Tag Archives: John Plumbe Jr.

Samuel Raymond Fanshaw

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , , , , , , , ,

1843                235 Broadway, New York New York.

1850                247 Broadway, New York, New York.

Samuel Raymond Fanshaw was recorded in eight advertisements and two announcements, in the New York Herald and New York Tribune.  He was an miniature painter & artist according to the New York City Directory, and a miniature & portrait painter according to an entry in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564-1860. The advertisements and announcements show him in the partnerships of Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham; Fanshaw & Hite and Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.  The city directories only list him as an artist and not in a partnership.

The first advertisement ran every other day from May 25 to 29, and every day from June 4 to 6, 1843 in The New York Herald.  Miniature Portraits copied from Daguerreotypes in natural colors on ivory, with perfect accuracy, or with any desired alteration or improvement on very moderate terms.  Specimens to be seen in the Daguerreotype Room, No. 1, at 235 Broadway, near park place.

The first announcement appeared on September 19,1843 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Fair at the American Museum.—The problem of opening a new and spacious Saloon at the American Museum, as a Perpetual Fair or Bazaar for the Exhibition and Sale of Goods, Wares, Merchandize, &c has proved highly successful.  It is now one of the most attractive Halls in the Establishment, and is undoubtedly the cheapest Advertising Medium in the world.  The name, location and business of all depositors are advertised in 100,000 small bills per annum—also in the principal city papers.  The following persons have already made deposits in this Fair, and as nearly all the articles are For Sale, Merchants and others will find it to their interest to make their purchases through this medium.  It is obvious that no articles but those of the best quality are deposited here.  Persons desirous of depositing specimens of Goods or Cards of Business in the perpetual Fair, can do so on reasonable terms.  Circulars of prices, & c. can be obtained at the Office of the Museum.

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..N. G. Burgess, 192 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Gurney, 189 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..J. Plumbe, Jr., 251 Broadway

Daguerreotype Miniatures…..Fanshaw, Young & Cunningham, 235 Broadway

The second announcement appeared on June 18, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Samuel R. Fanshaw & George H. Hite, miniature and portrait painters, have associated with W. & F. Langenheim, the celebrated Daguerreotype and Talbotype artist of Philadelphia, and purchased the splendid National Miniature Gallery, established by Edwards, Anthony & Clark, 247 Broadway, corner Murray street, where they will superintend the sittings for Daguerreotypes.  Their Talbotype miniatures and portraits, which are taken upon ivory, ivory-paper, etc., may be seen in the above gallery.  There is but one prevailing opinion, that they possess all the truthfulness of a good Daguerreotype, with all the artistic merit that has characterized the former highly finished miniatures of those artists.  For further evidence; please call and see them.

The second advertisement ran from June 27 to 28, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes and Daguerreotypes.—The subscribers having purchased the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway, (late E. White’s) are prepared to take Talbotype Portraits of all sizes, up to the size of life.  The fidelity of likeness, and the beautiful finish of these pictures, gain them greater popularity every day.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most approved style.  The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at our establishment, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The third advertisement ran from July 3 to 6, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes and Daguerreotypes.—The subscribers having purchased the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway, (late E. White’s) are prepared to take Talbotype Portraits of all sizes, up to the size of life.  The fidelity of likeness, and the beautiful finish of these pictures, gain them greater popularity every day.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most approved style.  The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at our establishment, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The fourth advertisement appeared on July 10, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory and ivory paper, are daily taken in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life, at the National Miniature Gallery.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most artistical style.  The public are invited to examine specimens at 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The fifth advertisement ran from July 14 to 17, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory and ivory paper, are daily taken in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life, at the National Miniature Gallery.  Daguerreotypes taken in the most artistical style.  The public are invited to examine specimens at 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The sixth advertisement ran on July 16 & 20, 1850 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Fine Arts—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory, Ivory Paper and Glass, and Daguerreotypes, are daily taken by the subscribers in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life.  The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.                                                        

The seventh advertisement ran on July 18 to 19, 1850 in the New York Herald.  Fine Arts.—Talbotypes, or Portraits on Ivory and ivory paper and glass, and daguerreotypes are daily taken by the subscribers, in a superior style, and in any size required up to the size of life. The public are respectfully invited to examine specimens at the National Miniature Gallery, 247 Broadway.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.

The eighth advertisement appeared on August 29, 1850 in the New York Daily Tribune.  To Artists.—An artists who understands Miniature Portrait Painting in oil and water colors, and who can give proof of his talents, can find employment at the National Miniature Gallery, No. 247 Broadway.  None but competent persons need apply.  Hite, Langenheim & Fanshaw.                                                                                  

Samuel R. Fanshaw is recorded in the New York City Directories.

1840/1841 & 1841/1842—Miniature painter, 1 Cortlandt, H- 280 Henry.

1842/1843 to 1844/1845—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-249 Seventh.

1845/1846—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-[ ? ] Ave C & 11th.

1846/1847-1847/1848—Artist, 25 Maiden Lane & 1 Cortlandt, H-249 Seventh.

1848/1849—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-249 Seventh.

1849/1850—Artist, 1 Cortlandt, H-Winchester.

1850/1851—Artist, 247 Broadway, B-Winchester.

1851/1852 to 1855/1856—Artist, 363 Broadway, H-Conn. (1854/1855) Norwalk.

1856/1857 & 1857/1858—Painter, 363 Broadway, H-Conn.

1858/1859—Not listed.

1859/1860—Artist, 381 Broadway, H-Hamilton Ave., near Gates Ave., Brooklyn.

Samuel R. Fanshaw is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but is misidentified as Thomas Fanshaw.  From 1851 to 1857 the 363 Address is the same as Samuel Root’s it is possible that Fanshaw is working for Root.  At this time it is only speculation about the connection.  

Henry M. Brownell

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

1845                Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

Henry M. Brownell was recorded in one advertisement and was mentioned in one announcement.  The advertisement ran from May 3 to 24, 1845 in the Newport Mercury  (Newport, Rhode Island).  Daguerrian Gallery Of Inimitable Colored Photographs.  The subscriber would respectfully give notice to the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in Thames Street, (One door North of Townsends Hotel.) where the most beautiful photographs may be obtained, and having obtained all the late improvements he feels confident of giving satisfaction to all who may sit at his rooms for Miniatures.

Each picture presents all the colors and expressions of life, and are warranted to be permanent.

No person is expected to take a likeness from his room unless Perfectly Satisfied with the same.

He would respectfully invite the Ladies and Gentlemen to call and examine specimens, whether they intend sitting for a miniature or not.  Henry Brownell.

The announcement appeared on May 29, 1845 in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode Island).  Newport Daguerrean Gallery, Thames Street, (Rhode Island Union Bank Building.)  Wm. Henry Franklin, From Plumbe’s Daguerrean Gallery, N. Y. and Wm. A. Judson, From T. Hart’s Daguerrean Gallery, New Haven, Having purchased the interest of Mr. Henry M. Brownell, beg leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen, of Newport, that they are prepared to execute Daguerrean Likenesses in a style unsurpassed.—Being thoroughly conversant with all the modern improvements, their Pictures cannot fail to please.  No picture will be allowed to leave their Gallery unless it gives perfect satisfaction.

Likenesses taken for lockets, Broaches, and Finger Rings.

The public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens whether they intend sitting or not.

Instructions given, and apparatus together with chemicals furnished, on reasonable terms.

Likenesses taken without regard to weather.

Henry M. Brownell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Ebenezer James Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1844-1845       449 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky.[1]

1846                St Clair Street, Louisville, Kentucky.

Ebenezer James Bennett in an advertisement that was recorded on January 6 & 12, 1846 in the Daily Commonwealth (Frankfort, Kentucky).  Plumbe National Daguerrean Gallery.  Prof. Plumbe purposes having a Daguerreian Gallery opened in this city, on the 27th inst., on St. Clair street, over Pierson & Merriweather’s Confectionary, to be conducted by E. James Bennett, where he will be gratified to wait upon all those who may be desirous of securing a perfect likeness, warranted durable, and possessing all the distinctness and boldness of relief of a good painting.  In proof of this you need but call at his room and examine for yourselves his specimens.

Ladies and Gentlemen are earnestly requested to take the trouble of calling at his rooms.  They will afford him a pleasure in having the honor of waiting upon them, either in exhibiting specimens, or in receiving their sittings.

Founded 1840.  Awarded the Medal, Four First Premiums, and two Highest Honors, by the Institutes of Massachusetts, N. York, and Pennsylvania, respectively, for the most beautiful Colored Daguerreotypes, and best apparatus ever exhibited.

No. 33, Main st., adjoining the Northern Bank of Kentucky, Louisville, Ky.

No. 251, Broadway, New York.

No. 75 Court street, Boston.

No. 136, Chestnut street, Philadelphia.

No. 122, Baltimore street, Baltimore.

Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Lyceum Hall, Alexandria, D. C.

No. 56, Canal Street, New Orleans.

No. 127, Vielle Rue du Temple, Paris.

No. 32 Church Street, Liverpool.

Market St., St. Louis, Mo.

Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa.

Main Street, between 4th and 5th, east side, Cincinnati.

Broadway, Saratoga.

Douw’s Building, Albany.

Middle Street, Portland, Me.

Main Street, Newport, R. I.

Remarks.—“We have been no inattentive observer of the progress of this novel art, and we are free to say, from what we have seen, and personally examined, that Mr. Plumbe has succeeded in this art so as to surpass all others in the line in this country.”—N. Y. Herald.

“Mr. Plumbe has brought the Daguerreotype to absolute perfection; and miniature painting, we regret to say, is scarcely heard of since the admirable specimens of this artist have become known.”—N. Y. Mirror.

“A photograph of a lady by Professor Plumbe, is the finest thing of the kind we have ever seen.”—Phil. Pub. Ledger.

Ebenezer James Bennett is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as J. Ebenezer Bennett active in 1845-1846 at 449 Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky, presumably employed by John Plumbe, Jr.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry

Woodward & Stevens

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1841                Mansur’s Building, Central Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

Woodward & Stevens appeared in one announcement on April 13, 1841 in the Lowell Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We have seen neat and beautiful specimens of these miniatures from Mr. Plumbe, Mechanics’ Hall, and Messrs. Woodward & Stevens, Mansur’s Building, Central Street.

Woodward & Stevens are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Benjamin R. Stevens

Daguerreotypes, Patent, , , , , ,

1841                Mansur’s Building, Central Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

1841                Mansur’s Building, 30 Central Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.

1842                Address Unknown, Lowell, Massachusetts.

Benjamin R. Stevens of Woodward & Stevens; and Stevens & Morse, was recorded in two announcements, one advertisement, and one entry.  The first announcement appeared in the Lowell Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts) on April 13, 1841.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We have seen neat and beautiful specimens of these miniatures from Mr. Plumbe, Mechanics’ Hall, and Messrs. Woodward & Stevens, Mansur’s Building, Central Street.

The advertisement ran from May 11 to July 4, 1841 in the Lowell Morning Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Mansur’s Building, No. 30 Central Street.  The subscriber has the honor of announcing to the ladies and gentlemen of Lowell, that he has taken a room at No 30 Central Street, Mansur’s building, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, were every effort will be made to satisfy those who may favor him with a call.  B. R. Stevens.

The second announcement appeared in the Lowell Morning Courier (Lowell, Massachusetts) on  May 22.  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  We call the attention of the public to the advertisement in another column, of Mr. Stevens, of Mansur’s building.  Mr. Stevens is very polite and accommodating, shows his numerous visitors the whole process of taking miniatures, and takes beautiful miniatures, even of the ugliest faces. He merits the patronage of the public.

The entry appeared in the American Photographic Patents The Daguerreotype & Wet Plate Era 1840-1880.  Patent No. 2,522  Improvement in the mode of fixing daguerreotype-impressions so as to allow of colors being applied to the same.  Benjamin R. Stevens & Lemuel Morse.  Lowell MA  Mar 28, 1842.

Benjamin R. Stevens is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as B. R. Stevens a possible daguerrean and inventor in 1842 in the partnership of Stevens & Morse.

Alonzo I. Snow

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

ND                  At Plumbe’s, Address and Location Unknown.

1845-1846       257 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.

1849                Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.

Alonzo I. Snow was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on October 13, 1845 in The Boston Daily Bee (Boston, Massachusetts).  Chase’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 257 Washington Street, Boston.  The most desirable location for this business in the city; first floor over Haskell & Howland’s large Silk and Shawl Store, in the new and splendid stone building, just erected, and entirely free from the many objections and annoyances inseparable from procuring likenesses at many other places.  The proprietor’s aim will be to make his rooms a genteel and fashionable place of resort, where the public are guarantied as good pictures as this beautiful and valuable art can produce, and his object being to Excel, no pains or expense will be spared to secure the most competent skill in every thing appertaining to the business, and he would be glad of every opportunity to compare his work, or put his skill in competition with others.

Mr. Snow, direct from Mr. Plumbe’s, where his long experience and unparalleled success prove he Cannot be Excelled, will conduct the operating department.  Persons desirous of having likenesses are respectfully invited to call, and the most fastidious shall be suited, or no charge.

Instruction given, apparatus and stock furnished, and warranted such as represented.  Pictures taken in any weather.   

Alonzo L. Snow is recorded in other photographic directories.  New information is the connection to John Plumbe, Jr. (probably Boston, Massachusetts) and Lorenzo G. Chase.

Paige & Beach

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

1848                Concert Hall, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Paige & Beach (Blanchard P. Paige & Albert Beach) was first recorded in unpublished research A Directory of Nineteenth Century Photographers of Washington, D. C., by Paula Fleming & Laurie Baty.  Paige & Beach proprietors for Plumbe Gallery, Washington, D.C.

They next appeared in an advertisement and article.  The advertisement appeared in the  New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York) on July 12, 1848 Henry Clay In His 71St Year.—Published this day, (June 6, 1848.) by E. Anthony, 205 Broadway, a beautiful steel mezzotint engraving of Henry Clay, drawn and engraved from several Daguerreotypes by H. H. Ritchie [Possibly Alexander Hay Ritchie]

This likeness was mainly taken from a fine Daguerreotype now in the possession of the subscriber, executed by Messrs. Paige & Beach, Washington.  The artists is also indebted to Daguerreotypes taken by Messrs. Root, Simons, and W. & F. Langenheim of Philadelphia, and M. B. Brady, M. M. Lawrence and the Plumbe Gallery of New York, to all of whom the subscriber takes this occasion to express his thanks for the liberality with which they placed their valuable pictures at his disposal.

In addition to its merits as an exquisite likeness, this picture stands unrivaled as a work of art.

The title prefixed to this advertisement will distinguish the engraving from any other likeness of Henry Clay published by the subscriber or others.

Price of Proofs on India paper, $1.                                                                                                                      Price of plain paper, 50 cents.                                                                                                                      Price of prints in enameled frames, from $1 upwards.                                                                            For sale by E. Anthony, 205 Broadway.

Daniel Webster.—Also a fine steel engraving of Daniel Webster by Ritchie, from an excellent Daguerreotype by Whipple, of the same size and style with the above.

To any Editor who will give the above advertisement, with this notice, a prominent insertion, a copy of Henry Clay will be forwarded on the receipt of the paper.

The article appeared in the American Telegraph (Washington, D. C.) on July 8, 1851.  A sad case.—about a week ago the records of the Criminal Court should that Albert Beach had been found guilty of obtaining money under false pretenses; and he was yesterday sentenced by Judge Crawford to the Penitentiary for eighteen months.

This man is, we suppose, about thirty-six years old.  He was educated to commercial business in the city of New York, where he afterward held a profitable and responsible position in one of the first establishments.  He subsequently followed the business of daguerreotyping in this city, with apparently very good success; and while so engaged, two or three years ago, married a most estimable and excellent young lady.  To the surprise of many, however, he suddenly sold out his interest in the daguerreotyping establishment, and threw himself out of business for a time; but after a little commenced an auction store, in which his career was brief, as many who had come to know him predicted.  His course was then rapidly downward, and instead of “swelling” at the hotels he turned to lounging at the groggeries; and instead of trying to effect “transactions” at wholesale stores, his aim was simply to “do” some poor fool out of a few dollars.  Caught in one of these tricks, he has at least been sentenced to the felon’s punishment….

The partnership of Paine & Beach is not recorded in published photographic directories.  Paine is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but Albert Beach is not.

C. L. Middlebrook

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1846                Address Unknown, Norfolk, Virginia.                                                                            1846                Address Unknown, Petersburgh, Virginia.

C. L. Middlebrook was mentioned in an article that appeared on August 4, 1846 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  At Norfolk…We had a grand ball last evening at the hotel, which was crowded to excess. The officers and belles danced with considerable spirit and animation, and seemed to enjoy themselves a good deal.  The band from the fort performed, and were led by W. E. Bloomfield, formerly of the New York brass band…We have here a branch of Plumb’s Daguerreotype establishment, under the management of Mr. C. L. Middlebrook, who does a good business here and at Petersburgh.  The idea is a very good one, too, for those young beaux who loose their hearts, if they cannot get the original, can be supplied with an excellent copy by Mr. M., and thus afford a temporarily relief to the victim of unrequited love in these “diggings.”

C. L. Middlebrook  is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Both Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Photographers In Virginia A Checklist by Louis Ginsberg list a C. S. Middlebrook in Petersburg.  It is possibly they are the same person.

J. A. McDougal

Portrait Painter, , , ,

1849                251 Broadway, New York, New York.

J. A. McDougal was recorded in one advertisement that ran 16 times between October 4 and November 23, 1849 in the New York Herald (New York, New York). Miniatures.—Mr. J. A. McDougal, Artist, Has returned to his studio, No. 251 Broadway, corner of Murray street, over Tenney’s, in Plumbe’s. Mr. McD. Is enabled by a process peculiar to himself, to copy Daguerreotypes, no matter how dim or faded, and give the expression as well as if from life.

J. A. McDougal is not listed in other photographic directories. This is probably James Alexander McDougall Miniaturist and portrait painter, and not a daguerreotypist.

Johnson & Gurney

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

1852                Rooms at the Odd-Fellows’ Building, Franklin, Louisiana.

Johnson & Gurney were recorded in three announcements and one advertisement in The Planters’ Banner (Franklin, Louisiana).  The first announcement appeared on April 3, 1852. Messrs. Johnson and Gurney daguerreotypist, have taken rooms at the Odd-Fellows’ building, for the purpose of “practicing the daguerrean art in all its minutiae.”  The specimens of their work, which may be seen at the entrance to their rooms, are highly finished and beautiful.  See their card in another column.

The advertisement ran from April 3 to 24, 1852.  Mr. Johnson, The Oldest Daguerreotypist now living, and Mr. Gurney, of the firm Gibbs & Gurney, of Vicksburg and Natchez, Miss., have opened a room in the Odd-Fellows’ Hall, at Franklin, where they will remain a short time, for the purpose of practicing the Daguerrean Art in all its minutiae.

Mr. Johnson is a pioneer in the business, has practiced the Art ever since its introduction into the United States, and is acknowledged by Root, Brady, Plumb and Hill, of New York, and Jacobs, Maguire and Moissenett, of New Orleans, to be the best artist now living in America, as almost all of the above artist have received their instructions direct from him.

We have a beautiful variety of Cases and Lockets of all descriptions, namely—Parodi Cases, Kossuth Cases, Jenny Lind Cases, Catharine Hayes, Eareka Cases, Bridal Cases, Breast Pins, &c.   The Citizens of Franklin and its Vicinity are invited to call and examine our specimens.  Perfect satisfaction given, or no charge made.  N. B.—A rare chance is now offered for obtaining instructions in this beautiful Art, direct from Mr. Johnson.   Charles E. Johnson.  M. J. Gurney.

The second announcement appeared on April 10, 1852.  Messrs. Johnson & Gurney Daguerreotypist, are making admirable pictures at their rooms, in the Odd Fellows’ building.

The third announcement appeared on April 17, 1852.  Messrs. Johnson & Gurney Daguerreotypist, will only remain at their rooms in the Odd Fellows’ building a few days longer.  Those needing pictures had better make an early call.

Johnson & Gurney (Charles E. Johnson & M. J. Gurney) are not recorded as being partners in other photographic directories.  Both are recorded in separately.