Tag Archives: Charlotte North Carolina

Jeffers, George A.

1849-1855       Corner of River and First Streets, Troy, New York.[1]

1853                Address Unknown, Norfolk, Virginia.[2]

1854-1855       Craven Street, over Whaley’s Store, Newbern, North Carolina,

1855                Over E. Williams’ Store, Kinston, North Carolina,

1856                Winyah Hall, Georgetown, South Carolina.[3]

1856                Address Unknown, Charleston, South Carolina.

1856                Rooms at the Mansion House, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1856                Address Unknown, Chester, South Carolina.2

1856                Rooms over Brown, Stitt & Co.’s. Store, opposite Kerr’s Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1856-1857       Address Unknown, Georgetown, South Carolina.2

1851 September 25.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  September 25, 1851, Vol. XIII, No. 49, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes Which Please Everybody.  Can Be Found At Jeffer’s Celebrated Establishment.  Corner of River and First sts., opposite the Troy House, Troy.

No picture sold but those entirely satisfactory to customers and myself also—so that each and every person is sure of getting the very best kind of work, no matter whether they are judges of Daguerreotypes or not.

The superior advantage and facility possessed by this establishment for producing the very best results in Daguerreotyping, are pretty generally known, and are attested by the qualities of the thousands upon thousands of pictures which the subscriber has furnished the public for several years past.  Daguerreotyping in all its varieties by George A. Jeffers.

N. B.—Entrance to the Gallery on First st., directly opposite the Troy House.

Advertisement ran from September 25, 1851 to April 28, 1853.

1852 June 4.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  June 4, 1852, Vol. I, No. 297, P. 4.

Daguerreotypes Which Please Everybody, Can Be Found At Jeffer’s Celebrated Establishment Corner of River and First sts., opposite the Troy House.  No picture sold but those entirely satisfactory to myself also—so that each and every person is sure of getting the very best kind of work, no matter whether they are judges of Daguerreotypes or not.

The superior advantage and facility possessed by this establishment for producing the very best results in Daguerreotyping, are pretty generally known, and are attested by the qualities of the thousands upon thousands of pictures which the subscriber has furnished the public for several years past.  Daguerreotyping in all its varieties by George A. Jeffers.  au20.

N. B.—Entrance to the Gallery on First st., directly opposite the Troy House.

1852 August 18.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  August 18, 1852, Vol. II, No. 361, P. 4.

North Light Daguerreotypes.  Jeffers’ Daguerreotype Gallery, corner of River and First Sts., opposite the Troy House, is the oldest and best arranged establishment of the kind in the city.  It was established in the year 1838, and has been fitted up, regardless of expense, with every convenience for taking Daguerreotypes in the most perfect manner.  The principal feature of this establishment is the Great Northern Operating Light, which is acknowledged by all to be the most desirable light that can be obtained.

Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.

N. B.   All pictures made in this gallery are taken on pure silver plates, and furnished in the best style, and warranted to never fade or spot.

Pictures put up in every style of case or frame, as low as they can be obtained elsewhere.  Perfect Satisfaction given in all cases or no charge.  Geo. A. Jeffers, Artist.  Entrance on First street, opposite the Troy House, Troy, N. Y.  feb7.

1853 February 3.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  February 3, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 16, P. 3.

Wonderful Discovery!  Great Improvement in the application of Daguerreotype Portraits to the Stereoscope.  George A Jeffers, Daguerreotypist, Corner of River and First sts., opposite the Troy House, has just received an ingenious, apparatus, by which he is enabled to execute Daguerreotypes from Life, for the Stereoscope with nearly the some facility as the ordinary Daguerreotype, thereby overcoming all the obstacles hitherto thought insurmountable in the way of applying daguerreotype Likenesses from life to the Stereoscope.  In looking at pictures through this instrument, the eye is completely deceived, the image appearing like a real, round, solid body which can be felt and handled, instead of a flat picture.  With the aid of this great improvement we have the means of transmitting to posterity the exact image of all that is physically remarkable in the present day, at least so much as can be appreciated by the sense of vision.  Paintings, Engravings & c., copied without being reversed, if desired.  The greatest variety of Fancy Cases, &c. that can be found in the city, constantly on hand.  Remember the place.                    

Geo. A. Jeffers, Artist, opposite the Troy House—Entrance on First st.

Advertisement ran from February 3 to December 1, 1853.

1853 June 30.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  June 30, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 36, P. 2.

From the Troy Daily Post of Wednesday.  Jeffers & Clough’s Gallery.  We paid a visit to this Daguerreotype Gallery yesterday; and certainly they have arranged their rooms in admirable order and with elegant taste.  The first room, is well supplied with sofas, and lounges, and mirrors; is richly papered and carpeted, and will soon have a piano of the best character, to enable those who wait, to keep their patience amused and in good humor.

Off this room is the toilet-room, appropriated to the ladies, and where they can rest,—‘tire themselves, and put on their most conquering look.

The next story, to which you ascend by easy stairs, is the operating room; and which has recently been fitted with northern and side light, according to the mode adopted by the best artists in the country.  Immediately adjoining this is the room for the chemicals, the work shop, and finishing, and preparatory departory department of the artist themselves.

Messrs. Jeffers & Clough are among the most accomplished daguerreotypist in the country; and with the perfect means now at their command, cannot fail.

To make the sun with pencil true,

Bring features lov’d before our view;

Memento’s friendship still will prize,

When in the grave the dear one lies!

1853 October 6.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  October 6, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 50, P. 3.

Jeffers, corner of River and First street, is the place where you may be sure of getting a good Daguerreotype.  He has lately fitted up his rooms with every convenience for taking pictures, and you will always find him on hand whenever any of his friends favor him with a call.

Advertisement ran from October 6, 1853 to March 22, 1855.

1855 January 3.  The Daily Delta.  (New Bern, North Carolina.)  January 3, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 1, P. 3.

Jeffers’ Gallery Of Daguerreotypes.  The citizens of Newbern and vicinity are respectfully invited to call at Jeffers’ rooms, and examine his great variety of specimens.  His new styles of Crayon, Floral Wreath and Chemically colores Daguerreotypes are pronounced to be the finest productions of the art.  He has on hand the largest assortment of Plain, rich and fancy Cases ever exhibited in this country.

Daguerreotyping, in all its varreties, [sic.] done with neatness and dispatch .

Rooms on Craven st., over Whaley’s store.  G. A. Jeffers, Artist., Dec 19th, 1854.

Advertisement ran from January 3 to February 14, 1855. 

1855 August 30.  American Advocate.  (Kinston, North Carolina.)  August 30, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 12, P. 3.

Grand Exhibition Of Daguerreotype.  Jeffers & Doty, The Celebrated Artists, From New York.  Have taken Rooms over E. Williams’ Store, Where they are prepared to take Likenesses in the most modern style, having been engaged in the business for the last nine years, and being posted in all the new and valuable improvements, they do not hesitate in saying, that they can produce Daguerreotypes superior to any heretofore taken in this place.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Kinston and vicinity, are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens, and judge for themselves.

We have on hand the largest and best assortment of Cases and Frames ever offered for sale in this country, which we will furnish, with perfect Likenesses at very moderate rates.

N. B.—An early call will be necessary, as we will remain in this town but four weeks.  Jeffers & Doty, Artist.

Advertisement ran from August 30 to September 28, 1855.

1856 September 23.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  September 23, 1856, New Series—Vol. 5, No. 9, P. 3.

Jeffers, The celebrated Ambrotype and Daguerrean Artist from Charleston, South Carolina, has fitted up a suit of rooms Over Brown, Stitt & Co.’s. Store, opposite Kerr’s Hotel, where he is prepared to execute these Beautiful Likenesses, in the Highest Style Of The Art.  The Ambrotype is taken on Glass and unlike the Daguerreotype.  Without being reversed, they can be viewed in any position with distinctness, as they are free from the glare of the Metallic plate.  They cannot get dusty, and are Impervious to Water or Acids, and cannot be tarnished or injured even by washing or rubbing, and are Warranted to last for Ages.  The superiority of these pictures in point of beauty and durability, has placed them at the head of the Fine Arts.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlotte and vicinity, are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.

N. B.—An early call will be necessary, as I will remain in this place for three weeks only.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases, or no charge.  Terms moderate.  G. Abben Jeffers, Artist.            

1856 September 16.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  September 16, 1856, New Series—Vol. 5, No. 8, P. 3.

Mr. Jeffres, the celebrated daguerrean and Ambrotypian Artist, of Charleston, S. C., is in town, at the Mansion House, and proposes favoring our citizens with counterparts of themselves—or letting us “see ourselves as others see us.”  He will be prepared in a day or two to commence operations.  In the meantime, call at the Hotel, and see specimens of his skill.

1856 October 7.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  October 7, 1856, New Series—Vol. 5, No. 14, P. 3.

$100 Reward!!!   The subscriber offers the above reward to any person who will produce an Ambrotype taken in this country equal to his.  G. Alben Jeffers, Artist.

N. B.—Jeffers’ Ambrotypes are richly colored and are warranted never to fade or spot.

Remember the place Opposite Kerr’s Hotel.

Last Week.  Remember this is the last Week of Jeffers the celebrated Ambrotype Artist.  Those wishing Perfect Likenesses of themselves or friends, should not fail to improve this opportunity of getting them.  Rooms over Brown, Stitt & Co.’s. Store, opposite Kerr’s Hotel.


[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list Jeffers in Troy, New York starting in 1849.

[2] Photographers In North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1841.

[3] Partners With The Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940, P. 61-62.  Jeffers & Doty.

Hughes, William Parsley

1854                Rooms over Brown, Brawley & Co.’s. Store, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1856                Address Unknown, Greensboro, North Carolina.

1856                Address Unknown, Salisbury, North Carolina.

1857                Address Unknown, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1857                Rooms in Carson’s Brick Building, over Boone & Co.’s. Shoe Store, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1858                Rooms over the Post Office, Camden, South Carolina.

1854 November 17.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  November 17, 1854, Vol. 3, No. 17, P. 3.

Daguerreian Gallery.  The subscriber respectfully invites the attention of Ladies and Gentlemen to his much admired and superior style of Pictures, and would also say, that he is now getting up Plates on an improved plan which will not only add to the Beauty of the Picture, but will render it Durable and Brilliant For Ages.

Call soon, as my stay is limited.  Room over Brown, Brawley & Co.’s Store—third story.  Nov. 17, 1854.  W. P. Hughes.

Asheville, Sept. 8th, 1854.

Mr. W. P. Hughes:

Dear Sir—Be pleased to accept my thanks for the Picture sent by you.  It strikes me as being equal, if not superior, to anything of the kind I have ever seen.  I have seen many of your Daguerreotypes, and they are not only remarkable for the accuracy of the likenesses but particularly for their ease and fidelity to nature.  They seem altogether to lack that stiffness and restraint which mars most pictures of the kind.  Wishing you that patronage which your merit in this line seems to entitle you to, I remain Very respectfully yours, &c.  T. L. Clingman.

Advertisement ran from November 17 to December 8, 1854.

1856 January 10.  The Greensboro Times.  (Greensboro, North Carolina.)  January 10, 1856, Vol. 1, No. 2, P. 3.

Ambrotypes.  A. Starrett, Esq., Showed us some specimens of Ambrotypes, this week, whose superiority over the old fashioned silver plated Daguerreotypes is unquestioned.  An Ambrotype is taken on glass, and is not reversed like the old plan; and it can be seen in any light, as it is free from the polish of the silver plate.  It cannot get dusty, and is not easily defaced; it is impervious to water, air or acid, and will last for ages unimpaired.

Mr. Starrett has engaged the services of Mr. Hughes, a celebrated artist, who will be in town this week.

1856 January 15.  Republican Banner.  (Salisbury, North Carolina.)  January 15, 1856, Vol. 3, No. 31, Whole No. 115, P. 2.

Ambrotypes.  “A. Starrett, Esq., Showed us some specimens of Ambrotypes, this week, whose superiority over the old fashioned silver plated Daguerreotypes is unquestioned.  An Ambrotype is taken on glass, and is not reversed like the old plan; and it can be seen in any light, as it is free from the polish of the silver plate.  It cannot get dusty, and is not easily defaced; it is impervious to water, air or acid, and will last for ages unimpaired.

Mr. Starrett has engaged the services of Mr. Hughes, a celebrated artist, who will be in town this week.”—Greensborough Times.

We have seen a few pictures taken in the same style of Daguerreotyping spoken of by the Times,  taken by Mr. Hughes, and can add our testimony to their elegant beauty.  We know Mr. H.well, and know further that he takes superior pictures.

We are glad to learn that Mr. Hughes will be in Salisbury in a few weeks, when all will have an opportunity of testing the new style of taking pictures.

1857 June 16.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  June 16, 1857, New Series— Vol. 5, No. 50, P. 3.

Wagon Pic Nic.  Last Saturday witnessed, perhaps, one of the most novel, interesting and pleasing incident in the way of a Pic Nic. that has ever transpired in Charlotte within the knowledge of the most “antiquated inhabitant.”  We (the Junior) can testify to the scenes that were seen; and the rest, are not recorded in the mind of some.

The company started on a “Fishing Pic Nic.” and headed by the Saxe Band, proceeded to “Lake Katerine” in the following order:

1st.  Virginia Wagon, drawn by 4 mules—with flags and banners waiving—containing about 20 ladies and gentlemen.  2d. North Carolina wagon, drawn by 4 horses with 18 passengers—ladies and gentlemen.   3d. South Carolina Wagon, drawn by 4 mules, with 15 ladies and gentlemen as passengers.  4th. One mule cart, 4 ladies and gentlemen as passengers.  5th. One-horse wagon, 4 ladies and gentlemen.  6th. One horse wagon, containing the “Lady from Africa” as chief of the culinary department, with “Murat,” “Cass” and other Body servants to the party appropriately mounted.

The party halted in front of Mr. Hughes’ Daguerrean Gallery, where an Ambrotype of the party was taken, after which it proceeded on its way amid the shouts of the crowds assembled in the streets…

1857 October 20.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  October 20, 1857, New Series—Vol. 6, No. 279, P. 3.

Premium Photographs and Ambrotypes.  W. P. Hughes, Photographist, Has taken rooms in Carson’s brick Building, over Boone & Co.’s shoe store, third story, where he will be found at all times ready to take Pictures of all who may favor him with a call, in a truly lifelike and artistic manner.  My abundant facilities, with all the improvements of the present day, and long experience (being the oldest operator in the state) enables me to produce in cloudy as well as clear weather, the most strikingly correct and splendidly finished Likenesses, singly or in groups, colored in style belonging only to my productions, and warranted never to fade, for less money than any other Gallery in the State.  Call soon as my stay is positively limited.  Oct. 20.

Advertisement ran from October 20 to December 1, 1857.

1858 February 23.  The Camden Weekly Journal.  (Camden, South Carolina.)  February 23, 1858, Vol. XIX, No. 8, P. 4.

Ambrotype and Photograph Gallery.  The undersigned would respectfully inform the citizens of Camden and vicinity, that through their liberal patronage extended him on a former occasion, he has been induced to revisit them, and has taken Rooms over the Post Office for a short time only.

A fact Worth Knowing.  It has become a well-known fact, that the Ambrotype and Photograph is the picture of the day.  For boldness of relief, richness of tone and correctness of delineation, they cannot be surpassed by any picture taken by or under the sun.

The Ambrotype is particularly adapted to Children.  The process being almost instantaneous that fixed and rigid expression so frequently seen, is thus avoided.  Also the shortness of times precludes fatigue, and causes the picture to have that natural appearance so much to be desired.

In addition to the Ambrotype and Photograph, he is prepared to execute pictures upon Patent Leather, a convenient article for transportation by mail.  Specimens of this style may be seen at my Room.

All those in want of well executed and artistic pictures will do well to call at an early day, as my stay is positively limited to twenty days from date.       Jan 12.  W. P. Hughes.

Alexander, Isaac B.

1842                Rooms in Gifford’s Hall, Camden, South Carolina.

1843                Room at Mr. Robertson’s Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1848                Rooms, over the Post Office, Camden, South Carolina.

1842 April 13.  The Camden Journal.  (Camden, South Carolina.)  April 13, 1842, Vol. 3, No. 19, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The subscriber informs the public that he has procured an instrument, and is now prepared to take likenesses after the manner of M. Daguerre, of Paris.  As he will leave town in a few days, to be absent during the summer, he invites those who may wish his services, to call on him immediately.  His room is in the Gifford’s Hall.  J. B. Alexander. April 13, 1842.

Advertisement ran from April 13 to May 4, 1842.

1843 June 6.  Mecklenburg Jeffersonian.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  June 6, 1843, Vol. 3, No. 114, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The Subscriber informs the citizens of Charlotte, that he has taken a room at Mr. Robertson’s Hotel, where he is prepared to taker Miniatures, by means of the above beautiful Art.  Persons who wish to have their Likenesses taken in the most accurate manner, and very cheap, would do well to call without delay, as the subscriber will not remain but a few days.  Specimens of the Art can be seem by calling at the Charlotte Hotel.  I. B.  Alexander

1848 March 15.  The Camden Journal.  (Camden, South Carolina.)  March 15, 1848, Vol. 9, No. 11, P. 3.

The Subscriber has fitted up his Rooms over the Post Office, Where he will be ready to wait upon any who may favor him with a call.  Good likenesses, warranted, or no charge will be made.  Prices reduced to suite the times.  Hours from 10 A. M. until 5 P. M.  I. B. Alexander March 10, 1848.

Advertisement ran from March 15 to April 5, 1848.

J. M. Lancaster

1857                Rooms in Springs’ new brick building, opposite J. T. & S. M. Blair’s Grocery                                    Store, Charlotte, North Carolina.

J. M. Lancaster was recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 12 to August 18, 1857 in The Western Democrat (Charlotte, North Carolina). Ambrotype Likenesses. The public is respectfully informed that J. M. Lancaster’s Ambrotype Gallery, opposite J. T. & S. M. Blair’s Grocery Store, in Springs’ new brick building, is now open, where a fine colored Ambrotype can be procured at from 75 cents to $9.

Ladies and gentlemen are requested to call and examine his Specimens, and have a Likeness taken of themselves or children.  Call early, as such an opportunity is seldom offered.  J. M. Lancaster.  Charlotte, May 21, 1857.

J. M. Lancaster is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry  as being active in 1857 in Charlotte, North Carolina as a daguerreotypist without a business address.

Hughes & Wilkinson

1859                Rooms over Wilkinson & Co.’s. Jewelry Store, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hughes & Wilkinson were recorded in an announcement that appeared on September 6, 1859 in   The Western Democrat (Charlotte, North Carolina).  Hughes & Wilkinson’s Photograph and Ambrotype Gallery, over Wilkinson & Co.’s. jewelry store, is something a little nicer than Charlotte has been treated to yet.  Those who wish to be “taken” should call immediately.  The pictures are life-like, and are worth going to see, especially the one on the mantel-piece.

Hughes & Wilkinson are not listed in other photographic directories.  Hughes is possibly William P. Hughes who is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but not listed in Charlotte in 1859.