1851-1854 Rooms in Champion Buildings, nearly opposite the Eagle Tavern, Batavia, New York.
1854 Rooms in the Cobble Stone Block, Batavia, New York.
1854-1855 Bruen’s Block, Madison, Wisconsin.
1855-1857 6 Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin.
1857 McKey’s New Block, Madison, Wisconsin.
N. D. The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary Of Artist In America 1564-1860. (New Haven, Connecticut & London, England.) P. 353.
Johnson, C. A. Amateur topographical artist of Blooming Grove (Wis.). His “First House built in Madison” was hung in the Wisconsin Historical Society between 1857 and 1859.
1851 July 29. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) July 29, 1851, Vol. 33, No. 7, P. 3.
Look! Look! Mr. C. A. Johnson, Daguerrean Artists, and teacher of Drawing, having opened rooms in the Champion Buildings, Nearly opposite the Eagle Tavern, in the village of Batavia, where he designs making his future home; is solicitous of pleasing the people of the village and surrounding county, by making up All kinds of Faces In all kinds of weather, and on the shortest notice; with a confidence also of giving entire satisfaction, even to the most fastidious. Gentlemen and Ladies, and the Children, are invited to call and examine the pictures.
Mr. J. wishes to purchase a few acres of good land together with comfortable buildings, &c., within ½ or ¾ of a mile of the village.
Advertisement ran from July 29, 1851 to January 20, 1852.
1851 October 14. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) October 14, 1851, Vol. 33, No. 18, P. 3.
Photographic. O. B. Evans, Proprietor of the London Premium Daguerrean Gallery, Buffalo, will open rooms for a few days at Mr. C. A. Johnson’s new sky-light Gallery, in Batavia. Mr. E. trusts his reputation is too well established to require any comment. All persons wishing pictures taken by him, must be ready as soon as his rooms are ready for business.
Specimens can be seen at Mr. Johnson’s Rooms.
The above is a cut of a Silver Medal awarded by the late State Fair, at Rochester, and the sixth premium in the last ten years.
Advertisement ran from October 14 to December 30, 1851.
1852 January 6. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) January 6, 1852, Vol. 33, No. 30, P. 3.
Photographic. O. B. Evans would most respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Batavia and vicinity, that he is now prepared to wait upon all who may please favor him with a call. His sojourn will be limited to one week. Rooms at Mr. Johnson’s Gallery.
1852 February 10. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) February 10, 1852, Vol. 33, No. 35, P. 3.
Batavia Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery. C. A. Johnson, would take occasion to offer his sincere thanks to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Batavia and vicinity, for the encouragement, and very liberal patronage bestowed upon him since he has been [a] humble resident of this, our pleasant little village.—Prompted by the correct taste, and increasing good judgment of our citizens as regards the proper light for making the best Photographic impressions, we have been induced to venture the expense of fitting up a fine Sky-light, and in addition, have purchased a large, or full size instrument, of the latest and most approved style, together with all the necessary apparatus for executing any size Daguerreotypes, from the largest down to the smallest miniatures, in lockets, pins and rings, in a style unsurpassed by any artists in the State.
Those of our Patrons in the village, or country, who wish full size pictures, and wish to sustain an artist in Batavia, will confer a great favor, and at the same time save a few dollars, by giving him a call, before going to the city, where they pay more rent than we do, and expect greater profits. Batavia, Feb. 9, 1852.
Advertisement ran from February 10, 1852 to March 28, 1854.
1852 May 18. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) May 18, 1852, Vol. 33, No. 49, P. 3.
To The Ladies. The Subscriber has just received an assortment of fine Gold Lockets And Pins, for Daguerreotypes, which he will sell at greatly reduced prices.
Please call and examine. C. A. Johnson.
Advertisement ran from May 18, 1852 to March 21, 1854.
1852 September 21. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) September 21, 1852, Vol. 34, No. 15, P. 3.
Wanted. A Persevering and industrious young man of steady habits, who has some experience in the Daguerrean Art, or who wishes to engage in the business to take charge of a splendid traveling Daguerrean Car, which is expected to be in readiness about the 1st of Nov. next. C. A. Johnson.
1853 October 25. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) October 25, 1853, Vol. 35, No. 20, P. 2.
From the Genesee County Whig.
Cattle Show and fair. This was the 14th annual Fair and was, beyond a question, the greatest fair ever held in the county….
The following are the official report of the awards of premiums…Mechanic Arts….
The committee would recommend a discretionary premium to C. A. Johnson, for very fine specimens of paintings and daguerreotypes, very finely executed.
1853 November 8. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) November 8, 1853, Vol. 35, No. 22, P. 3.
Removal. Batavia Book Bindery. The subscriber would respectfully call the attention of the citizens of Batavia and surrounding country, that he has again removed his Book-Binding into the Champion Block, Second Story, (formerly occupied by C. A. Johnson’s Daguerreotype Gallery,) directly opposite of Ellicot Hall…
1854 March 28. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) March 28, 1854, Vol. 35, No. 42, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Likenesses.—C. A. Johnson, it will be seen by his advertisement, will continue to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses with neatness and dispatch until the first of June next. Having sold out his establishment to take effect at that time, all who desire to avail themselves of a good likeness from him must apply soon.
1854 March 28. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) March 28, 1854, Vol. 35, No. 42, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Notice. Having sold out our interest in the Daguerreotype business in this village, we would say to those who wish to get their Portraits taken this Spring and especially to those who have engaged large or small pictures of themselves or families, that we have only from now till the first of June, in which to do a large amount of work; and that our customers will find it to their advantage to call as soon as possible, for, toward the latter part of the time, we must, as a matter of course, be crowded with business. C. A. Johnson. Batavia, March 22, 1854.
Advertisement ran from March 28 to June 6, 1854.
1854 June 13. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) June 13, 1854, Vol. 36, No. 1, P. 3.
To The Public. Daguerreotypes. Knight Brothers, Would inform their friends and the public at large, that they have purchased of Mr. C. A. Johnson his entire right and interest in the Daguerrean Business of this village, together with his residence on Chestnut st., where they design making their future home.
We would also announce that we have removed the business to the spacious and most convenient suit of rooms which we have recently fitted up in the Cobble Stone Block. These rooms are furnished with a fine large Sky-Light, and instruments of superior power and finish, together with all such conveniences and facilities as the progress and size of the village seem to demand.
Having had a long and successful experience in the Daguerrean business in the Old Bay State, where the arts and sciences flourish like the “green bay tree,” and witnessing as we have in this village a just appreciation of Daguerre’s wonderful discovery, and the perfection to which it has been brought we have embarked in this enterprise with the full belief that by assiduous and unremitting efforts, we may merit and realize complete success.
Daguerreotypes taken in any style desired. Portraits and Daguerreotypes accurately copied.
We would also add that Mr. Johnson, our successful predecessor, may be found at our rooms for a few weeks to fulfill some previous engagements, and complete some unfinished work. H. D. Knight. Q. P. Knight.
I had advertised a short time since in a Circular That I had made up my mind to remain in business in this village, but another change as stated above has since taken place; and in retiring from the practice of the Daguerrean Art in this place, which is not without regret. I take pleasure in saying that the Messrs. Knight Brothers have every advantage and facility for giving entire satisfaction in their profession, and confidently hope the patronage heretofore so liberally bestowed upon me may be as liberally extended to them. C. A. Johnson. June 1854.
Advertisement ran from June 13 to July 18, 1854.
1854 June 13. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) June 13, 1854, Vol. 36, No. 1, P. 3.
First Call! Secure the Shadow ere the Substance fade. T. R. Walker & Co., Would respectfully announce to the inhabitants of Batavia and vicinity, that having purchased the Apparatus, Stock and Material in the Daguerreotype Business, lately owned by C. A. Johnson, and also having taken the rooms recently occupied by him in the Champion Block, where 5000 Pictures have been made and sold in the last three years, they are now prepared to continue the business, and to execute Likenesses in a superior manner and in every style of the art. Those wishing genuine pictures at a reasonable price will please give us a call, and we promise them entire satisfaction.
A good supply of Pins, Lockets, &c., kept constantly on hand.
Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.
Business hours from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.
Pictures of Children taken only in fair weather, and between the hours of 10 A. M. and 2 P. M. T. R. Walker & Co. T. R. Walker, Artist. Batavia, June 9, 1854.
Advertisement ran from June 13 to August 8, 1854.
1854 November 11. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) November 11, 1854, Vol. 1, No. 22, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes.—We called the other day upon Mr. Johnson, in his new Daguerrean Room in Bruen’s Block, fourth story, where we found not only a rare display of choice daguerreotypes, evidently the work of a master of his art, but also a goodly number of landscapes painted by Mr. Johnson, which evince the good taste in color and expression, and the correct eye of a true artist.
Mr. Johnson is a new comer, and brings with him, references of the highest order and commendations from the leading men in Batavia, where he formerly resided. We have the fullest confidence in him and would recommend him to such as wish their counterfeits taken. He may be found in his room at all business hours. Give him a call and satisfy yourselves.
1854 November 25. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) November 25, 1854, Vol. 1, No. 24, P. 3.
Madison Daguerreotype Gallery! Having located permanently in the truly beautiful town of Madison, where Nature has left nothing undone that could add to the beauties of landscape scenery: and where a just appreciation of the advantages of art, as well as of science, seems to be thoroughly implanted, and growing up in the midst of the people, especially, among those who possess that spirit of progress, and refinement so indispensibly [sic.] necessary in building up a great city, we therefore would say to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the town, and the public generally; that our rooms may be found in Bruen’s Block, 4th story, on the same floor as the Museum, (now being fitted up in superb style, with the numerous additions and improvements, where an hour may be very profitably spent in viewing a fair representation of the many natural productions and curiosities of the “Great West.”
In addition to a large and very high Side Light, for general use, we also have a splendid Sky-Light where groups of any number from five to fifty can be taken with perfect satisfaction.
Pictures of sick or deceased persons taken with great care. Also views of Landscapes and public or private buildings made to order. Possessing a full sett of the choicest instruments that the world affords, and other facilities to corresponds, together with a thorough practical experience, we are determined that no effort shall be wanting to make our gallery one of the First in the country, and hope to receive a liberal share of public patronage.—At this Gallery may also be found Daguerreotype stock, chemicals, instruments, and apparatus of all kinds belonging to the trade, and operators wishing to purchase are solicited to call and examine for themselves. C. A. Johnson.
Advertisement ran from November 23, 1854 To January 13, 1855.
1855 January 20. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) January 20, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 32, P. 2.
Madison Art.—We were shown yesterday a picture of Judge Atwood, taken by Mr. Johnson of this place, which for truthfulness of expression and artistic finish we have rarely seen equaled and which stamps Mr. J. as an artist of the first garde, Mr. J. speaks for himself in another column, giving some useful hints about the art which we invite attention.
1855 January 27. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) January 27, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 33, P. 1.
C. A. Johnson, Daguerreotypist, proposes to « dissolve the Union.” See his proclamation.
1855 February 17. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) February 17, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 36, P. 2.
A Fine Picture of a fine Fellow. We were shown the other day, a very large sized Daguerreotype Picture of Col. D. Atwood, by that celebrated Artist; C. A. Johnson, which for perfect execution, is seldom, if ever excelled. The Col, is naturally a “good looking” man, as well as a first rate “Jim-up” good fellow, as an intimate acquaintance of eight years enables us to decide; and the Artist has done him no injustice. But one fault we charge over to Col. D., and that is, his confounded politics, which, however, do not mar his picture.
1855 February 24. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) February 24, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 37, P. 3.
Johnson On Retiring From The Field. There is a certain proverb which reads: “Answer not a fool according to his folly lest thou also be like unto him.” But a little further on may also be found “Answer a fool according to his Lady lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
Not having suffered the penalty of disobedience in the former injunction, and unwilling to be guilty of the sin of omission in disregarding the requirements of the latter will be deemed a sufficient appology [sic.] for our undignified demeaner in our former “contributions to periodical literature.”
And as our friend of the daguerrean fraternity is becoming rampant, seeming to have exhausted all good nature on the subject, and the last “explosion” being decidedly insipid, and containing nothing worthy of notice, we now quietly retire from the field, to “stem the tide of life” in our own legitimate way, content that our friend should enjoy the last words provided always, that we have the last argument.
Advertisement was recorded from February 24 to April 21, 1855.
1855 March 17. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) March 17, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 40, P. 1.
State Historical Society. Stated Meeting, March, 6th, 1855. Gen. Wm. R. Smith in the Chair. Letters were received by Mr. Draper, the corresponding Secretary, From the following persons…
A framed daguerreotype of Gen. Wm. R. Smith, from C. A. Johnson, of Madison.
1855 July 21. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) July 21, 1855, Vol. 2, No. 7, P. 3.
….
Gold! Gold! Something new for the Ladies at the Madison Daguerreotype Gallery, In Bruen’s Block.
Fine Gold Lockets, of all sizes and patterns from………………$1.50 to $10.00
Daguerreotype Pins, various patterns…………………………..$1.50 to $8.00
Full set fine enameled Pins and rings…………………………..$15.00 to $25.00
Locket Seals and Keys, new patterns…………………………..$3.00 to $6.00
Gold Stone Pins, beautiful indeed………………………………$1.50 to $5.00
Marble Faced, Mosaic Enameled, Fine Topaz Pins, all sizes…..$1.50 to $5.00
Also a fine assortment of Ladies’ and
Gents’ Cameo Pins, a splendid article…………………………..$1.50 to $5.00
Flaest [sic.] Gold ear Rings, new patterns………………………$1.00 to $20.00
Ladies and Gents’ Gold Finger Rings, Gold and plated
Guard Chains, Besides an inexhaustible supply of Plain
and fancy Daguerreotype Cases, of all sizes and prices…………$0.50 to $25.00
As we deal in Fine Jewelry, all articles are warranted as represented or no sale.
No Low Price Pictures, none but genuine to be had at this Gallery. C. A. Johnson.
Advertisement was recorded between July 21 to October 20, 1855.
1855 August 11. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) August 11, 1855, Vol. 2, No. 10, P. 3.
State Historical Society. Stated Meeting, March, 6th, 1855. D. S. Durrie in the Chair.—Sixty-one letters were read…
From C. A. Johnson, beautiful case of daguerreotypes of twenty-seven members of the last Legislature.
1855 December 8. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) December 8, 1855, Vol. 2, No. 27, P. 2.
See the Pronunciamento of Johnson & Fuller. These gents are doing justice to the noble art which they so truthfully delineate.—Everybody get your pretty faces daguerreotyped. Johnson & Fuller will do you justice, by the double rule of proportion.
1855 December 15. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) December 15, 1855, Vol. 2, No. 27, P. 2.
Excelsior Picture Gallery! Picture For The Million!! Johnson & Fuller. At the new and extensive Daguerreotype Gallery, No. 6 Washington Avenue, are prepared to execute, in the highest perfection of the art, the good old Daguerreotype, which has stood the test of time, and which all can appreciate. Also, the more recently discovered.
Photographs, or Daguerreotype on paper, beautiful colored in oil colors, without in the least changing the likeness, and equally as applicable to Landscapes as Portraits, giving all the beautiful tints of nature, without disturbing the finest out-line, specimens of which may be seen at our rooms.
Also, the Ambrotype, or more properly Daguerreotypes on Glass—besides many other new styles of Pictures, too numerous to mention.
Fine Gold Lockets, Pins and Rings for sale.
Our friends and patrons, in town and out of town are respectfully invited to give us a call, and convince themselves that this Institution is worthy of our State, and just such as Madison requires.
Remember the place, No. 6 Washington Avenue, near Dane County Story, and over R. F. Powers’ Fancy Goods Store. C. A. Johnson, J. S. Fuller. Dec. 4, 1855.
Advertisement ran between December 15, 1855 to November 22, 1856.
1856 February 9. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) February 9, 1856, Vol. 2, No. 36, P. 1.
A Wonder of Art. Messrs. Fuller & Johnson have now at their rooms a life-size photograph of Maj. Bird, colored in oil, which is a perfect likeness, as well as a wonder of art. Also a smaller one of Col. Morrison. These pictures are fully equal to the finest oil; portraits. Call and see them.
1856 March 15. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) March 15, 1856, Vol. 2, No. 41, P. 3.
Died. Yesterday the 9th inst. [Ella], daughter of C. A. Johnson, aged 14 years.
The funeral will take place Tuesday morning at half-past ten o’clock, at the residence of Mr. Johnson, on Henry street.
1856 April 12. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) April 12, 1856, Vol. 2, No. 45, P. 3.
Mr. Johnson and two other men whose names we have not learned, took, a few nights since, over 300 lbs. of Pickerel out of the Cat-fish Creek. That is what we call a good haul. Mr. Johnson also takes photographs on just as big a scale.
1856 April 26. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) April 26, 1856, Vol. 2, No. 47, P. 4.
Picture Gallery.—We have neglected to speak as we should, of the Picture Gallery of Messrs Fuller & Johnson, at Madison. Associated with them is Mr. Joslin, from Hesler’s celebrated establishment, at Chicago, an artist of the first class, and they have also Mr. Lund, who painted the State Banner, and who, in some departments of art, is excelled by no artist in the country. They take Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes and Photographs, on paper or canvas, of all sizes; and among the curiosities to be seen there is a book containing the portraits of the pioneers of Wisconsin, which are faithful likenesses of the men who were the first to begin the work of converting the wilderness into fruitful fields and making the waste places bloom like the garden of Eden. Those you visit Madison, should not fail to see Fuller & Jackson’s Picture Gallery.—Free D. m.
1856 May 3. Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) May 3, 1856, Vol. 2, No. 48, P. 2.
…Johnson & Fuller, the famous Daguerreotypist, of this city are “taking Faces” withy a rush, and as near perfection as the laws of Nature will allow. Everybody should have their photographs taken, for two reasons—1st, to recognize themselves—2d, to enable others to recognize them—especially if they should “leave.” Call in.
Johnson & Fuller exhibited some of the most splendid specimens of Photographs and Ambrotypes ever seen. These gentlemen have done their part in making an interesting display if we are to judge from the crowd which were constantly around the productions of their Gallery.
Photographs! Colored and Plain Johnson & Fuller Wish to have it known that they are producing the best Photographs of any establishment in the State, having been awarded by the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, the Highest Premium for the Best Exhibition of Colored Photographs. This is the most popular style of portraits in Europe or America, a style in which all artists feel most deeply interested, and which all are striving to excel.
We had no plain photographs on exhibition at the State Fair.
Mr. Clow, recently from Boston, Mass., and formerly an ivory miniature painter in England, and who has had much experience in coloring Photographs, says of our plain pictures.
“The Photographs taken by Johnson & Fuller are equal to any I have seen in the eastern cities or in Europe.” J. S. Clow.
Rich Gold Frames of all sizes and patterns from the manufactory of A. P.. C. Bonte, Cincinnati, always on hand and for sale. Those having old Daguerreotypes of deceased friends may have them copied large size in oil or water colors, and at a price of which none will complain.
Come and see. C. A. Johnson. J. S. Fuller.
Advertisement Ran from October 25, 1856 to June 13, 1857.
See Johnson & Fuller’s New Advertisement. Some who “do not take the papers” have already offered to pay hundreds of dollars for one of these “masheens.” Call and see some of the work done, but let those run the machine who can turn out good work.
Photographs!!! Colored & Plain. In Answer to numerous applications for the above machines, we would state that we have more orders than we can supply.
The public may rest assured that the one in our office will be kept in first rate working order, and any one weighing less than 350 pounds, can be put through with safety. See our advertisement.
Advertisement ran from November 15 to December 6, 1856.
1856 December 6. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) December 6, 1856, Vol. 3, No. 27, P. 1.
We went up into Johnson & Fullers, picture gallery, and spent a very pleasant hour in looking at the pretty specimens of art, with which the room is decorated; one sweet looking picture particularly, attracted our attention, a gentleman is holding with one arm, oh such a lovely baby, while the other hand he holds a watch for the little one to play with, the group (if so it can be called) is very striking in its elegant simplicity.
1857 June 6. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) June 6, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 1, P. 2.
Destructive Fire! The large frame Block on Washington Avenue occupied by Messrs. Dudley & Powers, Dry Goods Merchants; J. H. Foote, & Co., Liquor Dealers; C. T. Flowers’ Piano Store; Johnson & Fuller, Daguerreans; R. F. Powers, Millinery Establishment; Adams & Adams, Hardware; was entirely consumed by fire this morning.
The building was owned by Dudley & Powers, and Lawrence Martin, and we understand were insured. A good portion of the goods from Dudley & Powers—Flowers’ Pianos, and the Millinery Goods were saved, and we understand the greater portion of stocks of Messrs Foote & Co., and Adams & Adams were under insurance. We have not learned full particulars in time for this issue.
1857 June 13. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) June 13, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 2, P. 1.
Destructive Fire. About 3 o’clock on Saturday morning, a fire brook out in the row of wooden buildings situated on Wisconsin Avenue, and adjoining Bruen’s Block, which swept the entire block of wooden structures. The fire is supposed to be the work of an incendiary, as no fire had been kept in any of the buildings for some time previous…
As near as we can learn, the losses and insurance may be set down as follows:…
Johnson & Fuller, Daguerreans, Loss $2,500, Insurance None.
Hold On.—Johnson & Fuller, the celebrated Daguerreotypist who were victims of the late conflagration, will be on hand in a few days, for further operations. Can’t keep those wide-awake chaps down, no how.
1857 June 20. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) June 20, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 3, P. 2.
We are pleased to announce that C. A. Johnson, late of the firm of Johnson & Fuller, who were victims of the late fire, will soon open a new Daguerrean establishment in McKey’s New Building, near Gleamson & Houghton’s Hardware store, on Park Row. He will open in about two weeks.
1857 August 8. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) August 8, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 10, P. 3.
Take Notice All Pretty Faces!—We take great pleasure in notifying all our readers that C. A. Johnson, the illimitable Daguerreotypist, is as wide awake as ever, and with every new improvement in the great Art, may be found just over the Bank of the Capitol, ready and always willing to execute Daguerreotypes in the neatest style of the Art. See his advertisement in another column. Preserve your faces while you are young and handsome, for when you are old and ugly, you “can’t come it”—at least, you won’t wish to.
1857 August 8. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) August 8, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 10, P. 3.
Johnson’s New Picture Gallery! May be found in McKay’s New Block, Over The Bank Of The Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin.
Having just fitted up a new suite of rooms, not in a splendid style, or expensive, as I do not believe that wou’d pay at present, in this city but every way convenient and comfortable—easy of access, being Up One Flight Of Stairs Only! A much stronger sky-light, full fifty per cent, quicker than the light in the old rooms that were recently destroyed by fire. I am now again prepared to make Ambrotypes, Photographs, And Daguerreotypes, Of any size or price—and trust I shall have the pleasure of meeting all my old friends and customers again at my new quarters. C. A. Johnson.
Advertisement ran from August 8 to September 26, 1857.
1857 August 29. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) August 29, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 13, P. 3.
Johnson’s Late Improvements In Ambrotypes, Renders This Style Of Portraiture superior to every other style for Beauty, Cheapness and Durability.
Customers and Connoisseurs, Ladies and Gentlemen, are respectfully invited to call and examine carefully before “investing.”
Office in McKey’s Block, over “Bank of the Capitol,” Madison, Wis. C. A. Johnson.
Advertisement ran from August 29 to September 26, 1857.
1857 September 12. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) September 12, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 15, P. 1.
Pomeroy was here on the day of the convention. We gave a police officer a dollar to catch him. He was “snooping round” all over town, and at one time got his nose into Kate Schlop’s grease pot, and wat evidently getting in a bad way. To save disgrace to the fraternity, we procured the arrest of the boy, as above stated We took him over to Johnson’s as a fossil, and offered that great artist any price f he would secure a correct Ambrotype of the young guiasticutas. [sic.] He “set” his camera, and lashed Pomeroy to the stool; but all was useless—the scamp had the itch so that he could not sit still for scratching, and besides his mouth was so wide, that Johnson hadn’t an instrument wide enough to “take it in!”
We have been put under $25,000 bonds for bringing such a destructive fossil into Johnson’s Photographic Laboratory.
1857 September 26. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) September 26, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 17, P. 2.
Dane County Fair…
We give below the premiums awarded…
Fine Arts…
Best collection ambrotypes, daguerreotypes and photographs
1st. C. A. Johnson, Madison………..$3.00
2d. J. S. Fuller, Madison……………$1.00
3d. S. A. Wood, Madison…………..$1.00 (ambrotypes.)
1857 October 3. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) October 3, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 18, P. 3.
Johnson’s First Premium Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes and Photographs. Having been awarded by the Dane County Agricultural Society, the Highest Premium, For the best collection of Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes and Photographs, besides another first premium for the best portrait of a [horse], the subscriber begs leave to inform the public, individually and collectively, where they may obtain the kind of pictures that “win.”
If one merits praise and patronage, the public will find it out, although te boasting and blowing may all be done by other parties.
These pictures are all, and more, than has been claimed from them, and such as cannot be had at any other gallery in the west, or east either, at present.
As I buy my stock for cash, saving thereby at least twenty-five per cent, and having facilities for turning off work rapidly, my prices will be lower than at any other establishments in the west.
Sky-light rooms in McKey’s Block, over Bank of the Capitol, up one flight of stairs, Main st., Madison, Wis. C. A. Johnson.
Advertisement ran from October 3 to 24, 1857.
1857 October 31. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) October 31, 1857, Vol. 4, No. 18, P. 3.
Johnson’s First Premium Photographic And Fine Arts Gallery. The Committee on Fine Arts at the Dane County Agricultural Fair, was unanimous in awarding the first premium to Johnson for the Best Pictures On exhibition, as all well see by reference to the report of said committee, although another person without the least show of Merit has claimed and extensively advertised the same premium as awarded to him; thus seeking to obtain by falsehood and misrepresentation, what he has not the skill or ability to accomplish by honorable means.
The “bluff game” does not always win. The people cannot be humbugged by such pretenders, although newspaper puffs, that are bought with a price, may sound them a little praise.
Johnson’s Pictures were also exhibited at Janesville, at the late State Fair, where competition was of Some Account , and then, too, they bore up the palm, by receiving two of the first premiums.
A Word to the Wise is Sufficient. Sky-light rooms in McKey’s Block, over Bank of the Capitol, Main st., Madison, Wis.
Look for the sign over the doorway; Johnson’s Picture Gallery! C. A. Johnson.
Advertisement ran from October 31 to December 12, 1857.
1858 March 27. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) March 27, 1858, Vol. 4, No. 43, P. 3.
State Historical Society. At the stated meeting of the Society in February and March, there were sixty letters announced…
a fine oil painting of the First House in Madison, painted by C. A. Johnson, and presented by Hon. Simon Mills.
1858 July 24. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) July 24, 1858, Vol. 5, No. 8, P. 4.
Wood Engravings. Drawings and Engravings of all kinds of Animals and Implements, done in the best style of art, and on short notice, by the undersigned.
Orders will be left at Johnson’s Photographic and Fine Art Gallery, Madison, Wis. James Beneworth, Engraver. C. A. Johnson, Draughtsman.
1859 March 5. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) March 5, 1859, Vol. 5, No. 47, P. 4.
How to Grow the Chinese Sugar Cane, and Manufacture Sugar from it. We have received a valuable pamphlet which treats of the cultural of the Chinese Sugar Cane. Mr. C. A. Johnson, of this county, has for the past two years cultivated the cane with much success, and has given his attention to the best means of extracting the sugar from it. He has published what is entitled “Hand book of Chinese Cane culture and its manufacture into sugar and syrup.” We have looked through it and find that it contains much pertinent information on the subject. It contains several communications that trow much light on the nature and value of the plant, and among them we find one from Mr. H. A. Tenney, and one from Judge Knapp, of this county, which the farming community would do well to read. We can recommend it to their perusal, and any one wanting a copy has only to send seven postage stamps to Mr. C. A. Johnson, Madison, Wis. He will also send a pound of seeds, raised from cane grown in this county, on receipt of 25 cents in money or stamps.
1859 October 15. The Weekly Wisconsin Patriot. (Madison, Wisconsin.) October 15, 1859, Vol. 6, No. 30, P. 7.
Taken Up. Came into the enclosure of the subscriber on or about the seventh day of Oct., inst., one dark red heifer, with lop horns, some white spots on flanks, and about three years old, very unruly.
The owner is requested to prove property, pay charges, and take her away. C. A. Johnson, Blooming Grove.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 