Tag Archives: Geneva New York

W. L. Burtiss

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1845                Address Unknown, Rochester, New York.                                                                    1845                At Prescott’s, Geneva, New York.

W. L. Burtiss was recorded in an advertisement in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York) on July 29, 1845.  Photographic Images.  Wives, Children, Husbands, Lovers and Young Maids, “Secure your shadows e’re your shadow fades.”

W. L Burtiss, Proprietor of the Rochester Daguerrian Gallery and Photographic Institute, has the honor to announce to the citizens of Geneva and vicinity, that, having by unremitting attention to business measurably injured his health, he intends for a week or two courting the invigorating breezes of the Lake and healthful atmosphere of Geneva.

Circumstances favoring, he purposes taking a few prospects of the Lake; and without violating his physiologic interests, will attend to a few calls in the way of his profession; for which purposes he has taken his apparatus, (a very, superior Camera,) along with him.

Ladies and gentlemen are requested to call, if for no other purpose but to examine his specimens, which in Rochester gained for him golden opinions.

W. L. B. has a very fine assortment of embossed Morocco Cases; Japanned, Rose Wood, Mahogany and Black Walnut Frames; Gold and Plated Lockets; Miniatures of all sizes, taken suitable for Breast Pins, Bracelets, &c.

Persons desirous of acquainting themselves with the modus operandi, can have instructions given, and supplied with apparatus on reasonable terms.

The color and material of the dress, and a great deal to the beauty of the impression, and therefore for Ladies, silk dresses of any color (except whit, or light blue, or red,) either plain, striped, or figured, are the best for the purpose.

A striped or figured vest, and a cravat or scarf which covers part of the triangular form of the bosom, would be most suitable for gentlemen.  Mr. B. can be found at Prescott’s.  W. L. Burtiss, P. P.  Geneva, July 31, 1845.

In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry he list a Warren L. Burtis in Rochester NY without a business address. He also suggest that he is probably in St. Louis, Missouri from 1845-1846.

Biteley & Lawyer

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

Biteley & Lawyer are recorded first in a notice and then two advertisements in the Geneva Daily Gazette.  (Geneva, New York.)  There seems to be confusion in the spelling of Biteley name.  The notice spells his name Biteley, the first advertisement spells the name Bitely and the second advertisement identifies him as N. H. Biteley.  In Craig’s Daguerreian Registry under Bitely he directs the reader to Brightly.  John also records two Lawyers in his registry (E. Ralph and Jacob H.) in reading through the entries there is a possibly that the partnership is with E. Ralph Lawyer since Biteley (Brightly) & Lawyer reportedly taught J. F. Ryder (later from Cleveland) the Daguerreotype Process.

On June 29, 1849 the notice ran.  Mr. Editor:  I called the other day at the Daguerrean room of Messrs. Biteley & Lawyer, Seneca street, and was highly pleased and gratified to perceive the approximation towards perfection, if not perfection itself, to which this wonderful art has arrived.  I have seen Daguerreotypes, without number, but never any like those taken by the above named gentlemen.—The likenesses are so life-like and “true to nature,” that they excite admiration and astonishment.  They surpass everything of the kind ever exhibited in our village; and those who wish to secure a correct picture of themselves or their friends, will do well to avail themselves of an opportunity which may not soon occur again.           S.

On July 6, 1849 the first advertisement ran from July 6 to August 17.  Glorious Opportunity!  The subscribers would say to the readers of the “Gazette,” that they have opened Daguerrean Rooms on Seneca street, one door below Dr. Smith’s office, where they may be found from 8 A. M. until sundown, not only ready and willing, but anxious to perform any and every service, in their line, for the public.  The subscribers claim to understand the Daguerrean business, and were not for their excessive modesty, would here insert various notices that they have received in different parts of the State, commending their likenesses.  The public are invited to call, and we will treat them as well as we know how, and sell them pictures if we can.         Bitely & Lawyer.

The second advertisement ran on August 24 to September 14, 1849.  It appears that the partnership has been dissolved.  One Dollar Daguerrean Gallery!  The subscriber, at the rooms heretofore occupied by Biteley & Lawyer, will put up Likenesses in good style for One Dollar.  N. B.  Prices above for two weeks only.  N. H. Biteley.