Tag Archives: Jesse Harrison Whitehurst

Mr. Bush

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1852-1853       77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.[1]

1853                Sycamore Street, Petersburg, Virginia.

Mr. Bush (probably Henry S. Bush) was recorded in one announcement that appeared on March 31, 1853 in the Wheeling Daily Intelligencer (Wheeling, Virginia).  Mr. Bush, the Daguerrean agent of Whitehurst’s Gallery in Petersburg, Va., died suddenly on Friday.

Mr. Bush is recorded as Henry S. Bushin Craig’s Daguerreian Registry working for Jesse Harrison Whitehurst in Richmond, Virginia in 1852-1853. 

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Henry Willard

Portrait Painter, , , , , , ,

Ca. 1855          Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts

1855                Pennsylvania Avenue, between 4½ and 6th Streets, Washington, D. C.

Henry Willard was recorded in two announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.).  The first appeared on December 18, 1855.  Henry Willard, a Boston artist of great merit, has taken a studio in the same building with Whitehurst’s Daguerreotype establishment, where he is painting the portraits of several of our distinguished men.

The second announcement appeared on December 22, 1855.  Fine Arts.—Visiting several studios this morning, we found the artists busy at their easels, apparently well content with the patronage they are receiving from an appreciating public…  Henry Willard, in the building with Vannerson, was at work on a portrait, in oils, of the Hon. Mr. De Witt, of Mass….

The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564–1860 list Henry Willard as a portrait, miniature and genre painter of Boston, active from about 1833.

Henry Willard is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerrean Registry does record a William Willard as an artist at 5½ Tremont Row.  Both Henry and William are recorded in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564–1860. William  as a portrait painter active in Boston in the 1850’s and Henry as a portrait, miniature, and genre painter.  It is unknown what arrangements Henry had with Whitehurst or Vannerson if he was just using the gallery space as professional courtesy or if money exchanged hands or if Henry colored or painted photographs.  In the case of William it is unknow if he work for Southworth & Hawes or had his own space in the building.

A. Watson

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , ,

1857                83 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

1857-1859     77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

A. Watson is a complicated entry.  There are a total of twenty six advertisements and two announcements that were recorded from The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Two advertisements and two announcements mentioned a Watson & Son, one of the announcements is recorded as Mrs. Watson and Son.  This is possibly a typo but further research is needed.  There are also a number of advertisements between December 8, 1857 to November 21, 1859 that only mention Watson.  The identification of the son is not recorded in any of the ads or announcements recorded.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does mention John W. Watson as being active in Richmond in 1859, it is possibly that he is the son.

 1.  Advertisement ran on October 23 & 24, 1857.  Genuine Double Glass Ambrotype Picture For 50 Cents, At Watson’s Melainotype And Ambrotype Gallery—On Friday, 23d Oct.—Fine Ambrotype Views of Niagara, taken on the spot by A. Watson.  Visitors wishing a view of the Falls, can secure a most accurate and imperishable mirror of the greatest cataract in the world.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine their specimens, as they need only to be seen to be appreciated. 

Remember, Watson intends to give his first week’s profits for the benefit of the poor of Richmond.  Pictures taken from 25 cents to $10.                                                                       

2.  Advertisement ran from October 26 to 31, 1857.  Watson’s Double Glass Ambrotypes, only 25 Cents.—Be sure and see Watson’s Double Glass Ambrotypes at 25 and 37½ cents, before you have your likeness.  Rooms 83 Main street.  Malainotypes and Panotypes taken by him.  The whole of the first week’s profits to be given to the poor of this city.                                                                                                                 

3.  Advertisement ran from October 31 to November 27, 1857.  Watson’s Gives The Largest Ambrotypes, For Fifty Cents—Call and see Watson’s Double Glass Ambrotypes at 25, 37½, and 50 cents, before you have your likeness.  Rooms 83 Main street.  Malainotypes and Panotypes taken by him.  The whole of the first week’s profits to be given to the poor of the city.                                                                                             

4.  Advertisement ran from November 21 to December 10, 1857.  Proclamation.—This is to give notice that if you buy a case a Watson’s Gallery, 83 Main street, he gives you a handsome picture.  Excelsior Ambrotypes taken by him with handsome case, the largest in the city, for 50 cents, and for 25 and 37½, Medalions and cameos taken in Silk Velvet cases for $1.  Also, Malainotypes and Panotypes, which may be sent in a letter, without extra postage.  All pictures taken at his Gallery warranted not to fade.—Old Daguerreotypes copied and pictures put in lockets.

N. B.—The best pictures taken from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.                                          

5.  Advertisement ran from December 8 to 10, 1857.  Removal.—Watson & Son have bought out the old Whitehurst Gallery lately occupied by Mr. Leitch, which they will open on Monday December 7, and are now prepared to take Pictures from 25 to 37½ cents with cases; and extra large for 50 cents with case, which are not to be equaled in the city, and which is regularly charged $1.  Medalions, Cameos, Maianotypes, and Panotypes, which can be sent in a letter to any part of the world.  His Ambrotypes are warranted not to fade.

Remember the old Whitehurst Gallery, 77 main street, Call and see for yourselves, his specimens, and where Photographs of all the United States Senators can be seen.              

6.  Advertisement ran from December 11 to 28, 1857.  Old Whitehurst Gallery.—This is to give notice that if you buy a case at Watson’s Gallery, 77 Main street, he gives you a handsome picture.  Excelsior Ambrotypes taken by him with handsome case, the largest in the city, for 50 cents, and for 25 and 37½, Medalions and Cameos taken in Silk Velvet cases for $1.  Also, Malainotypes and Panotypes, which may be sent in a letter, without extra postage.  All pictures taken at his Gallery warranted not to fade.  Old Daguerreotypes copied and pictures put in lockets.

N. B.—The best picture taken from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.                                  

7.  Advertisement ran from December 28m, 1857 to January 28, 1858.  $500 worth of Jewelry and Fancy Cases received by the Jamestown for Watson & Son, for New Years’ Gifts.  A handsome case and picture for $1, which is regularly charged elsewhere $2 for.  What you buy at other places for $1 we give you for 50 cents.  Pictures from 25 cents up to $10.  Groups taken in large cases and charged as single ones.  Union case, with picture, for $1.  Melainotypes, Panotypes, and Ambrographs sent by mail for single postage.  Pictures for Lockets, Breastpins and Rings taken; and old Daguerreotypes copied.  Pictures taken rain or shine, 20 per cent cheaper than any other gallery.—Good fires always kept.  At Whitehurst’s old Gallery, No. 77 Main street                                                                                    

8.  Advertisement ran from January 27 to March 1, 1858.  “Secure The Shadow, Ere The Substance Fade.”—If you wish a fine picture, call at Whitehurst’s old Gallery, (the best skylight in the city,) and examine the specimens of art produced by Watson.  They are warranted not to fade, nor to be easily defaced—equal to the best in the United States, and 20 per cent cheaper than any other in the city.

Pictures taken from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M.  Pictures copied, and either enlarged or diminished.

Melainotypes and Penotypes, for transmission by mail.

Photographs, 1st sitting, $2; Duplicates $1 each.

Remember, 77 Main street.

9.  Advertisement appeared on March 6, 1858.  “Secure The Shadow Ere The Shadow Fail.”—At Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main street.  Photographs, either colored or plain, made from life, copied from Daguerreotypes or smaller pictures, and enlarged to any size.  Watson’s Ambrotypes, Maleinotype, Panotype, Ambrograph and Nelograph, a new style of Photograph, taken instantaneously, and finished in three minutes for letters, and are of a superior character. Colored or plain, and for beauty of finish are surpassed by none.  Pictures taken for 50 cents; Photographs 32 ; Duplicates $1.

Photograph of the Washington Monument, with Jefferson and Patrick Henry, for sale.  Price $1.

10.  Advertisement ran from March 6 to April 6, 1858.  “Secure The Shadow Ere The Shadow Fade.” If you wish a good picture go to  Whitehurst’s old Gallery, 77 Main st. and examine the Specimens, Photographs, colored or plain, made from life or copied from small pictures and enlarged to any size.  The pure Ambrotype we warrant not to fade or easily be defaced.  Watson’s unrivalled Niellograph or new style of Photograph pictures, taken instantaneously, and finished in three minutes.  Malainotypes, Panotypes and Ambrotypes for transmission by mail.  This gallery contains two of the largest skylights in Virginia, and for beauty of finish, his pictures are surpassed by none.

Pictures taken from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M.

Old Daguerreotypes copied.                                                                                      

11.  Advertisement ran from June 29 to August 3, 1858.  Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main Street.—Notice—Watson takes pictures from 50 cents to $1, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes on leather, and Photographs any size, plain or painted, either in pastille or oil. The painting to be done by a first class Portrait Painter.  He does not pretend to take them by the 1,000 or by the aid of machinery, suitable for running railway cars or an ocean line of steamships.  He has two skylights, enabling him at all times to get good pictures, an advantage, not possessed by any other Gallery in Richmond.                                        

12.  Advertisement ran from September 14 to October 14, 1858.  Watson has just returned from the springs, and will be happy to see his old friends and show them some of his celebrated Chrystal Miniatures, which will neither fade or rub out.

Life-size Pictures, in oil or pastille, at the shortest notice.

Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main Street.—Notice—Watson takes Pictures from 50cts to $100.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes on leather, and Photographs of any size, plain or painted, either in pastille or oil.  The paintings to be done by a first class portrait painter.  He does not pretend to take them by the 1,000 or by the aid of machinery suitable for running railway cars or an ocean line of steamships.  He has two skylights, enabling him at all times to get good Pictures an advantage not possessed by any other Gallery in Richmond.                                        

13.  Advertisement ran from October 16 to November 15, 1858.  Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main Street.—Notice—Watson takes Pictures from 50cts to $1.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes on leather, and Photographs of any size, plain or painted, either in pastille or oil.  The paintings to be done by a first class portrait painter.  He does not pretend to take them by the 1,000 or by the aid of machinery suitable for running railway cars or an ocean line of steamers.  He has two skylights, enabling him at all times to get good Pictures an advantage not possessed by any other Gallery in Richmond.                                        

The first announcement appeared on October 29, 1858.  The Mechanics’ Fair increases in interest, day by day…But, apart from these, are five specimens of sewing machines, always at work, while near them may be seen the photographic displays of Minnis and Watson, that of themselves are worth a visit….

The second announcement appeared on November 10, 1858.  The Fifth Annual Exhibition Of The Virginia Mechanics’ Institute…List of Premiums, Awarded by the Virginia Mechanics’ Institute, at its Fifth Annual Exhibition…

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes And Photographs.  Class No. 26.—

G. W. Minnis, for his collection, silver medal

Mrs. Watson & Son, for pictures on leather, honorable mention.

The Photographs by Fredericks, of New York, are very superior, but were entered too late for a premium.  The Committee of Judges, however, deem them worthy of high commendation.

14.  Advertisement ran from November 15 to December 18, 1858.  What’s The News?—Watson, at Whitehurst’s old gallery, 77 main street, is going to Europe, and is selling off his stock of fine Cases at cost, and he gives you a large sized Ambrotype for 50 cents—sold at $1 in any other gallery.

Photographs from $2 upwards.  Pictures put in medallion and breastpins for 75 cents.

Good fires constantly kept.                                                                            

15.  Advertisement ran from December 16 to 29, 1858.  Be In Time If you want a good Picture.  Watson is selling off his stock of fine Cases at coast, as he will shortly proceed to Europe, and if you do not wish to be artistically humbugged, go to him, for he gives you a true picture, warranted to give satisfaction, at Whitehurst old Gallery, 77 Main street, Richmond.  He puts Pictures in Medallions for 75 cents.  His Gallery and Pictures for sale.      

16.  Advertisement ran from December 30, 1858 to January 15, 1859.  Look Out.—Be In Time If you want a good Picture.  Watson is selling off his stock of fine Cases at coast, as he will shortly proceed to Europe, and if you do not wish to be artistically humbugged, go to him, for he gives you a true picture, warranted to give satisfaction, at Whitehurst old Gallery, 77 Main street, Richmond.  He puts Pictures in Medallions for 75 cents.  His Gallery and Pictures for sale.                                                                                 

17. Advertisement ran from January 26 to February 16, 1859.  Good and Cheap Pictures—All who want good Pictures At Cost, should come at once to 77 Main Street, Whitehurst’s old Gallery, as Watson will remain only a few more weeks longer.

Recollect, if you want cheap and good Pictures, you must call at 77 Main Street.

The Gallery and Fixtures are for sale, and will be sold low.                         

18.  Advertisement ran from February 17 to March 9, 1859.  Positively Only For Two Weeks Longer—All who want good Pictures At Cost, should come at once to 77 Main Street, Whitehurst’s old Gallery, as Watson will remain only a few more weeks longer.

Recollect, if you want cheap and good Pictures, you must call at 77 Main Street.

The Gallery and Fixtures are for sale, and will be sold low.                                     

Advertisement ran from March 10 to 29, 1859.1859 March 10.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  March 10, 1859, Vol. XV, No. 59, P. 2.

Whitehurst’s Old Gallery will open on the 14th inst, with an entire new stock of Cases, from 35 Cents and upwards.

Recollect, if you want cheap and good Pictures, you must call at 77 Main Street.

The Gallery and Fixtures are for sale, and will be sold low.                                     

19.  Advertisement ran from March 21 to April 20, 1859.  Gallery Of Fine Arts, 77, Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.  Important Notice.

Watson feels it due to his patrons and the public to tender them his warmest thanks for the generous support they have favored him with since he opened the above Gallery, and desires to inform them that circumstances has arisen which has induced him to abandon the project of returning to Europe for the present; and he is now receiving an entire new stock of cases of the best quality, which he is determined to sell at New York prices; and he intends to double his efforts to please all who may favor him with their patronage.

Every variety of picture produced by the Photographic art to be seen at his Gallery, which for style and workmanship, is equal to any produced in the city.  Here you can have a picture of surpassing beauty and size for 35 cents—unequalled by any other house—while Photographs, whole size 8 inches by 6 for $3; duplicates $1.  The public are invited to call and judge for themselves.

One Quarter size Camera, nearly new, for sale.                                            

20.  Advertisement ran from April 27 to May 14, 1859.  Great Excitement—By Telegraph—Watson, 77 Main street, Whitehurst’s old Gallery, has received, by the Europa, Stereoscopic Views taken in England, France, Italy, and the Holy Land, of Landscapes, Groups, and Statuary.—Call and see them.

The best style of Photographs taken by Watson for $1.  Likewise Ambrotypes for $35c.

21.  Advertisement ran from May 16 to 27, 1859.  Remember Watson—Whitehurst’s Gallery, 77 Main street—from Boston, Old England, has received, by the Europa, Stereoscopic Views taken in England, France, Italy, and the Holy Land, of Landscapes, Groups, and Statuary.—Call and see them.

The best style of Photographs taken by Watson for $1.  Likewise Ambrotypes for $35c.

Photographs, life size, colored in oil, or pastel, and copied from old Daguerreotypes and enlarged.                                                                                                           

22.  Advertisement ran from May 28 to June 23, 1859.  Grand Exhibition—Free—At Watson’s, (Whitehurst’s Old Gallery,) 77 Main st.—The public has no occasion to go to Europe to see Rome, the Holy Land, Paris or London, for he is constantly receiving views which are more perfect than scientific men ever dreamed of, for the perspective is perfect.  The finest statuary in the world; groups from life; views by gas light; views of the moon.  The whole for exhibition and for sale.  Call and see them.

Photographs for $1.

Ambrotypes from 35 cts upwards.

Pictures life size, copied or taken from life                                                   

23.  Advertisement ran from July 14 to August 18, 1859.  Great Excitement—25,000 People have visited Watson to see his splendid Stereoscopic Views, as well as to have their portraits taken.  His Portraits cannot be excelled; and for cheapness and durability are seldom equaled.  Call and see them.  Portraits from 35 cents; photographs from $1 to $25.  Old daguerreotypes copied or diminished to any size; painted either Water, Pastile, or Oil Colors, all worked up in India Ink.  Remember Watson’s, Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main st.

24.  Advertisement ran from September 13 to October 13, 1859.  Selling Out To Leave, 50 per cent, Below Usual Price.—Great Excitement.25,000 People have visited Watson to see his splendid Stereoscopic Views, as well as to have their portraits taken.  His Portraits cannot be excelled; and for cheapness and durability are seldom equaled.  Call and see them.  Portraits from 35 cents; photographs from $1 to $25.  Old daguerreotypes copied or diminished to any size; painted either Water, Pastile, or Oil Colors, all worked up in India Ink.  Remember Watson’s, Whitehurst’s Old Gallery, 77 Main st.                           

25.  Advertisement ran from October 20 to November 19, 1859.  Selling Off!  Selling Off!  Selling Off!  At Half Price!  At Half Price!  At Half Price!  Watson’s Gallery, 77 Main Street.  77 Main Street.  To Close Business, 77 Main Street.                                                                                

26.   Advertisement ran from November 21 to December 1, 1859.  By J. H. Diggs, Auct.  Whitehurst’s Old Gallery.—Having concluded to close our business in Richmond, we shall sell at public auction, on Friday Dec. 2d, 1859, at 10 o’clock A. M., (if fair; if not, the next fair day, at our residence, 77 Main street, a collection of Oil Paintings, Pastell do., Photographs, and other Pictures; also , at the same time and place, will be sold a good collection of Furniture: Sofas, Tete-a-Tete, Mahogany Chairs, Mahogany Tables, Glass Cases, velvet Frames of Rosewood, large mirrors, Screens, Beds and Bedding, Bedsteads, one large sign, Window Drapery, a large stock of Cases and Chemicals, a lot of Gilt Frames, &c., &c.  The above goods will be on exhibition till day of sale at our rooms, 77 Main st., Whitehurst’s old Gallery.  Watson & Son.  J. H. Digges, Auct.                                           

A. Watson and Watson & Son are not listed in other photographic directories.  According to Craig’s Daguerreian Registry John W. Watson was listed as being at the Whitehurst gallery in 1859, could this be the son?    

J. L. Thompson

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853                Address Unknown, Washington, D. C.

J. L. Thompson was recorded in one announcement in the Daily Evening Star (Washington, D.C.) on March 25, 1853.  Awards of the Metropolitan Mechanics’ Institute….

Messrs. Whitehurst, daguerreotypes—medal. 

M. A. Root, daguerreotypes—medal. 

J. L. Thompson, daguerreotypes—first diploma.

J. L. Thompson is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is possible this is Edwin C. Thompson who was active in Washington, D. C. Between 4½ and 6th Streets.  His first advertisement dated January 21, 1852 and his last ran from November 12, 1853 to January 14, 1854.  On January 12, 1854 an advertisement appears for Adams & Dunshee who say that they have purchased the establishment from Thompson, on July 22, 1854 the studio once again changed hands when Vannerson purchased it.

D. R. Stiltz

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

N. D.               Address Unknown, Baltimore, Maryland.

1854                Over Gilman’s Drug Store, Pennsylvania Avenue, between 6th and 7th Streets, Washington, District of Columbia.

1856                159 Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland.[1]

1858                82 South Sharp, Baltimore, Maryland.[1]

1859                244 Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.[1]

D. R. Stiltz was recorded in nine advertisements in the Daily Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). The first advertisement appeared in June 14, 1854.  Wake Up, Washingtonians!  For Now Is The Time To Get Splendid Daguerreotypes for only 25 Cent, and taken at no other place than J. J. Woodbridge’s New York Picture Gallery, under the control of Prof. Stiltz, late of Whitehurst’s Baltimore Gallery, and one who will give every satisfaction.  Beautiful electorene pictures are also taken at the same place over Gilman’s Drug Store, Pa. av., between 6th and 7th streets.

The second advertisement appeared on June 20, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  Since Professor Stiltz has taken charge of the New York Daguerrean Gallery, over Gilman’s Drug Store, things go on finely; every picture is a perfect gem, and the rooms are crowded daily, for those beautiful electorene pictures, taken by the new French process.  Every picture warranted to give perfect satisfaction.  Now is your chance. J. J. Woodbridge, Proprietor.

The third ad appeared on June 24, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  We ever continue to please our very numerous friends and acquaintances with perfect likenesses for only 25 cents, taken by the new French process, by which we are enabled to take from three to four hundred pictures daily.  If our friends call at J. J. Woodbridge’s, Pa. av., betw. 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, we will assure perfect satisfaction.  D. R. Stiltz,  J. J. Woodbridge, Prop’r.

The fourth ad appeared on June 27, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The friends and acquaintances of J. J. Woodbridge had better take advantage of this fine weather, and call to have a picture taken by the world renowned new French method, by which we can take a perfect resemblance in this space of ten minutes. D. R. Stiltz.  J. J. Woodbridge, Proprietor.  

The fifth ad appeared on June 29, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The Great Electorene Daguerrean Gallery has fallen into the hands of Prof. Stewart, a French operator just from Paris, and between Prof. Stewart and Stiltz we will guarantee to give every one satisfaction, at the old stand.  J. J. Woodbridge, Pa. avenue, between 6th and 7th sts., over Gilman’s Drug Store.

The sixth ad appeared on July 1, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The New York Picture Gallery has fallen into the hands of Prof. Stewart, who is taking the Electorene Pictures by the new French process, and by it we can take your picture in a few seconds, while you can sit in one of the coolest rooms in the rooms in the city until it is finished.  Profs Stewart and Stiltz guarantees to suit all who may give us a call.  We can take 400 on the 4th of July.  The only place where you can get them is on Pennsylvania avenue, between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, at the old stand of Prof. Woodbridge.

The seventh advertisement appeared on July 8, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  Young America In Its Full Bloom.—Profs. Stewart and Stiltz are still taking those beautiful Electorine Daguerreotypes by the new French process.  Come one, come all, we guarantee to suite those who may give us a call, on Pennsylvania avenue, between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store.

We have two rooms to rent on the second floor, at the old gallery of Prof. J. J. Woodbridge.          

The eighth ad appeared on July 10, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The Great New York Picture Gallery has fallen into the hands of Prof. Stewart, who is taking those beautiful Electorine Pictures by the new French process.  I have in my employ Prof.  Stiltz, who is not only one of the best operators in the United States, who for a long time been operating in one of the finest Gallery’s in Baltimore for Prof. Woodbridge.   My Gallery is on Pennsylvania avenue between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, at the old stand of J. J. Woodbridge.                          

The ninth ad appeared on July 15, 1854.  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.  The Great New York Picture Gallery is flourishing rapidly.  After the departure of Hayer, it has fallen into the hands of Prof Stewart, who is taking those beautiful pictures by the new French process.  I have in my employ Prof.  Stiltz, who is not only one of the best daguerrean artist in the United States but in the world, and we guaranteed to suit all who may favor us with a call in Pennsylvania avenue between 6th and 7th streets, over Gilman’s Drug Store, at the old stand of J. J. Woodbridge.              

D. R. Stiltz is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Baltimore, Maryland from 1856 to 1859.Ross Kelbaugh in Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900 list Stiltz in Baltimore until 1864 and in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1875.

[1] Directory Of Maryland Photographers 1839-1900.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1855                290 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.                                                            1855-1856     401 Seventh Street, Washington, D. C.                                                                          1858-1859     12 Market Space, between 8th & 9th Streets, Washington, D. C.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond was recorded in six advertisements and two announcements in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  The first advertisement ran from August 6 to September 24, 1855.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s New Gallery of Daguerrean Art and Photographing is at 290 Pa. avenue, northeast corner of 11th street, over Ford & Bro’s Drug Store, Washington.

Pictures taken at 50 cents and upwards.                                                                                                      Mrs. R. is a graduate of Whitehurst’s establishment.

The first announcement appeared on September 26, 1855.  Worthy of Patronage.—Those desiring daguerreotype pictures cannot do better than to patronize the establishment of Mrs. Redmond, on the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and eleventh street, over the Drug store of the Brothers Ford.  The proprietress, Mrs. Redmond, executes her pictures capitally, and especially deserves encouragement from those who are blessed with true public spirit.  We have satisfied our self that she is a very worthy widow, with a family of three children depending on her exertions, and that the duty of paying for her establishment has forced her to deny herself almost the bare necessities of life during nearly the whole of the late dull term in the way of business.  If industry and determined perseverance to discharge pecuniary obligations amid crushing difficulties and pinching want deserve encouragement, surely here is a case in which those who are truly benevolent and public spirited cannot do better than to patronize the daguerreotyping establishment in question.

The second advertisement ran from November 22, 1855 to January 21, 1856.  Daguerreotypes Taken By A Lady.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond Having removed to her new rooms, on 7th st., between H and I, is prepared to take Likenesses in the best style of the art.

Pictures well taken and put up in embossed cases for Fifty Cents.

The second announcement appeared on July 10, 1856.  Daguerreotypes.—Those in want of good Daguerreotypes should call at the establishment of Mrs. A. C. Redmond, 401 Seventh street.  Her pictures are well executed, and her prices suit the times.

The third advertisement ran from July 10 to 16, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  No. 401 Seventh street, above H, west side.

Portraits Taken Equally Well in Fair and Cloudy Weather.  Particular attention paid to copying Daguerreotypes, Oil paintings, &c.  Pictures of Deceased Persons taken and made to resemble life.  Mrs. R. solicits the patronage of the Ladies particularly.

The fourth advertisement appeared on December 2, 1856.  Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s Skylight daguerrean Rooms, Seventh street, west side, between H and I sts.

Mrs. A. C. R. Wishes To say To The public that she is now making beautiful Ambrotypes from one dollar up to any price requires.  Daguerreotypes put up in embossed cases for fifty cents, which are usually sold elsewhere for one dollar.  Her expenses on Seventh street being much less than on the Avenue, she is enabled to sell her Pictures at a greatly reduced price.

Mrs. R. respectfully requests the patronage of the ladies.

The fifth advertisement ran from August 7 to 11, 1858.  Call At Scott’s Bookstore On Pa. avenue, between 14th and 16th streets, and get a dollar Book and a Daguerreotype for only one dollar….Daguerreotypes will be taken by that excellent artist E. N. Lewis, at Mrs. Redmond’s Gallery, No. 12 Market Space, and by R. C. Woodley, 312 E street.

The sixth advertisement ran on April 1 & 2, 1859.  Ladies Daguerrean Rooms, Market Space, No. 12, bet. 8th and 9th sts.  If you want an excellent Ambrotype, call at Mrs. A. C. Redmond’s and obtain one.  Likeness to please, or no pay.

Ladies, your patronage is respectfully solicited.

Mrs. A. C. Redmond is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  The above provides extended activity dates, addresses and additional information.

Mr. Metcalf

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1852-1854       Rooms 77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

Mr. Metcalf was mentioned in an advertisement and announcement in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  The advertisement ran on April 2 and 3, 1852.  More New Pictures At Whitehurst’s.—Mr. Metcalf has just returned from Washington, where he has been engaged the past week in obtaining likenesses of prominent individuals, expressly for exhibition in this Gallery.  Among them are those of Gen. Winfield Scott, of the U. S. A., Gen. Gonzalez de la Vega, of Mexico, Col. Benj. McCulloch, of Texas Rangers, Hon. Lewis Cass, of Michigan, Hon. Judge Butler, of S. C., Hon. Judge McLane, of Ohio, Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, of Virginia, Ole Bull, Violinist, Miss Julia Dean, Actress, Miss Grace Greenwood, Authoress.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine these specimens.  J. H. Whitehurst.

The announcement appeared on June 13, 1854.  Daguerreotyping.—Mr. Daniel Bendann, an operator at Whitehurst’s Daguerrean Gallery in this city, has shown us some very beautiful specimens of his art, in some views, taken by himself, of the handsome residence of Mr. Stewart, on Brook Avenue.  The beautiful Mansion, embowered in a grove; the family group gathered upon the porch; the horses and carriage seen, at a little distance, in the shade of the trees, all are the very counterpart of life.  Mr. Bendann deserves great credit for this work.  He is a young artist, who has been for several years associated with the accomplished Mr. Metcalf, the principal operator in Whitehurst’s gallery.  He bids fair to be an ornament to his profession.

Mr. Metcalf is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Richmond, Virginia  in 1853 without a business address.

John G. McKean

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1851                252 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                              1851                349 Broadway, New York, New York.

John G. McKean was recorded in an announcement on October 13, 1851 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Notice.—John G. McKean respectfully informs his business and personal friends, that having dissolved all connections with his late place of business, (Washburn’s, 252 Broadway,) he is now permanently located at Whitehurst’s Gallery, 349 Broadway.

John G. McKean is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active at the 252 Broadway address from 1851 and 1852-1854 324 Broadway.

William G. Edgar

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

N. D.               Address Unknown, Petersburg, Virginia.                                                                                1855               Address Unknown. Lynchburg, Virginia.

William G. Edgar was recorded on September 1, 1855 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia.)  Sudden Death—Wm. G. Edgar, a daguerrean artist of Lynchburg, formerly of Petersburg, died suddenly Wednesday morning.  He was to have been married in two weeks from that day.

Edgar is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry with no first name as an operator for Jesse H. Whitehurst in Petersburg, Virginia.

Nahum S. Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There are a series of announcements and advertisements in the Washington, D. C. Newspapers that place Nahum S. Bennett in D. C. from 1850 to late 1852.  He was first recorded in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.) in an announcement on August 21, 1850.

We are indebted to Mr. N. S. Bennett, of this city, for a daguerreotype likeness of Mr. Millard Fillmore, the present President of the United States, and lithographed by Mr. A. Newman.  It is an admirable likeness, and beautifully executed.  The President’s face is calculated to grace the art of the daguerreotypist or the painter; but those features are too apt to undergo a premature revolution from the wrinkles of care, which power, if faithfully administered, stamps with its seal upon the brow.…

In an announcement that was published in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) on July 13, 1852.  A Beautiful Daguerreotype.  The most perfect and admirable daguerreotype likeness we have ever seen has just been made of General Winfield Scott, by Mr. Bennett, of this city.  It is of very large size, and as clear and distinct as the reflection from a polished mirror.

We learn that the old General sat for this likeness with cheerfulness and patience, though under protest, declaring that so frequently has he of late been called upon to sit to artists of various kinds that he must henceforth refuse.  If others have succeeded as well as Mr. Bennett, we do not, indeed, think further efforts are needed.

Also on the 13th the following advertisement appears Rocky Mountain Indians!  Daguerreotype likenesses of the principal Chiefs of the Different Rocky Mountain tribes of Indians on exhibition at Bennett’s National Gallery, Penna. av., between 6th and 7th sts.

The last Daguerreotype, from life, of the departed patriot, Henry Clay, may be seen at Bennett’s National Gallery, Pa. av., between 6th and 7th sts.

In an article entitled The Pueblo Indians in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) on August 13, 1852 in part….Bennett, the skilful and popular daguerreotypist, took their portraits yesterday.  They were highly gratified, and, when told that each of them should have a copy of his own likeness, their pleasure knew no bounds.  The old man of the party (aged sixty-four) looked at his image for a while, and then said:  “When I am dead, and gone to heaven, I shall still live in this.”…

In an advertisement in the Daily American Telegraph.  (Washington, D. C.) on September 20, 1852 we learn that a portrait of General Scott is being painted by Stanley[1] which is possibly the best portrait of the General ever painted.  It is from a most beautiful daguerreotype by Bennett, of this city.

The last advertisement in the Daily American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) appeared on October 26 and ran until November 18, 1852.  Crayon Daguerreotypes.  This style of Photographic Pictures was patented by John A. Whipple, of Boston, about six years since[2], and introduced into this city by Bennett in 1850, as many who have had them know.  Mr. B. continues to take them, in a superior manner, at his Gallery, Pennsylvania avenue, between 6 and 7th streets.

Published in an article about early Daguerreotypist in Washington, D. C. a letter from Samuel Rush Seibert dated October 19, 1896 is included.  It is in reply to Samuel C. Busey’s inquiry about early Daguerreotypist in Washington.  He states in part “Mr. N. S. Bennett had a Daguerreotype gallery a few doors west, on the same avenue, in a building which was on the east side and adjoining L. D. Gilman’s drug store. During the winter of 1851 and 1852 I negotiated with him for the purchase of the gallery for Marcus A. Root and John H. Clark, who immediately obtained possession and refitted the skylight and rooms, and there produced many fine specimens of the Daguerrean art.[3]”

Based on the last advertisement of Bennett’s (October 26, 1852) and the first ad for Root in the Washington papers (December 19, 1852) the sale of the gallery had to be in October-November 1852.  Interesting John H. Clark[e] does not appear in any advertisements found in the D. C. newspapers.  According to Laurie Baty’s unpublished Directory of Washington, D. C. Photographers Clark was a pupil of Root’s and was the operator of his D. C. gallery.

Bennett was on board the steamer Empire which left Troy, NY around 7 P. M. on Friday July 15, 1853 heading to New York City, when it was in a collision with the sloop General Livingston about 2 A. M on the 16th on the west shore of the Hudson River, opposite Clinton Point, about two and a half miles above New-Hamburg, and six below Poughkeepsie.   A number of people were killed or injured in the accident.  The extent of Bennett injuries are unknown it is reported in the Daguerreian Journal that he did lose a valuable collection of daguerreotypes including a whole plate of the last portrait taken of Henry Clay, sixteen specimens of members of the U. S. Senate, Likenesses of the Rocky Mountain Indian Tribes, and a portrait of Billy Bow Legs and John Howard Payne[4], who was an American actor, poet, playwright, and author.

No other advertisements, notices or articles have been found in any of the Washington newspapers that I have access to, until the three advertisements in the Evening Star discussed previously about Smith Bennett who was award a silver medal at the 1855 Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute while he was in Alexandria, Virginia.

Reported in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1857.  That N. S. Bennett has sent an application to the Mechanics’ Fair to exhibit ambrotypes and daguerreotypes.  Then on March 31 (in the same paper) a list was published of the premiums awarded at The Fair…Class 30….

Brady, N. Y.—photographs—Silver Medal.                                                                                 Whitehurst, Washington—ambrotypes—Silver Medal.                                                               Whitehurst, Washington—daguerreotypes—First award of merit.                                         Langenheim, Philadelphia—stereoscopes—Silver Medal.                                                      Vannerson, Washington—photographs, ambrotypes and daguerreotypes—Bronze Medal.   Whitehurst, Washington—photographs—Diploma.                                                                       Cutting & Turner, Boston—ambrotypes—Diploma                                                                                  N. S. Bennett, Alexandria—daguerreotypes—Diploma.

Bennett is reported to have been active in 1860 in Alexandria at 69 King Street.  At this time I have been unable to find directories for Alexandria to verify activity dates and address for Bennett from 1855-1860+.

[1] Probably John Mix Stanley.

[2] Crayon Daguerreotypes were patented by Whipple on January 23, 1849, Patent No. 6,056.

[3] In an article published in the Records of the Columbia Historical Society, Washington, D. C.  Vol. 3, P. 81-95.  Entitled Early History of Daguerreotypy in the City of Washington, by Samuel C. Busey.

[4] Article in the New York Times, July 18, 1853, P. 1.