Tag Archives: Barnstable Massachusetts

Lowden, Benjamin F.

1855                94½ Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1856                94½ Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.[1]

1856                Address Unknown, New Bedford, Massachusetts.1

1860                Address Unknown, Fall River, Massachusetts.2

1860                Address Unknown, Barnstable/Hyannis, Massachusetts.1

1855 May 30.  The Daily Evening Standard.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  May 30, 1855, Vol. VI, No. 89, P. 2.

New Daguerrian Rooms.  The subscriber respectfully begs leave to inform the inhabitants of New Bedford, that he has opened a Daguerrian Room, at No. 94½ Union st., over E. S. Cannon & Co’s. Hat Store.  Having had several years’ practice in the above art, he feels confident that pictures made by him cannot be surpassed in elegance of style or finish, by any operator in this city.  Particular attention paid to taking correct likenesses of children; also, to copying daguerreotype, paintings or engravings.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens. 

P. S. Perfect satisfaction guaranteed.  B. F. Lowden.  ap16.

1857 August 7.  The New Bedford Mercury.  (New Bedford, Massachusetts.)  August 7, 1857, Vol. LI, No. 1, P. 1.

The Daguerreotype Art.—The public are not generally aware of the amount of skill, and judgement, required to produce a good picture in this comparatively new and valuable department of the fine arts.  A correct likeness of a near and dear friend, is one of the most valuable of possessions; and on the other hand, an untrue picture is exceedingly repulsive.  We wish the correct lineaments of our friend’s face, and nothing more or less.  To ensure this [ a ] thorough knowledge, and long practice in the art is required.

Great improvement has been made in this art since its discovery, and it has now arrived to a degree of perfection, which its most sanguine admires little expected a few years ago.

Among the enterprising young men who adopted this new and tasteful pursuit, Mr. Chs. E. Hawes, who has been for sixteen years engaged in it in New Bedford, was one of the earliest.  From a long intimacy with the art, Mr. Hawes has become one of the most skillful and successful artists in this country; in fact, we know of no one more so.  His likenesses in Ambrotype are the most elegant and artistic of any we have seen—they stand out like medallions, and the likeness has a most impressive and life like effect.  No artist, so far as the writer of this notice is aware, has paid so much attention to the light and shade of his pictures—so that the right complexion of the person shall be represented, and a soft and agreeable tone given to the likeness.

Many people suppose that any person can take a good likeness.  This is by no means the case.  Great care and skill are required, not only in the taking the likeness, but in the chemical operation thereafter, to develop the picture.  The greatest care, attention, and skill, and herein imperatively necessary.

In all these most important requisions (sic.) Mr. Hawes has for many years shown himself highly qualified.  We do not hesitate to say, that his pictures will bear a favorable comparison with those of the best artist in this or any other land.

Mr. Hawes is a native of Framingham, Mass., and with true New England sagacity, became one of the earliest to interest himself in his art.  Himself and a brother, both farmers, and mechanics, started with a machine of their own construction at West Cambridge—thence our fellow townsman went to Northampton, Greenfield, and other places having obtained from every reliable source, all the information that could be afforded in Boston and New York, by the advocates of Mons. Daguerre’s discovery.  In the year 1841, Mr. Hawes came to New Bedford, and during his sixteen years experience has devoted himself unremittingly to his profession.  Mr. Hawes attends personally to his business, assisted by Mr. Lowden, one of the most faithful and intelligent operators in the business.

In conclusion we would state as a matter of justice to this excellent artist, as well as the public. That Mr. H. not only was the first to introduce the Daguerreotype into New Bedford, but also that elegant and improved style of the art, the Ambrotype.  In this department of his business he took the First Prize at the Bristol Co. Fair two years since.

1857 May 19.  Barnstable Patriot.  (Barnstable, Massachusetts.)  May 19, 1857, Vol. XXVII, No. 48, P. 3.

Marriages.  In Falmouth, 10th inst., by Rev. Mr. Hooker, Mr. Benjamin F. Lowden, of New Bedford, to Miss Eunice E. Bourne, of Falmouth.

1858 June 8.  Barnstable Patriot.  (Barnstable, Massachusetts.)  June 8, 1848, Vol. XXVIII, No. 51, P. 2.

A Large Eel.—An Eel was caught in “Tim Nye’s pond” in Falmouth, on Wednesday, 26th, by Benjamin F. Lowden of the following dimensions: 3½ feet in length, 9 inches in girth, and weighed 9½ pounds.  


[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry

Briggs, Jesse

1853                Address Unknown, Barnstable, Massachusetts.[1]

1856                30 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.1 

1856-1862       123 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

1860-1866       Address Unknown, Chelsea, Massachusetts.1

1867                137 Broadway, Chelsea, Massachusetts.1

1868-1870       139 Broadway, Chelsea, Massachusetts.1

1871                Address Unknown, Chelsea, Massachusetts.1

1872-1873       182 Broadway, Chelsea, Massachusetts.1

1874-1882       Address Unknown, Chelsea, Massachusetts.1

1853 March 4.  Yarmouth Register.  (Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.)  March 4, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 13, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.—Our friends in Barnstable will do well to give Mr. Briggs a call.  He is a superior artist, and has taken a great many portraits with good success, in this place.

1853 March 11.  Yarmouth Register.  (Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.)  March 11, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 14, P. 3. 

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  “These beautiful representations of the human face, traced by Nature’s own hand in beams of Light, are ever the most pleasing remembrances of kindred and friends.”

The subscriber will be at Barnstable, for a few weeks, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Miniatures of various qualities and prices.  Single, or in groups, in any kind of weather, and warranted not to change or fade.

His Pictures will be executed in the highest style of the art, and neatly set in cases, frames, lockets, rings. Pins, bracelets, &c.

He has been at great pains to investigate and apply scientifically the chemical principles of this wonderful art, and to furnish himself with apparatus of the greatest perfection.

His saloon being furnished with both sky light and side light, he can give to his Miniatures any variety of light and shade desirable.

Portraits, Daguerreotypes, Paintings, or Engravings of any kind, copied, buildings and landscapes taken, and deceased or sick persons taken at their residence if desired.

The most suitable time for young children is between the hours of 11 and 2, of clear weather.  J. Briggs.

1856.  History of Boston, From 1630 to 1856.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  P. 50.

Ambrotype Gallery, 123 Washington Street, Boston.  Jesse Briggs.

The “Ambrotype,” (unchanging, &c.) Is taken upon fine plate glass; an indestructible cement is then poured upon the picture, and another plate of glass pressed upon it.  The cement soon hardens, and the two plates in effect become one, with the picture in the centre, as permanent as the glass itself, and will remain unchanged for ages.  They can be taken in one quarter the time of Daguerreotypes, and of any size They are not reversed; can be seen in any light: hence are very suitable for frames, lockets, and pins.  Daguerreotypes can be copied in this permanent style, either larger or smaller than the originals.

Rights For Sale, And instructions given, in Cutting’s Patent Ambrotype and Mezzograph Process.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  The only place in Washington Street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, is at Briggs & Knapp, 123.

Advertisement ran from March 20 to April 17, 1856.

1856 March 22.  New Hampshire Statesman.  (Concord, New Hampshire.)  March 22, 1856, Vol. XXXV, No.1815, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  The only place in Washington Street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, is at Briggs & Knapp, 123.

Advertisement ran from March 22 to April 26, 1856.

1856 March 26.  The Middlebury Register.  (Middlebury, Vermont.)  March 26, 1856, Vol.  XX, No. 49, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  The only place in Washington Street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, is at Briggs & Knapp, 123.

Advertisement ran from March 10 to June 14, 1856.

1856 March 27.  Rockland Gazette.  (Rockland, Maine.)  March 27, 1856, Vol. 11, No. 13, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  The only place in Washington Street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, is at Briggs & Knapp, 123.

Advertisement ran from March 27 to April 17, 1856.

1856 May 10.  Vermont Phoenix.  (Brattleboro, Vermont.)  May 10, 1856, New Series—Vol.  2, No. 19, P. 4.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  The only place in Washington Street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, is at Briggs & Knapp, 123.

Advertisement ran from May 10 to June 14, 1856.

1856 May 15.  Green-Mountain Freeman.  (Montpelier, Vermont.)  May 15, 1856, Vol. XIII, No. 21, P. 3.  New Series No. 21.

We refer any of our readers in want of a genuine Ambrotype to the advertisement of J. Briggs, in another column,—being the only place on the Street where the genuine are taken.

1856 May 15.  Green-Mountain Freeman.  (Montpelier, Vermont.)  May 15, 1856, Vol. XIII, No. 21, P. 3.  New Series No. 21.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  The only place, on Washington street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained is at J. Briggs.  123.

1856 June 13.  Vermont State Banner.  (Benningham, Vermont.)  June 13, 1856, Vol. XVI, No. 15, Whole No. 795, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  The only place, on Washington street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained is at J. Briggs.  123.

Advertisement ran from June 13 to July 11, 1856.

1856 September 18.  Dover Enquirer.  (Dover, New Hampshire.)  September 18, 1856, Vol. XXX, No. 17, P. 3

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington St., Boston, The only place on the street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, J. Briggs, (Successor to J. H. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran from March 20 to April 17, 1856.

1856 September 19.  Vermont State Banner.  (Benningham, Vermont.)  September 19, 1856, Vol. XVI, No. 29, Whole No. 809, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington St., Boston, The only place on the street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, J. Briggs, (Successor to J. H. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran from September 19 to October 17, 1856.

1856 September 25.  Green-Mountain Freeman.  (Montpelier, Vermont.)  September 25, 1856, Vol. XIII, No. 40, P. 3.  New Series No. 40.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington street Boston.  Only place, on Washington street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained.  J. Briggs, (successor to J. A. Cutting.)

1856 September 26.  Ellsworth American.  (Ellsworth, Maine.)  September 26, 1856, Vol. II, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington street Boston.  Only place, on Washington street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained.  J. Briggs, (successor to J. A. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran from September 26 to November 14, 1856.

1856 October 1.  Bellows Falls Times.  (Bellows Falls, Vermont.)  October 1, 1856, Vol. 1, No. 9, P. 4.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington street Boston.  Only place, on Washington street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained.  J. Briggs, (successor to J. A. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran from October 1 to 22, 1856.

1856 October 2.  National Eagle. (Claremont, New Hampshire.)  October 2, 1856, Vol. XXII, No. 51, P. 2.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington street Boston.  Only place, on Washington street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained.  J. Briggs, (successor to J. A. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran from October 2 to October 16, 1856.

1856 October 4.  New Hampshire Statesman.  (Concord, New Hampshire.)  October 4, 1856, Vol. XXXVI, No. 1844, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes, 123 Washington St., Boston.  The only place, on the street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained.  J. Briggs, (successor to J. A. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran five times from October 4 to November 29, 1856.

1856 November 4.  Christian Mirror.  (Portland, Maine.)  November 4, 1856, Vol. XXXV, No. 14, Whole No. 1782, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington St., Boston.  The only place, on the street, where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained.  J. Briggs, (successor to J. A. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran from November 4 to December 2, 1856.

1856 November 7.  Vermont State Banner.  (Benningham, Vermont.)  November 7, 1856, Vol. XVI, No. 36, Whole No. 816, P. 3.

Cutting’s Patent Ambrotypes.  123 Washington St., Boston, The only place on the street where these unrivalled pictures can be obtained, J. Briggs, (Successor to J. H. Cutting.)

Advertisement ran from November 7 to December 12, 1856.


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

J. Winslow Hacker

1856                Address Unknown, Barnstable, Massachusetts.[1]

1856                Address Unknown, Hyannis, Massachusetts.1

1856                Address Unknown, West Dennis, Massachusetts.1

1856                Address Unknown, Chatham, Massachusetts1

1857                Address Unknown, West Barnstable, Massachusetts.1

1857                Address Unknown, Sandwich, Massachusetts.1

1859                Address Unknown, Pike Peak, Colorado.1

J. Winslow Hacker the information below come from nine broadsides in Harvey Zucker’s Collection.  The first has N. D.  Daguerreotypes For One Dollar! Can be had at J. W. Hacker’s Splendid Saloon, For a short time only, as he will remain in town about two weeks, to accommodate those that are in want of a good Daguerreotype.  Having had long experience and constant practice with one of the best operators in the N. E. States, he deems it no arrogance to assert that Pictures taken by him for distinctness of outline, clearness of the eyes, and artistical arrangement of position, which is so indispensable to a really valuable Daguerreotype, contrast favorably with those hard and flat Pictures formerly produced, and which are now so often palmed upon the unsuspecting public.—All that wish to obtain a true likeness of themselves, or friends, are invited to call and examine, for the best guarrantee of the superority of his Pictures is an examination of his work.

Saloon open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.

Pictures taken equally as well, either in clear or cloudy weather.

P. S. A large assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases constantly on hand, and for sale as cheap as can be purchased in Boston.

N. B. This Saloon is located near the Patriot Office.

The second is dated April 1856.  J. W. Hacker, Would, while returning thanks to his friends and the public, inform them that he will remain One Week Longer, To accommodate those that are in want of a Picture Taken by Him.  The best guarantee of the superiority of his work, is an examination of his Pictures.  Please call and compare them with those taken by other operators.

Having just received a good assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases,

He would invite all that are wishing to purchase Gold Lockets to call and examine his before purchasing elsewhere.

Rooms open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.  Small Children, from 10 A. M. until 2 P. M.

P. S.—Pictures taken equally well either in clear or cloudy weather

N. B.—Remember that he closes his Saloon Saturday, May 3d, and will remove to Barnstable 

The third is dated July 25, 1856.  Notice! Notice!  The subscriber, grateful for the liberal patronage he has received, would respectfully inform his friends and the public that he has re-opened his Saloon, and will remain but a short time to accommodate those that are in want of good Pictures.

His work needs no recommendation.  Call and see.  He will take nice pictures which he will warrant to give satisfaction, for the low price on one dollar.

N. B.  Having received a new assortment of Cases of all kinds, he would invite all to call immediately, as his time is limited.

Rooms open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.

Small Children from 10 A. M. to 3 P. M.  J. W. Hacker.  Hyannis, July 25th, 1856.

The fourth broadsided is dated September 1856.  Rare Chance To Get Good Pictures!  J. W. Hacker, Would, in returning thanks to his friends and the public for their past liberal patronage, inform them that he will stop Two Weeks At West Dennis, (Near the Meeting House,) to accommodate those who are desirous of obtaining a good Daguerreotype.

He deems it unnecessary to call the attention of the public to the many recommendations which he has received, but would invite them to an examination of his work, which is the best guarantee of the superiority of his Pictures.

P. S.—Remember that he closes his Saloon at West Dennis Sept. 27th.

Saloon open from 8 A. M. until 5 P. M.  Small Children from 10 A. M. until 2 P. M.

A good assortment of Gold Lockets and Fancy Cases on hand.

The fifth broadside is dated November 1856.  One week Only.  J. W. Hacker, Would while returning thanks to his friends and the public for their past liberal patronage, inform them that he will remain One Week longer Only, To Accommodate Those That Are In Want Of Good Pictures.

Surprising art, by which we lend,

Our countenance to an absent friend,

Or at the close of life’s eventful career,

Leave a memento for those we hold dear.

Next Thursday will be Thanksgiving Day,

Some meet for sport and others to pray,

But Hacker will his favorite art pursue,

To save the shadow of the noble crew.

For a holiday gift of all the rest,

A type of yourself is surely the best;

Then hie for Hacker’s Daguerrean Saloon,

And get your Picture in a Case or Locket fine.

Rooms open from 9 A. M., until 4 P. M.

P. S.  Pictures taken equally well either in clear or cloudy weather.

The best guarantee of the superiority of his work, is an examination of his pictures.  N. B.  Remember that he closes his Saloon Saturday the 29th, and moves to Chatham, Monday, December 1st.

The sixth broadside is dated April 1857.  A Good chance To get Pictures taken equally as well as those taken by the best Artist in the city.

J. W. Hacker, Would inform his friends and the public of West Barnstable, that he has located his Saloon Near the Depot, where he will remain Two Weeks Only, to accommodate those that are in want of Pictures taken by him.

Having had long experience and constant practice with one of the best operators in the New England States, he deems it no arrogance to assert that Pictures taken by him for distinctness of outline, clearness of the eyes, and the artistical arrangement of position, which is so indispensable to a really valuable Daguerreotype, contrast favorably with those hard and flat Pictures formerly produced and which are now so often palmed upon the unsuspecting public.

All that wish to obtain a true likeness of themselves or friends are invited to call and examine specimens, for he feels confident that a close examination of his Pictures will satisfy the most incredulous of the superiority of his work.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  Call soon, as he positively closes the 11th of April.

Rooms open from 9 A. M. ‘till 5 P. M.

Pictures taken equally well either in clear or cloudy weather, a good assortment of Fancy Cases & Gold Lockets on hand.

An early call is solicited.

The seventh broadside is dated April 15, 1857.  Hacker Is in Town! With his Splendid Saloon, and will remain Two Weeks Only, to accommodate those that are in want of a good Pictures.—Mr. Hacker would while returning thanks to his friends and the public for their past liberal patronage, inform them that this is positively the last chance to get pictures taken by him, as this is his last stopping place on the Cape.

P. S.  Pictures taken for the low price of 75 cts. And upwards, including case.  His work needs no recommendations; but call and see for yourself.  Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  An early call is solicited, as his time is limited to two weeks only, closing Thursday, April 30th,

Rooms open from 9 A. M., until 5 P. M.  Pictures taken in clear or cloudy weather.

A good assortment of Fancy Cases & Gold Lockets For sale cheap, as he is selling out.

Sandwich, April 15, 1857.

The eighth broadside is dated April 1859.  Pike’s Peak.  By a letter just received from Kansas I am correctly informed that the best Gold Diggings are on the Cherry Creek, and the best route is by way of Ft. Riley; and up the smokey Hill River.

All who are anxious to go would do well to call and get their Pictures taken as mementoes for their friends.  Mr. Hacker having had eight years experience, and constant practice, with some of the best operators in New England, such as Masury & Silsbee, Ormsby & Ells [sic.] (Ellis) of Boston, and Manchester & Bro., Providence R. I., feels it no arrogance to assert that pictures taken by him, for distinction of outline, depth and purity of tone and artistical arrangement of position which is so indispensible to a really valuable Portrait, cannot be surpassed by any in the States.

Prices—Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Ferreotypes, Papyrotypes, Ambrotypes, and Patent Leather Pictures, from 25 cents upwards.

Daguerreotypes $1.25, and upwards; Photographs $3.00 and upwards, for first copy.  Duplicates furnished at reduced prices.  Fancy cases and Gold Lockets on hand.

N. B.  Remember, that hacker leaves here the first of May, and will positively close April 30th 1859.

J. Winslow Hacker is not recorded in other photographic directories.  According to the genealogy provide by Harvey.  J. Winslow Hacker learned daguerreotyping from his brother Francis Hacker on Cape Cod.


[1] Broadsides from Harvey Zucker’s collection.