Tag Archives: Ambrotypist

Hiram S. Clark

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853                Room at Mr. H. Bean’s Dwelling House, Franklin Street, Grand Haven,                                              Michigan.                                                                                                                      1857                Address Unknown, Neenah, Wisconsin.[1]                                                                      1859                Milwaukee Hotel, Grand Haven, Michigan.

Hiram S. Clark Was recorder in an advertisement that ran from November 23 to December 7, 1853 in the Grand River Times (Grand Haven, Michigan).  Daguerreotypes.  The undersigned would inform the public that he will remain in town but a few days longer, and those wishing likenesses, please call and get them.  The artist will give entire satisfaction both in his art and the reasonableness of his prices.—Call and examine for yourselves.  Room at Mr. H. Bean’s dwelling house, Franklin Street.

Recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 6 to August 10, 1859 in The Grand Haven News (Grand Haven, Michigan).  Ambrotypes:  The subscriber in returning thanks to his many friends and patrons, for the liberal encouragement extended to him, begs leave to call their attention to his Gallery of Art, at the Milwaukee Hotel, where he will remain a few days and take pictures of various styles, at corresponding prices.  He has also every variety of Cases, &c.  The public are invited to call and examine his specimens.

Not recorded in any photographic directory in 1853, listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, and in the research provided by David V. Tinder, Directory of Early Michigan Photographers.

[1] Directory of Early Michigan Photographers by David V. Tinder.

Clark & Howe

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

Ca. 1856-1860            Ashley’s Building, Westfield, Massachusetts.

 Clark & Howe names were recorded from a Broadside Greg Drake’s Collection.  Ambrotypes, and Cloth Pictures!  E. P. Clark (Artist permanently located in Holyoke) and J. C. Howe, would respectfully inform the citizens of Westfield and vicinity that they are located at Ashley’s Building, Up one flight of stairs—room opposite H. Fuller’s Law office in the same building— for a few days to exhibit a new style of Picture, and to wait upon those who may require their services.

Ambrotypes, Meleneotypes, Ambrographs &c., Also Pictures on Enameled Cloth, Taken for the low price of Twenty-Five Cents, having the beauty of the ambrotype and Daguerreotype combined, and may be inclosed in a letter and sent to any part of the world free of postage.

Do not lose this opportunity to secure a Likeness at the very lowest price.                                      Some beautiful styles of Ambrotype Cases.   E. P. Clark, J. C. Howe.

E. P. Clark is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Providence, Rhode Island in 1855-1856, and also possibly in Holyoke, Massachusetts in 1856. J. C. Howe is not recorded in other photographic directories and the partnership of Clark and Howe are not recorded in A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Clark & Hedrick

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

1856                94 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.[1]                                                        1856                Rooms at the Opelousas Varieties, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Clark & Hedrick were listed in an advertisement from September 6 to October 4, 1856 in The Opelousas Courier (Opelousas, Louisiana).  Ambrotypes.  New Style of Likenesses!  Daguerreotypes Superseded!!  Ambrotypes are far superior to the ordinary Daguerreotype for many reasons, viz:  They are finer and more beautiful; they do not reverse the position, as the Daguerreotype does; they can be seen in any light; they are taken in a much shorter time, therefore the expression is more lifelike.

They can be made double, so as to show two pictures instead of one.                                              They are sealed between two Glasses, and will never fade!                                                                  There is a softness and a brilliancy in this new style of picture which has never been obtained in the old Daguerreotype process.                                                                                    Persons wishing to see this new style of Picture are invited to call at the rooms of the undersigned at the Opelousas Varieties, where they will remain until the first of October.      Clark & Hedrick.  Opelousas, Sept., 6th, 1858.

The same advertisement appeared on September 6, 1856 in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana).

Clark & Hedrick (John H. Clark & F. S. Hedrick) are not new name but the partnership location in Opelousas, Louisiana is.

[1] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

E. B. Christmas

Ambrotypes, ,

1857                Rooms, Main St., opposite the Court House, Millersburg, Ohio.

E. B. Christmas was recorded in an announcement and in an advertisement on March 26, 1857 in the Holmes County Republican (Millersburg, Ohio). E. B. Christmas advertises his Excelsior Ambrotype Gallery in this week’s paper. It is unnecessary for us to say anything in his favor, as he keeps himself informed of a;; the improvements in the art, and takes the best of pictures.

The advertisement ran from March 26 to June 18, 1857.  Excelsior Ambrotype Gallery.  Secure The Shadow Ere The Substance Fades.  Change and decay are written upon all things.  The smiling infant, which to-day may nestle so fondly in a mother’s arms, and gladden all the household by its merry prattle and innocent pranks, may, ere to-morrow’s sun gilds the Eastern horizon, be wrapped in the cold embraces of death.  A father or mother, sister or brother may suddenly be called away from Earth, and surviving friends deeply mourn their loss.  Yet, if we would take the time by the forelock, and secure their shadows ere their substances fade, we would have a sweet memorial left when Death had claimed them as his own.  Speed! Then, delay not, and Secure An Ambrotype, Taken by a master artist, in an artistic style, and one which will stand through centuries to come.

Remember the place—Christmas’ Excelsior Ambrotype Rooms, Main St., opposite the Court House, Millersburg, Ohio.

An E. B. Christmas was listed in Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 in Mansfield, Ohio in 1866.  It is unknown at this time if they are the same person.

A. A. Cheney

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1858                Opposite the Post Office, Brattleboro, Vermont.

A. A. Cheney was recorded in an advertisement on August 14 which ran until October 16, 1858 in the Vermont Phoenix (Brattleboro, Vermont.) Daguerreotypes! Ambrotypes, &c.  All varieties of Sun Pictures Executed in the best manner and on the most reasonable terms.  At the sign of Miller’s Picture Gallery, opposite the Post Office,——Brattleboro.  Perfect Satisfaction Guaranteed.

A. A. Cheney does not appear in other photographic directories.

Chase & Welch

Ambrotypes, , , , , ,

1856                222 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.                                                          1857                Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Chase & Welch were recorded in three advertisements and an announcement in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  The first advertisement ran from July 26 to August 8, 1856.  Special Notice.  Re-Opened by a New Company.—The subscribers would respectfully inform the citizens of Worcester and vicinity, that they have purchased the Ambrotype Rooms in Foster’s Block, No. 222 Main Street, and will be in operation on and after Monday, July 28, 1856.  In re-opening this beautiful suit of rooms, the proprietors are happy to announce to the citizens of Worcester and vicinity, that they have secured the services of Mr. Wm. Hathaway, as their Operator and Artist.  Those wishing for pictures of themselves or friends, are respectfully informed that every picture emanating from the establishment will be warranted to give entire satisfaction.  The Ambrotype has now become the prevailing style of Picture in all the principal cities of the Union.  We shall, as soon as necessary arrangements can be made, be able to supply the public with all kinds of Photographic Pictures.

N.B.  Ambrotypes at the same price of good Daguerreotypes.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  Chase & Welch.  Wm. Hathaway, Artist

The second advertisement ran from November 4 to November 18, 1856.  We would advise all who are in want of superior pictures of themselves or friends, to call at the rooms of Chase & Welsh, in Foster’s Block, 222 Main Street.  We pronounce their pictures superior to those taken at any other establishment in the city.  We have observed the beautiful pictures in their show case, and to say that they were most natural and lifelike, is to use a hackneyed expression; but no other would be appropriate in this case.  Their pictures are bold and clear, and for brilliancy of tone and finish, we do not hesitate to say that they are superior to any other establishment in the city; and we would say to all, if you want a likeness that you will not be ashamed to look at, and show to your friends, call at their rooms, and you will not be disappointed.  Their prices are very moderate, and their pictures will give entire satisfaction.

The third advertisement ran on November 13 & 14, 1856.  And was issued by Benjamin D. Maxham.  Take Notice, that our friend Chase proposes to make single glass pictures.  Why this condemnation to what he calls humbug!

The only place to procure the genuine improved Ambrotype on double glass, is at B. D. Maxham’s.  He will tell you the truth and nothing but the truth; that in his opinion the Daguerreotype is far more durable, being composed entirely of mineral substances, whereas the Ambrotype is vegetable.  As for the patent, it was given up six months since Mr. Cutting, as also was the use of gum.  The only way to seal up a picture to make it permanent, is to seal them up in tin boxes, the same as sardines are sealed.

The announcement is a reply from Chase & Welch to Benjamin D. Maxham’s advertisement which ran on November 25, 1856.  We see by the Spy of Nov. 18th, that B. D. Maxham wants the public to take notice that friend Chase proposes to make single pictures, and wants to know why this condecentson to what he calls humbug.  I have never have called the single glass picture a humbug; what I call humbuging the community is, for a man professing what he does, to deceive the public by selling a single glass picture, and telling them that it is an Ambrotype, when he knows that it is not, and never can be an Ambrotype.  He knows very well what constitutes an Ambrotype, and he knows that to make it an Ambrotype, it must be sealed between two plates of glass with Fir Balsam, or its equivalent.  He knows that he has not a right to take the Ambrotype picture, and therefore cannot take them, but if he can deceive and impose upon the public by misrepresentation and deception, it will answer his base purpose.  In his advertisement he says, that he will tell the truth and nothing but the truth, but he forgets to tell the whole truth for he says that the patent was given up some six months ago by Mr. Cutting, as also the use of gum.  Now, if his object was not to deceive, why did he not tell that Mr. Cutting surrendered his patent and applied for re-issue and got it, against the combined forces of the Daguerreotypist, who brought every thing to bear against it which they possibly could, to break it down and prevent a re-issue, but it proved a decided failure.  The government granted a re-issue covering the whole ground; and now, if he can dupe and deceive the public by telling them that his pictures are Ambrotypes, he will not hesitate to do it.  Now where is the deception? why does he wish to impose upon the public by selling a spurious article for a genuine?  Can there be any thing manly in this?  Does this look like having a just regard for other people’s rights?  I leave it with the public to decide, and will say that the only place where you can get a genuine Ambrotype, is at Chase & Welch’s rooms in Foster’s Block, No. 222 Main street.  We have the exclusive right for taking Cutting’s patent Ambrotypes, for the City of Worcester, and all pictures emanating from any other room in the city, called Ambrotypes, are spurious and worthless.                          Chase & Welch.

Chase & Welch was listed in the 1857 Worcester City Directory, residence section but was not included in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry only list them in 1857.

Chappel

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Rooms over Mr. Asher’s Store, Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Chappel was recorded in an advertisement in the Sugar Planter (West Baton Rouge, Louisiana.)  on December 31, 1859.  The Baton Rouge Cheap Ambrotype Gallery, Over Mr. Asher’s Store, On Lafayette Street.  Is the place to get a superior, Life-like Ambrotype, of the medium size, for 50 Cents.

These pictures are not the Little Insignificant Daubs which many, who call themselves artist, palm off on the community, at that low price, but they are large, fine pictures of the same size as those generally sold at prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.00.

The public are invited to call at our Rooms and compare our Pictures with those taken by any of the first-class artist.

We are now receiving additions to our already fine stock and apparatus, and are prepared to furnish our friends with superior styles of Pictures, Cases, and Frames.

The public will not fail to remember that the Baton Rouge Cheap Ambrotype Gallery Is not a traveling Institution, but a Permanent Thing, a part of Baton Rouge itself.

Chappel does not appear in other photographic directories.

John Chamberlain

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1858                First Street, 57 Union Block, Glasgow, Missouri.

John Chamberlain was recorded in an announcement on March 25, 1858 in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri.)  Ambrotypes.—Mr. Jno. Chamberlain has fitted up a room in the rear of his jewelry shop, where he is prepared to take likenesses of every description, at a moments notice.  He formerly was engaged in the Daguerrean business, and has recently graduated under Prof. Burch, one of the best Ambrotypist that has ever visited our town.  Mr. C. has a fine instrument, a good assortment of stock, and will do you up a likeness of any required description or price, in less time than you have taken to read this notice.

On May 6 an advertisement appeared and ran until December 9, 1858 in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri.)  John Chamberlain, Ambrotypist.  Rooms At His Jewelry Store.  Fine & Common Cases, Lockets, Pins & Rings, for Likenesses.  Work Done At A Moment’s Notice, And Warranted.

Both John Chamberlain and H. F. Burch are not recorded in other photographic directories.

William H. Chalmers

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

1853-1861       Post Office Corner, Augusta, Georgia.[1]                                                                            1856                   Address Unknown, New York, New York.1                                                                          1856                   Address Unknown, Edgefield, South Carolina.                                                                  1858                   over Burpee’s Carriage Shop, opposite the Bank, Athens, Georgia.1  

William H. Chalmers was listed in four advertisements in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  The first three are when he was in partnership with John Leigh as Leigh & Chalmers.  The first advertisement ran from October 1, to November 5, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Those Beautiful and Imperishable Pictures can be had at John Leigh’s Office.  They are superior in Brilliancy, depth of tone and finish to any ever offered in this community.  Leigh & Chalmers.  Edgefield, Sept. 30, 1856.

The second ran from October 1 to December 31, 1856.  Photographs.  This beautiful style of Picture so popular in both this country and Europe, can be had at Leigh & Chalmers’ Gallery, Augusta, Ga.  Persons having Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends can have them photographed from life-size to the smallest miniature.                                                                Leigh & Chalmers.  Augusta, Sept. 30, 1856.

The third advertisement ran on March 4, 1857.  Photograph of Hon. P. S. Brooks.  Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers, of Augusta, have kindly forwarded to us a photograph likeness of our lamented Brooks, for which we return then thanks.  It is just the thing we were endeavoring to procure and is a most acceptable gift.  The likeness is striking and the execution excellent.  As there are very many citizens of Edgefield who would be glad to have a faithful portrait of their late beloved representative, we would suggest to them that, for only $4, they can procure such an one from Messrs. Leigh & Chalmers.  Mr. Leigh brought up a hundred copies the other day, but they are going off very rapidly.  Those who have engaged them should apply early; and those who have not done so, can now make the arrangement with Mr. L., who is at this place for the present.

The fourth advertisement was for William H. Chalmers alone and ran from December 8 to 29, 1858 in the Edgefield Advertiser (Edgefield, South Carolina.)  Ambrotypes For Fifty Cts. At The Chalmers’ Gallery, Post Office Corner, Augusta, Geo.  Wm. H. Chalmers, the well-known and successful Ambrotypist, is still furnishing pictures in the same Beautiful And Life-Like Style, that was so much admired last season, for the Low Price of 50 Cts. and upwards, According to the size and style of case.  The Gallery having a Mammoth Sky-Light and Side-Light combined, together with Instruments of the latest and most approved kinds, Pictures can be taken at all hours of the day, and as well in cloudy weather as in clear.

Having secured the services of several of the Best Operators in the United States, Likenesses will in all cases be Perfect or no charge.  Each Picture will be handsomely colored by an experienced Artist, and warranted not to fade.

The Public are invited to call and examine the large collection of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Paintings, &c., on exhibition.  Entrance to Gallery on door above the Post Office.

N. B. Instructions given in the Art and Apparatus furnished.         Augusta, Dec. 7.

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

Joseph H. Caskie

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1856-1857       High Street, 1 Door South of Main Street, Hillsboro, Ohio.                                          1858                   Main Street, Hillsboro, Ohio.                                                                                          1858-1859       Address Unknown, Hillsboro, Ohio.

Joseph H. Caskie is recorded in two advertisements, an announcement about an explosion in the building where he was opening his new studio and two announcements awarding premium at the Highland County Agricultural Society Fair, and one at the Greenfield Fair.

The first advertisement that ran from April 2 to October 15, 1857 in The Highland Weekly News (Hillsboro, Ohio.)  Daguerreotypes at Cincinnati Prices.  The subscriber tenders his sincere thanks to the citizens of Hillsboro and vicinity, for the liberal patronage he has received for the last nine months, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same.  I have settled permanently in this place, and can be found at my rooms on High st., one door South of Main, ready at all times to draw Perfect Likenesses, true to nature and of all sizes, from the half-size plate to the smallest miniature.  Pictures taken without regard to weather, between the hours of 9 A. M. and 6 P. M.  Persons sitting for Pictures and taking them from the Room, and afterwards becoming dissatisfied with them, can in all cases get them drawn over free of charge, until satisfactory in every respect.  I therefore guarantee to please the most fastidious, in both price and quality of Pictures.

From my long experience in the Art, and in one of the best rooms in the world, I am confident that I can defy all competition.  The public are invited to call and examine my specimens before going elsewhere.  A silver mirror is my drawing board and the sun-beam my pencil-pointed with golden light.  High st, 1 door South of Barrer’s Corner.  J. H. Caskie.

On October 22, 1857 in The Highland Weekly News appears the first List of Premiums Awarded at the Annual Fair of the Highland County Agricultural Society, October 1857….Class S—No. 17.  Flowers & Pictures….Best daguerreotypes J. H. Caskie    $2.00.

On March 4, 1858 an article about the explosion appears in The Highland Weekly News.  Terrible Explosion!  $3000 to $4000 worth of Property Destroyed.  About 1 o’clock on Tuesday morning last, many of our citizens were startled from their slumber by a loud explosion….it was soon discovered the east wing of the new two-story brick Block, on the South side of Main street, east of High, was a mass of ruins, and that the interior was on fire.  The building was occupied as a grocery store by Miller & Nevin, and was owned by Jacob Miller.  It appears that there were two kegs of gunpowder in the store, containing nearly 50 pounds, to which by some means fire had been communicated, whether by accident or design is not known, causing a fearful explosion, and the complete destruction of the building and most of its contents.  The upper story of the building adjoining Miller & Nevin, owned by M. W. Lane, was also completely riddled, half of the partition wall blown down, the roof lifted off, and the back wall considerably injured.  This story had just been fitted up as a Daguerrean Gallery by Mr. Caskie, whose loss is between $200 and $300….

The second recording of Awards appeared on October 14, 1858.  List of Premiums, Awarded at the Ninth Annual Fair of the Highland Co. Agricultural Society, Sept. 29 and 30, and Oct. 1, 1858….Class U—No. 20….best specimen daguerreotype, Harner & Lucas, 2; best do [specimens] ambrotypes, Harner and Lucas, 2; 2d do [best specimen ambrotype,] J. H. Caskie, 1.

The second advertisement appears on March 10 and ran until October 27, 1859.   The Picture Business.  I have listened this winter with all the patience a man could have, to see how far men would go in praising themselves.  They urge people to come on, as if they took Pictures in the natural colors, and no one could imitate them.  If any one can produce any Pictures superior to any that I can make, then I will think everybody ought to rush and get one of the “Superior Pictures” before they leave.

I have been blown up by powder, but being born in the State of Virginia, where they learn anything to learn it perfect, people know that men from that State are hard to defeat, as Washington, with an untrained set of men, defeated the British.  Joseph H. Caskie.

The third announce of premiums awarded to Caskie appeared on November 3, 1859 in The Highland Weekly News.  The Greenfield Fair.  The whole number of entries at the Greenfield Fair was 936.  Total receipts about $2800….The following premiums were awarded to citizens of Hillsboro and vicinity:…Best Daguerreotypes, J. H. Caskie, $1….

 Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him active in 1860 in Hillsboro.  Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 has him active between 1860 and 1865 in Hillsboro.