Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

Dignowity, Dr. A. M.

1842                House of Dr. A. Sprague, below Masonic Hall, Little Rock, Arkansaas.

Daguerreotype, Or, Pencil of Nature.  Dr. A. M. Dignowity begs leave to inform the public, that he has purchased all the apparatus of Mr. C. P. Moore, belonging to the above art.  All those who may honor him with a call, will go away satisfied that they have a perfect representation of themselves.

Dr. A. M. D. will have the pleasure to receive the visits of ladies and gentlemen at the house of Dr. A. Sprague, below Masonic Hall, between the hours 9 A. M. and 4 P. M.  Little Rock, Oct. 12, 1842.

Advertisement ran from October 19 to November 9, 1842.

1842 October 31.  Arkansas Times and Advocate.  (Little Rock, Arkansas.)  October 31, 1842, Vol. VIII, No. 33, P. 3.

Daguerreotype, Or, Pencil of Nature.  Dr. A. M. Dignowity begs leave to inform the public, that he has purchased all the apparatus of Mr. C. P. Moore, belonging to the above art.  All those who may honor him with a call, will go away satisfied that they have a perfect representation of themselves.

Dr. A. M. D. will have the pleasure to receive the visits of ladies and gentlemen at the house of Dr. A. Sprague, below Masonic Hall, between the hours 9 A. M. and 4 P. M. 

Advertisement was recorded five times between October 19 to December 5, 1842.

1842 October 31.  Arkansas Times and Advocate.  (Little Rock, Arkansas.)  October 31, 1842, Vol. VIII, No. 33, P. 3.

Caution.  The public are hereby cautioned not to trade for a Note of Exchange drawn by myself, and accepted by the Rev. Richard S. Bale, on the 3d day of this month, payable six months after date, in favor of C. P. Moore.  The condition for which the said note was given not having been fulfilled.  I herewith give notice that I will not pay the said note unless compelled by law.  A. M. Dignowity.

1843 February 22.  Weekly Arkansas Gazette.  (Little Rock, Arkansas.)  February 22, 1843, Vol. XXIV, No. 11, Whole No. 1207, P. 3.

Married…On the 9th inst. By Rev. Mr. Bell, Dr. A. M. Dignowitty to Miss Amanda McCann, both of this place.

Diggins, Henry M.

1857 October 30.  The Cincinnati Daily Commercial.  (Cincinnati, Ohio.)  October 30, 1857, Vol. XVIII, No. 245, P. 2.

Serious Charge Against Two Photographist.—A short time since the following letter was forwarded from Louisville to one of our Cincinnati Police Officers:

Louisville, October 16.  Mr. Sam Bloom—Dear Sir:—On last Monday I arrested a man here, from your city, for passing counterfeit money.  When arrested he had on his person $105 in counterfeit fives on the Northern Bank of Kentucky, and before I got hold of him he had succeeded in passing three of his bills.  He has been indicted, and his trial came up today, but was continued, to allow him to get witnesses from your city.  He says he can sustain a good character, and prove that he came honestly by the money.  He says he will have Mr.________ and _______and John M. Diggins, of your city, here, and will prove by them his character.  I wish you to inform me who these gentlemen are, and oblige me.  Yours, &c.

P. S.—The name of the man arrested is Alex. Campbell.  He says he kept an egg and butter store in your city.  The counterfeit money was in the concealed in the lining of his hat.

Since this was written Campbell has undergone an examination, in which it is said he implicated Messrs. John and Henry Diggins, the proprietors of a Daguerrean Gallery on Fourth street, at whose establishment it is said the counterfeit bills were turned out by the photograph process.  Both the brothers have been arrested and held in $500 bonds each, to answer a future examination, when they will be confronted by Campbell.

1857 November 10.  Evening Star.  (Washington, D. C.)  November 10, 1857, Vol. X, No. 1,501, P. 2.

The Photographed Bank Bills.—The examination of John W. and Henry M. Diggins, on a charge of being engaged in photographing bills of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, took place before the Police Court in Cincinnati on the 3d inst.  Against John W. there was no evidence whatever to connect him with the charge, and he was discharged by the Court.

The principal witness against the defendants was Henry Campbell, father of Alexander Campbell, who furnished the information upon which the two brothers were arrested.  He testified that he took a letter to the daguerrean room of Henry M. Diggins, from his son, who was in jail at Louisville, urging the brothers to raise money to get him out of the scrape; that in the course of a conversation with Henry M. the latter said that the photographed bills were as good as half the money afloat, and as the banks were all cheating he did not think it any harm to make the bills; that they could be made so as to pass in the banks. 

On his cross-examination, Campbell admitted that he had insisted upon the brothers raising $ 85 to get his son out of the scrape, and that he told Henry M. that unless the money was forth-coming he would have him arrested upon the charge which was subsequently made against both brothers.

This was the substance of the testimony upon which the defense attempted to show a conspiracy to extort money on the part of the Campbells.  None of the bills were found upon the persons or premises.  The prosecution claimed that with the evidence of their principal witness, the younger Campbell, they would be able to fasten crime upon Henry M. Diggins.  Mayor Thomas, acting Police Judge, therefore held him to bail in $300, which was given, and the accused set at liberty.—Cin. Gaz.

1858 May 11.  Louisville Daily Courier.  (Louisville, Kentucky.)  May 11, 1858, Vol. 26, No. 103, P. 1.

Fugitive From Justice.—Harry M. Diggins, a very good looking young man, with dark hair, and brown whiskers, was in arrest on the charge of being a fugitive from justice in Hamilton county, Ohio.  It is alleged that the accused had obtained $34 or more from W. H. Kelsey in Ohio, under false pretenses, and a warrant had issued for his arrest.  The party was identified, but the case was continued till to-morrow.

1858 May 12.  Louisville Daily Courier.  (Louisville, Kentucky.)  May 12, 1858, Vol. 26, No. 104, P. 1.

Fugitive Case.—H. M. Diggins was again presented on the charge of being a fugitive from justice in Ohio.  The case was partially examined yesterday, and continued till to-day, to examine the law in the case.  It appeared that the offense he stands charged with is not a felony, and as the act can only reclaim felons, the charge was dismissed, and he was discharged, but immediately re-arrested, and presented as a

Suspected Felon—Counterfeiter.—H. M. Diggins was suspicioned for being engaged in the getting up and passing counterfeit money, made by means of the photograph.  Mr. Harris, a civil officer from Cincinnati, represented the young man as a bad character, that he was connected with a daguerrean gallery, but left the city for the good of the place.  Just about the time he left he got married, and by some means got hold of a splendid gold watch he pawned for $34, for a few hours.  The watch was replevined, and Harris came here for Mr. Diggins on that charge, as he had left them diggings.  A Mr. Campbell, from Cincinnati, was here introduced as a witness, and testified that Diggins is one of a gang of counterfeiters, and through him it was that his brother is now in jail on a charge of counterfeiting, or passing photographic or counterfeit money.  It appears that the accused had been tried and acquitted in Cincinnati on that charge, and that he came here to settle in business, that he was engaged in vending a patent lamp.  He has been engaged in that business for some tima at Dayton before coming here, and was perfectly willing to go to Cincinnati to answer any charges against him.  Campbell, now in jail, alleges that the counterfeit money he passed here was obtained of Diggins in Cincinnati.  Bail of $400 was required of him for his good behavior 6 months.

1858 July 10.  Louisville Daily Courier.  (Louisville, Kentucky.)  July 10, 1858, Vol. 26, No. 154, P. 1.

Police Court…Henry Diggins, for selling liquor to a negro, plead guilty, and was fined $20.


[1] Ohio Photographers 1839-1900.

Dietrich, C. J.

1852                7, 8, & 9 Gould’s Block, State Street, Rochester, New York.

1852 August 6.  Genesee Evangelist.  (Rochester, New York.)  August 6, 1852, Vol. VII, No. 32, Whole No. 325, P. 3.

Daguerrean’s Rooms.  Readers.—You will please bear in mind that Gould’s Block is known far and wide as The place where the best Daguerreotypes are taken.—You will also please notice that the subscriber’s rooms, No. 7, 8 and 9, have been newly furnished without regard to expense, affording all conveniences to the comfort of customers; and with a new set of improved instruments and a good light, he is enabled to take pictures in all kinds of weather, which for beauty and brilliancy of tone, are surpassed by none.

Likenesses put up in good Morocco cases for one dollar: warranted to satisfy, or no charge.

Please call and convince yourself that you can do no better by going elsewhere.

Do not mistake the Rooms, No. 7, 8, and 9, third story, Gould’s Block, State street, Rochester, N. Y.  C. J. Dietrich.

1852 August 27.  Frederick Douglass’s Paper.  (Rochester, New York.)  August 27, 1852, Vol. V, No. 36, Whole No. 244, P. 3.

Dietrich’s Daguerrean Rooms, No Place excels Gould’s Block in good Daguerreotypes. This being a known fact, you will do well to call at Rooms Nos. 7, 8 and 9, second floor, where you can get perfect likenesses, which, for beauty, brilliancy of love and life-like appearance, are unsurpassed in this city, the subscriber, having the latest improvements in the art, and an elegant light, he is enabled to take good pictures in all kinds of weather.  Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  Likenesses put in good morocco cases for one dollar.

Do not mistake the Rooms, No. 7, 8, and 9, second story, Gould’s Block, State Street, Rochester.  C. J. Dietrich.

Advertisement was recorded three times August 27, October 29, and November 12, 1852.

Dibble, S. J. B.

1848-1849       Corner of State & Water Streets, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1848 December 5.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  December 5, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 2016, New Series—VII, No. 362, P. 3.

Dibble’s (Late Naramore’s)  Daguerrian Rooms, Corner of State and Water Streets—Entrance first door east of Oakley’s Book Store.  Having purchased the entire stock and fixtures of the above room, the subscriber is prepared to take Daguerreotype Portraits in all their variety, and in a manner to insure perfect satisfaction to every reasonable person.

The quality of the pictures will continue equal to those heretofore taken at these rooms, and no pains will be spared to merit a continuance of public favor and patronage.

Pictures taken and forwarded to any part of England, Ireland or Scotland, and at a very small expense.

Hours for operating from 9 A. M. to 4 P. M..—Instruction given in the art.  S. J. B. Dibble.

Advertisement ran from December 5, 1848 to April 17, 1849.

1848 December 5.  Republican Farmer.  (Bridgeport, Connecticut.)  December 5, 1848, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 2016, New Series—VII, No. 362, P. 3.

Card.  Having disposed of all my interest in the above rooms, I most cheerfully recommend my successor, Mr. Dibble, to the entire confidence of the public, and solicit for him a continuation of the patronage hitherto so generously bestowed upon me.  W. N. Naramore., Jr.

Dibble, E.

1842                Franklin Building, corner Superior and Water Streets, Cleveland, Ohio.

1842 October 13.  The Cleveland Daily Herald.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  October 13, 1842, Vol. VIII, No. 4, P. 2.

Photographic Miniatures—By Daguerreotype—Taken in superior style, according to the late process, and in all weathers, from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M., by E. Dibble, at the Franklin building, corner of Superior and Water Streets, up stairs, 4th story,  entrance on Water St.  The public are invited to call and examine the specimens. And secure a beautiful miniature and perfect likenesses at a low price.

Advertisement ran from October 13 to November 1, 1842.

1842 October 19.  The Plain Dealer.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  October 19, 1842, Vol. I, No. 42, P. 3.

Miniature By Daguerreotype.—We have called on Mr. Dibble at the Franklin Building’s and examined his specimens of miniature likenesses.  They are as perfect as nature herself, indeed the process is simple arranging the materials for Nature to exhibit her own handy work.  We would recommend to all good looking young ladies and gentlemen who wish to perpetuate their youthful beauty to give Mr. Dibble a call.  Ugly folks, nature will not flatter.

1842 October 19.  The Plain Dealer.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  October 19, 1842, Vol. I, No. 42, P. 3.

Photographic Miniatures—By Daguerreotype—Taken in superior style, according to the late process, and in all weathers, from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M., by E. Dibble, at the Franklin building, corner of Superior and Water Streets, up stairs, 4th story,  entrance on Water St.  The public are invited to call and examine the specimens. And secure a beautiful miniature and perfect likenesses at a low price.

Advertisement ran from October 19 & 26, 1842.

Dewey, Rodney H.

1851                Address Unknown, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

1854-1855       North Street, Burbank Block, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

1857                Corner North and Fenn Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

1859                48 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.[1]

1860                Address Unknown, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

ca.1860-1870  55 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

ca.1865-1875 North Street, 55 Francis Block, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

1865-1867       Address Unknown, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

1868-1873       53 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

1874                Address Unknown, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

1875-1876       53 North Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

1877                Address Unknown, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.1

1851 October 8.  Culturist and Gazette.  (Pittsfield, Massachusetts.)  October 8, 1851, Vol IV, No. 41, P. 2.

Cattle Show & Fair Of The Berkshire Agricultural Society, Held at Pittsfield. Mass., on Wednesday and Thursday, October 1st and 2d, 1851.  Report of Committees, &c….

–and two cases of Daguerreotypes, one by our old friend Buel, taken with all has accustomed clearness, and in a new style, with light background, having a fine effect; and the other by Mr. R. W Dewey, who has but recently arrived among us.—His pictures are very good.

1854 September 19.  Culturist and Gazette.  (Pittsfield, Massachusetts.)  September 19, 1854, Vol VII, No. 37, P. 3.

Special Notice.  Those Pictures and that superior Light, at Dewey’s Burbank Block, North St.

Advertisement was recorded on September 13; October 18; January 3 – December 26, 1855.

1855 October 10.  Culturist and Gazette.  (Pittsfield, Massachusetts.)  October 10, 1855, Vol VIII, No. 41, P. 1 & 2..

45th Anniversary Of The Berkshire County Agricultural Society, Held At Pittsfield, Wednesday , Thursday & Friday, October 3d, 4th and 5th, 1855.  Report of Committees, Premiums, &c…

Second Division.  The Committee on the second division of Household Manufacturers…

To R. H. Dewey of Pittsfield, fine specimens of Ambrotypes  2.00.

1857 May 27.  Culturist and Gazette.  (Pittsfield, Massachusetts.)  May 27, 1857, Vol X, No. 22, P. 3.

R. H. Dewey has fitted up the rooms in the 3d story of Brown’s block, corner North and Fenn st. in a through and most beautiful style, where he will receive his friends and all desiring those unrivaled pictures which he takes, on and after Friday next.

1860 October 11.  The Pittsfield Sun.  (Pittsfield, Massachusetts.)  October 11, 1860, Vol. LX, No. 3134, P. 1 & 2.

Berkshire Agricultural Society.  Semi Centennial Anniversary.  Reports of Committees…

Report on the Fine Arts.  Awards.—

To. E. W. Buel of Pittsfield, for a fine display of Photographs, $3…

The Committee notices with pleasure, a very fine display of plain and imperial Photographs, by R. H. Dewey of Pittsfield, and although not entered for premium, think them so well worthy of notice, that they award to R. H. Dewey of Pittsfield,  $3.


[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Dewey, Mr.

1850                Market Street, over Mr. Allen’s Drug Store, Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

1850 October 18.  Lewistown Gazette.  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania.)  October 18, 1850, Vol. XXXVI, Whole No. 1906, New Series Vol. 4, No. 52, P. 3.

Mr. Dewey has taken rooms above Mr. Allen’s drug store, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses in the most beautiful style, at very low rates.

1850 October 18.  Lewistown Gazette.  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania.)  October 18, 1850, Vol. XXXVI, Whole No. 1906, New Series Vol. 4, No. 52, P. 2.

Jenny Lind, Or Her Daguerreotype From Life, Can be seen by calling at Dewey Gallery, over Mr. Allen’s Drug Store, Market street, and while there you can get a good Daguerreotype of yourself for $1.50, and warranted no counterfeit.

Call and see Jenny and our specimens, as we will remain but a few days.  Hours from 8 to 5.  

1850 October 24.  The True Democrat.  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania.)  October 24, 1850, Vol. 6, No. 38, P. 2.

Daguerreotyping.—Great perfection has been attained in this art, and Mr. Dewey, over Allen’s store, is perfect master of it.  His pictures are speaking likenesses, and cannot be surpassed.  He is the most successful copier of children’s faces that has ever visited us.

1850 October 31.  The True Democrat.  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania.)  October 31, 1850, Vol. 6, No. 39, P. 3.

The Hollidays are Coming, And the prettiest present you possibly can have is a nice Daguerreotype, and Dewey’s is the place to get them, good and cheap.  Call upon him soon, as he intends remaining but a short time.  His rooms are over E. Allen’s Variety Store—his hours, from 8 to 4.

Advertisement ran from October 31 to November 21, 1850.

1850 November 7.  The True Democrat.  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania.)  November 7, 1850, Vol. 6, No. 40, P. 2.

We see an original letter of Jefferson’s in the Home Journal, never before published, acknowledging the receipt of a portrait.  His felicitous criticism of the artist’s work will strike the reader as being peculiarly happy—especially if that reader has paid a visit to Dewey’s Daguerrian Gallery, over Mr. Allen’s store.  Did you ever see a speaking shadow?  You can almost see one there.  Then “secure the shadow ere the substance fades,” and before Mr. Dewey leaves town.

1850 November 14.  The True Democrat.  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania.)  November 14, 1850, Vol. 6, No. 41, P. 2.

Last week was one of considerable interest to the people of this community; the different exciting trials in our Courts kept the room constantly thronged by an anxious crowd, feasting on murder, theft, assault and battery, &c., and crim. con. in anticipation.  But, in despite of all these exciting topics. A regular run was still kept upon Dewey, who was busy the whole week copying the faces of the people, old and young. Lean and fat, handsome and ugly.  Such an artist we have never had before, and never may have again; those, therefore, who would have an exact and finished likeness of themselves, their children or their friends, must attend to it immediately, as this is the last week of his stay amongst us.

1850 November 21.  The True Democrat.  (Lewistown, Pennsylvania.)  November 21, 1850, Vol. 6, No. 42, P. 2.

In this democratic country of ours the people will rule, and so they have obliged Mr. Dewey to prolong his stay the remainder of the week.  We are pleased to see that his merits are properly appreciated here, and advise all our friends who desire a finished picture to call upon him immediately.  They may never have such another opportunity, for Mr. Dewey is nowhere excelled in this art, and such artists but seldom visit the country.

Deshons, L. A.

1855                30 Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

1855 August 6.  The Daily Express.  (Petersburg, Virginia.)  August 6, 1855, Vol. IV, No. 185, Whole No. 1015, P. 2

Improved Daguerreotypes.—Mr. L. A. Deshons having opened a Daguerreian Gallery, at No. 30 Sycamore street, respectfully demand’s a friendly call from the public.

Mr. J. H. Deshons, the former proprietor, will act as Agent for him, and sincerely hopes that the citizens of Petersburg and vicinity will extend to him in a friendly hand.  No trouble nor attention will be spared on his part to give perfect satisfaction to those who will honor him with their patronage.

Correct Likenesses may be had from 50 cents up, at the large Daguerreian Rooms of L. A. Deshons, Artist, 30 Sycamore street.

Denison, Andrew C.

1851-1852       Corner Washington Avenue and Third Street, St. Louis, Missouri.

1851 August 13.  Daily Missouri Republican.  (St. Louis, Missouri.)  August 13, 1851, Vol. XXX, No. 191, P. 2.

Dissolution Of Copartnership.  The Copartnership heretofore existing between Gardner Wood and John J. Outley, under the firm name of Wood and Outley was dissolved by mutual consent on the 7th day of August, 1851.  All debts due by or for the old firm will be liquidated and receipted for by J. J. Outley who alone is authorized to settle the same.

Copartnership Notice.  John J. Outley and Andrew C. Denison having purchased the entire interest of Gardner Wood, in the Daguerrean Business, have associated themselves together under the firm name of Outley & Denison, for the purpose of carrying on the same.  Those persons desirous of obtaining a life-like picture from their celebrated gallery, will do well to call and examine specimens.  All work warranted to give satisfaction.  Prices from $1 to $50.

Instruction given in the art.  We will also furnish stock as low as any other house in the city.  Corner of Third street and Washington avenue, up stairs.  Entrance on Third street.  Outley & Denison.

Advertisement ran from August 13 to 17, 1851.

1851 August 18.  Daily Missouri Republican.  (St. Louis, Missouri.)  August 18, 1851, Vol. XXX, No. 194, P. 2.

Daguerreotype Miniatures.  One Dollar!  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  At Outley & Denison’s Daguerrean Gallery, (formerly Wood & Outley) corner of Washington avenue and Third street, St. Louis.

Pictures taken at the above Gallery from $1 to10, which we warrant to be equal to any taken in St. Louis.  We would respectfully invite the public generally to call and see specimens before having pictures taken at any other rooms, as we pledge ourselves to give entire satisfaction in all cases, or no pay.

Instructions given in the art for $25.  All kinds of Daguerreotype stock on hand and for sale low. Outley & Denison, Artists. 

Advertisement ran from August 18 to October 23, 1851.

1852 March 25.  Daily Missouri Republican.  (St. Louis, Missouri.)  March 25, 1852, Vol. XXXI, No. 72, P. 1.

Outley’s Sky Light Daguerrean Gallery.  Corner Washington avenue and Third street.  The subscriber having bought out the right of Mr. A. C. Denison in the Daguerrean Gallery, at the corner of Washington avenue and Third street, takes this opportunity of thanking the public for their liberal patronage of the old firm, and begs leave to say, that, although he has not the finest gallery in the United States, nor the likenesses of all the Distinguished Persons in the country, yet his rooms are always comfortable and his customers will always be [ ? ] with politeness and respect.

As for Daguerreotypes, he flatters himself that he can take as good a picture for one dollar and fifty cents as can be had at any other rooms in St. Louis for twice the money, and [moreover] he pledges himself to do it for all who may favor him with a call.  J. J. Outley.

P. S.  It being my object to get an honest living from my [talent] and not to ask too much of the public.  I have [ranged] my prices from one dollar to ten dollars; my ten dollar pictures warranted as good as can be had in St. Louis at any price.  J. J. O.

1852 July 5.  Daily St. Louis Times.  (St. Louis, Missouri.)  July 5, 1852, Vol 3, No. 78, P. 4.

One Dollar!  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  At Outley & Denison’s Daguerrean Gallery, (formerly Wood & Outley) corner of Washington avenue and Third street, St. Louis.

Pictures taken at the above Gallery from $1 to [10], which we warrant to be equal to any taken in St. Louis.  We would respectfully invite the public generally to call and [see] specimens before having pictures taken at any other rooms, as we pledge [ourselves] to give entire satisfaction in all cases, or no pay.

Instructions given in the art for $25.  All kinds of Daguerreotype stock on hand and for sale low. Outley & Denison, Artists.  oct31.

Defrees, William C. (H.)

1850                Rooms over W. A. Woodruff’s Jewelry Store, San Francisco, California.[1]

1850 March 1.  The Weekly Pacific News.  (San Francisco, California.)  March 1, 1850, Vol. 1, No. 16, P. 2.

We perceive that the citizens of San Francisco have been mindful enough of ‘Home, sweet home,’ to give Mr. W. H. Defrees patronage enough to enable him to retire from his Daguerrean gallery.  He leaves it in the hands of Mr. Pierpoint, who is a skilful artist, and is capable of giving the public entire satisfaction.


[1] Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary 1840-1865.