1848 Address Unknown, Fayette, Missouri.
D. H. Witt was recorded in one advertisement in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri) on June 10, 1848. Daguerreotype Apparatus For Sale. A Camera, of good size and great power, together with a lot of stock, such as plates, chemicals, and fixtures will be sold cheap. Apply to D. H. Witt, near Fayet.
D. H. Witt is not recorded in other photographic directories. It is unknown if he was a daguerreotypist, an amateur, or a retailer.
1848 Rooms upper story of Mr. Carey’s new house, Fayette, Missouri.
J. Nicholson was recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 22 to 29, 1848 In the Boon Lick Times (Fayette, Missouri). Daguerreotype Miniatures. Secure the shadow ere the substance fade; Let nature copy that which nature made.
J. Nicholson would inform the ladies and Gentlemen of this place and the surrounding country, that he has taken the large and spacious upper room of Mr. Carey’s new house, and will commence operation this day—Saturday, 22d.
From long experience in the business, he flatters himself he will be able to furnish those wishing it an Exact Likeness, beautifully colored.
Surpassed by none, and equaled but by few. That is my motto: and my pictures prove it true. Persons wishing to see specimens of this wonderful Art, brought to Perfection, are invited to call at his rooms and judge for themselves.
Owing to my style of operating, I can take pictures in rainy or cloudy weather. My pictures are warranted never to fade or lose the beauty of their expression.
Invalids waited on at their residences. Daguerreotype Miniatures copied as large as the original. Portraits copied. Landscapes and views of buildings taken.
J. Nicholson is not recorded in other photographic directories.
1847 Address Unknown, St. Louis, Missouri. 1847 Rooms in Criglar’s Brick Building, opposite the Post Office, , Missouri. 1849 Rooms opposite the Stage Office, Glasgow, Missouri.
C. R. Moffett was recorded in an announcement and two advertisements. The first announcement appeared on September 25, 1847 in the Boon Lick Times(Fayette, Missouri). Miniatures.—See Advertisement of Mr. C. R. Moffett. He desires a call whether employed or not. His terms are very moderate—call and examine his work for yourselves.
The advertisement ran from September 25 to October 16, 1847 In the Boon Lick Times (Fayette, Missouri). Colored Daguerreotype Miniatures. Taken in the best style, in all kinds of weather. The subscriber respectfully informs the citizens of Fayette, and vicinity that he will remain at his room a few days, and will be happy to wait on those who feel disposed to patronize him in this art, by obtaining, at very little expense, what under some circumstances we would value beyond price. Embrace the present opportunity—“To secure the shadow e’er the substance fades, of children whom we love and parents we revere.”
They are now made indelible as time, giving the natural color. Likenesses in all cases warranted perfect. The public are invited to call and examine specimens, whether they intend sitting or not, which will be exhibited at all hours with much pleasure. He has the most recent mode of taking Miniatures, which differs widely from those taken a year ago. His instrument is one of the best that can be obtained, just from the East. Being late from St. Louis, he warrants good work, or no charge, having a fancy back ground which adds much to the beauty of the Miniature. Portraits copied and Miniatures set in Lockets, Breast pins, & c. Rooms opposite the Post Office, in Criglar’s Brick. C. R. Moffett.
The second advertisement ran from April 19 to May 10, 1849 in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri). Cheap! Cheap!! Daguerrean Miniatures Taken in the Best Style at from $1 50 to $2, in family groups or singly. Also miniatures for lockets, Breast-pins, or rings. Likenesses warranted perfect or no charge: taken in all kinds of weather, in from 20 to 60 seconds, giving the natural color. Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call. Rooms opposite the stage office. C. R. Moffett.
C. R. Moffett is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, in Danville, Missouri in 1848.
W. Benson was recorded in an announcement and then an advertisement in the Glasgow Weekly Times (Glasgow, Missouri) on September 5, 1850. The advertisement ran until September 12. Daguerrean Portraits.—See advertisement of Mr. Benson, Daguerrean Artist. He is one of the best operators that has been in our city for some time, and those in want of likeness should give him a call.
Worthy of Notice. Daguerreotype Portraits!! W. Benson, Daguerrean Artist, most respectfully informs the citizens of Glasgow, and vicinity, that he has taken rooms for one week over J. C. Davis old Store, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Portraits. Having a Practical Knowledge of his Profession, and apparatus of Superior quality, he is enabled to produce Pictures that, for life-like expressions, and correct delineation of features, Cannot Be Excelled! Ladies and Gentlemen are politely invited to examine specimens, and judge for themselves. Taken without regard to weather! Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished. Sick and deceased persons taken. Office hours, from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M.
On September 19 another announcement appeared in the Glasgow Weekly Times. Portraits.—All in want of a fine picture should not fail to call on Mr. Benson, forthwith. He leaves this week, and another opportunity may not be presented soon.
Again in an announcement in the Glasgow Weekly Times on May 15, 1851 Jenny Lind in Fayette—Great Excitement.—Crowds are thronging to the Court House to view this beautiful specimen of Art, and to have themselves Daguerreotyped by Benson the famous Daguerrean.
W. Benson was also discussed in yesterday’s post, by the way he is written about in the announcements it appears that he has been around for some time. Further newspaper research may shed more light into his career.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 