1846 Rooms over D. S. Dutton’s Store, Lower Village, Claremont, New Hampshire.
1847 Rooms at the Ocean House, Gloucester, Massachusetts.
1847-1849 128 Merrimack Street, Billings’ Block, Lowell, Massachusetts.
1849-1850 Central Street, Canal Block, Lowell, Massachusetts.
1850 Wyman’s Exchange, Lowell, Massachusetts.
1850 7 Main Street, Taunton, Massachusetts.
1851 Water Street, over the Insurance Office, Evansville, Indiana.
1853 Keenan House, Huntsville, Texas.
1846 November 6. National Eagle. (Claremont, New Hampshire.) November 6, 1846, Vol. XII, No. 3, Whole No. 575, P. 2.
Gove[1] & Clark would respectfully inform the citizens of this place and vicinity, that they have taken rooms over D. S. Dutton’s Store, at the Lower Village, for a few days only, where they will execute Likenesses in the most perfect style that the art can produce.
The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.
1847 June 12. Cape Ann and Gloucester Telegraph. (Gloucester. Massachusetts.) June 12, 1847, New Series—Vol. V, No. 24, P. 3.
Wm. S. Gove & F. A. Tyler, Respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Gloucester and vicinity that the have taken Rooms at the Ocean House, for a short time, where they are prepared to execute Daguerreotype Miniatures, in the most perfect style the art can produce.
N. B. Miniatures taken in any weather, beautifully colored, and neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets or Cases.
The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.
Advertisement ran from June 12 to July 3, 1847.
1847 June 16. The Telegraph. (Gloucester. Massachusetts.) June 16, 1847, Vol. XXI, No. 48, P. 2.
Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Messrs. Gove & Tyler, at the Ocean House, take some excellent pictures, Give them a call.
Daguerreotype Miniatures.—Messrs. Gove & Tyler, at the Ocean House, take some excellent pictures, Give them a call.
1847 July 9. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) July 9, 1847, Vol. VII, No. 33, P. 3.
Removal. T. Pearson Has removed from Wentworth’s Building to Billings’ Block, No. 128, Merrimack Street, (First Brick Block below City Hall.)—Having been at great expense in putting in a Sky-light, which enables him to produce a Picture, with or without Colors, and neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Rings, Bracelets, or Cases, equal to any artitt (sic.) in the country, at prices varying according to the quality of material used, as cheap as at any other place in the city.
The public are respectfully invited to call and examine Specimens. Perfect satisfaction guaranteed, in all cases, or no charge. T. Pearson, W. S. Gove.
Advertisement ran from July 9 to 23, 1847.
1848 February 11. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) February 11, 1848, Vol. VIII, No. 12, P. 2.
A Sleigh-Ride. The scholars of Messrs. Pearson & Grove’s writing academy are preparing for a grand sleigh ride to Nashua. They expect to turn out two or three hundred, and will be accompanied by a band of music.
1848 July 7. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) July 7, 1848, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures. Messrs. Pearson & Gove Would respectfully inform the citizens of Lowell, and strangers who may visit the city on the Fourth, who are in want of Likenesses, to call at their Rooms, 128 Merrimack Street, Previous to calling any where else, and examine our specimens, as we have made extensive arrangements for that day. We feel com=nfident that we shall be able to serve all who may favor us with their patronage.
Come One—Come All! Don’t forget the Number, 128 Merrimack-st., first Brick Block below the City Hall, opposite Kirk-st.
1848 November 17. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) November 17, 1848, Vol. VIII, No. 52, P. 2.
Sky Light Miniatures. Mr. W. S. Gove, a good practical daguerrian artist, has taken the rooms, 128 Merrimack street, lately occupied by Mr. T. Pearson, and will keep up the high character of the establishment for superior miniatures.
1848 November 17. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) November 17, 1848, Vol. VIII, No. 52, P. 2.
Sky-Light Miniatures Are The Best. Wm. S. Gove, Would inform his friends and former patrons that he has taken the Daguerreotype Rooms, formerly occupied by T. Pearson and himself, No. 128—Merrimack-St.—No. 128 (Billing’s Block.) 1st Brock Block below City Hall, where he will be happy to receive calls from all those that are in want of first-rate Pictures of themselves or friends. Having lately taken instruction of one of the best operators in Boston, in regard to making Top-Light Pictures, he is now ready to execute Miniatures, single or in groups, in the neatest possible manner, which for brilliancy, softness of shadows, and life-like expression, cannot be equalled (sic.) in Lowell—for proof please call and see for yourself.
Prices Varying From $1.00 to $10.00
Pictures taken in all kinds of Weather, and neatly set in Frames, Cases, Lockets, Pins, Watch Keys and Rings, and warranted to give satisfaction.
Particular attention paid to Pupils.
Copies taken from Portraits, Miniatures, Paintings, Engravings or Statuary. Also of deceased persons.
Don’t forget the Number!—128—Pearson & Grove’s old room.
Advertisement ran from November 17, 1848 to February 16, 1849.
1849 July 6. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) July 6, 1849, Vol. IX, No. 33, P. 2.
Removed. Mr. W. S. Gove, one of the best daguerreotype artists in the country, has opened a new suit of rooms in the new “Canal Block,” Central street. He has a splendid sky-light, arranged to his express order.
1849 July 13. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) July 13, 1849, Vol. IX, No. 34, P. 2.
New Stores On Central Street.—…
Second Floor—Offices. Abbott & Brown, lawyers, Benj. Poole, do. A. W. Farr, do. John Ladd, do. H, G. Blaisdell, do. E. L. Shed, constable. Wm. S. Gove, daguerrean artists.
This block has been christened and will be hereafter known as “Canal Block.”
1849 July 27. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) July 27, 1849, Vol. IX, No. 36, P. 3.
Gove’s New Daguerrian Gallery, Canal Block, Central-St., Lowell, Mass. Wm. S. Gove respectfully informs his friends that he has recently fitted up New and Spacious Rooms in a style unsurpassed by any other in the city—having perfected a powerful light, yet so mellow that he is enabled to take the likenesses of Children and others in a few seconds, with perfect ease to the sitter, retaining a perfectly natural expression.
Miniatures taken by Side or Top-Light, single or in groups, in any weather, and warranted no to Fade.
The public are respectfully invited to Call and Examine Specimens, and satisfy themselves.
Particular attention paid to pupils.
Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken.
Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.
Adverrtisement ran from July 27 to October 12, 1849.
1849 October 5. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) October 5, 1849, Vol. IX, No. 46, P. 6.
In the days of our grandmother, when people had their portraits taken, they almost invariably had to label them to prevent persons from being unable to recognize the originals at some future time. And even then, when strangers happened to look at the pictures, their first remark would be something about the advanced age of the sitter. To this thing there were but few exceptions. Rarely could you fine a good portrait painter. And the cost of a portrait, too, was so expensive, that but few people could afford the luxury of a counterfeit likeness of themselves.
At the present day, however, it is entirely different. The invention of M. Daguerre has placed within reach of the poorest person, in almost every country, the privilege of a portrait, a natural likeness in every particular feature, and often better looking than the original—a portrait taken in an hour, and of an expense comparatively nothing to olden times. Daguerreotype pictures are always perfect likenesses; but some, however, that are taken, are far superior to others. A daguerreotype artist can excel in his vocation, as well as can any other artist. Lowell boasts of quite a number of such; but among them all, though they are all good, we think not one equals Mr. Wm. S. Gove, in the Canal Block, Central street, for the boldness, clearness, and purity and finish of pictures. Mr. G. clearly excels in his profession. Careful and particular, he never allows a bad picture to go from his room, (which is but a pattern of neatness itself); neither can you find in all of his many specimens one in which a blemish. Mr Gove is decidedly the Napoleon of daguerreotypists, and we are glad to hear his excellence is beginning to be appreciated by portrait seekers in this city. Specimens well worthy a survey can be seen at his rooms free and we advise those who do not wish a portrait to just step in and give them an overlooking, and then tell their friends what the have seen.
1850. The Pictorial Lowell Almanac for 1850. (Lowell, Massachusetts) P. 39.
Gove’s Daguerreian Gallery, Canal Block, Central Street, Lowell. The undersigned respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has had spacious Rooms, adapted expressly to his business, fitted up and furnished in a style unsurpassed by any in the city, in the new Block, spanning the Canal, on Central Street. Being constructed under his personal supervision, he has been able to secure a light, at once powerful and yet so mellowed, that accurate likenesses, even of Children, are taken almost instantly, with perfect ease to the sitter, and exhibiting the true natural expression.
Miniatures Taken By Side Or Top Lights, Single Or In Groups, In Any Weather, And Warranted Not To Fade.
Likenesses of Sick or Deceased Persons Taken.
Painted Or Daguerreotype Likenesses Accurately Copied.
Particular Attention Paid To Pupils.
The Public Are Respectfully Invite To Call And Examine Specimens And Judge For Themselves. William S. Gove.
1850 February 22. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) February 22, 1850, Vol. X, No. 14, P. 2.
Gove, Daguerreotypist, Canal Block, is one of the best artists in the city. Those in want of good pictures should not forget to call on him. He would be most happy to wait on customers at all hours, and in all weather.
1850 March 8. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) March 8, 1850, Vol. X, No. 16, P. 2.
The Courier says, “the daguerreotype pictures taken by W. S. Gove, in Canal Block, Central street, are most truthful to life, and are finished in a style of beauty unsurpassed. He has an elegant suite of rooms, and every perquisite to perfection in the art.” We endorse.
1850 March 15. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) March 15, 1850, Vol. X, No. 17, P. 2.
Gove, in Canal Block, has recently refitted his Saloon with new furniture, &c., and now has an establishment rarely equalled, in the line of Daguerreotypists. Gove’s is the ne plus ultra of places for portraits.—Give him a call. He has some new pearl cases, a new pattern, never before introduced into this city.
1850 March 22. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) March 22, 1850, Vol. X, No. 18, P. 2.
Gove, Canal Block, takes daguerreotypes so natural that all the lads and lasses stop and look at his specimen case at the entrance as they go buy, to admire them. Like the old maid, all Gove wishes for is a little sun and ait=r, and he’ll make pictures “speak out, though dumb.”
1850 March 29. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) March 29, 1850, Vol. X, No. 19, P. 2.
Photography—the most curious discovery of the age, is shown in its best and most perfect state, in the pictures by Mr. Gove. There is an artistic taste, an ease of attitude, softness of shadow, and velvety beauty in his daguerreotypes, not to be surpassed in any part of the country. Those desiring pictures by the Daguerreotype should procure one of Gove’s exquisite works, by all means. His room is in Canal Block, Central street.
1850 April 12. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) April 12, 1850, Vol. X, No. 21, P. 3.
Fast Day being a holiday for our operatives, it would be well for them to know that Gove, Canal Block, will keep his Daguerreotype Rooms open all day for their especial benefit, in the way of picture taking. It would be well to call on him.
1850 April 26. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) April 26, 1850, Vol. X, No. 23, P. 2.
Gove’s pictures are becoming as celebrated as were ever Plumbe’s of Boston, Philadelphia, &c. No one having Daguerreotypes taken now, fails to go to this prince of picture takers, at his rooms, Canal Block, and allow him to counterfeit his or her phiz. He does it as natural as life, and sometimes more so.
1850 May 10. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) May 10, 1850, Vol. X, No. 25, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—By an advertisement in another column, it will be seen that Mr. W. A. Perry, from Boston, bearing the reputation of being one of the best Daguerrean artists in the country, has associated himself with a firm in this city, and is located at Gove’s old stand, Canal Block, Central street.
1850 May 24. Vox Populi. (Lowell, Massachusetts.) May 24, 1850, Vol. X, No. 27, P. 2.
Mr. A. J. Simpson, in Wyman’s Exchange, has fitted up the nicest Daguerreotype room we were ever in. It is in the second story, and furnished with equal splendor to any millionaire’s drawing room.—Mr. S. has made extensive arrangements for taking Daguerreotypes, and we believe has secured the services of that experienced artist Mr. W. S. Gove, late of Canal Block, whose pictures has been so universally admired by Lowell people.
1850 August 16. Taunton Daily Gazette. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) August 16, 1850, Vol. 3, No. 56, P. 3.
Colored Daguerreotypes. Messrs. Gove & Stone from Boston[2]. Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Taunton and vicinity, that they have taken the new sky light Daguerreotype Rooms formerly occupied by H. S. Dunshee & Brother No. 7 Main St., where they will be happy to wait upon all who may be in want of good likenesses of themselves or friends, being provided with a superior German Camera and every other facility for making good pictures, and having been for a long time practically engaged in the business, sparing neither pains nor expense in availing themselves of every improvement they feel confident that they can furnish as good pictures as can be produced in the art. Miniatures taken in any weather single or in groups, plain or colored, and neatly set in Lockets, Bracelets, in Pins, or Cases, and warranted to give satisfaction.
Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken.
Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.
They would respectfully invite all, whether they wish to sit for their Pictures or not, to call and examine their specimens, that they may be enabled to judge for themselves.
Advertisement ran from August 16 to August 22, 1850.
1850 August 23. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) August 23, 1850, Old Series–Vol. XIX, No. 34, New Series-Vol. III, No. 1. P. 3.
Colored Daguerreotypes. Messrs. Gove & Stone from Boston. Respectfully inform the inhabitants of Taunton and vicinity, that they have taken the new sky light Daguerreotype Rooms formerly occupied by H. S. Dunshee & Brother No. 7 Main St., where they will be happy to wait upon all who may be in want of good likenesses of themselves or friends, being provided with a superior German Camera and every other facility for making good pictures, and having been for a long time practically engaged in the business, sparing neither pains nor expense in availing themselves of every improvement they feel confident that they can furnish as good pictures as can be produced in the art. Miniatures taken in any weather single or in groups, plain or colored, and neatly set in Lockets, Bracelets, in Pins, or Cases, and warranted to give satisfaction.
Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken.
Painted or Daguerreotype Likenesses accurately copied.
They would respectfully invite all, whether they wish to sit for their Pictures or not, to call and examine their specimens, that they may be enabled to judge for themselves.
Advertisement ran from August 23 to November 15, 1850.
1850 November 22. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) November 22, 1850, Old Series–Vol. XIX, No. 47, New Series-Vol. III, No. 14. P. 3.
William S. Gove, Daguerrean Artist, No. 7, Main Street, Over E. D. Tisdale’s Store. Miniatures taken in any weather, in superior style, single or in groups, and neatly set in Lockets, Pins or Cases, and perfect satisfaction guaranteed, or no charge.
Advertisement ran on November 22 & 28, 1850.
1850 December 6. The Taunton Democrat. (Taunton, Massachusetts.) December 6, 1850, Old Series–Vol. XIX, No. 49, New Series-Vol. III, No. 16. P. 3.
Bristol County Daguerrean Gallery. J. B. Hitchcock, Having taken the Rooms formerly occupied by Messrs. Gove & Stone, No. 7 Main Street, Taunton, Over E. D. Tisdale’s Store, would respectfully invite all, whether they contemplate sitting for their Likenesses or not, to call and examine Specimens which he is now executing at his rooms. Having been for [a] long time practically engaged in this business and having executed over ten Thousand Likenesses, he feels confident that he can furnish as Good Pictures as can be produced in the art.
Particular attention paid to taking Children’s Likenesses, [in] fair weather, between the hours of 10 and 2 o’clock.
Adults taken Equally As Well In Cloudy Weather as in fair.
Miniatures taken single or in Groups, and neatly set in Lockets, Pins, Cases or Frames, and warranted to give satisfaction.
Likenesses taken of sick or deceased persons at their residences, if desired.
1851 August 27. The Evansville Daily Journal. (Evansville, Indiana.) August 27, 1851, Vol. IV, No. 107, P.3.
Daguerrian Gallery. J. H. Widney would respectfully inform the citizens of Evansville and vicinity, that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by Gove & Widney, over the Insurance Office Water street, where he has located for the purpose of conducting his profession, and would invite citizens and visitors to call at his rooms and examine his specimens, where he will be happy to furnish those who may wish their likenesses in cases of large or small size, single or in groups, in Breastpins or Lockets, on the most reasonable terms, and warranted to give perfect satisfaction.
N. B.—Instructions given in the art, on reasonable terms. Likenesses taken in all kinds of Weather. [aug16.]
Advertisement ran from August 27 to October 11, 1851.
1851 November 8. The Evansville Daily Journal. (Evansville, Indiana.) November 8, 1851, Vol. IV, No. 170, P.3.
Dobyns & Co.’S Daguerreotype Galleries.
No. 489 Main Street, Louisville, Ky.
No. 1 Fowlke’s Row, Memphis, Tenn.
Nos. 6 & 23 Camp Street, New Orleans.
Corner 4th and Chestnut sts, St. Louis, Mo.
J. T. Yearout & L. S. Lipman, of the above firm would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Evansville and the public generally, that they have taken Rooms on Water st., over Insurance office, and that they are permanently located at Evansville, in the Daguerrean Rooms formerly occupied by Gove & Widney, where one of them may be found at all hours of the day, ready and prepared to take Likenesses of all sizes and descriptions, to exhibit specimens of their work, sell stock, give instruction in the art and wait upon all who may favor them with a call.
N. B.—All work done by them will be warranted to give perfect satisfaction or no charge made.
Constantly on hand a full supply of Daguerreotype Stock for sale.
1853 January 22. The Huntsville Item. (Huntsville, Texas.) January 22, 1853, Vol. 3, No, 23, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes. We called at the Daguerreotype rooms of Messrs. Robbins & Gove, at the Keenan House, on Thursday evening, and noticed some fine specimens of the above art. The general complaint respecting likenesses taken on this plan, is that they fade in time. Some of those which we saw, have been taken years ago, and their brightness is not at all diminished. We would advise our friends to give them a call. See advertisement.
1853 January 22. The Huntsville Item. (Huntsville, Texas.) January 22, 1853, Vol. 3, No, 23, P. 3.
Colored Daguerreotypes! G. W. Robbins & Wm. S. Gove, respectfully inform the citizens of Huntsvill and vicinity that they have taken rooms for a short time only, at the Keenan House, where they will be happy to wait upon all who wish for likenesses taken in the latest and most approved style of the art.
Pictures taken in any weather, and correct likenesses guaranteed, or no charge made.
Infants’ and children’s likenesses taken in two seconds, from 10 o’clock A. M. to 3 P. M., in fair weather only.
Come ladies and gentlemen—all
Please make us a sociable call,
Walk in and our specimens view,
Should you wish one, we’ll take it for you.
The above rooms are now furnished and open. All are invited to call and examine for themselves.
[1] Possibly William S. Gove.
[2] William S. Gove not listed in the Boston City Directory between 1846-1851. It is possible that Gardner W. Stone who was recorded in city directory in 1850 at 113 Washington street, in 1851 he was recorded at his brothers Jesse Stone gallery at 34 Tremont Row.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 