Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

J. Caldwell

Daguerreotypes, ,

1856                Rooms at the Isham House, Jackson, Ohio.

J. Caldwell was recorded in an advertisement on November 13, 1856 in The Jackson Standard. (Jackson, Ohio.) Daguerreotype Gallery.  I would respectfully inform the citizens of Jackson and vicinity, that I have taken rooms in the Isham House, where I am prepared to execute any thing in the Art, in the most satisfactory manner.  Those that wish to patronize me, will please call soon, as I expect to go South before navigation closes.

N. B.  Pictures can be taken just as well in cloudy weather as clear. I have had many years experience in the Art, and know I can please all.        Oct 2, 1856.               J. Caldwell, Artist.

Please note that the date at the end of the advertisement is October 2, 1856.  Only 14 Issues in 1856 were available to me of The Jackson Standard, twelve issues were available from January 3 to March 20, and the remaining two were on November 13 and December 11.  Two interesting statements are made in the advertisement first that he expects to go south before navigation closes, to my thinking that means he is using the Ohio River to travel on the Mississippi River, and points south.  Secondly in the second paragraph he states that he has had many years experience in the art.  As I read more newspapers across the country hopefully more information can be added to this photographer history.

J. Caldwell is not listed in other photographic directories that can be verified as being the same person.

Byron & Bent

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1851                155 Atlantic Street, Brooklyn, New York.

Byron & Ben were first recorded in an announcement on May 12, 1851 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York.)  Brooklyn Not To Be Outdone.—Byron & Bent, of 155 Atlantic Street, Brooklyn, whose artistic skill as Daguerreotypist, is rapidly gaining for them a distinguished celebrity, determined to keep pace with the New York artists, have, with a laudable enterprise, fitted up a Daguerrian gallery that will vie with any in the modern Gotham.  In point of accuracy of delineation, distinctness of execution and style, the likenesses by Byron & Bent, are as perfect as any we have seen, and superior to many, by artists who have had a longer experience, and hold a high rank in their profession.  We command Messrs. B. & B. to the patronage of their fellow citizens.  Their charges are moderate, and the portraits are permanent, which is not the case with very many of the low priced artists—we mean those who charge 50 cts.  Pay them a visit, and give them a trial; you will be sure to call again!

The following week an advertisement appeared on May 17 and ran until August 22, 1851 in The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York.)  Daguerrian Gallery, (From Meade Brothers,) 155 Atlantic street, Brooklyn.  The great want of a good Daguerrian Gallery, in South Brooklyn, has long been felt, and the subscribers have been induced to fit up the first floor over the splendid store of G. D. Sweetzer, at 155 Atlantic street, as one of the first class; and they can say, without fear of contradiction, that in point of convenience and general capabilities, it is surpassed by none in the States.

The Proprietors will always be on the spot, and guarantee that none but Superior Pictures shall be issued from their establishment.  Ladies and elderly persons will find a great convenience in the gallery and operating room being on the first floor.  Children’s Portraits taken in a few seconds.  Portraits taken at private residences.  A choice assortment of Lockets & c.  Portraits (colored) from $1.00 upwards, Portraits with Locket included,          $2.50.  Byron & Bent.

While Walter C. Byron and Edward Stanley Bent are known and have been recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry the new information is that they worked for the Meade Brothers.

Oscar P. Button

Daguerreotypes, ,

1857-1859       Fairbanks Block, corner of Court and Arsenal Streets, Watertown, New York.

Oscar P. Button is mentioned in an announcement on March 5, 1857 The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York.)  Removal.—G. S. Rugg, Artists, has removed his Daguerreian Gallery from Fairbanks’ Block, Court-st., to Washington Hall Block, where he has fitted up rooms with new and elegant furniture, and is prepared to take pictures in the best styles of the art.

But his old rooms are not deserted:  Mr. Oscar Button, an operator of experience, has engaged the same rooms in the Fairbanks Block, vacated by Mr. Rugg, and will continue the business in all its branches.

The first advertisement found appeared 19 March 1857 and ran until June 18, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York.)  Bought Out!  Having Purchased The Sky and Side Light Daguerrean Gallery!  (Known as Rugg’s Gallery, in the Fairbank’s Block,) the undersigned would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that after many additions and improvements, in which he has spared no pains or expense, he is now fully prepared to execute Pictures in the very best style and finish the art is enable of producing.  He has had many years experience in the art, and during the time has been in many of the larger cities of the Union, North and South, East and West.  All work taken by him is warranted and unless entire satisfaction is given, the money will be refunded.  Of Cases, Frames, &c. he has an entirely new lot of every possible variety.

Remember, Fairbanks Buildings, Corner Court And Arsenal Streets, Opposite The American Hotel.

The same advertisement ran on May 6, 1857 and ran until September 30, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal (Watertown, New York.)  Bought Out!  Having Purchased The Sky and Side Light Daguerrean Gallery!  (Known as Rugg’s Gallery, in the Fairbank’s Block,) the undersigned would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that after many additions and improvements, in which he has spared no pains or expense, he is now fully prepared to execute Pictures in the very best style and finish the art is enable of producing.  He has had many years experience in the art, and during the time has been in many of the larger cities of the Union, North and South, East and West.  All work taken by him is warranted and unless entire satisfaction is given, the money will be refunded.  Of Cases, Frames, &c. he has an entirely new lot of every possible variety.

Remember, Fairbanks Buildings, Corner Court And Arsenal Streets, Opposite The American Hotel.         O. P. Button.   Watertown, April 29, 1857.

The next advertisement appeared on December 30, 1858 and ran until March 17, 1859 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York.)  O. P. Button, Daguerrean Operator, Fairbanks Block, Corner Of Court and Arsenal Streets, Watertown.  Pictures taken in every style of the art, and Twenty-Five Per Cent Cheaper than at any other rooms in town.—Call and examine specimens.

Oscar P. Button does not appear in other photographic directories.

S. E. Bottolph

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Malone, New York.

S. E. Buttolph was mentioned in The Daily Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York) on May 20, 1859. Franklin Co. Items. Mrs. Cornelia L. Buttolph, wife of S. E. Buttolph, ambrotype artist, died suddenly of heart disease at Malone on Saturday the 14th.  She had just returned to her room, from a walk, when she was taken suddenly ill, and exclaimed that she was dying….

While S. E. Buttolph is known and recorded as a daguerreian in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry this gives us a little more information.  We know have his wife’s name and that he made ambrotypes also.

James C. Butler

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1847                100 State Street, Schenectady, New York.                                                            1848                Room in the Fireman’s Hall, Plattsburgh, New York.

James C. Butler was recorded in two advertisement, the first ran from September 17 to October 15, 1847 in The Schenectady Reflector (Schenectady, New York.)  Improved Daguerreotypes.—Plain or Colored.—The subscriber would inform the inhabitants of Schenectady and its vicinity, that he has taken the rooms recently occupied by Mr. Cooke for the purpose of giving all an opportunity of obtaining perfect likenesses of themselves by the improved Daguerreotype.

The experience that Mr. B. has had, warrants him in saying that all those who will favor him with a call for their likenesses, will obtain that which will give them perfect satisfaction.  Family groups taken at their residences if desired.  James C. Butler, 100 State st.

The second advertisement ran from October 22 to 29, 1847 in the same newspaper.  Daguerreotypes For One Dollar.—The subscriber would give notice that he has reduced the usual price of Daguerreotypes to One Dollar.  All who wish to avail themselves of this opportunity, must do so within four weeks from date, as his engagements will not admit of a longer stay.  All likenesses taken are warranted to give perfect satisfaction, and be equal to any that can be produced from any city in the Union.  Specimens can be seen at his rooms, 100 State street.—Schenectady, Oct 18, 1847.   James C. Butler.

The third entry announces Butler’s arrival in Plattsburg on November 25, 1848 in the  Plattsburgh Republican (Plattsburgh, New York.)  See Mr. Butler’s Daguerreotype notice in another column, and then call at his room and look at his beautiful and life-like pictures.

The fourth entry is the advertisement mentioned in the announcement and ran from November 25 to December 16, 1848.  Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the inhabitants of this place and vicinity, that he has opened a Daguerreotype Room in the Fireman’s Hall, where he will be happy to wait on all those who may want a correct likeness.  The subscriber is confident, from past experience, that he can produce a more perfect and durable likeness than was ever taken in this place and equal to any that can be produced from any city in the Union.  Those who have friends living at a distance and wish to present them with their likeness, can do so by having them taken at my room.  I will then forward them from the post office of this place any distance not exceeding three hundred miles, for twenty-five cents; over three hundred miles, and to any post office within the United States, for fifty cents.

The price of likenesses will depend on the size and style in which they are put up.  Likenesses set in pins, bracelets, lockets, and taken in every style of the art.  Also, of the sick and feeble taken at their residence, and of the deceased persons, if desired.  Portrait paintings, daguerreotypes and engravings copied with accuracy.

Those wishing to learn the business can receive such instructions in the art as will enable them to operate in a short time, not only to operate, but to take likenesses with a tone, finish and expression which will give satisfaction to all.  All are invited to call at the Firemen’s Hall and examine specimens, whether they wish to sit for their likeness or not.

James C. Butler does not appear in other photographic directories.

George H. Butler

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853-1856       140 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.                                                          1855                   257 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

George H. Butler was recorded twice in the Boston Daily Evening Transcript (Boston, Massachusetts) on July 12, 1853 in an announcement and then in an advertisement.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns, that Messrs. Seaver & Butler have established themselves at No. 140 Washington street, where they would be happy to see their friends and the public, and to serve them in the line of their art.

The advertisement ran from July 12 to 25, 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  140 Washington Street, Seaver & Butler, having recently purchased these rooms, and neatly fitted and newly furnished them throughout, till they are surpassed in convenience and elegance by none in the city, are now prepared to take Likenesses with promptness, in the very best style of the art, and in every size and mode of finish.  The public are respectfully invited to give them a call.  Entire satisfaction guaranteed.

Mr. Seaver having been employed as Operator at Ives’s Establishment, for over a year past, would be pleased to see his numerous friends and acquaintances at his new place of business, where they will meet with entire satisfaction, as heretofore.

George H. Butler has been recorded in other photographic directories.  The 1853 information above is new and was not included in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

Alexander Butler

Daguerreotypes,

1853                Address & Location Unknown

Alexander Butler is recorded on January 20, 1854 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  In a listing of The [1853] Exhibition At The Crystal Palace. Official Awards of Juries.  Jury F.  Class 10.  Philosophical Instruments And Their Products….Alexander Butler is awarded a Bronze Medal for several excellent Daguerreotypes.  In the space where his city or state is recorded it only says U. S.

Alexander Butler name does not appear in the Official Catalogue of the New-York Exhibition of Industry of All Nations, 1853. Under   Class 10.  Philosophical Instruments And Their Products. Unfortunately Craig’s Daguerreian Registry records him as probably being from New York City.  Regrettably the information does not indicate this assumption to be true.

W. L. Burtiss

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1845                Address Unknown, Rochester, New York.                                                                    1845                At Prescott’s, Geneva, New York.

W. L. Burtiss was recorded in an advertisement in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York) on July 29, 1845.  Photographic Images.  Wives, Children, Husbands, Lovers and Young Maids, “Secure your shadows e’re your shadow fades.”

W. L Burtiss, Proprietor of the Rochester Daguerrian Gallery and Photographic Institute, has the honor to announce to the citizens of Geneva and vicinity, that, having by unremitting attention to business measurably injured his health, he intends for a week or two courting the invigorating breezes of the Lake and healthful atmosphere of Geneva.

Circumstances favoring, he purposes taking a few prospects of the Lake; and without violating his physiologic interests, will attend to a few calls in the way of his profession; for which purposes he has taken his apparatus, (a very, superior Camera,) along with him.

Ladies and gentlemen are requested to call, if for no other purpose but to examine his specimens, which in Rochester gained for him golden opinions.

W. L. B. has a very fine assortment of embossed Morocco Cases; Japanned, Rose Wood, Mahogany and Black Walnut Frames; Gold and Plated Lockets; Miniatures of all sizes, taken suitable for Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c.

Persons desirous of acquainting themselves with the modus operandi, can have instructions given, and supplied with apparatus on reasonable terms.

The color and material of the dress, and a great deal to the beauty of the impression, and therefore for Ladies, silk dresses of any color (except whit, or light blue, or red,) either plain, striped, or figured, are the best for the purpose.

A striped or figured vest, and a cravat or scarf which covers part of the triangular form of the bosom, would be most suitable for gentlemen.  Mr. B. can be found at Prescott’s.  W. L. Burtiss, P. P.  Geneva, July 31, 1845.

In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry he list a Warren L. Burtis in Rochester NY without a business address. He also suggest that he is probably in St. Louis, Missouri from 1845-1846.

Francis Burrows

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1848                Rooms at Miss Adams Building, Middlebury, Vermont.                                            1848                Rooms at Mr. Button’s Building, on door east of his store, Brandon, Vermont.    1848                Rooms at Miss. Adams Building, Middlebury, Vermont.                                            1850                Rooms at Miss. Adams Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

Francis Burrows and F. Burrows are probably the same person, but because there is no conclusive proof this is only speculation on my part.  To date three announcements and three advertisements have been found for him in Vermont.  The first announcement appears in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont) on September 19, 1848.  F. Burrows, Daguerrean Artist, Will visit Middlebury in about a week, and will be ready to execute work in his line at his old stand in Miss Adams building.—ladies and gentlemen are invited to give him a call.  All work warranted to give satisfaction.

On August 30, 1848 the first advertisement is recorded in The Voice of Freedom (Brandon, Vermont.)  Burrow’s Superior Portraits.  Mr. Francis Burrows would announce to the citizens of Brandon that he has secured pleasant rooms at Mr. Button’s building, one door east of his Store, where he will be ready at all hours from 8 o’clock A. M. till 4 o’clock P. M., to accommodate all those who may favor him with a call.  Mr. B. will render his pictures entirely satisfactory and he is confident with his long experience and superior skill and apparatus, that he can produce an article in life-like appearance not surpassed by any.  His pictures are of a deep soft tone and beautiful lights and shade.  Gentlemen and Ladies are invited to call and satisfy themselves.  Miniatures will be put up in any style and in any weather.

Any instructions will be given on dressing for the occasion, when called for.  N. B. Instructions given to those who wish to learn the business, and apparatus found.

The second advertisement appears On October 3 & 10, 1848 in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont.)  Portraits Mr. Francis Burrows Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Middlebury and vicinity that he has returned to this village after an absence of a year , making investigations and improvements in the Daguerrean Art—having visited the principal establishments of the kind in the cities-that he is now prepared to render his pictures entirely satisfactory.  He is confident, from his long experience and the success he has had in the art, that he can satisfy the Most fastidious.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine for themselves.  N. B. A superior article of quick stuff for sale.

This is followed by two announcements the first on October 17, 1848 in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont.)  Burrows, Will Take Portraits at his rooms during This Week.  All wishing anything in his line of business will govern themselves accordingly.

The second from the same newspaper on October 24. 1848.  Burrows Will Take Portraits This Week & Next And No Longer.

The last advertisement found for Francis Burrows in Vermont appeared on January 1 & 8, 1850 in The Middlebury Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont.)  Daguerreotype Pictures!  F. Burrows Having returned to this village, proposes to stop about two weeks, and take pictures.  He trusts that his former customers, and all who desire Daguerreotype Pictures, will call at his rooms in Miss Adams’s Building, where he will be ready to take pictures in a superior manner, and on reasonable terms.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens of pictures and prices.

Question remain concerning the activity of Francis Burrows.  In the first announcement on September 19, 1848 it says that he is at his old rooms.  Which can only mean that he has visited Middlebury before.  Middlebury is close to the New York boarder it’s possible that he is traveling back and forth staying in various towns spending two to three weeks and then moving on, this is based on F. (Francis’s) Burrows activity in New York.  The other possibility is that he is traveling around Vermont and I just have not found the newspapers to verify his activity.

*See second post today F. (Francis) Burrows.

F. (Francis) Burrows

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1849                   Main Street, in Prescott’s brick building, Keeseville, New York.                            c.1850-1852    80 State Street, Schenectady, New York.                                                                    1854-1858       87 State Street, Schenectady, New York.[1]

F. (Francis) Burrows was recorded in three advertisements and one announce in the Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York) which ran on May 12, 19 & 26, 1849. Miniature Gallery. Premium Daguerreotypes.  F. Burrows would announce to the citizens of Keeseville and vicinity that he has [occupied] the pleasant room in [Prescott’s] brick building on Main st. opposite the bank, where he will be in attendance at all hours to attend calls with which he may be favored.  Mr. B. will [   ] his pictures entirely satisfactory, and he is confident with his long experience both in city and country, that he can produce an article in life-like appearance not surpassed by any.  His pictures are of a deep [  ] tone with beautiful lights and shades.  Miniatures will be put up in any style and in any weather.  N. B. Instructions given to those who wish to learn the business and apparatus found.

The second advertisement ran from November 28, 1851 to November 19, 1852 in The Schenectady Reflector.  (Schenectady, New York.)  F. Burrow’s Sky Light gallery For Daguerreotypes, No. 80 State street, Schenectady.—Mr. B. is happy to return his compliments and  humble thanks to the citizens of Schenectady and vicinity, for their liberal patronage during the past year.  His rooms are still open for business, and he will be extremely happy to wait on customers at any time.  Work will be executed at short notice, and perfect satisfaction guaranteed in all cases.

Miniatures will be taken of any size, for a locket or ring up to a half plate.  All kinds of cases and frames furnished to order.  Views and landscapes taken, positive or negative.  Work will be done as cheap as at any other establishment in this vicinity.

On January 27, 1854 the following announcement appears in The Schenectady Reflector (Schenectady, New York.)  Removal—Burrow’s Daguerrean Gallery.—Burrows has removed his Daguerreotype gallery to No. 87 State Street, over the store of Messrs. Barrenger & Co., and has fitted it up anew throughout.  He has now the largest and best sky and side-light in the city, and is prepared to furnish pictures as much better than his former ones, as his facilities are greater.  Our citizens who have not already done so, would do well to look in at the new rooms.

The last advertisement found ran from November 9, 1855 to April 18, 1856. In The Schenectady Reflector (Schenectady, New York.)  Burrows’ Ambrotype And Daguerreotype Rooms.  Ambrotypes Patented.  A New Style of Pictures, far exceeding in beauty and durability any thing ever before made.  The exceeding fineness, depth of light and shade, and richness of tone is wonderful.  They do not reverse the subject, but represent every thing in their true position.

They are without the glare of a daguerreotype, and may hence be seen in any view.  They will last unchanged for ages, and possess the rare quality of imperishability.  They are pronounced by competent judges to be the greatest achievements in the Photographic art, having a relief and clearness that is truly astonishing.  The Ambrotype is hermetically sealed between two pieces of glass, and may be left in water for months with perfect safety.  Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call at No. 87 State street, Schenectady.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list a Francis Burrows in 1857-1858 at 87 State Street, Schenectady.