1846 Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]
Stephen Cobb was not listed in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900, or in any other photographic directory.
[1] Information from the Boston City Directories, residence listings.
1853 Rooms at Mr. H. Holland’s New Hotel, Woodsfield, Ohio.
C. S. Cobb was recorded in an advertisement that ran from June 8 to July 6, 1853 in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio). Daguerreotype Likenesses! For $1.50 Only. C. S. Cobb would respectfully inform the citizens of Woodsfield, that he has taken rooms at Mr. H. Holland’s New Hotel, where he will be happy to see all who desire Correct Miniatures, of themselves or friends, according to the latest improvements in the Daguerrean art, in a style superior to any that have been taken in this place heretofore. Also, particular attention will be given to taking copies of Portraits, Paintings, Pictures, &c.
“Secure the shadow ere the Substance fade,” and it will never change it rightly taken, but remain a true and faithful semblance of the original.
Any person sitting for a portrait, will not be expected to take it, unless they and their friends think it correct and satisfactory. Call and see specimens.
On June 29, 1853 he was recorded in an announcement in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio). Daguerreotypes. Mr. C. S. Cobb is taking some splendid Daguerreotypes at the Holland House. Those who are in want of good likenesses would do well to give him a call. See his advertisement in another column.
C. S. Cobb is not recorded in any photographic directories that I have searched.
1856 522 North Second Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]
John R. Clemons was recorded on April 1, 1856 in an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America, Number Two, Philadelphia. In the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York). In the article the author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia, and wrote the following.
Clemons. — Some very good daguerreotypes. The ambrotypes not so superior. There were but few however in the gallery.
John R. Clemons is known to have operated a studio in Philadelphia. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list him from 1853 to 1860. Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 list him from 1855-1866.
[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.
1856 168 South Second Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]
Lybrand Clayton was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on April 1, 1856. In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America. Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.
Clayton. — These specimens show a gradation from indifferent to very good, proving the artist capable of producing fair pictures. This artist has several stereoscopes in front of the door, which I noticed was the case with several establishments. This is undoubtedly probono publico.
Listed as a daguerreotypist in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, also recorded in Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900.
[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.
1851 Nearly Opposite the store of H. S. Smith, Huntington, New York. 1851 Address unknown, Cold Spring, New York. 1851 On the Common, Roslyn, New York.
The Partnership of Disbrow and Clarkson was recorded in three announcement and one advertisement. The first announcement ran on April 18, 1851 in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York). Daguerreotypes.—It is an old saying, and none the less true than old “Something new comes every day.” The last came, in this vicinity, we chronicle as the arrival of a portable Daguerrean Gallery which is now located nearly opposite the Store of H. S. Smith, where the Proprietors are prepared to see and wait upon our citizens, in all branches of the Daguerrean Art, and furnish them a likeness second to none and equal to the best, in any style and form desired. The arrangement for light—a great essential in daguerreotyping, known to those who have the least knowledge of the art—will be found superior to that secured in an ordinary room. Being invited to call and see, we went and see’d. The conveniences of the Rooms, neat and tasty—are equal to those of a parlor. We advise those who want a good reflection of themselves, to embrace the present occasion to get a faithful one.
They were next recorded in an advertisement that ran from April 18 to May 9, 1851 in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York). Rare Chance For The People!! The subscribers would beg leave to call the attention of all the good people of Huntington and vicinity to the Traveling National Daguerrean Saloon, which is now located on Main st., in Huntington Village, where they will remain a short time, kindly soliciting the patronage of those persons in want of correct likenesses of themselves or friends. The National has its commodious wings and superior sky lights, which combine its adaptation to perfect the Daguerrean Art. What is there of earthly treasures that we can more highly prize as a Keepsake, than a correct Likeness of some absent friend or relation?
N. B. Miniatures For Lockets, Pins, or Rings. Without further comment, please Call and satisfy yourselves. Correct Likeness, or no Charge. Disbrow & Clarkson, Huntington, April 16, 1851.
The second announcement ran on May 23, 1851 in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York). Daguerreotypes.—Messrs. Disbrow & Clarkson, with their Daguerrean Gallery, remain in this village only this week. Those intending to visit them must do so immediately. On Monday next they locate at Cold Spring for a short stay.
The third announcement ran on November 7, 1851 in The Plaindealer (Roslyn, New York). The Daguerrian Saloon. Some of our readers in passing through our beautiful village, have no doubt noticed a strange looking object on the common, which the matter of fact may have deemed a bathing machine, drawn up for the season, whilst the more imaginative may have pictured it a miniature Noah’s Ark; or at least, one of Barnum’s Fejee caravans. Had they noticed closer, they would have perceived that it was neither of these, but a perambulating Daguerrian Saloon, attended by two of the genus-homo.—The one a methodistical looking man, who (see hand-bill) addresses the world at large, as “dear friends”; the other, a good-natured looking young man, in appearance and manners somewhat different from his senior. These two are the proprietors who philanthropically travel around the country, giving, for the price of twelve shillings; and, contraywise, painting men, horses, houses, monkeys, or anything else in nature, with fidelity, skill and dispatch. Now, ye good people, who have an idea that ye are good looking, or would like to leave a memorial of yourselves with a friend, now is your chance. Twelve shillings for immortality! Cheap enough, in all conscience. A purse is being raised by our enthusiastic subscribers, which, when filled, is to be devoted to the patriotic purpose of having our portraits taken.—These portraits will, no doubt, be in great request; and the world at large had better call at once on Messrs. Disbrow & Clarkson, and secure an impression. These are the times when true greatness is held up to light, and fears not the sun’s rays.—Whosoever would be great, must first secure twelve shillings, and then, hey for a Daguerreotype.
Disbrow & Clarkson are not listed in partnership in any of the photographic directories that I have access too. John Craig list three Clarkson’s in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, an F. K. Clarkson is listed in Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1860; Theodore F. Clarkson is listed in Waukegan, Illinois; and Clarkson (no first name is on Long Island in 1853). Without more information it is only speculation that they are the same person. Disbrow, only one listing in Craig’s was found for a Charles Disbrow in 1849-1850 in New Haven, Connecticut. Again it possible they are the same person, but at this time its only speculation.
1850 Address Unknown, [Boston], Massachusetts.[1] 1851 247 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2] 1851-1852 36 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[3] 1852-1854 in San Francisco, California.[4] 1853 Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.[1] 1854 103 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[3] 1854-1856 in New York City.[4] 1855 158 Bowery, New York, New York.[5] 1857 Lower Great George Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.[4] 1859-1862 in San Francisco, California.[4]
Peter G. Clark first appeared in the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Report for September 1850. He exhibited daguerreotypes at the sixth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, no award was given.
Reported on December 20, 1851 in The Carpet Bag (Boston, Massachusetts). A Present.—We have received from the artist, Mr. P. G. Clark, No. 247 Washington street, an elegant and faithful likeness of Mrs. H. M. Stephens, of this city, and we take pleasure in exhibiting the treasure to our many visitors. [We have an adjourned promise of the transcript of another fair face from the East—“down east,”—when the “sometimes operator” shall get back.] Of course we are proud of it, and of course we thank the donor, and commend him to the notice of that public which always patronizes those who favor the printers.
Reported in the September 1853 report of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. Peter G. Clark exhibited daguerreotypes at the sixth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. Award a bronze medal for daguerreotype views of California.
Reported in an advertisement on December 22, 1855 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York). Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits. Highest prize $1,000. For particulars see circulars at the Museum. Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.
J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway; Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.
Peter G. Clark is known see the following publications for more information Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, A Biographical Dictionary 1840-1865, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
The new Information, is the fact that he showed at the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association in 1850 and in 1853, the advertisement in the Carpet Bag newspaper with the 247 Washington Street address, and the December 22, 1855 New York Daily Tribune advertisement with address of 156 Bowery, New York.
[1] Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association records, 1850 & 1853. [2] The Carpet Bag (newspaper). [3] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900. [4] Pioneer Photographers of the Far West. [5] New York Daily Tribune (newspaper).
1855 3 Hathaway Building, Lansingburgh, New York.
Mr. Clark was recorded in an announcement on November 15, 1855 in the Lansingburgh Democrat (Lansingburgh, New York). The Daguerrian Saloon formerly occupied by Mr. Judd, has passed into the possession of Mr. Clark, who is ready at all times to secure “the shadow, ere the substance perish,” for all those who wish it.—We noticed an Ambrotype of one of our active citizens hanging at his door a few days since—and if we can form an opinion from that, we judge that Prof. Judd’s mantle has fallen upon no unworthy successor.
After checking the photographic directories the only possible identification for Mr. Clark is Charles R. Clark, who was listed in Troy, New York in 1856 to 1861. The distance between the two towns is only sixteen to seventeen miles away. But as always this is only speculation on my part.
1851 26 Foot’s Building, Springfield, Massachusetts.
Mr. Clark was recorded in an advertisement that ran from December 9, 1851 to January 22, 1852 in the Daily Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts). Kossuth Has Come! And while this illustrious exile is being received with distinguished honor and shouts of welcome, let Cooley’s Daguerrian Gallery not be forgotten. While the countenance is lighted up by the soul-inspiring eloquence of this great man step into Cooley’s, and in a few moments he will give you one of those superb Daguerreotype Likenesses for which his Gallery is famed, the world over.—His Sky-light needs no puffing—it can’t be beat—and those who have any eyes at all may be sure of obtaining a good picture.
The Professor may be found at his old station, and with our gentlemanly Operator, Mr. Clark, will be ready to wait upon visitors and sitters, and will give entire satisfaction to all.
Lockets, Keys, Rings, Pins, and every style of Case may be obtained at his Establishment, at the lowest prices; also, all kinds of material used in the business. Call at Cooley’s, No. 26 Foot’s Building, and he will try to suit you. O. H. Cooley.
Mr. Clark was not recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900 or in other photographic directories.
1846 Rooms over Pomeroy’s Book Store, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh, New York. 1846-1847 Rooms over Mr. N. S. Pitkin’s Hardware Store, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh, New York. 1847 Rooms over Law Offices of Messrs. Hopkins and Chapin, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh, New York.
Mr. Clark was recorded in three advertisements in the St. Lawrence Republican (Ogdensburgh, New York). The first advertisement ran from August 18 to September 1, 1846.
“Secure the shadow ere the substance fade.” Improved daguerreotypes. Mr. Clark, Would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Ogdensburgh, and vicinity, that he has just taken Rooms for a short time, Over Pomeroy’s Book Stork, Ford street, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, in the latest and most approved style, with or without colors, and warranted not to fade or change by age.
He has within a few weeks made some valuable improvements in the art, which very much beautify the Pictures, giving them the most life-like expression, the most perfect flesh-color, showing the variegated eye, with all the perfection and beauty of life itself.
Ladies and Gentlemen are particularly invited to call at his rooms and examine Specimens, whether they intend to have Likenesses or not.
Children that are old enough to keep still twenty or thirty seconds, can be taken as well as older persons. Miniatures taken every day without regard to weather, In Cases, Lockets, or Bosom Pins, of any size. Hours for operating, from 8 A. M. till 5 P. M.
The second advertisement ran from January 29, 1846 to January 19, 1847 in the same newspaper. Daguerreotypes! Mr. Clark, Would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of this place and vicinity, that he has returned to Ogdensburgh and taken rooms for a short time, Over Mr. N. S. Pitkin’s Hardware Store, Ford street, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, without regard to weather, in Cases, Lockets, Rings or Bosom Pins, of any size.
Rooms open, from 8 A. M. till 5 P. M. Instructions given in the Art, on reasonable terms, with the latest improvements; and the best instructions furnished at New York prices.
The third advertisement ran on June 22 and 29, 1847 in the same newspaper. “Bock Agen.” Mr. Clark, Daguerrean Artists, has returned to Ogdensburgh, and taken rooms over the Law Offices of Messrs. Hopkins and Chapin, Ford street, where he is prepared to take Miniature Portraits, as usual. He has on hand a fine assortment of Gold and Plated Lockets.
The public are invited to call and examine for themselves, and after sitting for a picture it will not be expected that they will take it unless they are satisfied with it.
Mr. Clark does not appear in other photographic directories in upstate New York. It is a possibly that Mr. Clark is Frederick J. or John M. Clark, who at this time were in listed in Utica 132 miles away from Ogdensburgh, but at this time it is only speculation on my part.
1853 Room at Mr. H. Bean’s Dwelling House, Franklin Street, Grand Haven, Michigan. 1857 Address Unknown, Neenah, Wisconsin.[1] 1859 Milwaukee Hotel, Grand Haven, Michigan.
Hiram S. Clark Was recorder in an advertisement that ran from November 23 to December 7, 1853 in the Grand River Times (Grand Haven, Michigan). Daguerreotypes. The undersigned would inform the public that he will remain in town but a few days longer, and those wishing likenesses, please call and get them. The artist will give entire satisfaction both in his art and the reasonableness of his prices.—Call and examine for yourselves. Room at Mr. H. Bean’s dwelling house, Franklin Street.
Recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 6 to August 10, 1859 in The Grand Haven News (Grand Haven, Michigan). Ambrotypes: The subscriber in returning thanks to his many friends and patrons, for the liberal encouragement extended to him, begs leave to call their attention to his Gallery of Art, at the Milwaukee Hotel, where he will remain a few days and take pictures of various styles, at corresponding prices. He has also every variety of Cases, &c. The public are invited to call and examine his specimens.
Not recorded in any photographic directory in 1853, listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, and in the research provided by David V. Tinder, Directory of Early Michigan Photographers.
[1] Directory of Early Michigan Photographers by David V. Tinder.