1858 Rooms over Dr. Fitch’s Office, Delhi, New York.
L. D. Jones was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 16 to July 7, 1858 in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). For A Few Days Only, 25 Cent Ambrotypes At Churchill’s Gallery, By L. D. Jones.
L. D. Jones is not recorded in other photographic directories.
1852 Rooms over A. J. Fitch’s Store, Delhi, New York.
1854 Rooms over H. England’s Store, Delhi, New York.
1855-1856 Rooms over Griswold’s Hardware Store, Delhi, New York.
1856-1858 Rooms over Dr. Fitch’s Office, Delhi, New York.
1859 Rooms over Yeoman’s Office, Delhi, New York.
1859 Rooms one door north of the Post Office, Delhi, New York
Jacob Churchill was recorded in eleven advertisement and one announcement in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). The first advertisement ran from April 7 to June 2, 1852. Daguerrean Gallery. The inhabitants of Delhi and neighboring towns, are respectfully informed that the subscriber has rooms over the store of A. J. Fitch, where he is prepared to take Daguerreotype Likenesses in the latest improvements of the art. The public are invited to call and examine his pictures for themselves. Jacob Churchill.
The second advertisement ran from May 24 to June 21, 1854.
Daguerrean Gallery
Attend, ye dwellers ‘neath the sun,
Behold the wonders Art hath done,
We talk by lightning, ride by steam,
and paint by Sol’s eternal beam.
J, Churchill having taken the rooms formerly occupied by M. R. Wilcox, over H. England’s Store, where he intends establishing a Permanent Daguerrean Gallery, would respectfully invite the inhabitants of the village of Delhi and vicinity, to call and examine the superior Daguerreotype Portraits taken by him. Having been a traveling Daguerrean for two years, his experience in the art, combined with great improvements recently adopted by the most celebrated Artists in this country and Europe, is confident that he can render to his patrons such pictures as are unsurpassed for richness and accuracy of likeness.
He uses none but the very best materials and has obtained and is now using the London Patent Gilding Process, by which a transparent coating is secured over the entire picture, preserving it in all its original beauty unaffected by light or age.
He warrants entire satisfaction in every picture; no Portrait being allowed to leave which is not artistically correct.
Likenesses taken equally well in clear or cloudy weather. Prices vary according to the size of the Plate and the richness of the Case. Painting, Statuary and Pictures copied.
The announcement appeared on January 24, 1855. Daguerreotypes—For a fine and perfect likeness, call at Churchill’s gallery, over Griswold’s hardware store, next to Delaware Bank.
The third advertisement ran from January 24, 1855 to December 10, 1856. Daguerrean Room. The subscriber has returned once more to the village of Delhi, where he is practicing the art of Daguerreotype, over the Store of Griswold & Wright. He flatters himself from his long experience in the business that he can ensure to his patrons Pictures which for richness of beauty and clearness, cannot be surpassed. Gentlemen and Ladies and the public in general, are invited to call. Satisfaction given in all cases, or no charge. Instruction given in the art. J. Churchill.
The fourth advertisement ran from December 10, 1856 to March 11, 1857. Daguerreotypes And Ambrotypes. The subscriber takes this method of informing his friends and inhabitants of this county, that he is now taking Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes in all the beauty of the art. His long experience and practice enables him to offer to the public, pictures which, for richness, beauty and accuracy, cannot be surpassed by any other artist in this county.
As to the Patented Ambrotype Pictures, he has nothing to say here, but if any Gentleman or Lady will call at his rooms, over Dr. Fitch’s Office, he will soon convince them that they are of short duration. And the gentleman who offers them to the public must be ignorant of common Philosophy, or that he means to draw from the public funds which he has foolishly spent, (if spent at all.) That Pictures taken on glass can be made to stand is beyond contradiction, and those favoring him with their patronage shall not go away dissatisfied.
Pictures will be taken at my rooms for a short time, much cheaper than they ever have been before in this county.
Pictures which have heretofore been sold for $1. Will now be sold for 50 cts.; $1.25 for 75 cts.; $1.50 for $1.
The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens, as he will exhibit none but those of his own taking. J. Churchill.
The fifth advertisement ran from December 17, 1856 to March 4, 1857. Immense Excitement! Ambrotypes at Reduced Prices!! The subscriber would say to the public that, notwithstanding the Tremendous Exertions of our “up town” philosopher to the contrary, he is alive and attending to business as usual. And his “ignorance of common philosophy” does not prevent him from selling the most beautiful pictures taken in this county, and at lower prices than they have ever been sold before.
As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false; and I defy the gentleman (?) who takes so much pains to injure me and make himself appear ridiculous, to produce one that has faded in the least. And I would like to have him give satisfaction to his customers, whose pictures I have taken over and finished off after passing through his philosophic hands. I will warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merit’s. I respectfully invite the public to examine both sides—they shall be the judges.
Call in Ladies and gentlemen, and see who takes the cheapest and best pictures. A poor picture is dear at any price. My Rooms are over Elwood’s Store. Office hours from 9 A. M. to 3½ P. M. E. C. Riggs. Delhi, December 11, 1856.
The sixth advertisement appeared on December 24, 1856. Pictures on Glass. The subscriber invites the attention of the public to his advertisement in another column, and his assertions therein contained, are in every respect true and correct. But it not his intention to publish here, but to correct misrepresentations which I see in an advertisement signed E. C. Riggs, in which he states as follows: “As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false, and I defy the gentleman to produce one that has faded in the least.” If I am the man to whom he eludes as the “up town philosopher,” and the man who took so much pains to injure him, then I say the gentleman has stated a wicked falsehood, and he could no be ignorant of it I never said a word about his Ambrotypes fading, for there is not one to be found, probably, that is more than three or four months old. And how does he know whether he asserts the truth or not?
I did say they were of short duration, and this I am able to maintain. He further says: “I warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merits.” With what degree of propriety does he warrant his work, and what assurance can he give the public of its duration? Will the few months he has been in business be a sufficient time to test their durability! Let the public judge.—Yet he is willing to warrant his work, but is careful not to say how long; he is then willing it shall stand upon its own merits. So am I, but it will not upon its own merit or any other.
If the Patented Ambrotype was of such durability, why did Brady and others of New York give them up? Because they were worthless, and his information is from one of the best men in this town, taken from his own lips.
I now come to the last italicized sentence. “A poor picture is dear at any price.” This is my sentiments exactly; and those who have been so unfortunate as to get one of your Patented Ambrotypes, will probably find out in short time the truth of this assertion to their sorrow.
Gentlemen and ladies, call at my office and get you a fifty cent picture, and I will make it as durable as the rock of Gibraltar.
Yes, when your flesh in dust shall lie,
When death’s grey film o’er spread your beaming eye,
My life pause mocking at decay,
Will still be fresh and vivid as to-day.
A Splendid Stock just received. J. Churchill.
The seventh advertisement ran from March 18, 1857 to May 19, 1858. Ambrotypes. The subscriber takes this method of informing his friends and inhabitants of this county, that he is now taking Ambrotypes in all the beauty of the art. His long experience and practice enables him to offer to the public, pictures which, for richness, beauty and accuracy, cannot be surpassed by any other artist in this county.
As to the Patented Ambrotype Pictures, he has nothing to say here, but if any Gentleman or Lady will call at his rooms, over Dr. Fitch’s Office, he will soon convince them that they are of short duration. And the gentleman who offers them to the public must be ignorant of common Philosophy, or that he means to draw from the public funds which he has foolishly spent, (if spent at all.) That Pictures taken on glass can be made to stand is beyond contradiction, and those favoring him with their patronage shall not go away dissatisfied.
Pictures will be taken at my rooms for a short time, much cheaper than they ever have been before in this county.
Pictures which have heretofore been sold for $1. Will now be sold for 50 cts.; $1.25 for 75 cts.; $1.50 for $1.
The public are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens, as he will exhibit none but those of his own taking. J. Churchill. Delhi, Dec. 8, 1856.
The eighth advertisement ran from June 16 to July 7, 1858. For A Few Days Only, 25 Cent Ambrotypes At Churchill’s Gallery, By L. D. Jones.
The ninth advertisement ran from July 14, 1858 to May11, 1859. Ambrotypes For Twenty-five Cents, Put up in splendid Cases and equal to any ever sold in Delaware County At Churchill’s Gallery.
The tenth advertisement ran from April 27 to December 28, 1859. Ever since Daguerre first invented the art of preserving likenesses, it has been undergoing almost endless improvements, until, at last, it seems as if the inventive genius of man had reached the very acme of perfection in this wonderful art. There is probably nothing which calls to mind early associations so vividly as to look upon the likeness of an absent parent, brother, sister or friend—nothing more necessary to leave behind us when we shall leave this world for another. Reader, delay not till Death shall have changed your living body into a mass of mouldering clay, but go to Churchill’s Gallery, over Yeoman’s Office and preserve the likeness of your face in all its loveliness and beauty for those who shall come after you.
The eleventh advertisement ran from May 18 to December 28, 1859. Look Here. If you Will Call At Churchill’s Gallery, One door north of the Post Office, you can get a 1-16 size Ambrotype picture for 10 Cents: and larger sizes, up to ½ , in proportion.
Jacob Churchill is not recorded in other photographic directories.
1845 Room at Mr. J. Elwood’s Residence, Delhi, New York.
S. W. Thomas was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). The announcement appeared on October 1, 1845. Colored Daguerreotype Likenesses. S. W. Thomas would announce that he has located himself at the house of J. Elwood, where he is prepared to take portraits, equal, if not superior, to any before taken in Delaware county.
The advertisement ran from October 8 & 15, 1845. Daguerreotype Portraits. The public is respectfully informed that Thomas’ Daguerrian Rooms are now open for the reception of visitors.
To those who may be inclined to favor him with a call, he would say, that being possessed of several important improvements, he is enabled to produce Portraits, which for durability, fidelity, style and cheapness, cannot be surpassed.
Specimens may be seen at this office; and also at his rooms, at Mr. James Elwood’s.
S. W. Thomas is not recorded in other photographic directories.
1856 Rooms at the Post Office, Ouleout, New York. 1856-1857 Rooms over Elwood’s Store, Delhi, New York. 1858 Address Unknown, Delhi, New York.
E. C. Riggs was recorded in four announcements and five advertisements in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). The first announcement appeared on September 10, 1856. Ambrotypes.—We are desired to call attention to the advertisement of Mr. E. C. Riggs, Ambrotype Artists. The pictures taken by this process are said to be superior to any other.
The first advertisement ran from September 10 to October 15, 1856. Patent Ambrotypes. Great Attraction! E. C. Riggs, Ambrotype Artist, Respectfully informs the inhabitants of Meredith, Delhi and Franklin, that he is the sole proprietor of the Patent Ambrotype in these towns, the genuine Ambrotype can be had of none else in these places.
This new and beautiful process is the invention of Prof. James A. Cutting, of Boston, by whom it is patented in the United States, Great Britain and France. These pictures are taken on the best plate glass and placed upon a corresponding glass, two being hermetically sealed together with an indestructible cement—the picture being in the center, as durable as glass itself Mr. R. has taken instruction of the best Artist in the State, and is now putting up likenesses that for richness of tone and life like expression, are unsurpassed.
These pictures can be had at no other room in these towns, Mr. R. having purchased the exclusive right.
The public are invited to call and satisfy themselves. Rooms at the Post Office.
The second advertisement ran from October 29 to December 10, 1856. Ambrotypes. Now is the time to get a perfect Likeness E. C. Riggs Would announced to the inhabitants of Delhi and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in the village, and is now prepared to take the likenesses of all who may favor him with a call, and will warrant them not to fade. Please call and see specimens.
Office hours from 9 A. M. to 8 P. M. Rooms over Elwood’s Store, just below Edgerton’s hotel. Delhi, October 28, 1856.
The second announcement appeared on November 5, 1856. Ambrotypes.—We are requested to call attention to the advertisement of Mr. E. C. Riggs in another column, who has taken rooms over Mr. Elwood’s store. We have seen some of Mr. Riggs’ pictures, which, to our unsophisticated eye, look remarkably fine.
The third advertisement ran from December 17, 1856 to March 4, 1857. Immense Excitement! Ambrotypes at Reduced Prices!! The subscriber would say to the public that, notwithstanding the Tremendous Exertions of our “up town” philosopher to the contrary, he is alive and attending to business as usual. And his “ignorance of common philosophy” does not prevent him from selling the most beautiful pictures taken in this county, and at lower prices than they have ever been sold before.
As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false; and I defy the gentleman (?) who takes so much pains to injure me and make himself appear ridiculous, to produce one that has faded in the least. And I would like to have him give satisfaction to his customers, whose pictures I have taken over and finished off after passing through his philosophic hands. I will warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merit’s. I respectfully invite the public to examine both sides—they shall be the judges.
Call in Ladies and gentlemen, and see who takes the cheapest and best pictures. A poor picture is dear at any price.
My Rooms are over Elwood’s Store.
Office hours from 9 A. M. to 3½ P. M. E. C. Riggs. Delhi, December 11, 1856.
The fourth advertisement ran from December 17, 1856 to February 25, 1857. Gifts for the Holidays. If you want to present a lasting memento to a friend call at the Gallery of E. C. Riggs and get a True Likeness.
There is a real value in such gifts, which is more appreciated by all, and now is the time to procure them.
The third announcement appeared on December 24, 1856. Pictures on Glass. The subscriber invites the attention of the public to his advertisement in another column, and his assertions therein contained, are in every respect true and correct. But it not his intention to publish here, but to correct misrepresentations which I see in an advertisement signed E. C. Riggs, in which he states as follows: “As to my Ambrotypes fading, it is false, and I defy the gentleman to produce one that has faded in the least.” If I am the man to whom he eludes as the “up town philosopher,” and the man who took so much pains to injure him, then I say the gentleman has stated a wicked falsehood, and he could no be ignorant of it I never said a word about his Ambrotypes fading, for there is not one to be found, probably, that is more than three or four months old. And how does he know whether he asserts the truth or not?
I did say they were of short duration, and this I am able to maintain.
He further says: “I warrant my work and am willing it shall stand upon its own merits.” With what degree of propriety does he warrant his work, and what assurance can he give the public of its duration? Will the few months he has been in business be a sufficient time to test their durability! Let the public judge.—Yet he is willing to warrant his work, but is careful not to say how long; he is then willing it shall stand upon its own merits. So am I, but it will not upon its own merit or any other.
If the Patented Ambrotype was of such durability, why did Brady and others of New York give them up? Because they were worthless, and his information is from one of the best men in this town, taken from his own lips.
I now come to the last italicized sentence. “A poor picture is dear at any price.” This is my sentiments exactly; and those who have been so unfortunate as to get one of your Patented Ambrotypes, will probably find out in short time the truth of this assertion to their sorrow.
Gentlemen and ladies, call at my office and get you a fifty cent picture, and I will make it as durable as the rock of Gibraltar.
Yes, when your flesh in dust shall lie, When death’s grey film o’er spread your beaming eye, My life pause mocking at decay, Will still be fresh and vivid as to-day.
A Splendid Stock just received. J. Churchill. Delhi, Dec. 23, 1856.
The fifth advertisement appeared on November 25, 1857. T. J. Riggs, Musician and Teacher, Delhi, N. Y. Instruction given on the Violin, Piano and melodeon. Music furnished for Exhibition, Anniversaries, Festivals, Social Parties, &c.
Pianos and Melodeons tuned to order.
Orders left at E. C. Riggs’ Ambrotype Rooms, over Elwood’s Store, will received prompt attention.
The fourth announcement appeared on December 24, 1858, Vol. XL, No. 3, P. 4.
List Of Premiums Awarded By The Delaware County Agricultural Society, At The Fair Held At Franklin, September 22d and 23d, 1858….No. 3—Discretionary…
Best Ambrotypes, N. Taylor, Franklin, $2.00 2d do E. C. Riggs, Delhi, $1.00
E. C. Riggs is not recorded in other photographic directories.
O’Conner & Atkins were recorded in one announcement on March 24, 1859 in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). Delaware County Agricultural Society. Premium List—1859… Class L—No. 3—Discretionary.
Best ambrotypes, Jones & Ferguson, Kortright, $1 2d best, M. L. Lemily, Kortright, .75 3d best, O’Conner & Atkins, .50
O’Conner & Atkins are not recorded in other photographic directories. One could speculate that they are from Delhi, New York since that is where the newspaper is published and the other entries are listed as being from Kortright, New York.
1850 Rooms over Gordon’s Law Office, opposite the Court House, Delhi, New York.
D. McEwen was recorded in an advertisement that ran from May 8 to 29, 1850 in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). Daguerreotypes. The subscriber would respectfully announce to the citizens of Delhi vicinity, that he has opened a room “for a few weeks only,” over Gordon’s Law office, opposite the Court House, where he is prepared to make Daguerreotypes in the most approved style, singly or in groups.
Having pursued the business over four years, he is confident he can please the most fastidious. He does not design to humbug the public by telling them of some “late London, or Chemical process,” but he expects to command patronage only by his skill and experience in the art.
Paintings, Daguerreotypes, &c., accurately copied. Pictures inserted in Lockets, Breastpins, &c. Sick or deceased persons waited upon at their residence. Prices for a single picture, $1.50 and upwards. A reasonable deduction made for families. Satisfaction given or no sale. Instructions given and apparatus furnished. Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens. D. McEwen.
D. McEwen is not recorded in other photographic directories.
1847 Rooms over Dr. Fitch’s Office, Delhi, New York.
G. H. Johnson was recorded in an advertisement that ran from August 18 to September 8, 1847 in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). Daguerreotype Miniatures. G. H. Johnson having opened a room over Dr. Fitch’s office, (where he will remain for a short time.) is now prepared to take likenesses, and will warrant perfect satisfaction to all who may favor him with a sitting. Likeness taken of children from miniatures and portraits. Instructions given in the art on research reasonable terms.
G. H. Johnson is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Delhi, New York. In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry John list a George H. Johnson as being active in New York city prior to arriving in San Francisco in 1849. This is possibly the same person but without further research this is just speculation.
1859 Rooms over the Gazette Office, Delhi, New York.
B. F. Gilbert was recorded in an advertisement that ran from May 18 to December 28, 1859 in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York). Ambrotypes, Spherotypes, &c. The only place to get a good likeness, is at B. F. Gilbert’s Gallery. The public are invited to call and examine specimens before purchasing elsewhere. Rooms over the Gazette Office, Delhi.
B. F. Gilbert is not recorded in other photographic directories.
N.D. Address and Location Unknown, Massachusetts. 1850 Rooms over James Elwood Store, Delhi, New York. 1851 in the Office with Dr. J. I. Merwin, nearly opposite the Bank, Delhi, New York. 1851 rooms in the building corner of Main and Meredith streets, opposite Judson’s Hotel, Delhi, New York.
M. H. Bullard was recorded in five advertisements in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York) the first appeared on January 16 and ran until February 27, 1850. Daguerreotypes. Mr. M. H. Bullard, Daguerrean Artists from Massachusetts, would announce to the citizens of Delhi and vicinity, that he has fitted up a Daguerrean Gallery, for two or three weeks only, over the store of James Elwood, where he is prepared, in clear or cloudy weather, to take likenesses that are unsurpassed for richness, beauty of tone and strength of expression.
Having availed himself of the late London Process, he is enabled to ensure a likeness not to be surpassed by any of the most celebrated Galleries in the U. S.—Likenesses taken by this late improvement are perfectly life-like and are rendered never-fading.
Lockets, Velvet Book Cases of the richest quality always on hand. All are invited to call and examine specimens, whether they intend sitting for pictures or not.
The second advertisement ran on February 20 & 27 1850. Photographic Likenesses. M. H. Bullard would respectfully inform the citizens of Delhi and the surrounding country, that owing to the unprecedented success that has attended him since his arrival in this place, and the numerous applications he is daily receiving from its inhabitants, he has determined to remain a few days longer.
Having associated with him in the Daguerrian business Mr. F. L. Hiller, they are now able to execute business with the greatest dispatch, and in a style that cannot fail to please the most fastidious. They will constantly be in attendance at their Daguerrian Gallery over Elwood’s Store, to wait upon any who may favor them with a call, and give them such a likeness, that they may “ * * * See themselves As others see them.”
All are invited to call and examine their specimens.—They will there see pictures of those with whom\ they are well acquainted, and hence be enabled to judge understandingly of their skill in the Daguerrian Art. Remember that their stay will be limited to a few days.
The third advertisement ran from May 14 to 28, 1851.Daguerreotypes. The undersigned will again visit Delhi in the course of a few days, to remain a short time, when he will be happy to wait upon all who may feel disposed to give him a call.
The fourth advertisement appeared on June 4, 1851. Daguerreotypes. Mr. M. H. Bullard would respectfully inform his former friends and the public generally, that he has again visited Delhi, and opened a Daguerrean Gallery in the office with Dr. J. I. Merwin, nearly opposite the Bank, where he will be happy to see all those who may favor him with a call, whether they wish pictures or not.
Gold Lockets of the richest quality constantly on hand, and will be sold, including miniatures, as cheap if not cheaper than the lockets can be bought else where. All those wishing a first class picture of themselves or friends, will do well to improve the present opportunity, and that without delay, for his stay is limited to a few weeks
Think not these portraits by the sun light made, Shades though they are, will like a shadow fade. No! when the lip of flesh in dust shall lie— When Death’s grey film o’erspreads the beaming eye— These life-like pictures mocking at decay, Will still be fresh and vivid as to-day.
The fifth advertisement appeared on June 4 and ran until July 23, 1851. Daguerreotypes. Mr. M. H. Bullard would respectfully inform his former friends and the public generally, that he has again visited Delhi, and opened a Daguerrean Gallery in the in the building corner of Main and Meredith streets, opposite Judson’s Hotel, where he will be happy to see all those who may favor him with a call, whether they wish pictures or not.
Gold Lockets of the richest quality constantly on hand, and will be sold, including miniatures, as cheap if not cheaper than the lockets can be bought else where. All those wishing a first class picture of themselves or friends, will do well to improve the present opportunity, and that without delay, for his stay is limited to a few weeks.
Think not these portraits by the sun light made, Shades though they are, will like a shadow fade. No! when the lip of flesh in dust shall lie— When Death’s grey film o’erspreads the beaming eye— These life-like pictures mocking at decay, Will still be fresh and vivid as to-day.
M. H. Bullard is not recorded in A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900, nor does not appear in other photographic directories. It is surprising that he has not been recorded in other newspapers that have been searched. This is proof that I have just scratched the surface in my quest to record information on the early history of American photography.
From the March 24, 1859 issue of the Delaware Gazette, published in Delhi, New York. A list of the premiums awarded at the Delaware County Agricultural Society for—1859…Class L—No. 3—Discretionary. O’Conner & Atkins received the third best award. At this time nothing else is known about them, Jones & Ferguson and M. L. Lemily were both from Kortright, N. Y. but no location was given for O’Conner & Atkins. It’s possible they were from Delhi, N. Y. but there is no proof of that at this time.
For the best ambrotypes,
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 