Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

Gillies & Johnson

1859                156 Bowery, New York, New York.

Gillies & Johnson (Gillies & John H. Johnson) were recorded in three advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on October 9, 1859.  Draw The Conclusion.–$5,000 Rent For A First class gallery in Broadway; $800 for the same class gallery in the Bowery; go, then, to the Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, four doors from Broome street, for your pictures.  Photographs $1 and upwards.  Daguerreotypes and ambrotypes, 50 cents and upwards.  This is the most extensive and best fitted up gallery on Bowery.  Gillies & Johnson, proprietors.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The second advertisement appeared on November 6, 1859. Holyday Gifts.–Go to The Bowery Photographic Palace of Art, 156 Bowery, for your pictures, Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents (and) upwards. This is the largest and best fitted up gallery on the Bowery. Gillies & Johnson. N. B.–Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

The third advertisement appeared on November 16, 1859.  Holiday Gifts.—Get Your Pictures Taken At 156 Bowery.—Photographs, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at 50 cents and upwards.  Gillies & Johnson.  N. B.—Mr. Johnson has served at Gurney’s gallery as operator for eight years.

Gillies is not recorded in other photographic directories, nor is the partnership of Gillies & Johnson.  John H. Johnson is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1860 at 156 Bowery address.  What is possibly new information is that Johnson worked for Gurney since ca. 1851.

Thomas R. Gettys, Jr.

1855-1859                   Exchange Building or Odd Fellows Hall, above the store of A. B. Cramer, Bedford, Pennsylvania

1859                            Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania.

Thomas R. Gettys, Jr. was recorded in eight advertisements, and five announcements, five advertisements and four announcements in The Bedford Gazette (Bedford, Pennsylvania); and three advertisements and one announcement in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle (Bedford, Pennsylvania).  The first advertisement ran from December 21, 1855 to February 1, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette.  Improved Daguerreotypes!  All who wish to have a good likenesses of themselves or of their friends, can now be accommodated at the “Exchange Building,” Immediately above the store of A. B. Cramer, Where Daguerreotypes of all sizes are done up in the most beautiful style by Thomas R. Gettys, Jr.  Taken singly or in groups.  Persons taken after deceased.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.

Young Lady, bring in that venerable father and that watchful mother, and secure that likeness to-day for to-morrow it may be too late.  Mothers, bring in those little ones with curling locks and sparkling eyes: they will make pretty pictures, and then should death remove them, you can exclaim—

“Gone to rest yet we would not recall them

Back to this world of sorrow and pain;

Gone to their rest where no ill can befall them,

Yet we have their likeness both perfect and plain.”

Gold Lockets single and Double.  Also fancy cases constantly on hand.

Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.   Dec. 21, 1855.

The second advertisement ran from December 21, 1855 to April 18, 1856 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle.  Improved Daguerreotypes!  All who wish to have a good likenesses of themselves or of their friends, can now be accommodated at the “Exchange Building,” Immediately above the store of A. B. Cramer, Where Daguerreotypes of all sizes are done up in the most beautiful style by Thomas R. Gettys, Jr.  Taken singly or in groups.  Persons taken after deceased.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens.

Young Lady, bring in that venerable father and that watchful mother, and secure that likeness to-day for to-morrow it may be too late.  Mothers, bring in those little ones with curling locks and sparkling eyes: they will make pretty pictures, and then should death remove them, you can exclaim—

“Gone to rest yet we would not recall them

Back to this world of sorrow and pain;

Gone to their rest where no ill can befall them,

Yet we have their likeness both perfect and plain.”

Gold Lockets single and Double.  Also fancy cases constantly on hand.

Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished on reasonable terms.  

The first announcement appeared on June 6, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette.  We are happy to inform our readers that T. R. Gettys, Jr., has returned home and reopened his Daguerrean Rooms in the Exchange Building, where he intends to remain during the Summer.  His pictures are good, and cannot be surpassed anywhere.  Those who wish a true, life like picture of themselves, will not be disappointed in getting one if they call him.

See his advertisement in another column, and then visit his gallery at once.

The third advertisement ran from June 6 to December 12, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette

Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  Reader have you ever heard of Gettys’ inimitable Daguerreotypes?  If not go at once to his Saloon and see for yourself: and if you want a likeness of yourself or friends, as true as Nature and Art combined can make it, that is the place to get it.  If you want a picture put up in the most approved style and of the best materials—or, in short, if you want the worth of your money in a splendid Daguerreotype or Ambrotype, go to Gettys, as he is the only Artist in Bedford County who can take the new style of Daguerreotype and Ambrotypes.

He spares no pains to give full satisfaction, and permits no picture to go out until he is confident that it will do so.  Having just returned from the East, he is in possession of all the latest improvements in the Art, and can assure his patrons that he can furnish them with a style of picture not taken by any other person in the county.

Rooms at the “Exchange Building,” or Odd Fellows Hall, immediately above the store of Mr. A. B. Cramer.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.            

The fourth advertisement ran from June 6, 1856 to January 9, 1857 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  Reader have you ever heard of Gettys’ inimitable Daguerreotypes?  If not, go at once to his saloon and see for yourself, and if you want a likeness of yourself or friends as true as nature and art combined can make it, that is the place to get it. 

If you want a picture put up in the most approved style and of the best materials—or in short if you want the worth of your money in a splendid Daguerreotype or Ambrotype, go to Gettys, As he is the only Artist in Bedford County who can take the new style of Daguerreotype and Ambrotypes.

He spares no pains to give full satisfaction, and permits no picture to go out until he is confident that it will do so. 

Having just returned from the East, he is in possession of all the latest improvements in the Art, and can assure his patrons that he can furnish them with a style of picture not taken by any other person in the county.

Rooms at the “Exchange Building,” or Odd Fellows Hall—immediately above the store of Mr. A. B. Cramer.    T. R. Gettys, Jr.                       

The second announcement appeared on December 26, 1856 in The Bedford Gazette.  Holliday Presents.  As the time is at hand for the presentation of gifts, nothing could be more appropriate than one of Gettys’ beautiful Daguerreotype or Ambrotype pictures, done up in plain or ornamental cases, at moderate prices.  We have examined some of his specimens, and have no hesitation in saying that they will compare favorably with any we have seen in the city galleries.  His rooms are in the Exchange.  Give him a call.

The fifth advertisement ran from May 22, 1857 to March 4, 1859 in The Bedford Gazette.  Gettys’ Photographic Galleries!  Exchange Building, Bedford, Pa., Where Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c., &c., of every description, are executed in the latest style and improvements of the Art.  A full assortment of plain and fancy cases, and gold and plated Lockets, at very low prices.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.

The sixth advertisement ran from May 29, 1857 to November 20, 1857 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle.  Gettys’ Photographic Galleries, Exchange Building, Bedford, Pa., Where Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c., &c., of every description, are executed in the latest style and improvements of the Art.  A full assortment of plain and fancy cases, and gold and plated Lockets, at very low prices.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.  May 22, 1857.

The third announcement appeared on October 16, 1857 in The Bedford Gazette.  New advertisements.  A number of new advertisements appear in this number of the Gazette…—T. R. Gettys intends taking any quantity of Daguerreotypes, &c., during fair week.

The seventh advertisement ran from October 16-23, 1857 in The Bedford Gazette.  “Oh! the Show, the Beauties of the Show!”  It is generally supposed that the great attraction of the approaching County Fair, will be the Elephant or some other animal, but we are sure that those who fail to visit Gettys’ celebrated and elegantly fitted up Ambrotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, will miss the greatest attraction of the season.  He has the most magnificent collection of Photographs, colored and plain, also Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, on Exhibition, we have ever seen, and those who fail to see them and also secure one of themselves, will ever after have cause of regret.  Room in the Exchange Building.                

The fourth announcement appeared on November 6, 1857 in The Bedford Gazette.  Bedford County Agricultural Society October 21st. 22d. and 23d. 1857.  Premiums Awarded….Domestic manufactures, 2d Division…Thos. R. Gettys, Jr., exhibited a beautiful display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, which was highly creditable to his artistic skill, we award him a premium of $1.

The fifth announcement appeared on November 6, 1857 in the Bedford Inquirer and Chronicle

Bedford County Agricultural Society, Award Of Premiums, October 1857.  …Thos. R. Gettys, Jr., exhibited a beautiful display of Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes, which was highly creditable to his artistic skill, we award him a premium of 1 00.

The eighth advertisement ran from July 1 to November 4, 1859 in The Bedford Gazette

New Improvements at Gettys’ Photographic Gallery.  The undersigned, having procured the services of Mr. John Vallade, of Paris, an artist of rare attainments, is now prepared to furnish photographs in India Ink, oil and water colors, 50per cent cheaper than any ever offered to the citizens of this Borough.  Also the next and beautiful improvement known as the “Ivorytype” will be furnished for less than city prices. These pictures are beautifully colored and possess all the delicate tints of the paintings on ivory surpassing in beauty and richness of tone anything of the kind heretofore introduced.

A skylight Gallery will be fitted up at the Bedford Springs this week, where those partial to Skylight Pictures can be accommodated.  June 1, 1859.  T. R. Gettys, Jr.

Thomas R. Gettys, Jr. is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active between the target dates of this project.  Directory Of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 does list Gettys as being active in Bedford in 1864-1866.

Gerrish

1851                Address and Location Unknown, Maine.

Gerrish of the partnership Stevens & Gerrish was recorded in one announcement in November 4, 1851 in the Portland Weekly Advertiser (Portland, Maine).  Cumberland County Agricultural And Horticultural Society.  Agreeably to notice, the Fair and Cattle Show commenced on Wednesday, October 15, 1851 in Portland.

The Cattle Show was held in the pasture, corner of Green and Portland streets, the exhibition of produce, Manufactured articles, &c., at the City Hall…

Daguerreotypes:—There were numerous specimens of Daguerreotypes, from Geo. M. Howe, Messrs. Stevens & Gerrish and Mr. Samuel Carlton.  The committee could see but slight difference between those of Howe, and Stevens & Gerrish, both were believed to be as near perfection, as the daguerreotype process will allow, but on the whole the evidence of artistical skill in those of Messrs. Stevens & Gerrish, inclined the committee to give theirs the preference, and they awarded them a premium, 2.00.  To those of Mr. Howe they awarded a diploma.

Mr. Carlton has many admirers in his line, and deservedly so.

Gerrish is not recorded in other photographic directories.

George W. Gavitt

1855-1857       West Broad Street, Pawcatuck, Connecticut.

1857                Over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1857                Address Unknown, Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

1860                Address Unknown, Westerly, Rhode Island.[1]

George W. Gavitt was recorded in two advertisement and four announcements in The Westerly Echo, & Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  The advertisement ran from November 15, 1855 to September 25, 1856.  Ambrotype And Daguerrian Hall.  The subscriber having been thoroughly instructed in the art of Ambrotyping and having taken the old stand on West Broad St., one door west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Pawcatuck, Ct., is now prepared to take pictures to the entire satisfaction of all who may favor him with a call.  The Glass Pictures, or Ambrotypes, is a recent discovery, and a very great improvement on Daguerreotypes, being beautiful in tone, bold and clear in expression, and universally admired wherever they are exhibited, and are rapidly taking the place of Daguerreotypes.  They can also be set in monuments, carried to sea, or otherwise exposed to the action of the elements.  They will retain their brilliancy for ages.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens.

Pictures will be put up in Gilt or Rose Wood Frames when called for.  George W. Gavitt.

The first announcement appeared on November 29, 1855.  Geo. W. Gavitt, Esq.—who has recently purchased and refitted the Daguerrean Rooms, on West Broad Street—has been peculiarly fortunate in his photographic operations upon glass plates, and has succeeded in taking Ambrotype Likenesses of some of our citizens, which are as correct and life-like as those taken by the most celebrated city operators.  To see oneself as others see them, only requires a visit to M.G.’s Rooms.  See advertisements in another column.

The second announcement appeared on September 18, 1856.  The friends of Fremont, residing on the Connecticut side of the river, of this village and vicinity, held a meeting on Friday evening of last week, for the purpose of forming a Freemont Club.—The meeting was organized by the appointment of T. R. Hyde, Chairman, and Peleg Noyes, Secretary.  Two committees were then appointed—one to present a constitution and code of bye laws; the other to report a list of officers for the Club.  The Committee on officers reported as follows:

President.—Theophilus R. Hyde.

Vice-Presidents.—…George W. Gavitt…

The third announcement appeared on February 19, 1857.  To Let.  The Room vacated by G. W. Gavitt for daguerreotyping a short time since very pleasantly situated in the centre of Pawcatuck village.  Possession given the first day of April.  Thomas Wells.  Pawcatuck, Feb. 20, 1857.

The fourth announcement appeared on July 16, 1857.  Card.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  The undersigned having made an arrangement for the summer, with Mr. Geo, W. Gavitt, is prepared to take Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at his rooms over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, at the shortest notice, and will spear no pains to give satisfaction.

N. B. Pictures put up neatly in pins, lockets, &c.  Daguerreotypes, Paintings and engravings copied at short notice.

Please call and examine his rooms and specimens.  J. W. Vincent.  Westerly, July, 1857.

The Second advertisement ran from July 16 to August 27, 1857.  Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber would return his thanks to the public, for the liberal patronage he has received, and would inform those who may visit Watch Hill this summer, that (having procured the services of a good operator at his rooms in Westerly,) he has fitted a room at that place with a first rate light where he will be happy to wait upon any who may desire good and correct likenesses, during the summer months.  Pictures put up in every style desired.  Geo. W. Gavitt.  Watch Hill, July, 1857.

George W. Gavitt is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in Westerly in 1860.


[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Theodatus Garlick

1840                Address Unknown, Baltimore, Maryland.

1841                18 Franklin Building, Cleveland, Ohio.

Theodatus Garlick was recorded in one announcement that appeared on October 22, 1840 in The Pilot and Transcript (Baltimore, Maryland).  The Daguerreotype.—Cheaper Plates.—In the number of the Maryland Medical and Surgical Journal, just issued, is a communication from Doctor Theodatus Garlick, of this city, detailing the preparing daguerreotype plates in a simpler and cheaper manner than that now used, in obtaining photognic drawings.  Doctor Garlick takes a plate of sheet brass, or copper, well planished, to make it very dense.  This he polishes highly, by using first, fine pumice stone and oil, which gives a tolerably fine and regular surface; then rotten stone and oil, which improves it considerably.  The plate is next cleansed by washing or wiping, when it must be finished very highly by the buff with the peroxide of iron without oil.  The plate must be as bright as a mirror to produce a fine picture.  It is now ready for silvering.  “Make a weak solution of the nitrate of silver, which must be applied equally over the surface of the brass with a camel’s hair brush.  The silver is instantly precipitated, and adheres to the plate very firmly, in the form of a dark brown powder.  The surface should then be rubbed over gently with a super-tartrate of potash, made moist with water, which restores it to its bright color.  The successive application of the solution of the nitrate of silver, and the super-tartrate should be repeated at least three times.  The solution of the nitrate should not be to strong, as it then corrodes the brass, and the silver will come off in flakes.  The best criterion is to try the solution upon the edge of the plate.  If it turns the plate instantly black, it is too strong.  It should produce a deep brown color, or that rather gradually.  You may take another buff, (which should be used for no other purpose, and must be soft,)  and a little very fine peroxide of iron, and polish the plate, finally as high as possible.  The buff should pass over the plate transversely, instead of circularly, as recommended by M. Daguerre, so that the marks it leaves should run all one way.  It is now [ready] for the iodine.”  We have used the Doctor’s own words, in giving the process of preparing a plate.  He says it is easily accomplished, after a little practice, and takes but little time.—Plates prepared in this way, he says, are capable of producing the finest specimens of daguerreotype drawings.

1841 August 28.  Daily Cleveland Herald.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  August 28, 1841, Vol. VI, No. 300, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Portraits.—Dr. T. Garlick, would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Cleveland, that he will remain for a short time in their city, for the purpose of taking portraits by the new art.

His rooms are in the Franklin Buildings, where he most respectfully invites them to call and examine his work.

By late improvements, he is able to do work in a style not surpassed, if equalled by any one.

Advertisement was recorded on August 28, 1841.

1841 September 9.  Daily Cleveland Herald.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  September 9, 1841, Vol. VI, No. 400, P. 3.

A Second Self.—We spent a few moments in the room of Mr. Garlic this morning, just long enough to see a gentlemanly bachelor of our acquaintance set his blessed phiz in ‘a picture of silver;’ the operation took two minutes and a half, and Mr. G. handed him a miniature, perfect in all respects, drawn by the Daguerreotype art true to nature.  All bachelors, at least, should visit Mr. G., and those not entirely deprive posterity of a little image of their noble selves.  His room, No. 18 Franklin Building, where numerous specimens of his skill may be seen.

Theodatus Garlick is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 as being active in Cleveland, Ohio from 1839-1841. Also recorded in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artist’s in America 1584-1860. As a Sculptor and wax portraitist.  Garlick is a work in progress and only a cursory search has been done of the Cleveland newspapers.

J. M. Gale

1853-1854       On the public square, north of the court house, Ottawa, Illinois.           

J. M. Gale was recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 5, 1853 to February 11, 1854 in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  Daguerreotypes, In the best style of the art, at J. M. Gale’s portable daguerrean palace, on the public square, north of the court house, Ottawa, Ill.

J. M. Gale received the highest award at the late fair of the Will county agricultural society, for superior daguerreotypes.

All who wish likenesses, are solicited to call soon, as his time in this place will be necessarily   limited to the amount of patronage he receives.  Price $1.50 and upwards.

Reasonable reduction for large families, &c. n5.

J. M. Gale is recorded in A Directory Of Early Illinois Photographers.

H.P. Gale

1846                Village Hotel, State Street, Montpelier, Vermont.

H.P. Gale was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on October 15, 1846 in the Vermont Watchman and State Journal (Montpelier, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  H. P. Gale, Informs the inhabitants of Montpelier and vicinity, that he has taken room at the village Hotel, State Street, Montpelier, where he is ready to execute all work belonging to the art, to those who may wish for miniatures of themselves or friends.  Satisfaction shall be given or no pay is required.

All work warranted to be permanent and never fade.

Also, for sale a lot of polishing stone, rouse, colors, etc. of the first quality.

Instruction given in the art.  

H. P. Gale is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. H. Fuky

1853                499 Broadway, New York, New York.

A. H. Fuky was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on July 3, 1853 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Daguerreotypes, on the 4th of July, will be taken at half price, by A. H. Fuky, 499 Broadway, as he leaves for the country on Tuesday.  Citizens and strangers are invited to call and give him a last trial.

A. H. Fuky is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John H. Frobus

1852                72 Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

John H. Frobus appeared in one announcement on November 19, 1852 in the New Orleans Daily Crescent (New Orleans, Louisiana). 

From woman’s eyes this doctrine I derive:

The are the books, the art, the academies

Which show, contain, and nourish all the world.

Had Mahomet heard of daguerreotypes, he might have propagated his doctrines all the faster by showing the portrait of his Celestial Houris!  By the buy, Frobus, 72 Chartres street, is very successful in that all important feature of a daguerreotype likeness—the eye.

John H. Frobus is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New Orleans, Louisiana  between 1855 to 1861.

J. M. Frisbie

1854-1855       Reber’s Block, nearly opposite Verandah Hotel, Sandusky, Ohio.

J. M. Frisbie was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Plymouth Advertiser (Plymouth, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on June 10, 1854.  Frisbie, the Daguerreotypist, of Sandusky, has re-fitted his rooms in a most splendid style.  His pictures are the most finest we have seen.  Strangers visiting Sandusky, will be well repaid by visiting his rooms.

The advertisement ran from June 10, 1854 to October 6, 1855.  J. M. Frisbie, Daguerrean Artist, Reber’s Block, nearly opposite Verandah Hotel, entrance between Porter and Lytle’s Stores, Water-st., Sandusky, O.

Pictures taken either singly or in groups in the best style of the art, in either clear or cloudy weather, put up in every variety of cases.  His rooms are fitted up with both sky and side lights.  Strangers visiting Sandusky are invited to call and examine specimens. 

J. M. Frisbie is recorded in as being active in Sandusky, Ohio between 1853 to 1879 without a business address in Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 and in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.