas of either. Ball, No. 28 West Fourth street, Cincinnati, has had to enlarge his area, to accommodate the crowd of customers. The best Daguerreotypes, Vitriotypes, and Photographs are produced at his rooms.
Advertisement ran from April 24 to May 8, 1856.
1856 May 15. Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio.) May 15, 1856, Vol. 12, No. 47, P. 2.
The Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes and Photographs of Ball, No. 28 and 34 Fourth street, Cincinnati, certainly are beautiful and all who have seen pronounces them so. Drop in on Ball, and see how admirable his arrangements are. He cannot be surpassed as an artist.
Notice ran from May 15 to June 5, 1856.
1856 May 15. Independent Democrat. (Concord, New Hampshire.) May 15, 1856, Vol. XII, No. 3, P. 2.
Can’t take care of Themselves….The Cincinnati Freeman gives the following statement…
What Colored People Can Do. It is gratifying to know that under all the disadvantages of prejudice and exclusion from many mechanical, professional and literary avocations our colored citizens are advancing rapidly in intelligence and wealth. Very many of them have been slaves who had to purchase their own bodies and then commence life with nothing but strong hands and glad hearts…we find here five physicians, one of whom has a very large practice among both whites and blacks; twelve grocers; thirty Music and School teachers; five Daguerreotypists; one Patent roofer; five Brick layers and Stone masons;…J. P. Ball, R. G. Ball and J. C. Ball who take as fine Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes and Photographs as are taken in the world, and do very nearly as much business as all the other daguerreotypists in the city together, and who are worth $30,000at least.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 