Tag Archives: Benjamin Franklin Upton

J. W. C. Morrison 

1846-1847       Address Unknown, Bath, Maine.

1847-1848       Front Street, Bath, Maine.

1853-1855       Address Unknow, Portland. Maine.

1856-1858       130 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1858-1859       130, 134 and 136 Middle Street, Portland, Maine.

1860                139 Middle Street Portland, Maine.[1]

1861                26 Market Square, Portland, Maine.

J. W. C. Morrison was recorded in thirteen advertisements (four of which he was mentioned in) and seven announcements in seven different newspapers.  Morrison was in the partnership of Silsbee & Morrison; Smith & Morrison and Albert M. McKenney who worked for/with.  The first announcement appeared on January 2, 1847 in the Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette (Hallowell, Maine).  Smart Day’s Work.—Twenty Daguerreotype likenesses were taken, finished and delivered yesterday by Silsby & Morrison.—Bath Tribune.

The first advertisement ran from April 27, 1847 to May 13, 1848 in The Northern Tribune (Bath, Mine).  J. W. C. Morrison, Daguerrean Gallery, Front Street, Bath, Me.  Four Doors North of the Eliot House.

The second advertisement ran from November 6, 1847 to May 13, 1848 in The Northern Tribune.  City Daguerrian Gallery.  J. W. C. Morrison, At his Old rooms, four doors North of the Eliot House, Front St., continues to furnish pictures in the best style of the art, and unsurpassed by any in the country.

Mr. Morrison would invite the public to call and examine specimens of his work, among which may be found many familiar faces, depicted with the utmost truthfulness and beauty.

Pictures taken of the sick and deceased persons by leaving orders at his rooms.

Views of Buildings and Landscapes taken, without being reversed.  Bath, August 21, 1847.

The third advertisement ran from December 13, 1847 to January 26 1848 in The Northern Tribune.  For Holiday Presents or Gifts Of Affection, Daguerreotype Miniatures are acknowledged by universal custom to be the most proper.

They can be procured at all hours, at Morrison’s City Gallery and set in a few minutes in Frames, Cases, Lockets, &c., a large assortment of which in constantly on hand.”

The second announcement appeared on December 27, 1847 in The Northern Tribune.  Presents.  There is nothing more appropriate for a present than a Daguerreotype Miniature.—They can be had in this city in the highest state of perfection.  For further particulars see Daguerrian advertisements.  Bath Daguerrian can’t be beat.

The fourth advertisement (first he was mentioned in) ran from July 18 to September 26, 1850 in the Eastern Times (Bath, Maine).  Daguerreotype Rooms.  B. F. Upton respectfully announces to the ladies and gentlemen of Bath and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by Mr. J. W. C. Morrison, where he will be happy to supply any in want with superior Daguerreotype Miniatures.

All are invited to call and examine specimens.

The third announcement appeared on October 25, 1853 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser  (Portland, Maine).  [Cumberland County Agricultural and Horticultural Society.]  The Cattle Show And Fair—Second Day.  Pictures…In the center of the hall was a case of photographic pictures, or daguerreotypes on paper, of familiar views, by Smith & Morrison & Co…

Of daguerreotypes, Carlton and Howe contributed two cases of very life-like and beautiful specimens.

The fourth announcement appeared on November 8, 1843 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Cumberland County Agricultural and Horticultural Society.  Agreeable to notice , the Fair and Show commenced in Portland on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 1853.  The Cattle Show was held in the pasture, corner of Green and Portland Streets.  The Fair of produce and manufactured articles, at Lancaster Hall…

Premiums on Fine Arts, &c…

In regard to Daguerreotypes and Photographs, which perhaps may not be classed so properly under any other department as this.  Your committee particularly recommend notice to be made by you by a Diploma of the fine Crystalotypes (called Daguerreotypes on paper) exhibited by Smith & Morrison of Portland.  As most creditable beginnings of the introduction into our vicinity, so much to be hoped for, of the beautiful development of Photography.

Of the Daguerreotypes exhibited by Geo. W. Howe, as well as those by Mr. S. L. Carlton, they urge honorable mention as sustaining the reputation which the professors of that art have well earned, during many years for those executed here as being among the most beautiful in the world.

The fifth announcement appeared on October 3, 1854 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  The Fair…In Lancaster Hall.  Messrs. Smith & Morrison of this city, contribute a great variety of their superior Photographic likenesses and views.  This branch of the art has been pushed to a wonderful degree of perfection and in the above named firm finds exceedingly skilfull followers.

Mr. S. L. Carlton, the well known daguerreotypist, has a fine show of miniatures, &c., among which are likenesses of many of our city worthies—and one of Lady Cusac Rooney.

Mr. Frank Danielson, successor to Stevens, has also a collection of choice specimens in the daguerreotype line, which will not suffer in comparison with any other in the apartment. 

The fifth advertisement ran from September 30, 1856 to November 24, 1857 in the Christian Mirror (Portland, Maine).  Ambrotype, Photographic, And Daguerreotype Materials, Of the best quality, for sale at Morrison’s Photographic & Daguerreotype Rooms 130 Middle Street, Portland, Me.

The sixth advertisement ran from September 30, 1856 to November 17, 1857 in the Christian Mirror.  Pictures Taken On Glass, by an instantaneous process, differing from the Ambrotype, not being subject to blister or stain, susceptible of any degree of coloring, and their durability placed beyond a question, are now executed daily, at Morrison’s Photographic Daguerreotype Rooms 130 Middle Street.

Those desirous of securing likenesses of Infants, will find this process (by experienced hands) never fails, requiring but one or two seconds sitting, and the results the most satisfactory and reliable of anything yet produced by the Photographic art.  J. W. C. Morrison.

The seventh advertisement ran from September 30, 1856 to October 21, 1856 in the Christian Mirror.  Notice Photographic.  Having secured the services of that old campaigner in the Daguerreotype business, and oldest Ambrotypist in the State, A. M. McKenney, Esq., I am now able to give more of my personal attention to the production of first rate Photographs Pictures from Life, or Copies of Daguerreotypes, executed at short notice.  J. W. C. Morrison, 130 Middle Street.

The eighth advertisement ran from September 30 to October 21, 1856 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Pictures Taken On Glass, by an instantaneous process, differing from the Ambrotype, not being subject to blister or stain, susceptible of any degree of coloring, and their durability placed beyond a question, are now executed daily, at Morrison’s Photographic Daguerreotype Rooms 130 Middle Street.

Those desirous of securing likenesses of Infants, will find this process (by experienced hands) never fails, requiring but one or two seconds sitting, and the results the most satisfactory and reliable of anything yet produced by the Photographic art.  J. W. C. Morrison.

The ninth advertisement ran from September 30 to October 21, 1856 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Ambrotype, Photographic, And Daguerreotype Materials, Of the best quality, for sale at Morrison’s Photographic & Daguerreotype Rooms 130 Middle Street, Portland.

The sixth announcement appeared on December 4, 1856 in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine). Maine State AG. Society.  Awards Of Premiums…. Division IV.  Class VI—Miscellaneous And Incidentals…

G. M. Howe, Portland, daguerreotypes,…………Dip.

J. W. C. Morrison, Portland, photographs,………Dip.

R. Adams, Portland, ambrotypes,……………….Dp.

L. Wing[2], Waterville, do.,………………………2.00.

The tenth advertisement (the second one he was mentioned in) appeared on September 28, 1858 in the Christian Mirror. Photographs and Ambrotypes, Stearns & McGlaughlin, (successor to J. W, C. Morrison.) At their chambers, 130, 134 and 136 Middle St., Are producing these pictures in all the various styles of the art and equal to any in the country; from the Life Size Head down to the tinniest Locket picture. Satisfaction Warranted in all cases.

Particular attention paid to taking pictures of Sick Or Deceased Persons, in the city, or at a distance. 

Also we have extra facilities for taking-views of Residences, Churches, Public buildings,  Natural scenery &c. &c. in the city or elsewhere. 

Copying done in the neatest manner.

The public are invited to visit our Rooms and examine our large collection of specimens.

Don’t forget the Nos.  130, 134 and 136 Middle St. Portland, ME.

The eleventh advertisement (third he was mentioned in) appeared on October 1, 1858 in the  Zion’s Advocate (Portland, Maine).  Photographs and Ambrotypes, Stearns & McLaughlin, Successors to J. W. C. Morrison.  At Their Chambers, 130, 134 and 136 Middle Street, Are producing these pictures in all the various Styles of the art and equal to any in the Country, from the life size head down to the tinniest Locket picture.  Satisfaction warranted in all cases.

Particular attention paid to taking pictures of sick or deceased, in the city, or at a distance—also we have extra facilities for taking-views of Residences, Churches, Public Buildings or Natural Scenery in the city or elsewhere.  Copying done in the neatest manner.

The public are invited to visit our Rooms and examine our large collection of specimens.

Don’t forget the No. 130, 134 and 136 Middle Street.

The twelfth advertisement (fourth he was mentioned in appeared on January 18, 1859 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser.  Isaac H. Dupee, Photographer and Ambrotypist, Would Inform the citizens of Portland and vicinity, that he has taken the well known rooms of J. W. C. Morrison, for the purpose of making a permanent business of the art.  having had ten years experience in the business, he flatters himself that he can satisfy all who may want a good Likeness, and permanent pictures of themselves, or friends.

Every kind of work done at these rooms, usually done in our line of business.  We will [do our] best endeavors to please.

Particular attention paid to [ ? ], Also, to making Pictures of Sick or Deceased persons—and all work entrusted to his care will be done in the Best Manner, and at reasonable rates.

I keep constantly on hand a good assortment of Gold Lockets, Cases, Frames, &c. &c.—all of which will be sold very low.

The seventh announcement appeared on June 18, 1861 in the Christian Mirror.  Picture Frames.—From the advertisement of Mr. Morrison, in this paper, it will be seen that he has removed to larger and more commodious rooms, 26 Market Square.  He has a large stock of plain and ornamental, gilt, black-walnut and rose-wood mouldings—together with a complete assortment of Photographic materials.

The thirteenth advertisement appeared on June 18, 1861 in the Christian Mirror.  (Removal!  J. W. C. Morrison, & Co., Manufactures and dealers in Picture Portrait and Looking Glass Frames, have removed to No. 26 Market Square, opposite Doering Hall, where may be found Gilt prepared, and Ornamental Mouldings of every style and finish, Looking Glass Frames, &c.

Also an ample stock of Photographic Goods including every article needed by the Photographic Artist.

J. W. C. Morrison is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry but the above provides more information, earlier dates and unknown partnerships.


[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Probably Simon Wing.

Benjamin Franklin Upton

1850-1856       45 Front Street, Bath, Maine.

N. D.               Rooms over Mr. Baker’s Store, Brunswick, Maine.

1852                Rooms over Mr. Baker’s Store, Brunswick, Maine.

Benjamin Franklin Upton was recorded in twelve advertisements and eleven announcements in the Eastern Times (Bath, Maine) and one Patent announcement in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement ran from July 18 to September 26, 1850.  Daguerreotype Rooms.  B. F. Upton respectfully announces to the ladies and gentlemen of Bath and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by Mr. J. W. C. Morrison, where he will be happy to supply any in want with superior Daguerreotype Miniatures.

All are invited to call and examine specimens.

The first announcement appeared on August 8, 1850.  We had the pleasure, a few days since of examining  some excellent specimens of the Daguerreotype art, executed by Mr. B. F. Upton, at the Rooms formerly occupied by Mr. Morrison.  They were of superior finish—and not excelled, in any respect, we believe, by any specimens we have seen.  Mr. U, is now preparing several pictures for the purpose of exhibition at the Mechanics’ Fair, soon to be holden in Boston.  We are satisfied that those already prepared, are not, to say the least, inferior to any that have formerly taken the prize.

The second advertisement ran from September 26 to October 31, 1850.  B. F. Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 45 Front Street, Bath, Maine.

The third advertisement ran from November 7 to December 19, 1850.  Daguerreotypes, Upton 45 Front Street.

The second announcement appeared on December 19, 1850.  Upton’s Daguerreotypes are now acknowledged to be superior to any produced in our city; and inferior to none in the country.  This is clearly attested by the crowds who visit his rooms, 45 Front street.  Give him a call, and—our word for it—you will not be disappointed.

The fourth advertisement ran from December 19, 1850 to February 20, 1851.  The Union Meeting Having passed off to the satisfaction of all true friends of the constitution, public attention is now being directed to Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 45 Front Street.  Mr. Upton respectfully informs his customers that he has reduced his prices, so that none who wish for pictures can find an excuse for not embracing the present opportunity.

The fifth advertisement ran from February 27 to May 8, 1851.  Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 45 Front Street 45.

The third announcement appeared on March 13, 1851.  Mr. B. F. Upton is without doubt one of the best daguerreotype operators in the country.  He has for many years given this business his entire attention, and none who visit his rooms at 45 Front St., can for a moment question his facilities for producing a perfect picture.  Strangers visiting the city will do well to give him a call.

The fourth announcement appeared on April 17, 1851.  Daguerreotypes.  In procuring a daguerreotype of yourself or friends, it is important that you employ an artist who thoroughly understands his business, and who is in every way capable of giving you a perfect picture.—Mr. B. F. Upton, 45 Front street, is a gentleman who has become celebrated for his beautiful and lifelike daguerreotypes.

The sixth advertisement ran from May 15 to August 21, 1851.  Upton’s Picture Rooms 45 Front Street.

The seventh advertisement ran from August 28 to September 18, 1851.  B. F. Upton’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 45 Front Street.  45

The fifth announcement appeared on January 8, 1852.  Mr. Upton Will be at his old Daguerreotype Rooms over Mr. Baker’s store in Brunswick, next week, commencing Jan. 12.

The eighth advertisement ran from April 8 to July 29, 1852.  Daguerreotypes, By Upton, 45 Front Street, 45.

The sixth announcement appeared on May 6, 1852.  Portrait Painting!  Swift, The Artist, Will open Rooms on or about the 10th of May, where he will be happy to receive orders from any who may wish to patronize his beautiful style of painting—a specimen of which may be seen at Mr. Upton’s Daguerrean Rooms.

Paintings true to life from Miniatures. Perfect satisfaction warranted.

The ninth advertisement ran from August 8 to September 2, 1852.  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Upton is now at his rooms in Bath, No. 45 Front Street.

The tenth advertisement ran from August 5 to October 14, 1852.  Commencement.  Mr. Upton will be in Brunswick again some days previous to, and after commencement.  A fine opportunity will thus be presented for visitors to obtain Daguerreotypes.  This will probably be the last time he will visit Brunswick.  Terms as reasonable as can be found anywhere.

The seventh announcement appeared on April 28, 1853.  Patents.—Among the list of patents just issued, we noticed one to our townsman, B. F. Upton, for Improvement in Mercury Baths for Daguerreotyping.  [9,666][1]

The eleventh advertisement ran from September 9, 1852 to November 22, 1855.  Daguerreotypes, By Upton, 45 Front Street.  45.

The seventh announcement appeared on October 1, 1854 in The New York Herald (New York, New York). New Patents Issued…for week ending September 19, 1854.  Benjamin F. Upton, of Bath, Me., for improved apparatus for polishing daguerreotype plates.  [patent No. 11,709.]

The eighth announcement appeared on January 4, 1855.  The nearest thing for a New Year’s Present is one of Upton’s Daguerreotypes.  He is the prince of artists in this community, as is generally conceded.

The ninth announcement appeared on October 18, 1855.  Sagadahoc County Fair.  The Cattle Show and Fair of the Sagadahoc Agricultural and Horticultural Society, at Topsham last week, was a very creditable affair…

Daguerreotypes.—All the specimens of this beautiful and truly valuable art, which enables us to carry with us always the faces of our friends, were presented by the well known artist, B. F. Upton—his portraits may without suffering be compared with any which adorn the celebrated galleries of our larger cities.  The committee noticed the whole sized portrait of Dea. A. R. Mitchell as remarkable for accuracy and distinctness; a whole sized representation of two ladies as showing great taste in arranging the posture and catching the living expression of subjects, and also half sized portraits of Rev. Dr. Tappan and Elihu Burrett as remarkable for depth and richness of tone.

The tenth announcement appeared on November 8, 1855.  Photographs.—Messrs. Upton & Smiley, at the old Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. Upton, have recently introduced a photographic department to their establishment.  We have seen some specimens, colored in oil by Mr. Harris, which, for correctness of delineation and beauty of finish can’t be beat.  We say this without fear of contradiction, and any one who will take the trouble to visit the rooms, and examine the likeness of our venerable fellow citizen, Judge Clap, we are sure will agree with us.

The twelfth Advertisement ran from November 29, 1855 to April 17, 1856.  Daguerreotypes By Upton & Smiley, 45 Front Street 45.

Benjamin Franklin Upton is recorded as B. F. Upton in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Bath, Maine in 1855-1856. Craig also references unknown dates in Chicago, Illinois and St.Anthony, Minnesota.  


[1] American Photographic Patents The Daguerreotype & Wet Plate Era 1840 – 1880.

Upton & Smiley

1855-1856       45 Front Street, Bath, Maine.

Upton & Smiley (Benjamin Franklin Upton & Smiley) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Eastern Times (Bath, Maine).  The announcement appeared on November 8, 1855.  Photographs.—Messrs. Upton & Smiley, at the old Daguerreotype Rooms of Mr. Upton, have recently introduced a photographic department to their establishment.  We have seen some specimens, colored in oil by Mr. Harris, which, for correctness of delineation and beauty of finish can’t be beat.  We say this without fear of contradiction, and any one who will take the trouble to visit the rooms, and examine the likeness of our venerable fellow citizen, Judge Clap, we are sure will agree with us.

The advertisement ran from November 29, 1855 to April 17, 1856.   Daguerreotypes By Upton & Smiley, 45 Front Street 45.

Benjamin Franklin Upton is recorded in other photographic directories but not in the partnership.  While Smiley is not recorded with a first name, this is possibly G. S. Smiley who was active in Brunswick, Maine in 1854.  For more information on Benjamin Franklin Upton see tomorrows post.