Tag Archives: Daguerreotypist

C. W. Baldwin

1846-1847       Room at No. 7 Nichols’ Building, Middlebury, Vermont.

1846                Rooms at S. B. Flint’s, New Haven, East Mills, Vermont

C. W. Baldwin was recorded in one announcement and eleven advertisements in The Northern Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont).  The announcement appeared on October 27, 1846.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  To the lovers of the liberal arts, as well as to lovers of their own phizzes, we would say, call upon Mr. Baldwin at his room in Nichols’ Building, if you wish to see the finest specimens of the photographic art ever exhibited in this vicinity.  For clearness of outline, symmetry of development, and elegance of execution, the old Sun, in these pictures, shows himself equal to the best line engravers in the country.  Under the pupilage of Mr. Baldwin, he has arrived at length to a capability of delineation equal to any face, however beautiful, or to any phiz however ugly: indeed, from some specimens we have seen, we think the Sun is a ‘little ahead’ of Nature herself.  Call and see, at No. 7, Nichols’ Building, up stairs, where the artist will remain a few days.

The first advertisement ran from November 3 to 10, 1847.  ‘Secure the Shadow, Ere the Substance fades.’  Daguerreotype Gallery, C. W. Baldwin Has opened a room No. 7, Nichols Building, for a short time only, where the public can be accommodated with Miniatures of all sizes usually taken by this process. 

Mr. B. feels confident from former experience and uniform success in the practice of the art, that he shall be able to give perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken singly in pairs or groups, and done up in a great variety of styles.  Imperfect Likenesses altered,

By the aid of a new Chemical process, the most splendid results are obtained, giving to the likeness that color and life-like appearance so much desired.

All work warranted to give satisfaction, or the money refunded.  Instruction given; Stock and Chemicals furnished.

Ladies and Gentlemen are requested to examine his specimens.

The second advertisement was recorded on December 22, 1846.  The Picture Gallery.  Will be kept open at No. 7, Nichols’ Building for a few days longer.  The subscriber thought of moving off with his traps and fixins’ some weeks ago, but he found himself kept altogether too busy by the good people in taking pictures and trapping likenesses; so he has had no time to pack up.  Now, however, he finds he must tear himself away, in a few days.  In the mean time he will be ready to accommodate any who may call.  C. W. Baldwin. Middlebury, Dec. 22, 1846

The third advertisement was recorded on December 29, 1846.  The Picture Gallery.  Will be kept open at No. 7, Nichols’ Building for a few days longer.  The subscriber thought of moving off with his traps and fixins’ some weeks ago, but he found himself kept altogether too busy by the good people in taking pictures and trapping likenesses; so he has had no time to pack up.  Now, however, he finds he must tear himself away, in a few days.  In the mean time he will be ready to accommodate any who may call.  C. W. Baldwin. Middlebury, Dec. 22, 1846

N. B.  Mr. Baldwin will be absent from town from Thursday the 31st, until the Monday following.—Rooms at S. B. Flint’s, N. Haven, East Mils.

The fourth advertisement was recorded on January 12, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  Will be kept open at No. 7, Nichols’ Building for a few days longer.  The subscriber thought of moving off with his traps and fixins’ some weeks ago, but he found himself kept altogether too busy by the good people in taking pictures and trapping likenesses; so he has had no time to pack up.  Now, however, he finds he must tear himself away, in a few days.  In the mean time he will be ready to accommodate any who may call.  C. W. Baldwin. Middlebury, Dec. 22, 1846

The fifth advertisement was recorded on January 19, 1847.  “A Clear Stage And No Favor,”  The subscriber finding a happy state of society and warm friends in Middlebury, has given up all idea of quitting the place, and has determined to settle down for the balance of his natural life.  He will devote himself to the business of taking Daguerreotype pictures, and he is not a new hand at the work; he is confident of giving satisfaction to any who may call at No. 7. Nichols’ Building, on the bridge.  C. W. Baldwin.

N. B.—If there are any who want their pictures taken with an old fashioned finish, which has been discarded by the profession for three years, they can have them done at No. 7. as readily as any where else.—C. W. B.

The sixth advertisement appeared on January 26, 1847.  Attention The Universe!  I too, am up stairs near the south end of the bridge, where all those who wish to have their pictures taken, can have them in the same new style, and with the same new finish, I have the pleasure of informing the public, that this new discovery has been in my possession two years.  I have some specimens that are finished by this new process, and some that are finished in the modern style.  Call and see for yourselves.      C. W. Baldwin.

The seventh advertisement appeared on February 9, 1847.  Again Mr. Bacon has seen fit to mount me in the papers, as per advertisement.  Mr. Bacon has found out a new method in the art of finishing pictures.  This he has done by Beaconean induction, “after trying many experiments.”  Whether a saw mill or shingle factory, upon Ripton heights is the proper laboratory for chemical investigation, which our artist has not informed us; either has he disclosed, (except by his advertisement,) whether a saw mill is as favorable to grammatical and literary acquisitions, as it appears in his case to have been to the development of the fine arts, and watch cleaning.

The subscriber begs to add only, that he knows all about Mr. Bacon’s new finish, that he has long since discarded it with his old boots and shoes, but is ready to ‘pickiet’ and use it for any who may wish.  C. W. Baldwin. 

The eighth advertisement appeared on February 16, 1847.  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

The ninth advertisement ran from February 23 to March 2, 1847.  Positively Only One Week More!  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

The tenth advertisement ran from March 9 to 16, 1847.  By request Mr. Baldwin will remain at his room a few days longer.  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

The eleventh advertisement appeared on March 23, 1847.  The Time Has Come Notwithstanding the entreaties of many good friends I shall stay but one week longer in Middlebury.  Bring On Your Children!  The subscriber has just received some new chemicals by which pictures can be taken in five seconds time.  The difficulty in taking the pictures of children in thus obviated, as the youngster cannot dodge quick enough for the new chemicals, No. 7 Nichols building.  C. W. Baldwin.

C. W. Baldwin is not recorded in other photographic directories.

H. Baker

1851-1852       56 Broad Street, Harmony Hall, [Duncan’s Block,] Providence, Rhode Island.

H. Baker of the firm Brown & Baker (O. Brown & H. Baker) was recorded in one advertisement that was recorded on February 25, 1852 in the General Advertiser (Providence, Rhode Island). 

Brown & Baker, Daguerreotypists, Harmony Hall, [Duncan’s Block, No. 56 Broad Street, Directly opposite the Arcade.

Our friends and the public generally are respectfully invited to give us a call.  O. Brown, H. Baker.  may 22.

H. Baker is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Benjamin Bacon

1847                Rooms in Miss. Adam’s Building, upstairs, Middlebury, Vermont.

1847                Rooms at A. M. Goodrichs’, Whiting, Vermont

1850                Address Unknown, Ripton, Vermont.

Benjamin Bacon was recorded in six advertisements in The Northern Galaxy (Middlebury, Vermont) and one advertisement in The Middlebury Register (Middlebury, Vermont).  The first advertisement was recorded on January 5, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  Benjamin Bacon would inform the public that he has taken a room in Miss Adam’s building near the south end of the bridge for the purpose of taking daguerreotype miniatures and he would inform the public that he has a finish superior to anything yet discovered which makes the picture permanent and gives it a more brilliant appearance than anything heretofore discovered.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases or no charge.  Imperfect Likenesses Altered.  The public are invited to call and examine for themselves.

Mr. B. has long been a resident of Addison Co., and he assures the public that anything coming from his hands will be done in a superior manner and warranted not to fade.  Room open on Monday next.                                                   

The second advertisement was recorded on January 12, 1847.  B. Bacon’s Picture Gallery Is now open in Miss Adams’ Building, up stairs, near the south end of the Bridge, where he will be happy to wait upon all those who favor him with a call.  Pictures put up in a new style and with a new and superior finish, which makes them permanent.  Mr. B. calculates to make a permanent stand in Middlebury and all his picture he warrants not to fade, if they do he will take them over again if they will return them or refund the money.

Also Clocks Watches and Jewelry cleaned and repaired in the best manner.

The third advertisement ran from January 19 to March 16, 1847.  Benjamin Bacon Continues his Daguerreotype business in Miss Adam’s building, up stairs, near the south end of the bridge, where all those who wish to have their pictures taken, can have them in a new style and with a new finish, which surpasses anything ever before offered to the public, giving the picture a higher luster and harder finish than any chemical process now in use in any other operation.  This is an invention of his own, and all those wishing to have perfect and permanent likenesses will do well to call and examine for themselves, before getting them at any other place.

Also The subscriber would solicit the patronage of the public in the line of Watch Cleaning and repairing.  Which he has commenced and intends to continue at the same place.  He will clean and repair watches in the best manner, and warrants the same.  Those who have hitherto employed him in this branch of business, can witness to his neatness and skill in performing it.   

The fourth advertisement appeared on March 2, 1847.  Benjamin Bacon Continues his Daguerreotype business in Miss Adam’s building, up stairs, near the south end of the bridge, where all those who wish to have their pictures taken, can have them in a new style and with a new finish, which surpasses anything ever before offered to the public, giving the picture a higher luster and harder finish than any chemical process now in use in any other operation.  This is an invention of his own, and all those wishing to have perfect and permanent likenesses will do well to call and examine for themselves, before getting them at any other place.

Also The subscriber would solicit the patronage of the public in the line of Watch Cleaning and repairing.  Which he has commenced and intends to continue at the same place.  He will clean and repair watches in the best manner, and warrants the same.  Those who have hitherto employed him in this branch of business, can witness to his neatness and skill in performing it.                                       

N. B.  By request I shall go to A. M. Goodrichs’ in Whiting to morrow. 3d inst., to take pictures for one week only.

I will also say that I will go to any of the neighboring towns for a few days, where they will raise a club of 20 or more that will have their pictures taken—and perfect satisfaction given in all cases or no charge.

The fifth advertisement ran from April 13 to May 11, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  I would inform the public that I am now in my Room in Miss Adams’ building where I shall stop but a short time in the exercise of my Daguerreotype art and Watch business as I have had many pressing invitations to go to different parts of the country.  Therefore all those wishing to have permanent pictures must call immediately.  Benjamin Bacon. Middlebury, April 12th, 1847.

The sixth advertisement was recorded on May 18, 1847.  Daguerreotype Gallery.  I shall stop in Middlebury only one week longer.  I have a splendid assortment of lockets.  Benjamin Bacon. 

The seventh advertisement ran from January 15 to May 21, 1850 in The Middlebury Register  (Middlebury, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  I will go any place in Addison County or vicinity, and take Likenesses by the improved Daguerreotype, of the most delicate execution, with one or two on a plate, and put them up in a silk velvet cases for $1.25, where any one will engage10 or more.  Any family or neighborhood wishing to have good and permanent Likenesses can have the same by addressing me at Ripton.  Benjamin Bacon.  Ripton, October 9, 1849.

Benjamin Bacon is not recorded in other photographic directories.

G. H. Babcock

1851-1852       Room’s Next Door to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

G. H. Babcock was recorded in five advertisements and possibly on the masthead of The Literary Echo or The Literary Echo, Westerly, Rhode Island.  The first advertisement ran from April 1 to 17, 1851 in The Literary Echo (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber is prepared to execute Daguerreotypes in the best style of the art, at his rooms, next door to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store.

Using one of the best Chemicals known, and a German Instrument of the first quality, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, Which is acknowledged by all to be the best light for Photographic Purposes, he feels free to warrant a Daguerreotype, beautiful as a picture and accurate as a likeness, to all who may favor him with a sitting.

Particular attention is called to the distinctness of the Eyes and Drapery, and to the pleasing effect of the shadows.

Hints For Sitters.—Dark Dresses are mostly preferable, but pink, blue and white should generally be rejected.  A shawl thrown carelessly over the shoulders often improves the picture.  For Gentlemen, dark clothes not entirely new, are to be preferred.  Morning light is the best.  G. H. Babcock.  Pawcatuck, April 1.

G. H. Babcock name appears on the masthead as the Proprietor of The Literary Echo, (Westerly, Rhode Island.) from April 1 to August 21, 1851.  His name also appears on the masthead The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island) from August 28, 1851 to October 27, 1853 with E. G. Champlin as Editors and Proprietors.  It is unknown at this time if they are the same person.

The second advertisement ran from April 24 to May 1, 1851 in The Literary Echo (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber is prepared to execute Daguerreotypes in the best style of the art, at his rooms, next door to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store.

Using one of the best Chemicals known, and a German Instrument of the first quality, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, Which is acknowledged by all to be the best light for Photographic Purposes, he feels free to warrant a Daguerreotype, beautiful as a picture and accurate as a likeness, to all who may favor him with a sitting.

Particular attention is called to the distinctness of the Eyes and Drapery, and to the pleasing effect of the shadows.

Hints For Sitters.—Dark Dresses are mostly preferable, but pink, blue and white should generally be rejected.  A shawl thrown carelessly over the shoulders often improves the picture.  For Gentlemen, dark clothes not entirely new, are to be preferred.  Morning light is the best.  G. H. Babcock.  Pawcatuck, April 1.

Notice.—G. H. Babcock would inform his friends and the public that he has closed his Daguerrean Rooms for a few weeks, after which he will be happy to wait upon all who may favor him with their patronage in that line of business.

The third advertisement ran from December 18, 1851 to May 20, 1852 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  Sky-Light Daguerreotypes.  The Subscriber, having re-opened his rooms with many additions and improvements, would inform his friends and the public generally, that he is now prepared to take likenesses in the best style, and at the lowest prices at which good pictures can be obtained.  Using the best German Instruments, and the most effectual Chemical Combinations known, in connection with a Large Sky-Light, he will furnish pictures which shall be inferior to none in their accuracy and beauty of finish.

Please call and examine specimens.  Rooms in the same building with the Printing-Office.  G. H. Babcock.

The fourth advertisement ran on May 13 & 20, 1852 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser.  Daguerreotypes For Two Weeks Only.  G. H. Babcock will close his rooms in two weeks.  All those desiring good pictures, will do well to call soon.

The fifth advertisement ran from August 26 to October 16, 1852 in The Literary Echo and Pawcatuck Advertiser.  Back Again!  Daguerreotypes. The subscriber having again reopened his Daguerrean Rooms for a short time would inform his friends that he is prepared to “catch their shadows” in a superior manner.  The arrangement of his Sky Light is not surpassed in the State, and his chemicals are the best manufactured.  His pictures are to well known to need comments.  Please call at his rooms next to H. & F. Sheffield’s Store and see for yourselves.  G. H. Babcock.  Westerly, Aug. 26, 1852.

G. H. Babcock is not listed in other photographic directories.

Mr. Babbitt

1849                Rooms Over Maynard’s store, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Mr. Babbitt was recorded in one advertisement that ran from February 22 and March 8, 1849 in the True Democrat (Ann Arbor, Michigan).  Daguerreotype Portraits.  Now, or, may be, Never. 

Of those whom you fond emotions cherish,

Secure the shadow ere the substance parish.

Mr. Babbitt.  Begs respectfully to announce to the inhabitants of this place and vicinity, that he has opened Daguerrean Rooms here for a few days, for the purpose of taking his superior style of likenesses in every variety of size and [sitting], vix:  Frames, Cases, Lockets, Rings, Medallions, Bracelets and Breast Pins.

Likenesses can be had in a few moments sitting, which for strength of impression and beauty of tone have stood comparison with the best operators of the [cast].  Those beautiful miniatures are more accurate even than the best of steel engravings, portraying every lineament of the face with startling exactness with the dalliance of that freshness of expression and coloring of life.

Important discoveries have been made in the art, whereby pictures are made perfectly indelible and susceptible of coloring, without which they are neither perfect or beautiful.  These portraits are warranted not to fade, and perfect satisfaction given or no charge.

Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens, whether they intend having miniatures or not.  Ladies calling to sit, are advised to avoid light dresses, such as pink or light blue [ ? ], black or dark plaid and stripes are best for a good effect.

Likenesses taken in clear or cloudy weather.  Instructions given in the art, and apparatus furnished.   Rooms over Maynard’s store, Ann Arbor, Jan. 4, 1849.

Mr. Babbitt is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Homer H. Atwood

1855-1856       435 Broadway, New York, New York.

Homer H. Atwood was recorded in one announcement and one article,  The announcement appeared in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on June 11, 1855.  Reward.—Stolen From The Hall Of Atwood’s daguerrean rooms, 435 Broadway, corner of Howard street, on Saturday night, a black walnut show case, about 2½ by 3 feet, filled with valuable daguerreotype specimens.  Whoever will return the same will be handsomely rewarded.  N. B.—Daguerreotypist are cautioned against purchasing the above.

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

Atwood[1] — A respectable gallery. Few specimens on hand to judge from.

Homer H. Atwood is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the first-hand account of his work.


[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address was added.

J. Atkyn

1856                St. James Hall, Beaver Island, Michigan.

J. Atkyn appeared in one advertisement on May 1, 1856 in the Daily Northern Islander (St. James, Michigan).  Correct And Life-Like Daguerreotypes.  J. Atkyn, Daguerrean Artist, St. James Hall, Beaver Island, Mich., Having fitted and furnished his Daguerrean Room in a style for comfort and convenience, not surpassed by any in Manitou and adjacent counties, will be happy to receive visitors,  His mode of taking pictures completely obviates the necessity of from one to three minutes.  It can be done as well in from ten to thirty seconds, and in full cases less than one minute.

N.B.  Instructions in the art, with all the late improvements, given.  Ladies and gentlemen would do well to give him a call.  His pictures are taken on silver plate, over which is  a coating of gold.  They will not corrode at sea, or change in any climate; are beautiful in tenor, bold and clear in effect.  Call and examine specimens, at St. James Hall.

Gallery open from 9 A. M., to 4 P. M.  Likenesses taken in clear or cloudy weather.  Beaver Island, April 28, ’56.

J. Atkyn is recorded in David V. Tinder’s on-line Directory of Early Michigan Photographers as being active in Beaver Island, in 1855-1856.

R. Atkins

1853                Address Unknown, Liberty, Missouri.

R. Atkins was mentioned in one advertisement that was recorded on November 18, 1853 in the Liberty Weekly Tribune (Liberty, Missouri).  Daguerrean Gallery:  Telegraph Room Court House, Liberty, MO.  J. C. R. Clark, would respectfully inform the public that having purchased out Mr. R. Atkins’ Daguerreotype Stock he is now prepared to take miniatures in a superior style.

His friends, Ladies, and Gentlemen, and the public generally, are politely invited to call at his room and examine specimens.  His miniatures are warranted to give satisfaction.  Liberty, June 24, 1853.

R. Atkins is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong

1850-1851 Address Unknown, Peekskill, New York.1

1853                Address Unknown, Peekskill, New York.

1859                Address Unknown, Peekskill, New York.

Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong was recorded in the Photographic Art-Journal (New York, New York) in the February 1853 issue. Minutes of The N. Y. State Daguerrean Association…Moved that Nichols, Benedict and Whitney, be a committee to investigate the character and good standing of the persons proposed for membership, and report at this meeting.,,

The committee of investigation reported the names of J. B. Marcus, Chenango; G. Evans, Utica; L. Gray, Oswego; E. A. Hudson, Syracuse; Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong, Peekskill; Mrs. Marcilia W. Barnes, Salem Cross Roads; all of whom were unanimously elected…

1859 October 29.  Highland Democrat.  (Peekskill, New York.)  October 29, 1859, Vol. XV, No. 4, P. 3.

A. M. Armstrong Informs the residents of Peekskill and vicinity that at her rooms may be found every style of Stereoscopes, With superior plates and designs by French, English and American Artists, which are offered for sale at prices lower than they can be obtained outside of New York City.  Call and See!!  Peekskill, June 7, 1859.

Advertisement was recorded on October 29 & November 26, 1859.

Mrs. Agnes M. Armstrong is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as Miss Armstrong in

1850-1851, 1853.


[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Register listed as Miss A. M. Armstrong.

J. L. Armstrong

1850                Military Hall, [Jamaica, New York.]

J. L. Armstrong appeared in one announcement in the Long Island Farmer, and Queens County Advertiser (Jamaica, New York) on August 27, 1850.  Daguerreotypes.—Perfect likenesses are always desirable, and an opportunity that seldom occurs, is now offered to our citizens.  The celebrated Daguerrian artist, J. L. Armstrong, has opened his new Daguerrian Gallery at Military Hall, (George C. McKee’s) in this village, where he will remain only a few days.  His pictures are skilfully and artistically made, and his likenesses are finished in such a manner as are warranted not to fade.

J. L. Armstrong is not recorded in other photographic directories.