Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

Joseph Reinhart

Daguerreotypes, ,

1847                Address Unknown, Shepherdstown, Virginia.

Joseph Reinhart was recorded in one announcement on August 13, 1847 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mr. Joseph Reinhart, Daguerreotypist, is now in Shepherdstown, and expects to remain for a short time, and is prepared to take correct likenesses of family groups, single faces, dead persons, and copy Scenery and Portraits, in a style unsurpassed by any other Artist in the country, or superior Plates, gilded and colored to nature, and put up in beautiful cases at reasonable prices.  Call and examine his specimens, among which may be seen two life-like pictures—one of the Hon. Daniel Webster, and another of the celebrated Capt. Walker, who figured so conspicuously in the late battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, &c., which were taken by Mr. Reinhart during the late visit of these celebrated gentlemen to Philadelphia.  Elderly persons and invalids, by sending word to Mr. R’s Room, will be waited upon at their residences.

Pictures warranted to give satisfaction.                                                                                                          Mr. R. may be found at his Rooms from 8 o’clock A. M., until sundown.                                    Instructions in Daguerreotyping given at reasonable prices.  Shepherdstown, July 23, 1847.

Joseph Reinhart is not listed in other photographic directories.

Moses Reeves, Jr.

Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857-1858       49 Owego Street, over T. C. Thompson’s Merchant Tailor’s store, Ithaca, New                             York.

Moses Reeves, Jr. was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements  The first announcement appeared on July 1, 1857 in the Auburn Weekly American (Auburn, New York).   The Flood At Ithaca.  This calamity was a dreadfully destructive of lives and property.  Bridges, dams, buildings, trees, lumber and animals were swept away by the irresistible torrent.  Many mills and dwellings were destroyed, and several lives….

Mr. Moses Reeves, daguerrean artist buoyed up by a floating timber, was seen to ride high above the surface with portions of his body, for a distance, then, struck by a log, he disappeared, and to his friends was lost; but by a strange good fortune he states the he emerged some rods below, clinging with a death grasp to his float.—onward he floated, among the wrecks of buildings and a furious surf…At eleven O’clock at night Mr.  Reeves reached dry land about one and half miles below his place of starting….

The second announcement appeared on July 4, 1857 in the Keowee Courier (Pickens Court House, South Carolina).  Great Deluge in Ithica New York.  A letter from Ithica, New York, dated June 18, says:  This town was yesterday visited by the most destructive flood that ever came upon it, from many streams that pour their waters into the basin of the Cayuga Lake….

Mr. Moses Reeves, daguerrean artist buoyed up by a floating timber, was seen to ride high above the surface with portions of his body, for a distance, then, struck by a log, he disappeared, and to his friends was lost; but by a strange good fortune he states the he emerged some rods below, clinging with a death grasp to his float.—onward he floated, among the wrecks of buildings and a furious surf…At eleven O’clock at night Mr.  Reeves reached dry land about one and half miles below his place of starting….

The first advertisement ran from May 20, 1857 to May 26, 1858 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  The Cheapest Yet!  A Large Size Ambrotype Or Daguerreotype, For 50 Cents.  As there has been small size Daguerreotypes taken in town for some time for 50 cents.  I have made arrangements for a Stock of Cases, so that I am now prepared to take Large Size Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes For Fifty Cents!  The same as have heretofore been taken for One Dollar.

I have also purchased the right for taking Melainotypes, or pictures on enameled sheet Iron.  Pictures on leather and indeed on everything the art is capable of producing.

Remember the number 49 Owego-street, Ithaca, one door below L. H. Culver’s, and over T. C. Thompson’s Merchant Tailor’s Store.  M. Reeves, Jr.

The second advertisement ran from September 15, 1858 to February 23, 1859 in the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser (Ithaca, New York).  The Sun Still Shines!  “By their Works ye know them.”  I would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ithaca and surrounding country, that I have taken the rooms formerly occupied by M. Reeves, over T. C. Thompson’s and 2 doors west of Culver’s store, where I am prepared to take all kinds of Photographic Pictures in a superior manner.  I will take pictures of Invalids or Deceased Persons, at their residence, on the most reasonable terms and the shortest possible notice.  Portraits painted—miniature or life size—in oil and crayon, Views of residences, Draughting and pictures of every description painted to Order.  J. Beardsley.  Ithaca.

Moses Reeves, Jr. is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry. As being active in New York City from 1852 to 1856, but not in Ithaca, New York.

Rees, Blodget & Co.

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1855                Main Street, Piper Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Rees, Blodget & Co. were recorded in two advertisements in the Worcester Daily Spy  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement appeared on October 18, 1855.  Take Notice!—Opposition to Steam Daguerreotypes, taken by a new American discovery, for only 25 cents, warranted to be of the best quality, and satisfaction given.  Something less than 500 taken daily.  No connection with the steam whistle, next door.  Rees, Blodget, & Co, artists.  Piper Block, Main st.

The second advertisement appeared on October 19, 1855.  Rees, Blodget, & Co. do not take Daguerreotypes by steam, as their noisy competitors boast to do, but at the same time give all who visit them good portraits, and at a quick rate, for 25 cents.  Rees, Blodget & Co. have opened their rooms at Piper’s Block, bent upon blowing up all steam boilers in the vicinity, if they burst themselves in doing so.

Rees and Blodget are both unknown and not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts.  One could speculate that Rees is Charles R. Rees based on an 1859 advertisement in the Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia) that claimed that he had 17 years experience in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New Orleans and Cincinnati.  Rees left New York sometime around September 8, 1854.

Four days later on September 12, 1854 an advertisement appeared in The New York Herald.

Rees & Co., 25 Cent Daguerreotype Company, 385 Broadway.—This company, established under the above name, will be conducted hereafter under the [head] of McClave & Merritt, the original partners from [the commencement.]  The business will be conducted the same as usual, the whole company remaining with the exception of C. Rees, whose interest in this gallery has been purchased by the two remaining partners.  McClave & Merritt.

Where he went is unknown.  No record of his being in Boston is known.  The next advertisements found were from the Worcester, Massachusetts newspaper of October 19 & 20, 1855.  No other advertisements were found in Massachusetts newspaper prior to the above entries.  Over the next twelve day Rees advertised six times by himself.  The last advertisement in the Worcester Newspapers was on November 1, 1855.  At some point after leaving Worcester he probably worked with or for Tyler & Co. in New Orleans, Charleston and in 1858 in Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia.  So far the only mention of Rees being in South Carolina is from Harvey Teal’s Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940.  Teal states that Rees’s name appears in George S. Cooks papers in the Library of Congress as having an account with him but no address is attributed to the name.  Likewise there is no mention of in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865.

Rees is an interesting person his association with Silas A. Holmes in New York and Tyler & Co. in Richmond and possibly other southern states deserves further research and a longer article.

Reed & Hendee

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1845-1846       Rooms at the Bratlett’s Hotel, Brandon, Vermont.

Reed & Hendee (S. W. Reed & E. B. Hendee) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont).  The announcement appeared on December 18, 1845.  Daguerreotyping.  Messrs. Reed & Hendee are operating very successfully and satisfactorily to those who employ them, in taking Daguerreotype likenesses.  When Mr. Wilcox was operating in this way, last spring, I though he took the lead in Perfecting miniatures; but on seeing the work performed by Messrs. Reed & Hendee, I am confident that they go before any who have preceded them in this line of business.  Those desiring convenient likenesses for presenting to their friends will do well to call and see for themselves.

The advertisement ran from December 18, 1845 to January 1, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  S. W. Reed & E. B. Hendee, Would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Brandon & Vicinity that they have taken rooms, for a few day at Bartlett’s, where they are prepared to furnish Daguerreotype Miniatures finished in the Latest Improved Styles, by which they are rendered perfectly distinct, and prepared to resist the action of air and light without the possibility of being faded or changed.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.                                                    Miniatures taken at all hours of the day, without regard to weather.                                                  For the small sum of Two Dollars a perfect likeness will be done up in a handsome case.        Lockets furnished at a low price.

Reed & Hendee are not listed in other photographic directories.  S. W. Reed is also not listed in other photographic directories and E. B. Hendee is not recorded as being active in Brandon, Vermont.  It is possible that this is Edwin B. Hendee for more information on him see Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1855                290 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.                                                            1855-1856     401 Seventh Street, Washington, D. C.                                                                          1858-1859     12 Market Space, between 8th & 9th Streets, Washington, D. C.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond was recorded in six advertisements and two announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  The first advertisement ran from August 6 to September 24, 1855.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s New Gallery of Daguerrean Art and Photographing is at 290 Pa. avenue, northeast corner of 11th street, over Ford & Bro’s Drug Store, Washington.

Pictures taken at 50 cents and upwards.                                                                                                      Mrs. R. is a graduate of Whitehurst’s establishment.

The first announcement appeared on September 26, 1855.  Worthy of Patronage.—Those desiring daguerreotype pictures cannot do better than to patronize the establishment of Mrs. Redmond, on the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and eleventh street, over the Drug store of the Brothers Ford.  The proprietress, Mrs. Redmond, executes her pictures capitally, and especially deserves encouragement from those who are blessed with true public spirit.  We have satisfied our self that she is a very worthy widow, with a family of three children depending on her exertions, and that the duty of paying for her establishment has forced her to deny herself almost the bare necessities of life during nearly the whole of the late dull term in the way of business.  If industry and determined perseverance to discharge pecuniary obligations amid crushing difficulties and pinching want deserve encouragement, surely here is a case in which those who are truly benevolent and public spirited cannot do better than to patronize the daguerreotyping establishment in question.

The second advertisement ran from November 22, 1855 to January 21, 1856.  Daguerreotypes Taken By A Lady.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond Having removed to her new rooms, on 7th st., between H and I, is prepared to take Likenesses in the best style of the art.

Pictures well taken and put up in embossed cases for Fifty Cents.

The second announcement appeared on July 10, 1856.  Daguerreotypes.—Those in want of good Daguerreotypes should call at the establishment of Mrs. A. C. Redmond, 401 Seventh street.  Her pictures are well executed, and her prices suit the times.

The third advertisement ran from July 10 to 16, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  No. 401 Seventh street, above H, west side.

Portraits Taken Equally Well in Fair and Cloudy Weather.  Particular attention paid to copying Daguerreotypes, Oil paintings, &c.  Pictures of Deceased Persons taken and made to resemble life.  Mrs. R. solicits the patronage of the Ladies particularly.

The fourth advertisement appeared on December 2, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Skylight daguerrean Rooms, Seventh street, west side, between H and I sts.

Mrs. A. C. R. Wishes To say To The public that she is now making beautiful Ambrotypes from one dollar up to any price requires.  Daguerreotypes put up in embossed cases for fifty cents, which are usually sold elsewhere for one dollar.  Her expenses on Seventh street being much less than on the Avenue, she is enabled to sell her Pictures at a greatly reduced price.

Mrs. R. respectfully requests the patronage of the ladies.

The fifth advertisement ran from August 7 to 11, 1858.  Call At Scott’s Bookstore On Pa. avenue, between 14th and 16th streets, and get a dollar Book and a Daguerreotype for only one dollar….Daguerreotypes will be taken by that excellent artist E. N. Lewis, at Mrs. Redmond’s Gallery, No. 12 Market Space, and by R. C. Woodley, 312 E street.

The sixth advertisement ran on April 1 & 2, 1859.  Ladies Daguerrean Rooms, Market Space, No. 12, bet. 8th and 9th sts.  If you want an excellent Ambrotype, call at Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s and obtain one.  Likeness to please, or no pay.

Ladies, your patronage is respectfully solicited.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  The above provides extended activity dates, addresses and additional information.

G. W. Ray

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1850                Address Unknown, Springfield, Massachusetts.

G. W. Ray was recorded in one announcement that appeared on May 15, 1850 in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts).  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the Name L. White & Co. Is this day dissolved by mutual consent.   Springfield, May 13, 1850.   Luther White, G. W. Ray.

N.B.—The business will be continued at the old stand, by G. W. Ray.

G. W. Ray does not appear in other photographic directories.

Ravlen & Irving

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store, Lansingburgh, New York.

Ravlen & Irving were listed in two announcements in the Lansingburgh Democrat  (Lansingburgh, New York).  The first appeared on February 3, 1853.  Messrs. Irvin & Bablin, Daguerrian Artists, have opened a Gallery in this village in the room over T. Lavender’s Grocery Store, where they are prepared to receive calls from the ladies and gentlemen of this place.  They have already transferred the countenances of several of our citizens in such a manner that they almost seem to speak.  From what we know of their skill, we are satisfied that they are artists of considerable merit, and they invite an inspection of their work.  Give them a call.

The second appeared on February 10, 1853.  Ravlen & Irving, daguerrean artists, have just received a new invoice of splendid Pearl, Velvet, and Ivory Inlaid cases, for Daguerreotypes.  Since their arrival in this village they have been doing a regular land office building.

One can only speculate that the correct names of the partnership is Ravlen & Irving since the announcements are only a week apart.  Ravlen & Irving are  not listed in other photographic directories.  There is a possibly that Irving is James Irving who was active in Troy, New York, but without further documentation it is only speculation.

C. Ravel

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1857                Address Unknown, Chittenango, New York.

C. Ravel was recorded in one announcement that appeared on October 7, 1857 in the Cazenovia Republican (Cazenovia, New York).  List of Premiums Awarded at the Annual Fair of the Maddison County Agricultural Society, held at Morrisville, on the 15th, 16th and 17th days of September, 1857.  Concluded….Needle Work, Painting, &C….

Best Daguerreotypes, C. Ravel, Chittenango,                  3                                                                            2d best, R. Hubbard, Morrisville,                                           1

C. Ravel is not listed in other photographic directories as being active in 1857 in Chittenango, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Charles H. Ravel in Manlius in 1859 and Fayetteville, New York in 1859-1860.  Its possible they are the same person.

P. C. Ransom

Daguerreotypes, ,

1845                14 Yates Street, Schenectady, New York.

P. C. Ransom was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on August 19, 1845 in The Schenectady Cabinet, or Freedom’s Sentinel (Schenectady, New York). P. C. Ransom, Daguerreotype Artist, Has opened a convenient room at No. 14 Yates st. Schenectady, where he is prepared to execute at any hour of the day, Miniatures, of individuals and family groups, with all the late improvements, in a style not surpassed.  Miniatures taken by this new process are of an entirely different character from those produced by the old process, as it gives the likeness nearer the color of life, obviates the death-like appearance which has hitherto been the objection to Daguerreotype Miniatures, and also renders the impression entirely permanent on the plate.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine, and sit for their likenesses if they choose, by way of experiment.

P. C. Ransom is not recorded as being active in Schenectady, New York in other photographic directories. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Porter C. Ransom in Troy, New York in 1847-1849, it is possible they are the same person.

Alexander Ransom

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , ,

1853                Mr. Ransom’s Rooms New York University, New York, New York.

Alexander Ransom was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The announcement appeared on December 13, 1853.  Mr. Freeman Having Purchased of Mr. Alexander Ransom the half of his property in the Drummond Light apparatus for enlarging daguerreotypes, will be prepared every day, between the hours of two and three o’clock P. M., to show any respectable parties, the effects of Daguerreotypes so enlarged, through which a perfect drawing is traced upon the reflection itself, from the cabinet to the size of life, or even larger, with the unerring certainty, in a comparatively short space of time.  Those having daguerreotypes of friends, will please bring them to determine their real value when magnified and thrown upon another surface, thereby avoiding all the disagreeable effects of the reflex of a polished plate, and withal of a hundred per cent increase of resemblance to their originals.  Outline for artists reasonably made.  Rooms No. 1, third floor, N. Y. University, Washington parade ground.

The advertisement ran from December 17 to 19, 1853.  Portraits Painted From Daguerreotypes.—Persons having daguerreotypes of deceased or absent  friends, can see the magnified to the size of life by a powerful Drummond light apparatus free at Mr. Ransom’s rooms, New York University, every day from 2 to 3 o’clock, P. M.

Alexander Ransom does not appear in other photographic directories.  He is recorded as a portrait painter in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564 – 1860 as being active in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, New York City and London, England.