1846                Rooms in the Franklin Building, N. E. corner of North and Baltimore Streets,                                Baltimore Maryland.                                                                                                            1846                Rooms, Nos. 14 & 15 Franklin Buildings, N. E. corner of North and Baltimore                                  Streets, Baltimore, Maryland.                                                                                            1847-1849     Rooms, Nos. 14 & 15 Franklin Buildings, corner of North and Baltimore                                           Streets, Baltimore, Maryland.[1]

J. Wistar Davis was recorded in two advertisements in 1846. The first advertisement ran from December 5 to 19, 1846 in the American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper (Baltimore, Maryland). Davis’ Daguerreotype Rooms, (Late Porter’s,) In Franklin Buildings, N. E. corner of North and Baltimore streets, Entrance in North Street, opposite the Patriot office.

Likenesses taken in clear or cloudy weather, and warranted not to fade.  Hours of operating from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.

Having taken the rooms recently occupied by Mr. Porter and caused them to be remodeled, refitted and the arrangement of light greatly improved, the subscriber is now prepared to execute correct and elegant Daguerreotype Portraits, both Singly and in Groups.  Possessing a thorough knowledge of the art, and extensive practical experience in Chemistry, (having been, for several years, joint proprietor of J. W. & R. W. Davis’ Drug and Chemical Establishment,) together with superior instruments, apparatus and materials, and determined to spare no efforts to please, the subscriber confidently hopes for a share of the public patronage.  A small Boy wanted—apply as above. J. Wistar Davis.

The second advertisement ran from December 21 to 31, 1846 in the American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper (Baltimore, Maryland).  Davis’ Daguerreotype Rooms, Nos. 14 & 15 Franklin Buildings, N. E. corner of North and Baltimore streets, Entrance in North Sts.

Likenesses taken in Clear or Cloudy weather, and warranted not to fade.  The proprietor has caused theses rooms to be remodeled, the arrangement of light improved, and possessing superior instruments, and materials, execute correct and elegant Daguerrian Portraits, in the shortest possible time, and at very low prices.  He has just received some handsome new style morocco Cases, well adapted for Holliday Presents.

J. Wistar Davis is listed in Directory of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900 from 1847-1849, and in Craig’s Daguerreian Register from 1847-1850.

[1] Activity dates and address from Directory of Maryland Photographers, 1839-1900.  By Ross J. Kelbaugh.