Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

Nahum S. Bennett

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

There are a series of announcements and advertisements in the Washington, D. C. Newspapers that place Nahum S. Bennett in D. C. from 1850 to late 1852.  He was first recorded in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.) in an announcement on August 21, 1850.

We are indebted to Mr. N. S. Bennett, of this city, for a daguerreotype likeness of Mr. Millard Fillmore, the present President of the United States, and lithographed by Mr. A. Newman.  It is an admirable likeness, and beautifully executed.  The President’s face is calculated to grace the art of the daguerreotypist or the painter; but those features are too apt to undergo a premature revolution from the wrinkles of care, which power, if faithfully administered, stamps with its seal upon the brow.…

In an announcement that was published in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) on July 13, 1852.  A Beautiful Daguerreotype.  The most perfect and admirable daguerreotype likeness we have ever seen has just been made of General Winfield Scott, by Mr. Bennett, of this city.  It is of very large size, and as clear and distinct as the reflection from a polished mirror.

We learn that the old General sat for this likeness with cheerfulness and patience, though under protest, declaring that so frequently has he of late been called upon to sit to artists of various kinds that he must henceforth refuse.  If others have succeeded as well as Mr. Bennett, we do not, indeed, think further efforts are needed.

Also on the 13th the following advertisement appears Rocky Mountain Indians!  Daguerreotype likenesses of the principal Chiefs of the Different Rocky Mountain tribes of Indians on exhibition at Bennett’s National Gallery, Penna. av., between 6th and 7th sts.

The last Daguerreotype, from life, of the departed patriot, Henry Clay, may be seen at Bennett’s National Gallery, Pa. av., between 6th and 7th sts.

In an article entitled The Pueblo Indians in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) on August 13, 1852 in part….Bennett, the skilful and popular daguerreotypist, took their portraits yesterday.  They were highly gratified, and, when told that each of them should have a copy of his own likeness, their pleasure knew no bounds.  The old man of the party (aged sixty-four) looked at his image for a while, and then said:  “When I am dead, and gone to heaven, I shall still live in this.”…

In an advertisement in the Daily American Telegraph.  (Washington, D. C.) on September 20, 1852 we learn that a portrait of General Scott is being painted by Stanley[1] which is possibly the best portrait of the General ever painted.  It is from a most beautiful daguerreotype by Bennett, of this city.

The last advertisement in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) appeared on October 26 and ran until November 18, 1852.  Crayon Daguerreotypes.  This style of Photographic Pictures was patented by John A. Whipple, of Boston, about six years since[2], and introduced into this city by Bennett in 1850, as many who have had them know.  Mr. B. continues to take them, in a superior manner, at his Gallery, Pennsylvania avenue, between 6 and 7th streets.

Published in an article about early Daguerreotypist in Washington, D. C. a letter from Samuel Rush Seibert dated October 19, 1896 is included.  It is in reply to Samuel C. Busey’s inquiry about early Daguerreotypist in Washington.  He states in part “Mr. N. S. Bennett had a Daguerreotype gallery a few doors west, on the same avenue, in a building which was on the east side and adjoining L. D. Gilman’s drug store. During the winter of 1851 and 1852 I negotiated with him for the purchase of the gallery for Marcus A. Root and John H. Clark, who immediately obtained possession and refitted the skylight and rooms, and there produced many fine specimens of the Daguerrean art.[3]”

Based on the last advertisement of Bennett’s (October 26, 1852) and the first ad for Root in the Washington papers (December 19, 1852) the sale of the gallery had to be in October-November 1852.  Interesting John H. Clark[e] does not appear in any advertisements found in the D. C. newspapers.  According to Laurie Baty’s unpublished Directory of Washington, D. C. Photographers Clark was a pupil of Root’s and was the operator of his D. C. gallery.

Bennett was on board the steamer Empire which left Troy, NY around 7 P. M. on Friday July 15, 1853 heading to New York City, when it was in a collision with the sloop General Livingston about 2 A. M on the 16th on the west shore of the Hudson River, opposite Clinton Point, about two and a half miles above New-Hamburg, and six below Poughkeepsie.   A number of people were killed or injured in the accident.  The extent of Bennett injuries are unknown it is reported in the Daguerreian Journal that he did lose a valuable collection of daguerreotypes including a whole plate of the last portrait taken of Henry Clay, sixteen specimens of members of the U. S. Senate, Likenesses of the Rocky Mountain Indian Tribes, and a portrait of Billy Bow Legs and John Howard Payne[4], who was an American actor, poet, playwright, and author.

No other advertisements, notices or articles have been found in any of the Washington newspapers that I have access to, until the three advertisements in the Evening Star discussed previously about Smith Bennett who was award a silver medal at the 1855 Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute while he was in Alexandria, Virginia.

Reported in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1857.  That N. S. Bennett has sent an application to the Mechanics’ Fair to exhibit ambrotypes and daguerreotypes.  Then on March 31 (in the same paper) a list was published of the premiums awarded at The Fair…Class 30….

Brady, N. Y.—photographs—Silver Medal.                                                                                 Whitehurst, Washington—ambrotypes—Silver Medal.                                                               Whitehurst, Washington—daguerreotypes—First award of merit.                                         Langenheim, Philadelphia—stereoscopes—Silver Medal.                                                      Vannerson, Washington—photographs, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes—Bronze Medal.   Whitehurst, Washington—photographs—Diploma.                                                                       Cutting & Turner, Boston—ambrotypes—Diploma                                                                                  N. S. Bennett, Alexandria—daguerreotypes—Diploma.

Bennett is reported to have been active in 1860 in Alexandria at 69 King Street.  At this time I have been unable to find directories for Alexandria to verify activity dates and address for Bennett from 1855-1860+.

[1] Probably John Mix Stanley.

[2] Crayon Daguerreotypes were patented by Whipple on January 23, 1849, Patent No. 6,056.

[3] In an article published in the Records of the Columbia Historical Society, Washington, D. C.  Vol. 3, P. 81-95.  Entitled Early History of Daguerreotypy in the City of Washington, by Samuel C. Busey.

[4] Article in the New York Times, July 18, 1853, P. 1.

J. A. Bennet

Daguerreotypes, , ,

J. A. Bennet was recorded in two advertisements on Long Island in The Corrector (Sag Harbor, New York,) the first advertisement ran from June 14 to August 5, 1843.

Portraits! Portraits!  By the Daguerreotype Process.  J. A. Bennet would inform his friends and the public, that he has been extensively engaged in taking portraits by this process in the southern country the past season, and has now the pleasure of announcing that he has taken a room in Maj. Hildreth’s brick buildings, at Sag Harbor, where he will be happy to see those who wish to procure life-like miniatures of themselves or friends; and he flatters himself, judging from the past, that he will be able to give satisfaction.  These pictures are also indelible.  Mr. B. has adopted all the recent improvements and will guarantee as good pictures as can be procured in Boston, N. York or Philadelphia, and at the same prices; he also colors them in the latest style.  All are invited to call at the room and examine specimens.  Whaleman, you are about to leave your homes; do you not wish to take with you miniatures of some loved ones, or do you not wish to present them at parting with a copy of your own features, true to the life; then delay not.  Price for taking miniatures (case included) $3.00; with coloring $5.00.

The second advertisement ran on August 16 & 23, 1843.

Daguerreotype Portraits, At Bridgehampton.  J. A. Bennet has taken a room at Mr. N. Mitchell’s, Bull’s Head, where he will remain for a few days, for the purpose of taking portraits, for all who may wish them, and he would invite the attention of the Bridgehampton people, to the specimens exhibiting at the above room.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does have an entry for John A. Bennet in South America in 1842-1843, and in Mobile, Alabama in 1843-1844.  At this time there is no evidence that they are the same person.

Samuel N. Benedict

Ambrotypes, Cameotype, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotype, , , , , , , ,

Samuel N. Benedict is recorded twice in Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York), in the partnership of House & Benedict.  They are first listed in an announcement by the editors of the newspaper and second in an advertisement that ran from June 3 to September 23, 1857.   In the announcement we learn that they came from Elmira, New York. To date no  newspapers from Elmira have been searched.

Attention is invited to the advertisement of House & Benedict, which may be found in this paper.  They are recently from Elmira, where they had established a reputation as first rate artists.  They take all kinds of pictures—Daguerreotypes Ambrotypes, Melanotypes and Cameotypes in superior style.  They have taken the rooms recently occupied by Mrs. McAllaster.

House & Benedict’s Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype and Cameotype Rooms.  House & Benedict (formerly of, Elmira) having purchased the Rooms previously occupied by Mrs. McAllaster, over Suydam’s Grocery Store on Main st., Penn Yan, beg leave to call the attention of the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, to the new and Superior Style of Pictures taken by them.  They are now prepared to take Pictures of nearly every kind, such as Daguerreotype, Melainotype, Ambrotype, Sphereotype, Cameotype, Transfer Pictures, etc., which are warranted not to fade.

The Melainotype, or Iron Picture, receives universal commendation by all who have examined their superior qualities.

Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., Filled with neatness and dispatch, either with Daguerreotype or Melainotype.  A large variety of Fancy Cases, Frames, &c., constantly on hand, and at Moderate Prices.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.—Sphereotype, Cameotype, Transfer Pictures taken only at this Gallery.  Instructions given in the Art, and Apparatus furnished if desired.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens, whether wishing a Picture or not.  Pictures copied with neatness.            Tho’s J. B. House.  Sam’l N. Benedict.

Craig Daguerreian Registry does have an entry for Samuel N. Benedict, and there has been no connection found to suggest a connection to N. Benedict even though there is a possibility they could be the same person.  John does have an entry for T. J. B. House in Penn Yan and Milo, New York in 1859.

N. Benedict

Daguerreotypes, ,

N. Benedict was recorded twice in the McGrawville Express (McGrawville, New York) on November 28, 1850. First in an announcement by the editors of the newspaper and second an advertisement which ran from November 28 to December 12, 1850.

We would call the attention of the public to the notice of Mr. N. Benedict’s Daguerrean Gallery in another column.  One need only call and examine his specimens to be convinced that Mr. Benedict understands his business, and possesses the admirable, though difficult skill of bringing out the eye, without which, the picture is almost worthless.

Ladies and Gentlemen, call and gratify the eye by looking at pictures “as are pictures.”

Daguerreotypes.  N. Benedict’s Daguerrean Gallery!  Is now open one door East of McGraw & Green’s store, up stairs.  The citizens of McGrawville and vicinity are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  Likenesses taken in all weather, from 8 o’clock A. M. to 4 o’clock P. M.

While there are other Benedict’s recorded in other photographic directories no connection can be made to connect them with N. Benedict at this time.

Henry S. Bellows

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

There were two advertisements recorded for Henry S. Bellows in The Corrector (Sag Harbor, New York.)  The first ran from July 31, 1850 to July 23, 1851 while he was in the partnership of Parker and Bellows.

Daguerreotype Likenesses Taken at Parker & Bellows’s Daguerrean Rooms, with a large and improved apparatus, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens.

The second advertisement announces the end of the partnership and ran from July 23, 1851 to September 17, 1851.

All relations heretofore existing between T. Hazard Parker and Henry S. Bellows, in the Daguerrean business, are this day dissolved, by mutual consent.  All bills connected with the business, will be settled by T. Hazard Parker.

No other listing for Henry S. Bellows has been found in other photographic directories or newspapers.

Bellows & Bosworth

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

Bellows and Bosworth are recorded in an advertisement in the Orleans Independent Standard (Irasburgh, Vermont) dated April 16, 1858.

Ambrotypes!  Messrs. Bellows & Bosworth, the eminent Daguerrean Artist’s, are in Irasburgh, where they will remain for a few days only.  Those wishing for correct likenesses would do well to call soon.

In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry John list a Noyes Bosworth, daguerreian in Pharsalia, New York in 1859, but does not have an entry for Bellows.   See tomorrow’s blog for Henry S. Bellows…active in New York in 1850-1851.  At this time no connection can be made to determine their identity.

Adolphus Behn

Daguerreotypes, ,

Adolphus Behn is recorded in an advertisement in The Lancaster Gazette (Lancaster, Ohio) on July 7, 1848.  The advertisement ran until August 25, 1848.

Daguerreotype.  The undersigned respectfully announces to the citizens of Lancaster        and the public in general, that he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses, both single ones and family groups.  The prices are from $1 to $3 according to size, frames included.  Office at Mr. Lange’s.  Wheeling Street, Opposite F. A. Foster’s Residence, from 9 to 12 and from 1 to 3 o’clock every day.  Adolphus Behn.  Lancaster, July 7, 1848.

An Adolphus Behn is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Biographies of Western Photographers as being in LaGrange, Texas in February 1847.  It is unknown if they are the same person.  He has not been recorded in other photographic directories.

William D. Beemus

Daguerreotypes, ,

William D. Beemus is recorded in the Franklin Gazette (Fort Covington, New York) on June 11, 1853.

Mr. Wm. D. Beemus, a Daguerrean Artist, has taken rooms in Knapp’s Block, where he will remain for a short time.  We have seen some of his specimens and call them first rate.  Give him a call.

Beemus has not been recorded in other photographic directories or newspaper I have been able to reference to date.

Bedell

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

In an article in the Photographic and Fine Arts Journal of January 1, 1856 entitled the Photographic Galleries of America, Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Bedell—Cleanliness is next to godliness, especially is this the case in photographic galleries. Very excellent pictures are often underrated from the fact of the glass being soiled or the plate or paper spotted. This gallery contains some excellent specimens.

John Craig list three Bedell’s in his work Avery Augustus (1851-1853); Richard, Jr. (1853-1856); and William (1851-1852).  Only Richard, Jr. has the correct dates but he is listed has a dealer in daguerreian apparatus not a daguerreian.  As I continue to go through New York City newspapers it might be possible to identify which Bedell the above article is about.