1845 Address Unknown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]
1845 17 Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]
1846 Address Unknown, Wilmington, Delaware.
1846 Address Unknown, Washington, Delaware.
1846 Court House, Annapolis, Maryland.1
1846 Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia.1
N. D. Address Unknown, Frederick, Maryland.1
N. D. Court House, Hagerstown, Maryland.1
N. D. Address Unknown, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.1
N. D. Address Unknown, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.1
1847-1848 Address Unknown, Winchester, Virginia.1
1848 Rooms in the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.
1850 Address Unknown, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.
1850-1852 Various towns in Pennsylvania.1
1846 January 29. The Boston Daily Mail. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 29, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 45, P. 2.
Baer, the ‘Buckeye Blacksmith,’ is now taking daguerreotype likenesses at Wilmington, Del. If we mistake not, he drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840.
1846 January 30. Blue Hens Chicken & Delaware Democratic Whig. (Wilmington, Delaware.) January 30, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 24, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Likenesses. Mr. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, respectfully informs the citizens of Wilmington and vicinity, that he has taken the room occupied by Messrs. Miller & Co., as a Writing School. He will warrant a correct likeness not to fade, in a good Morocco Case for one dollar and a half. Jan. 16.
1846 February 7. The Hartford Times. (Hartford, Connecticut.) February 7, 1846, Vol. XXX, No. 1520, P. 3.
Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is now taking daguerreotypes likenesses at Wilmington, Del. If we mistake not. He drew some very good portraits during the political campaign of 1840. Boston Mail.
1846 February 21. Democratic Banner. (Bowling Green, Missouri.) February 21, 1846, Vol. 1, No. 50, p. 1.
Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is Taking Daguerreotypes likenesses at Washington, Delaware.
1846 October 6. The Spirit of the Times. (Batavia, New York.) October 6, 1846, Vol. 28, No. 16, P. 3.
John W. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith, who has figured considerably as a whig stump speaker, is now taking daguerreotype likenesses in Annapolis, Md.
1846 October 23. American Republican and Baltimore Daily Clipper. (Baltimore, Maryland.) October 23, 1846, Volume XV, No. 99, P. 4.
Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, is across the Potomac, in Alexandria, taking daguerreotype likenesses. He is a kind of man-of-all-work. First a blacksmith, next a political orator, afterwards an Indian agent, then a temperance lecturer, and now a daguerreotypist.
1846 November 2. The Columbian Fountain. (Baltimore, Maryland.) November 2, 1846, Volume 1, No. 273, P. 2.
Mr. Bear, The Buckeye Blacksmith is still alive and kicking, and is at present taking daguerreotype likenesses in Alexandria, Va.
1846 November 18. Auburn Journal and Advertiser. (Auburn, New York.) November 18, 1846, Vol. 14, No. 29, P. 2.
John W. Baer, the “Buckeye Blacksmith,” is established at Alexandria, Va., as a Daguerreotypist, and meets with great encouragement. If he can portray features as well as he did the political iniquities of Van Burenisn, we do not wonder at his success,
1848 July 25. Spirit of Jefferson. (Charles Town, Virginia.) July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 2.
Correct Pictures. Mr. John W. Bear has opened rooms at the Court House for the purpose of receiving visits of those who may desire Daguerreotypes—Mr. B. has in his position the best apparatus that has ever been in our place, or else is the best operator—probably both, combined—for his pictures are certainly the most correct delineations of the originals that we have ever seen. Having examined his specimens we can speak thus positively, and all who desire good pictures will do well to “embrace the present opportunity.” His card will be found in another column.
1848 July 25. Spirit of Jefferson. (Charles Town, Virginia.) July 25, 1848, Volume V, No. 3, P. 3.
Only $1.50 for the Best Daguerreotype Likeness ever taken in Charlestown—
Mr. J. W. bear respectfully informs the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Court House, for a few days only, where, with the latest and best apparatus ever imported, and materials of the first quality, he is fully prepared to execute Daguerreotype Likenesses, of all sizes, in a style not to be surpassed by any other artist in the country. Giving to the picture a bold relief from that deadness usually seen in Daguerreotypes, [and] fully developing the eyes, (the imperfections of which have so long been an objection to this class of Miniatures.) and giving the whole picture a life-like appearance unusually seen in the Daguerreotype Miniature.
Likenesses of Children, as young as two years, taken in exquisite style; and where is the parent that would not pay the paltry sum of $1.50, for a correct likeness at that interesting age?
Family groups taken on the largest scale ever taken in this country, in splendid style and at moderate prices.
Single pictures, medium sizes, colored true to life, and warranted not to fade for $1.50, including a fine morocco case.
As his stay will be limited to a few days, those wishing to procure miniatures or examine specimens would do well to call soon.
Miniatures taken without regard to the state of the weather from 6 o’clock, A. M., until 5 o’clock P. M. Instructions given in the art with all the latest Improvements for a reasonable price.
RULES.
No person shall be bound to take a picture unless they and their friends who are present when it is taken are satisfied that it is a correct likeness. But no miniatures will be taken back and retaken after it leaves the room, under $1.
Call as soon for my prices are low. If your pictures don’t please you I’ll call it no go. Likenesses of servants taken in a splendid style. Charlestown, July, 25, 1848.
Advertisement ran from July 25 to August 15, 1848.
1850 May 9. The Star of the North. (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.) May 9, 1850, Volume 2, No. 15, P. 3.
We announced in our last issue the arrival of J. W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, and we must this week record his departure for Orwigsburg, attended by an escort of one or two constables. His charge is seduction under promise of marriage. The girl is a resident of Pottsville.—Schuylkill Haven Map.
1850 May 30. Jefferson Republican. (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.) May 30 1850, Volume 10, No. 40, P. 3.
John W. Bear. We learn that the suits commenced against John W. Bear, the Buckeye Blacksmith, have been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice. Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.
1850 June 6. The Star of the North. (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.) June 6, 1850, Volume 2, No. 19, P. 3.
To The Public. Mr. B. Bannan:—Sir—I perceived a small paragraph in the Miners Journal of Saturday 18th inst., stating that the prosecution or suits commenced against John W. Bear, “had been withdrawn at the instance of the prosecutor, who admits that he acted under improper advice, and that Mr. Bear is busily engaged in taking Daguerreotypes at Orwigsburg.” In reply to which, I beg leave to answer, that the withdrawal of the suits was at the instance of John W. Bear’s Counsel, which, after reflection and consideration, I yielded to, upon the payment of costs and expenses, and with the understanding that he, (Bear,) would leave the county in a short time, permanently. With reference to my having admitted that I had acted under improper advice, this is entirely incorrect.—Before the suits were brought, as since, and at present, I conceive it to be my duty, and the duty of every parent in this and all communities, to try and save their children from the seductive snare of the aged and artful, who are disposed to offer violence to the young and unwary, altho’ at the expanse of broken hearts of parents, family, and friends.
Your humble serv’t, most respectfully, James Staats. Pottsville, May 21st, 1850.
[1] The Life And Travels of John W. Bear, “The Buckeye Blacksmith.” P. 138-152. .
[2] Boston City Directory, Residence Listing. Not recorded in Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 