Tag Archives: Charles Town Virginia

Bear, John W.

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1845                Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]

1845                17 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

1846                Address Unknown, Wilmington, Delaware.

1846                Address Unknown, Washington, Delaware.

1846                Court House, Annapolis, Maryland.1

1846                Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Frederick, Maryland.1

N. D.               Court House, Hagerstown, Maryland.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.1

N. D.               Address Unknown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.1

1847-1848       Address Unknown, Winchester, Virginia.1

1848                Rooms in the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

1850                Address Unknown, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. 

1850-1852       Various towns in Pennsylvania.1

1846 January 29.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  January 29, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 45, P. 2.

Baer, the ‘Buckeye Blacksmith,’ is now taking daguerreotype likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not, he drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.

1846 January 30.  Blue Hens Chicken & Delaware Democratic Whig.  (Wilmington, Delaware.)  January 30, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 24, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Likenesses.  Mr. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, respectfully informs the citizens of Wilmington and vicinity, that he has taken the room occupied by Messrs. Miller & Co., as a Writing School.  He will warrant a correct likeness not to fade, in a good Morocco Case for one dollar and a half.  Jan. 16.

1846 February 7.  The Hartford Times.  (Hartford, Connecticut.)  February 7, 1846, Vol. XXX, No. 1520, P. 3.

Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is now taking daguerreotypes likenesses at Wilmington, Del.  If we mistake not. He drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.  Boston Mail.

1846 February 21.  Democratic Banner.  (Bowling Green, Missouri.)  February 21, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 50, p. 1.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is Taking Daguerreotypes likenesses at Washington, Delaware.

1846 October 6.  The Spirit of the Times.  (Batavia, New York.)  October 6, 1846, Vol. 28, No. 16, P. 3.

John W. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith, who has figured considerably as a whig stump speaker, is now taking daguerreotype likenesses in Annapolis, Md.

1846 October 23.  American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  October 23, 1846, Volume XV, No. 99, P. 4.

Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is across the Potomac, in Alexandria, taking daguerreotype likenesses.  He is a kind of man-of-all-work.  First a blacksmith, next a political orator, afterwards an Indian agent, then a temperance lecturer, and now a daguerreotypist.

1846 November 2.  The Columbian Fountain.  (Baltimore, Maryland.)  November 2, 1846, Volume 1, No. 273, P. 2.

Mr. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith is still alive and kicking, and is at present taking daguerreotype likenesses in Alexandria, Va.

1846 November 18.  Auburn Journal and Advertiser.  (Auburn, New York.)  November 18, 1846, Vol. 14, No. 29, P. 2.

John W. Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is established at Alexandria, Va., as a Daguerreotypist, and meets with great encouragement.  If he can portray features as well as he did the political iniquities of Van Burenisn, we do not wonder at his success,

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 2.

Correct Pictures.  Mr. John W. Bear has opened rooms at the Court House for the purpose of receiving visits of those who may desire Daguerreotypes—Mr. B. has in his position the best apparatus that has ever been in our place, or else is the best operator—probably both, combined—for his pictures are certainly the most correct delineations of the originals that we have ever seen.  Having examined his specimens we can speak thus positively, and all who desire good pictures will do well to “embrace the present opportunity.”  His card will be found in another column.

1848 July 25.  Spirit of Jefferson.  (Charles Town, Virginia.)  July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 3.

Only $1.50 for the Best Daguerreotype Likeness ever taken in Charlestown—

Mr. J. W. bear respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Court House, for a few days only, where, with the latest and best apparatus ever imported, and materials of the first quality, he is fully prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, of all sizes, in a style not to be surpassed by any other artist in the country.  Giving to the picture a bold relief from that deadness usually seen in Daguerreotypes, [and] fully developing the eyes, (the imperfections of which have so long been an objection to this class of Miniatures.) and giving the whole picture a life-like appearance unusually seen in the Daguerreotype Miniature.

Likenesses of Children, as young as two years, taken in exquisite style; and where is the parent that would not pay the paltry sum of $1.50, for a correct likeness at that interesting age?

Family groups taken on the largest scale ever taken in this country, in splendid style and at moderate prices.

Single pictures, medium sizes, colored true to life, and warranted not to fade for $1.50, including a fine morocco case.

As his stay will be limited to a few days, those wishing to procure miniatures or examine specimens would do well to call soon.

Miniatures taken without regard to the state of the weather from 6 o’clock, A. M., until 5 o’clock P. M.  Instructions given in the art with all the latest Improvements for a reasonable price.

RULES.

 No person shall be bound to take a picture unless they and their friends who are present when it is taken are satisfied that it is a correct likeness.  But no miniatures will be taken back and retaken after it leaves the room, under $1.

Call as soon for my prices are low.  If your pictures don’t please you I’ll call it no go.  Likenesses of servants taken in a splendid style.  Charlestown, July, 25, 1848.

Advertisement ran from July 25 to August 15, 1848.

1850 May 9.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 9, 1850, Volume 2, No. 15, P. 3.

We announced in our last issue the arrival of J. W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, and we must this week record his departure for Orwigsburg, attended by an escort of one or two constables.  His charge is seduction under promise of marriage.  The girl is a resident of Pottsville.—Schuylkill Haven Map.

1850 May 30.  Jefferson Republican.  (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.)  May 30 1850, Volume 10, No. 40, P. 3.

John W. Bear.  We learn that the suits commenced against John W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, have been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice.  Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.

1850 June 6.  The Star of the North.  (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.)  June 6, 1850, Volume 2, No. 19, P. 3.

To The Public.  Mr. B. Bannan:—Sir—I perceived a small paragraph in the Miners Journal of Saturday 18th inst., stating that the prosecution or suits commenced against John W. Bear, “had been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice, and that Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.”  In reply to which, I beg leave to answer, that the withdrawal of the suits was at the instance of John W. Bear’s Counsel, which, after reflection and consideration, I yielded to, upon the payment of costs and expenses, and with the understanding that he, (Bear,) would leave the county in a short time, permanently.  With reference to my having admitted that I had acted under improper advice, this is entirely incorrect.—Before the suits were brought, as since, and at present, I conceive it to be my duty, and the duty of every parent in this and all communities, to try and save their children from the seductive snare of the aged and artful, who are disposed to offer violence to the young and unwary, altho’ at the expanse of broken hearts of parents, family, and friends.

Your humble serv’t, most respectfully,  James Staats.  Pottsville, May 21st, 1850.  

[1] The Life And Travels of John W. Bear, “The Buckeye Blacksmith.” P. 138-152. .

[2] Boston City Directory, Residence Listing.  Not recorded in Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

James Keagy

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1850                Rooms at the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

1851-1852       Rooms at the Va. House, Staunton, Virginia.

1852-1853       Rooms opposite the Spectator Office, Staunton, Virginia.

1855                Gallery next door to the Virginia Bank, Lynchburg, Virginia.[1]

James Keagy was recorded in three announcements and six advertisements in four different newspapers.  The first announcement appeared on April 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson  (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Keagy, a daguerrean Artist of considerable merit, is now sojourning in our town, and has his rooms at the Court House.  He has already taken some among the finest likenesses we have ever seen, and is prepared to do any work pertaining to the Daguerrean art.

The first advertisement was recorded on 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures Taken In The Best Style By J. Keagy, Daguerrian Artist.  Rooms at the Court-House, where he will remain but a short time, for the purpose of taking Miniatures by the improved Daguerrian process.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and Jefferson and cordially invited to call and examine Specimens which the subscriber feels confident will commend him to the patronage of all who wish good Daguerreotype Portraits.

N. B. These Miniatures are taken in all kinds of weather.  Miniatures set in Lockets, Rings, etc. in the best style.

The second advertisement ran from October 29, 1851 to July 21, 1852 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The subscriber begs the attention of the ladies and Gentlemen of Staunton and the adjacent country, to his collection of splendid Daguerreotypes.  He takes them in an entirely new style.—Please call soon Ladies and Gentlemen, as my stay will be short.  Rooms at the Va. House.  James Keagy.

The third advertisement ran from July 28 to December 22, 1852 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Staunton Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  The subscriber has just opened his new Daguerrean Gallery, opposite the Spectator Office, where he will be happy to see all who are at all interested in the beautiful art of Photography.

Having a fine sky and side lights and every other facility, he is prepared to produce the finest results of which the art is capable.  The very great advantage of sky-light is known to all who have given any attention to the subject.  Entire satisfaction given in all cases, or no charge.

Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.  Dark dressing greatly preferable.  J. Keagy.

The fourth advertisement ran from December 22, 1852 to January 19, 1853 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Call at once if you wish Splendid Daguerreotypes of yourself or friends.  J. Keagy has just returned from New York, where he has been for the purpose of improving himself in his profession.  He is now making the finest pictures ever made in the Valley of Virginia.  He has an entirely new style of picture, which is surpassingly beautiful—the Stereoscope, one of the great wonders of the age.  Call at once and see specimens.  The apparatus is entirely new and of very large size.

The fifth advertisement ran on January 19 & 26, 1853 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  J. Keagy, Daguerreanist, Respectfully requests all persons indebted to him, to call and settle their accounts, as he intends leaving town in about two weeks, not to return.

The second announcement 1853 February 2.  Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator).  (Staunton, Virginia.)  February 2, 1853, Vol. XXX, No. XII, P. 2.

Mr. Jas. Keagy, Daguerreotypist, desires us to say that he will remain in Staunton only one week longer.  Persons having business with him will please call at his rooms immediately.

The third announcement appeared on October 15, 1855 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).… We publish elsewhere the farewell card of Mr. P. E. Gibbs, who leaves this city for Richmond.  We can but express regret at the departure from us of so accomplished an artist and worthy citizen as Mr. G. [  ?  ] congratulate the people of Richmond on his accession to that city.  As a daguerrean artist we regard Mr. Gibbs as without a superior anywhere.  He leaves the assurance that his place will be well filled in the person of his successor, Mr. Keagy.—Lynchburg Virginian, Oct. 12.

The sixth advertisement appeared on August 26, 1856 in the Lynchburg Daily Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  A Card.—Having sold my interest in the Daguerrean Gallery, in this place. To Mr. James Keagy, I would respectfully recommend to the favorable attention of the public as a skillful Artist, and a gentleman on whom they may rely.  Come, then, and secure one of his inimitable Ambrotypes, which can only be procured of him in this city.

In taking my leave, I would return thanks for the liberal patronage and kind attention received from a generous public, during a residence if over eight years.  P. E. Gibbs.  Oct. 12. James Keagy is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Several notes first J. Keagy first appeared in the blog on September 29, 2019.  Since then more information has been found.  Second is the name of the newspaper Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) the online newspaper records the newspaper under this title, the masthead is recorded as Staunton Spectator.

[1] Address from Peter E. Gibbs 1853 advertisement.

Mr. Yarnall

Daguerreotypes, ,

1850                Rooms at the Eastern end of the Market House, Charles Town, Virginia.

Mr. Yarnall was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Spirit of Jefferson  (Charles Town, Virginia).  The announcement appeared on November 12, 1850.  Now Is The Time.  Mr. Yarnall, a Daguerrian Artist of the first-water, has opened a room in our town, Eastern end of the Market-house, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, in a manner that we have never before seen excelled.  We have had the pleasure of seeing several specimens of his skill, and the resemblance is “true to nature.”  He will take family groups or single likenesses, as may be preferred.  See advertisement in another column.

The announcement appeared on November 12, 1850.  Secure the Shadow ere the Substance Fade!  Yarnall, Daguerrean Artist, Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Charlestown, that he has taken the Room adjoining the Free Press Office for a short time, where he is now prepared to take Miniatures, in the latest and best style that the Art can produce; and neatly set them in Cases, Lockets, Pins or Frames.

Daguerreotypes, Paintings or landscapes, correctly copied.

Likenesses of Sick or Deceased Persons, taken at short notice.

Those wishing Pictures will please call soon, as his stay will be short.  He promises as good Pictures as can be taken in any of the Eastern Cities.

Visitors received all hours of the day.  Hours of sitting, from 9 A. M. until 2 P. M.  Mrs. Y. will be present during the visits of the Ladies to render assistance.  Dark Drapery is always preferable, except for children.

Instructions given in all the recent improvements of the Art, and Apparatus furnished on good terms.                          

Mr. Yarnall is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Note on the newspaper the previous issues available to me was issued on July 2, and the next available in 1850 was issued on December 24. 

Wood

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                Rooms at the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

Wood of the firm Adams & Wood were recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on February 17, 1852 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Premium Daguerreotypes.  Adams & Wood, would respectfully inform the citizens of Charlestown and vicinity, that they have taken rooms at the Court House and would invite the attention of all to the superiority of their Miniatures, and solicits a comparison of their with the best made in Baltimore or Philadelphia.  Rooms open a few days only.  [Feb. 3, 1852.

Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Charles Town, Virginia.

E. J. Evans

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                Rooms above the Market House, Charles Town, Virginia.

E. J. Evans was recorded in an advertisement that ran on January 21, 1851 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia). Daguerreotype Miniatures Taken By E. J. Evans, In the Rooms above the Market House, formerly occupied by Mr. Yarnall, where he will remain a short time, for the purpose of taking Miniatures by the Improved Daguerrean Process.  The attention of all persons interested in procuring Daguerreotype Likenesses, of themselves or friends, or copies from Portraits, Miniatures, paintings or statuary, are invited to his specimens.

His arrangements are such that he can take Miniatures of children and adults; and persons in delicate health at their residences, and neatly set them in Cases, Lockets, Pins or Frames. Instructions given, and Apparatus, Chemicals, and Materials furnished.  Miniatures are taken in all kinds of weather.

E. J. Evans is not recorded in other photographic directories.