Tag Archives: Ambrotypist

H. Bisbee

Ambrotypes, Sphereotype, , , ,

H. Bisbee was recorded in the American Lancaster Gazette (Lancaster, Ohio.) in an advertisement that ran from March 11 to April 22, 1858. The date of the Advertisement recorded at the end of the ad is January 28, 1858.  There are a lot of voids in the newspapers that I had access to. The first issue started on February 15, (Volume 2, No. 41) and ran uninterrupted to December 27, 1855.  The only issues available in 1856 was between January 3 to February 28, and One issue on December 11. In 1857 there were only three issues available October 1 to 15.  In 1858 missing from the database were newspapers published between January 7 to March 4, September 28 and October 7 and 14.  In 1859 there were only two issues missing March 31 and May 19.

In looking through Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Ohio Photographers 1839-1900, H. Bisbee is not recorded.  Albert Bisbee is recorded in both books and an A. Bisbee is recorded in Ohio Photographers (possibly same person.)  Albert Bisbee was active in Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland and Zanesville.  Albert Bisbee and Y. Day patented the Sphereotype on May 27, 1856. It is unknown if H. is a typo or if H. is a relative.

Fifty Cent Pictures Going Off By The Dozen At Bisbee’ Ambrotype & Sphereotype “One Horse Side-Light Rooms,” which Have Not Proved a Failure Yet, But are open Daily at the Corner of Main and Columbus Streets, (rooms formerly occupied as an Ice-Cream Saloon, Where the citizens and inhabitants of the surrounding country are invited to call and examine our “Side-Light” Pictures, and compare them with those made at the two horse ‘Sky-Light Gallery.’

We have just received from New York, A Large Supply of Cases, of all qualities and prices, and are now prepared to furnish all who wish, with an Ambrotype Likeness, cheaper than the cheapest.  We also own the exclusive right to make (what the two horse “sky-light” professor calls “our new style pictures.” better known throughout the United States and Europe, as “Bisbee’s Patent Sphereotype.” the most durable and beautiful of all pictures, each of which, when properly finished, has the Patent Stamp on the mat, and no stealing or infringing on others rights.

We are also willing to furnish the Prof. with any number of “pictures” made by our own individual self, at our “One-horse small window side light rooms” that he may use as specimens, to assist in “getting up a reputation for him,” to bring him up even, so that we can trot along together, “It is really a wonder that our friend” did not think of this scheme himself a long time ago, it would have saved him the expense of circulating so many bills every month, making “a great cry, and little” pictures.  We would recommend that he examine the (Patent) “Law’ more carefully to which he has reference, and there he will see why the Patent stamp is a proper finish, and also the consequences of not finishing properly.—

As to his right to make the Sphereotype he has just the same to rob a bank, provided some shrewd boy should sell him printed instructions (for one dollar) how to do it; we also advise him (for his sake) to throw no more stones at “small windows” while he has so “large ones exposed, of which he boasts.—Those wishing a “Genuine Sphereotype” or perfect” Ambrotype” can obtain them at our rooms, at half the price for which they are sold at the two-horse “Sky-Light gallery” and better pictures than he dare make.  Lancaster, January 28, 1858.  H. Bisbee.

William W. Bingham

Ambrotypes, Lettertypes, Melainotypes, , ,

William W. Bingham was recorded in The Chenango American (Greene, New York) in an advertisement that ran from August 4 to December 29, 1859.  Ambrotypes, Melanotypes and Patent Leather Pictures.  The subscriber respectfully informs the citizens of this village and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms over Drs. Wood’s Drug Store, where he is prepared to furnish Pictures, that cannot fail to please. Persons desirous of obtaining a Good Life-Like Picture, can now have an opportunity, as the subscriber has spared neither pains nor expense in making himself proficient in the business.  He feels confident that he is able to furnish his patrons with Pictures that cannot be surpassed.

Life is uncertain, and should an all wise Providence remove any of your friends from the scenes of earth, it would be a sweet satisfaction to be able to look on their countenances.  Hence lose no time.  Pictures of deceased persons taken correctly.  Persons desirous of obtaining duplicates of which they have already on their possession can be accommodated.  Your patronage is solicited.

N. B.—Particular attention paid to taking children’s portraits.  Wm. W. Bingham, Artist.

William W. Bingham does not appear in other photographic directories consulted.

James V. Bergen

Ambrotypes, ,

In an advertisement which ran from May 24 to July 19, 1859  in the Long Island Farmer, and Queens County Advertiser (Jamaica, New York.)  Ambrotypes At A Low Price.  The subscriber, having fitted up Rooms expressly for Ambrotypes, is now prepared to furnish Likenesses of the very best quality, and at prices as low as any establishment in the Country, or in the World.  Knowing that his success must depend upon his work, he is determined to send out Pictures that will far surpass the average made in New York city.  His light is a Sky-Light and Side-Light Combined.  By this arrangement he hopes to retain the advantages of both, without the defects of either.

N. B.—No Picture finished until pronounced satisfactory. Especial care taken with children‘s portraits. Rooms in Fulton, two doors west of Washington St.  James V. Bergen.

Bergen does not appear in any other photographic directories that I have consulted.

Benson & Wright

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

Benson & Wright were recorded in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri) in an announcement on January 15, 1857.  Improved Ambrotypes.  Messrs. Benson & Wright, Ambrotypist, have opened a Gallery on First Street, opposite the Post Office, where they are prepared, with “Heaven’s own light,” to produce facsimiles of features and form, of all who will give them a call.  Their specimens are the best that we have seen, and those desiring a good likeness should call early as their stay is Limited.  Mr. Benson is one of the best operators in the country, having had long experience, which combined with his good taste, places him at the head of his profession.  He has some entirely new, and beautiful improvements.

On January 22, 1857 in the same newspaper another announcement appears.  Superb Ambrotypes.  We are not in the habit of puffing everyone and everything, but when we see those engaged in any business or profession who really deserve it, we take great pleasure in recommending them to the public.  Prof. Benson and Dr. Wright (We add the Prof. and Dr. to keep up with the times), Ambrotypist, are of the latter class, and we can cheerfully recommend them to all who want good pictures:  As they will remain only a few days longer, we advise our friends, if they want true likenesses of themselves, to call soon, for an opportunity like the present, does not often occur.—We had thought, when we commenced this article, that we would give a description of their pictures, but we feel confident that we could not do them justice.  Suffice to say there is life, beauty and perfection in their productions, that we have never seen equaled in Photography.  Then go and see for yourselves, and we are satisfied you will not leave without your likeness.  Gallery opposite the Post Office, where they are prepared to take miniatures, at all times, regardless of the weather.

Where no first names are associated with the announcements it is just speculation to associate them with other known photographers.  Both Benson and Wright are not recorded in other photographic directories nor have I been able to connect them through my research.   I do have some possible candidates but it is only speculation until further research can be found.  W. Benson and W. B. Benson are both listed in the early 1850’s.  They possibly are the same person but only further research can answer that question.  John Craig does list W. Benson in his registry in 1851 in Boonville, Missouri without an address.  Likewise Marcus Wright was recorded in the Illinois And Missouri State Directory for 1854-1855, but no further records or advertisements have been found.

Benson, W.                                                                                                                                                        1850                Over J. C. Davis old Store, Glasgow, Missouri.                                                      1851                Court House, Fayette, Missouri.                                                                                  1851                Address Unknown, Boonville, Missouri.[1]

Benson, W. B.                                                                                                                                          1852                Rooms at the Glasgow House, Glasgow, Missouri.                                                  1853                Rooms in the Female Seminary, Glasgow, Missouri.                                                1853                Court House, Huntsville, Missouri.

Wright, Marcus                                                                                                                                          1854                105 Market, St. Louis, Missouri.

[1] Information from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry

Samuel N. Benedict

Ambrotypes, Cameotype, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotype, , , , , , , ,

Samuel N. Benedict is recorded twice in Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York), in the partnership of House & Benedict.  They are first listed in an announcement by the editors of the newspaper and second in an advertisement that ran from June 3 to September 23, 1857.   In the announcement we learn that they came from Elmira, New York. To date no  newspapers from Elmira have been searched.

Attention is invited to the advertisement of House & Benedict, which may be found in this paper.  They are recently from Elmira, where they had established a reputation as first rate artists.  They take all kinds of pictures—Daguerreotypes Ambrotypes, Melanotypes and Cameotypes in superior style.  They have taken the rooms recently occupied by Mrs. McAllaster.

House & Benedict’s Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype and Cameotype Rooms.  House & Benedict (formerly of, Elmira) having purchased the Rooms previously occupied by Mrs. McAllaster, over Suydam’s Grocery Store on Main st., Penn Yan, beg leave to call the attention of the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, to the new and Superior Style of Pictures taken by them.  They are now prepared to take Pictures of nearly every kind, such as Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Ambrotype, Sphereotype, Cameotype, Transfer Pictures, etc., which are warranted not to fade.

The Melainotype, or Iron Picture, receives universal commendation by all who have examined their superior qualities.

Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., Filled with neatness and dispatch, either with Daguerreotype or Melainotype.  A large variety of Fancy Cases, Frames, &c., constantly on hand, and at Moderate Prices.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.—Sphereotype, Cameotype, Transfer Pictures taken only at this Gallery.  Instructions given in the Art, and Apparatus furnished if desired.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens, whether wishing a Picture or not.  Pictures copied with neatness.            Tho’s J. B. House.  Sam’l N. Benedict.

Craig Daguerreian Registry does have an entry for Samuel N. Benedict, and there has been no connection found to suggest a connection to N. Benedict even though there is a possibility they could be the same person.  John does have an entry for T. J. B. House in Penn Yan and Milo, New York in 1859.

Bellows & Bosworth

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

Bellows and Bosworth are recorded in an advertisement in the Orleans Independent Standard (Irasburgh, Vermont) dated April 16, 1858.

Ambrotypes!  Messrs. Bellows & Bosworth, the eminent Daguerrean Artist’s, are in Irasburgh, where they will remain for a few days only.  Those wishing for correct likenesses would do well to call soon.

In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry John list a Noyes Bosworth, daguerreian in Pharsalia, New York in 1859, but does not have an entry for Bellows.   See tomorrow’s blog for Henry S. Bellows…active in New York in 1850-1851.  At this time no connection can be made to determine their identity.

R. S. Baraclow

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , , ,

A new advertisement found that sheds light on a previously blogged photographer named Barkelow who on July 12, 1854 with other Daguerreotypist was arrested on complaint of practicing their business on Sundays.  In other sources Barkelow’s name is spelled differently.

In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.  Barcalo—A really good artist. His ambrotypes are excellent.  I believe he has a large run of custom.  This is a very good criterion to judge by.

In an advertisement in the New York Daily Tribune dated January 30, 1858 the following advertisement appears.  To Photographic Artists.—For sale, one-half of the entire interest in Barcalow & Hope’s Two Galleries, No. 76 and 80 Bowery, New York.  This is a rare chance to secure a first-class business place.  Possession given April 1, or sooner if desired.  For particulars apply personally or by letter to G. W. Hope, No. 80 Bowery, New York.

And in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry John identifies him as R. S. Baraclow. With the activity dates of 1850-1857.  From 1850–1855 at 80 Bowery, 1854-1855 in partnership with S. T. Reed at 132 Bowery, in 1855-1856 at 80 & 132 Bowery, and in 1857 at 80 Bowery, in 1857-1858 in partnership with George W. Hope. George W. Hope is recorded as being at 76 & 80 Bowery, New York from 1857 to 1860.

Which spelling is correct?  Since John did not list a variant spelling in his work I will also use R. S. Baraclow as the main entry but will also reference the other spellings.

Julian Vannerson

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

I have recently rechecked The Photographic and Fine Art Journal, December 1857 issue for the source of Vannerson working for McClees in Washington D. C.   For background, I have added the first advertisement for James E. McClees in Washington, D. C. from the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) October 23, 1857.

New Gallery of Art.  No. 308 Pennsylvania Avenue, (over Davis’s Piano Store.) The subscriber, induced by his success in Philadelphia, and the numerous orders he receives from this section of the country, has opened a first-class gallery in this city for the production of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes and Photographs, affording the citizens of Washington and the public an opportunity of procuring as fine a work as is made in New York or Paris.

Portraits in Oil, from Life or Daguerreotypes; and Photographs finished in India Ink, Crayon, and Natural Colors, by a distinguished Parisian artist, engaged expressly for this establishment.

Persons residing at a distance wishing to have Daguerreotypes enlarged and painted can send them (with description of person) and have them accurately copied, and returned by express.   All likenesses are guaranteed, and an examination of specimens is solicited.  J. E. McClees, Photographer, 308 Pennsylvania avenue, 626 Chestnut street, Philadelphia.

Entry from the Photographic and Fine Art Journal.  Washington Galleries.  Washington November 5, 1857.

Mr. James McCleese of Philadelphia, has opened his new gallery below the Kirkwood House.  His operator is Samuel A. Cohner, Esq., a practical chemist of some notoriety; he is very successful in all of his operations.  I was shown many of his beautiful plain photographs, that in tone and sharpness were exquisite.  But ‘tis just like Mr. McC., he never has any body about who does not fully understand his business.  His gallery is one of the finest in Washington, and the many water colored pictures that are adorning his walls, speak highly for the business.  His artists is a man of the first order and paints with unusual rapidity.  Mr. Vannerson is the agent is the agent of Mr. McClesse’s gallery, and for the length of time he has resided in Washington, no man is more capable of doing the agreeable in securing the public patronage.  This gallery will do a large share of the business the coming winter.  I fully predict a brilliant career for them, and well they deserve it.  By the time your next number appears, I hope to be able to speak more of this gallery.                             J. R. J.

 

Monroe L. Battel

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

Monroe L. Battel, 371 Broadway was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York.) on January 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

M. L. Battel—Here again we encounter the artist. The ambrotypes are excellent. The photographs are worthy of much praise. The gallery is very pleasant and tastefully arranged.

First name and address are from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  Even thou M. L. Battel is a known name and activity dates are also known.  I have included names that were listed in the article because of the firsthand account of the author’s description of the gallery and the quality of the photographs on exhibit.

J. L. Bartholomee

Ambrotypes, ,

J. L. Bartholomee was recorded in The Opelousas Patriot (Opelousas, Louisiana) on October 18, 1856. The advertisement ran from October 18, 1856 to January 3, 1857.

New Style Of Likenesses!—Ambrotypes!  Daguerreotypes Superseded!  There is a softness and 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 J. L. Bartholomee, Opelousas Varieties.

J. L. Bartholomee is previously unrecorded in photographic directories and histories that I have checked.