Tag Archives: Darlington South Carolina

Lafar, Theo A.

N. D.               235 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina.

1853                Court House, second story, Chester, South Carolina.

1853-1854       Corner of King & Liberty Streets, Charleston, South Carolina.

1854                Rooms at the Banner Office, Sumterville, South Carolina.

1854                McBee’s Hall, Greenville, South Carolina.

1855                Address Unknown, Darlington, South Carolina.[1]

1856                Address Unknown, Marion, South Carolina.1

1853 June 23.  Palmetto Standard.  (Chester, South Carolina.)  June 23, 1853, Vol. IV, No. 25, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes!  Mr. LaFar, From Cook’s Gallery, Charleston, would respectfully inform the citizens of this place and its vicinity, that having had experience for some years in the above Gallery, well known as the best in the Southern States, he is prepared to furnish specimens of Daguerrean Likenesses.

Mr. L. has on hand a splendid assortment of Cases of all sizes, Medallions, Brooches &c. he is prepared with all the Instruments for securing accurate copies of Portraits and for taking Children and Groups.  He will remain for a short time.

Please call and examine Specimens at his room in the Court House—second story.

Advertisement ran from June 23 to July 21, 1853.

1853 November 16.  The Charleston Courier.  (Charleston, South Carolina.)  November 16, 1853, Vol. LI, No 16575, P. 2.

Cohen & LaFar, New Daguerreotype Gallery, Corner Of King And Liberty-Streets.  The largest Sky Light in the city, with all the latest improvements, and being on the second floor, the most easy of access.  Stock for sale.

Advertisement ran from November 16 to December 10, 1853.

1853 December 12.  The Charleston Courier.  (Charleston, South Carolina.)  December 12, 1853, Vol. LI, No 16596, P. 2.

Cohen & LaFar, New Daguerreotype Gallery, Corner Of King And Liberty-Streets.  The largest Sky Light in the city, with all the latest improvements, and being on the second floor, the most easy of access.  Stock for sale. 

Advertisement was recorded twenty-six times between December 12, 1853 to February 6, 1854.

1854 February 8.  The Charleston Courier.  (Charleston, South Carolina.)  February 8, 1854, Vol. LII, No 16664, P. 2.

Notice.  The firm of Cohen & LaFar Daguerrian Artists, is mutually dissolved.  Mr. Cohen is authorized to collect all money due the firm, and pay the debts of the same.  Mr. Cohen will carry on the business, and thankful for pass favors, solicits the continuance of the public patronage, corner of King and Liberty streets.  A. D. Cohen. T. A. LaFar. 

Advertisement ran from February 8 to 17, 1854.

1854 February 22.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  February 22, 1854, Vol. VIII, No. 17, P. 2.

Worth Attending to.  We call the attention of the reading public to our advertising columns.—And to commence near home, Mr. LaFar, just next door, announces his readiness to furnish, at the shortest notice, the best of likenesses, at the lowest possible price.  No sun necessary to insure a good picture.  Mr. L., has favored us with a sight at his fine collection of Cases, Lockets, Brooches, Pins, &c., &c., we feel that we risk nothing in recommending them as the best assortment of the kind we have had in our village.  We have not had an opportunity of judging ourselves as to Mr. LaFar’s skill in Daguerreotyping, he having just arrived, but we have been informed that he is an excellent hand at his business.  Call and give him a trial.

1854 February 22.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  February 22, 1854, Vol. VIII, No. 17, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes, Mr. LaFar, From Charleston, Having taken Rooms at the Banner Office, would respectfully inform the citizens of Sumterville and its vicinity, that, having had an experience of some years in the business, he is prepared to furnish specimens of Daguerrean Likenesses, Mr. L. has on hand a splendid assortment of Cases of all Sizes, Medallions, Brooches, etc.

He is prepared with all the Instruments for securing accurate copies of Portraits, and for taking Children and Groups.  He will remain for a short time.

Please call and examine Specimens.—Instruction given in the Art.                       

Advertisement ran from February 22 to March 15, 1854.

1854 March 29.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  March 29, 1854, Vol. VIII, No. 22, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Mr. LaFar has just received from Charleston a new and beautiful collection of Fancy Cases, Medallions, Broaches, etc., which he would offer to the people of Sumterville and vicinity, and respectfully requests them to call and examine for themselves.  He is thankful for the kind favors which have already been conferred, and would earnestly solicit a continuation of the same.  Rooms up stairs—next to the Sumter Banner Office.  March 22th, 1851.

Advertisement ran from March 29 to May 24, 1854

1854 April 5.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  April 5, 1854, Vol. VIII, No. 23, P. 2.

LaFar’s Daguerreotypes.  Mr. LaFar, whose arrival we announced in the Banner, some time ago, has been pleasing many persons in our community with the finest specimens of daguerrean art.  We have frequently visited his room and examined his specimens, among which, we found many of our acquaintances and friends and recognized them instantly.  We have been favored with the opportunity of visiting many daguerrean galleries, and from the work we have seen come from Mr. LaFar’s hands, we have no hesitancy in recommending him as one of the very best operators in his line, we have ever seen.—All who have tried him are pleased with his success, and we understand he never allows an indifferent picture to go out of his room.  If not the inventor, he is acquainted with and exercises a new method, which by giving a different and better back-ground, enables the operator to take persons with light hair and eyes much more successfully than by the old method, the hair being taken with its natural shade and the eyes having all that sharpness and liveliness which it has in life and which heretofore was so difficult to be obtained in daguerreotypes.  Many persons, from the country, will be visiting our village during court, and we call attention to Mr. LaFar’s presence among us, that those, who have not often so good a chance to gratify their families and friends with a fac-simile picture of themselves, may avail themselves of the present one.  We must all one day leave our friends, and the dear ones, we now so much love, may one day leave us, but a picture will exist almost forever and may always be with us to enliven memory, when the grave has shut out from our view, the objects of our love and gratitude.  Mr. Lafar may be found at his room, the first door to the right, upstairs, and next to the Banner Office.

1854 May 31.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  May 31, 1854, Vol. VIII, No. 31, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Mr. LaFar would respectfully inform the citizens of Sumterville and the vicinity, that he will remain here but a few days longer, he would be pleased to wait upon any who desire excellent likenesses of themselves or their friends.  His stay will be short, so call early.     May 31, 1854.

Advertisement ran from May 31 to June 7, 1854.

1854 July 7.  The Southern Enterprise.  (Greenville, South Carolina.)  Vol. 1, No. 8, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  Attention is directed to the advertisement of Mr. LaFar, to be found in our advertising columns to-day.  We have visited his rooms, and were much pleased with the specimens shown us, and can safely recommend all who wish a daguerreotype of themselves to Mr. LaFar.  He mat be found at McBee’s Hall.

1854 July 7.  The Southern Enterprise.  (Greenville, South Carolina.)  Vol. 1, No. 8, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Mr. LaFar From Charlestown, Having taken Rooms at McBee’s Hall, would respectfully inform the citizens of this place and its vicinity, that, having had an experience of some years in the above line, he is prepared to furnish specimens of Daguerrean Likenesses.  Mr. L. has on hand a splendid assortment of Cases of all sizes, Medallions, Brooches, &c.

He is prepared with all the instruments for securing accurate copies of Portraits, and for taking Children and Groups.  He will remain for a short time. 

Please call and examine Specimens.

Instructions given in the Art.

Advertisement ran on July 7 & 14, 1854.

1854 November 8.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  November 8, 1854, Vol. IX, No. 2, P. 2.

Mr. Lafar.  It will be seen by our advertising columns that this young gentleman has returned to his former rooms, next door to the Banner office, where he is ready to give entire satisfaction to all who feel like perpetuating the image of themselves or friends.

1854 November 8.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  November 8, 1854, Vol. IX, No. 2, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.  Mr. LaFar is pleased to inform the citizens of Sumterville and vicinity, that he has returned to Sumterville, and has opened his Daguerrean Rooms at the place formerly occupied by him near the Sumter Banner Office.

Thankful for the liberal patronage heretofore bestowed, he invites all who desire Capital Pictures to give him a call.  Nov. 8, 1854.

Advertisement ran from November 8 to December 13, 1854.


[1] Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940. P. 43, 53-54.

Gale, A. D.

1850                Room at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Camden, South Carolina.

1850                Rooms in Moses’ New Building, Sumterville, South Carolina.

1851                235 King Street, Charleston, South Carolina.[1]

1851                Rooms formerly occupied by Dr. J. E. Muse, Darlington, South Carolina.

1851                rooms over Freeman & Roberts’ Carriage Repository, Macon, Georgia.

1850 March 15.  The Camden Journal.  (Camden, South Carolina.)  March 15, 1850, Vol. 11, No. 21, P. 3.

Photographic Likenesses, By A. D. Gale, Taken at the Odd Fellows’ Hall in from two to five seconds.  All those desirous of preserving an accurate likeness for the future reference would do well to embrace the opportunity.  Parents would, especially, do well to have their children taken, as even a day may deprive them of so valuable a memento in after life. March 15.

Advertisement ran from March 15 to April 16, 1850.

1850 March 26.  The Camden Journal.  (Camden, South Carolina.)  March 26, 1850, Vol. 11, No. 24, P. 2.

Photographic Likenesses.  Those of our citizens who desire a likeness “as is” a likeness, would do well to give Mr. Gale a call at his Daguerrean Gallery, Odd Fellows’ Hall.  His pictures will bear inscription, and “speak for themselves.”

1850 May 3.  The Camden Journal.  (Camden, South Carolina.)  May 3, 1850, Vol. 11, No. 35, P. 3.

The Last Week.  The Subscriber respectfully announces to the ladies and gentlemen of Camden and vicinity, that he will not remain longer than next week.—Those wishing pictures will please call as early as practicable.  A. D. Gale.

Advertisement ran on May 3 & 7, 1851.

1850 June 26.  The Sumter Banner.  (Sumterville, South Carolina.)  June 26, 1849, Vol. IV, No. 35, P. 3.

Photographic Likenesses!  Gallery in Moses’ New Building.  The Subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Sumterville and vicinity, that he has opened a Daguerrean Gallery at the above place.

Having had a practical experience of about six years in some of the best rooms in the Eastern cities, and having during that time enjoyed a professional intimacy with some of the most celebrated and successful operators in the country, and having been thereby enabled to avail himself of the new discoveries and improvements in the art that have from time to time been made, he feels that he thus presents no ordinary claim to the confidence of the public.

He does not, however, rely upon these circumstances merely (advantages though they be) to secure patronage, but respectfully invites attention to his specimens as the best evidence of his skill.  His pictures will speak for themselves.  He holds it to be but a low qualification of the artist, to be able to produce good likenesses only.  The perfection of the art consists in imparting to the likeness the color and expression of life.

Pictures of all sizes taken, from those suitable for rings and lockets up to large family groups.  Having a large Camera, he is enabled to copy full-size picture, paintings, and statuary, as well as residences and landscapes.  Children taken almost instantaneously.  A clear day should be selected.  As the impression depends much on the color of the dress, black or dark dresses are recommended to ladies as preferable, though not essential.  All pictures from his Gallery warranted not to fade.  A good assortment of lockets on hand.

Ladies and gentlemen, please call and examine for yourselves.

Rooms open from 8 a. m. to 6 p.m.  Instructions given in the art, and superior Apparatus furnished.  A. D. Gale, Artist. 

1851 March 5.  The Darlington Flag.  (Darlington, South Carolina.)  March 5, 1851, Vol. 1, No. 1, P. 3.

Daguerrean Gallery.  The subscriber respectfully announces to the citizens of Darlington District, that he has opened a Daguerrean Gallery in the office formerly occupied by Dr. J. E. Muse, where he is prepared to accommodate all persons who may desire accurate likenesses of themselves and friends.  He has had nine years experience in the business and warrants perfect satisfaction.  He has been especially successful in taking the pictures of small children.  He will remain in Darlington only for a short time.  A. D. Gale.

Advertisement ran from March 5 to April 9, 1851.

1851 April 23.  The Darlington Flag.  (Darlington, South Carolina.)  April 23, 1851, Vol. 1, No. 8, P. 2.

“Pictures.”  We are requested by Mr. Gale to state that he will leave Darlington in a few days; those who have not had themselves “put in a frame,” had better be in a hurry.  Mr. G. has had great success in Darington, and given, we believe, general satisfaction.

1851 June 7.  The Georgia Citizen.  (Macon, Georgis.)  June 7, 1851, Vol. 2, No. 10, P. 3.

Gale’s New Daguerrean Gallery.  The undersigned, who has been engaged for nearly ten years, and who has recently been operating for Mr. Cook, in Charleston, has taken the rooms over Freeman & Roberts’ Carriage Repository, fitted them up with Sky Lights and every other convenience for his business.

He is prepared to take correct and faithful Likenesses of single persons, families or groups, at the shortest notice, and in the very best style.

Children of any age taken in from two to five seconds.  Likenesses warranted, and complexion perfectly natural.  A. D. Gale. 

Advertisement ran from June 7 to October 4, 1851.


[1] Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940.  At George Smith Cook’s (early 1851).

S. T. Corley

1849-1850       Rooms in the Odd Fellows’ Hall, Camden, South Carolina.                                  1850                  Address Unknown, Darlington, South Carolina

S. T. Corley was recorded in an advertisement and an announcement. The advertisements the first ran from November 28, 1849 to January 2, 1850 in The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina). A Favorable Opportunity Is now offered to those who wish to obtain neat Daguerreotype Likenesses of themselves or their friends.  Rooms in the Odd Fellows’ Hall.  Call and examine for yourselves.                    S. T. Corley.

The announcement ran on February 1, 1850 in The Camden Journal (Camden, South Carolina).  Mr. S. T. Corley, of Kentucky, has been successfully engaged in taking Daguerreotype Likenesses at the Odd Fellows’ Hall, in our town, for nearly two months, and has “struck off” many of our citizens.  Mr. C. is a young man of agreeable manners, and his demeanor among us entitles him to patronage and support.  His well assorted supply of cases and lockets, of every sort and size, cannot fail to suit the taste of the most fastidious.—Some of his pictures would well compare with those of Daguerreotypist of more experience and reputation.  Mr. C. has gone to Darlington for a few weeks, after which our citizens will again enjoy the opportunity of having their likenesses taken.

S. T. Corley is listed in Craig’s Daguerrean Registry in April 1848 over Mrs. Swinney’s grocery, Albany, Georgia; 1849 in Laurensville, South Carolina; 1850 in Salisbury, North Carolina. In Early Georgia Photographers 1841-1861: A Biographical Checklist, by E. Lee Eltzroth places his activity dates in Albany, Georgia from April to about May 25, 1848.  In Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940, by Harvey S. Teal.  List his activity dates as July 1849 in Laurensville and in March of 1850 in Darlington, South Carolina.