Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

Disbrow & Clarkson

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1851                Nearly Opposite the store of H. S. Smith, Huntington, New York.

1851                On the Common, Roslyn, New York.

Disbrow & Clarkson were recorded in three announcements and one advertisement.  The first announcement appeared in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York) on April 18, 1851. 

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.

The advertisement 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 appeared 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 appeared 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 recorded in other photographic directories.

Miss M. J. Dinsmore

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1849                3 Broad Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

1849                Address Unknown, Warren, Rhode Island.

Miss. M. J. Dinsmore was recorded in one advertisement, two announcements and one poem in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode Island).  The advertisement appeared on August 9, 1849.  Ladies Daguerrian Gallery.  Miss. M. J. Dinsmore takes the present opportunity to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport, that her Daguerrian Gallery No. 3 Broad street, is now open for the reception of all who may be desirous of obtaining True [ ? pics] of themselves or friends; also, for any o, all who may feel disposed to examine her work.

Her Pictures are entirely free from that dull smoky appearance discoverable in most Daguerreotype Pictures, (the shades being a clear dark and light,) resembling a fine steel engraving, the Eye, also, in perfectly bright and clear, giving a more life-like expression to her Pictures than any which have been compared with them, taken by other good artists.

Those engaged in the art are respectfully invited to call and compare specimens (their own) with her handy work.  She will also dispose of copies of her recipe for the Chemicals, should any wish for them,  and give instruction in the art.  Her Camera needs no comment,—the Pictures speak for it themselves.  June 28.[1]

The first announcement appeared on September 6, 1849.  Persons who desire a daguerreotype of the “Old Stone Mill,” executed in excellent style, by Miss. Dinsmore, will fine them for sale at Tisdale’s, or at her rooms in Broad street.

The poem appeared on October 18, 1849.  Poetry.  Lines.  Written on the death of two little daughters of the Rev. B. Watson, Newport, by Miss. M. J. Dinsmore.

How sacred the spot where those loved ones repose,

In their little beds hid ‘neath the turf,

The angel, who watched their young footprints below

Thought their spirits too pure for this earth,

In those little homes in the churchyard are laid

The buds of a mother’s fond joy,

There, nipt by time’s frost ere their petals began

To unfold for earths scenes to alloy.

And as by the green little hillock she strays

She recounts all their innocent glee,

Oh, the pang in her heart the void in her breast

Is known only to mothers bereaved.

Yet she joys ‘mid her grief, though her children sleep

With the signet of death on their brow.

Through their little cheeks paled and their bright eyes dimmed

And their beauty is veiled with the shroud.

And although they are hid from her tender care,

Yet she feels there’s a Saviour above,

 And the sinless souls of her cherubs have gone

There to bask in the smiles of his love.

Then dry those bright tears for those loved little ones,

For although they sleep under the sod,

How sweet is the thought that the babes from they breast

Are bright gems mid the jewels of God.

The second announcement appeared on November 1, 1849.  Miss M. J. Dinsmore, who has been taking Daguerreotype pictures in this town, during the last summer, having concluded all her engagements, has gone to Warren, for the purpose of giving the good people of that flourishing town an opportunity to have their faces transferred to plates, with almost living, breathing accuracy.  She is a good artist, and takes a fine picture as any one need desire, at a very low price.  We commend her to Warren people, and can assure them that she will give the amplest satisfaction.

Miss. M. J. Dinsmore is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Rhode Island.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Miss J. S. Dinsmore in St. Louis Missouri in 1850he goes on to say that she was also noted as J. Maria Dinsmore.  One might speculate that they are the same person.

[1] Advertisement did not appear between June 28 to August 2, 1849 or after August 9, interestingly it appeared twice once on page 3 and again on page 4.

John Dennett

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1848                Address Unknown, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1849                Address Unknown, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.[1]

John Dennett was mentioned in one announcement that appeared on January 18, 1848. In the Maine Democrat (Saco, Maine).  Likeness of Gov. Fairfield.—Mr. Omsby (Sic.) has, at his Daguerreotype Room, an excellent likeness of the late Hon. John Fairfield, taken just before he left home for the last time,  From this he has taken several copies for some of our townsmen, and can take any number more.  The copies are life-like.  There are also likenesses from the plate engraved for the Democratic Review, but the expression is not so natural.  Mr. John Dennett has taken some very good Daguerreotype copies of this engraving.

Mr. Omsby’s room is in the Cataract Block, where all who wish may see this remembrancer of our late friend—and get a copy of their own features if they choose.

John Dennett is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1849 on Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Davis

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

Davis was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on January 9, 1853 in The New York Daily Herald (New York, New York).  $60.—Wanted, A Young Man Having $60, as assistant, half of each day, for which five to seven dollars per week will be paid, and gratis instruction given in the daguerreotype art, with security for the money.  Address Davis, Herald office, with real name and place of interview.

Davis is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in 1853 in New York City.  It’s possible this is William Davis recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1854 at 383 Broadway, but since no first name is recorded it is only speculation.

C. A. Davis

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1854                At the Baptist Church, Washington, Arkansas.

1854                Address Unknown, Clarksville, Texas.

1855                At Mr. Dugger’s building, next door to the Clerk’s Office, Washington, Arkansas.

1855-1856       Rooms over Mr. Toler’s store, Washington, Arkansas.

C. A. Davis was recorded in four announcements and three advertisements in the Washington Telegraph (Washington, Arkansas).  The first announcement appeared on February 8, 1854.  We invite attention to the card of Mr. Davis, Daguerreotypist, in another column.  Mr. Davis comes among us highly recommended as a superior artists.

The first advertisement ran from February 8 to April 26, 1854.  Daguerreian.  Mr. C. A. Davis, would respectfully inform the citizens of Washington and vicinity that he has located in the Baptist Church, where he has the advantage of a spacious northern light, and is now prepared to take likenesses on the shortest notice. 

Call and examine his Specimens.

The second announcement appeared on November 8, 1854.  Daguerreian.—Mr. C. A. Davis, the Daguerreian Artists, who has been sojourning with us during the summer has left for Clarksville, Texas.  He is a master hand in the way of taking likenesses and we trust he will meet, in Clarksville, with the abundant success which he personally and professionally deserves.

The third announcement appeared on May 23, 1855.  It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns that Mr. C. A. Davis; Daguerrean Artist, has returned and opened a gallery in Mr. Dugger’s building, next door to the Clerk’s Office, where those who desire beautiful representations of themselves are invited to call.  Of Mr. Davis’ skill as an artists it is unnecessary for us to speak—our citizens have had satisfactory evidence of that in the many beautiful pictures he has heretofore taken.

The second advertisement ran from May 23 to July 4, 1855.  Daguerrean.

Wouldst have, endurable as stone,

They dear wife’s likeness and thine own,

The same when years have rolled away,

As bright and perfect as to-day?

Wouldst see thy boy as he is now,

When time and care have stamped his brow,

And have they daughter’s image bright

Encased in living beams of light?

Wouldst thou a kind remembrance—send,

To some respected. Distant friend,

That he may read as in a book,

Thy features, and thy every look?

Wouldst thou living beams of truth,

To age hand down thy looks of youth,

Or give to youth of after years

Each feature as it now appears?

Wouldst treasure memory’s starry beams,

And sparkling keep affections streams?

Wouldst friendship, feeling, thought refined,

And all that’s worth preserving bind

Into a glorious sun lit wreath

As cherished flowerets snatched from death?

On C. A. Davis, only call.

And he’ll supply you one and all

With Pictures, kindled at the sun,

And skillfully, superbly done,

And furnish Likenesses complete,

Which never have been—can’t be beat.

Room next door to Mr. Dugger’s, on the public Square.

The fourth announcement appeared on December 5, 1855.  Mr. C. A. Davis, Daguerrean artist, has opened rooms over Mr. Toler’s store.  Those who desire correct likenesses can procure them by calling on him.  See advertisement in another column.

The third advertisement ran from December 5, 1855 to January 16, 1856.  C. A. Davis, Daguerrean!  Has opened a Daguerrean Room over Mr. Toler’s Store, where he can be found at all times fully prepared to accommodate those desirous of obtaining Pictures.

The ladies and gentlemen of Washington, and persons visiting the place, are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.

C. A. Davis is recorded in other photographic directories, but the announcements and advertisements provide more information.

Davis & Company

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855-1856       residence of Smith McMains, Nebraska City, Nebraska.

Davis & Company was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on January 12, 1856 in the Nebraska City News (Nebraska City, Nebraska).  Davis & Co., Daguerreans.  Are fully prepared at their Rooms, at the residence of Smith McMains, two door East of the Corner of Otoe and Seventh streets, to take likenesses in the most approved styles. nov 24, [1855.]

Davis & Company is not recorded in other photographic directories.

E. Crocker

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Address Unknown, Rockland, Maine,

E. Crocker was recorded in one announcement that appeared on May 24, 1853 in The Evening Post (New York, New York).  The Fire at Rockland.  Rockland, (Me.) May 24.

The following are the names of the principal suffers by the fire which occurred in this town on Sunday morning…Also J. M. Murphy’s Daguerrean Rooms, Crocker’s Daguerrean rooms…

E. Crocker is not listed in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record E. Crockett, who was active in Maine in 1849-1856.  If they are the same person, which spelling is correct is unknown at this time.  

J. Craft

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                City Hall, Columbus, Mississippi.

J. Craft was recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 8 to February 5, 1852 in The Primitive Republican (Columbus, Mississippi).  Colored Daguerreotypes.  J. Craft respectfully informs the citizens of Columbus and vicinity that he has taken rooms in the City Hall, where he is at all times prepared to execute the most correct and life-like Daguerreotypes.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

N. B.—Likenesses taken equally well in cloudy weather, and put up in all styles of the art. 

J. Craft is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Columbus, Mississippi.

William Cowden

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                56 Monroe Street, Wheeling, Virginia.[1]

1852-1855       56 Monroe Street, Wheeling, Virginia.

William Cowden was recorded in three advertisements and three announcements in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from August 24, 1852 to August 30, 1853.  Wm. Cowden Daguerreotypist, Rooms No. 56 Monroe street, between the New Hotel and the Court House.

Likenesses taken in any required shade, and colored to represent the living complexion by a new style of coloring—warranted to never fade.  Pictures of all sizes, both single and in groups, put up in plain and fancy cases, at the lowest prices.  Likenesses of Children accurately taken.

The first announcement appeared on December 6, 1852.  The Fine Arts.—We saw at the Daguerrean rooms of Mr. Cowden, on Saturday, a fine specimen of the application of the Daguerrean process to paper, giving a picture all the softness and strength of the mezzotint engraving.  It was made at Cincinnati, but we think Cowden has the genius to equal it.  Mr. C. has carried the process of coloring daguerreotypes to great perfection.

The second announcement appeared on May 6, 1853.  It is Astonishing—If we may be allowed to say that anything now-a-days is astonishing—to witness the perfection to which the Daguerrean art has been carried.  The pictures now made by this process have a degree of beauty and perfection which might challenge the closest scrutiny of dame Nature herself.  With the history of this art in Wheeling our friend Mr. Cowden is closely identified.  He commenced his experiments when it was yet in its infancy, and has ever since pursued it with the enthusiasm of a true devotee, not only adopting the improvements of others, but making many valuable discoveries himself.  His rooms on Monroe street, near the McLure House, contains pictures which we have not seen surpassed in any of the Eastern or Western cities.

The second advertisement ran from August 30, 1853 to September 19, 1855.  Daguerreotypes.  Sky And Side Light Arrangement, Likenesses taken with all the recent improvements, without any unnatural whiteness of hair, or grey appearance on black dresses.  Every style of cases always on hand.  Price from one dollar upwards. 

Rooms, No. 65 Monroe street, near the Court House.  Wm. Cowden.  Aug30.

The third announcement appeared on January 16, 1855.  Daguerreotypes—We invite attention to the [ ? ] notice of Mr. Cowden, to be found in [another] column this morning.  It is well known that Mr. C. has spent a large portion of his life in [presenting] himself in a knowledge of this art, and that he is an experimenter and operator in its earliest stages, and has since been constantly engaged in the business.  His claims are therefore indisputable.  His rooms are at his old stand, Monroe street, a short distance below the Court House.

The third advertisement ran on January 16 to October 19, 1855.  Daguerreotypes.  Side and Skylight Arrangement.  Likenesses taken with all the recent improvements, without and unnatural whiteness of hair, or grey appearance on black dresses.  Every style of Cases always on hand.

Rooms, No. 56 Monroe st., near the Court House.  jan16.  Wm. Cowden

William Cowden is recorded as being active in Wheeling, Virginia in 1851.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

A. Cosmes

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1854                1 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

A. Cosmes (of the partnership of Moissenet & Cosmes) was recorded in one Advertisement that ran from December 25 to 30, 1854[1] in the New Orleans Daily Crescent  (New Orleans, Louisiana).  Moissenet & Cosmes’s Daguerrean and Photographic Gallery, No. 1 Camp Street, corner of Canal.

F. Moissenet has the honor of informing the citizens of New Orleans and Strangers, that he has formed a business connection with Mr. A. Cosmes, a Photographist and Painter of European celebrities, and has opened expressly for the purpose of taking Photographic Portraits and Miniatures in the same building in which Daguerreotype Rooms are, by which means both branches will be under his personal care and direction.  He invites particular attention to his new and perfect mode of taking Portraits by which the physiognomy and coloring of nature becomes indelibly transferred in such a manner as cannot fail to present a true and exact copy of all the features and expressions of life—a fac simile of nature.

The Rooms are always open to the public, who are invited to examine the various specimens there exhibited. d25.

A. Cosmes is not recorded in other photographic directories.

[1] No newspapers were found between December 31, 1854 to July 1, 1855.