Tag Archives: Loyal Moses Ives

Ives, Loyal Moses

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , , , , ,

Ca. 1844-1846            Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.[1], [2], [3]

1847-1856                   142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.3

1851                            near the Old South [Church], Boston, Massachusetts.3

Ca. 1850-56.  Advertising Card in back of a Ninth Plate Daguerreotype.  Chris Steele’s collection.

Ives’ Daguerreian Gallery, 142 Washington St., Boston.  Prices of Daguerreotypes, 25 cents to 25 Dollars. 

N. B.—The 1st Class Medal and Diploma awarded, for specimens exhibited at the Mechanics’ Fair, Boston.  Operators, L. M. Ives, C. H. Collagan.

Information from The New York Historical Society’s Directory of Artists in America 1564-1860. (New Haven, Connecticut & London, England.)  P. 342.

Ives, Loyal Moss.  Portrait painter who worked in New Haven (Conn.) During the latter 1850’s and in NYC from about 1863 into the 1890’s

1850 September 19.  Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 19, 1850, Vol. XXI, No. 6194, P. 2.

Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association— …The display of Daguerreotypes at both ends of the room attracts very general attention, and many of the pieces appear to be in the highest perfection of the art.

The specimens of Southworth & Hawes, Boston, are greatly admired for their peculiar delicacy of finish.  The likenesses of Judge Woodbury, Mr. Winthrop, Prof. Greenleaf, Justice Merrill, &c, &c, and a copy of the Greek Slave, are at once recognized as perfectly lifelike, and true to the original.

The family groups furnished by J. A. Whipple, Boston, excel in this line—among them we notice the family of Lieut. Gov Reed.  There are also capital heads of Gov Briggs, Hon David Sears, Kah-ge-ga-ge-bowh, and a miniature full length portrait of Daniel Webster.

Other highly creditable specimens are contributed by Messrs Chase, Ives, and Hale & Co., of this city, J. Starkweather, Roxbury, and W. A. Perry & Co., Lowell…

1850 September.  Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Report (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 1850, N. P.

Exhibited daguerreotypes at the sixth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Fair.  A silver medal was awarded.

1850 September 19.  Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 19, 1850, Vol. XXI, No. 6194, P. 2.

 Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics Association— …The display of Daguerreotypes at both ends of the room attracts very general attention, and many of the pieces appear to be in the highest perfection of the art.

The specimens of Southworth & Hawes, Boston, are greatly admired for their peculiar delicacy of finish.  The likenesses of Judge Woodbury, Mr. Winthrop, Prof. Greenleaf, Justice Merrill, &c, &c, and a copy of the Greek Slave, are at once recognized as perfectly lifelike, and true to the original.

The family groups furnished by J. A. Whipple, Boston, excel in this line—among them we notice the family of Lieut Gov Reed.  There are also capital heads of Gov Briggs, Hon David Sears, Kah-ge-ga-ge-bowh, and a miniature full length portrait of Daniel Webster.

Other highly creditable specimens are contributed by Messrs. Chase, Ives, and Hale & Co., of this city, J. Starkweather, Roxbury, and W. A. Perry & Co., Lowell…

1850 October 16.  Railway Advertiser.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  October 16, 1850, Vol. 2, No. 13, P. 1.

Ives Daguerreotype Rooms!  142 Washington Street, Boston.  (Opposite The Foot Of School Street.)  The Public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens of daguerreotypes and for themselves.  jul 2.

Advertisement ran from Oct 16, 1850 to April 30, 1851.

1850 December 21.  Gazette Francaise.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  December 21, 1850, Vol. 1, No. 15, P. 4.

Daguerreotypes!  L. M. Ives, A la derniere Exposition une Medaille avec Diploma a ete accordee specimens, et garantit une parfait resemblances a tous ceux qui voudront bien l’honorer de leur confiance.

Advertisement was recorded fourteen times between December 21, 1850 to July 19, 1851.

1851 March 1.  The Daguerreian Journal.  (New York, New York.) March 1, 1851, Vol. 1, No. 1, N. P.

Lister in the Daguerreian Artist Register (March 1 to April 15, 1851 as L. M. Joes, 142 Washington St., Boston) and as L. M. Ives from May 1 to Dec. 15, 1851 at 142 Washington St., Boston.

Advertisement ran from March 1 to December 15, 1851.

1851 May 15.  The Daguerreian Journal.  (New York, New York.)  May 15, 1851, Vol. 2, No. 1, P. 19.

L. M. Ives of Joston, [sic.] is, we understand, producing some exquisite specimens of Daguerreotypes. Success.

1851 June 1.  The Daguerreian Journal.  (New York, New York.)  June 1, 1851, Vol. 2, No. 2, P. 53.

L. M. Ives of Boston, will please pardon us (or rather or printer) for the mistake in the Journal in his name and locality.  Mr. I. being himselfa sure operator, will certainly pardon a failure in others.  We will endeavor to do better in future.

1851 July 1.  The Daguerreian Journal.  (New York, New York.)  July 1, 1851, Vol. 2, No. 4, P. 114-115.

Boston Daguerreotypists….Mr. Ives we found very busy with his customers, and after taking a hurried look through his collection of specimens, we were not in the least surprised to find so many waiting their turn.

1851 September 8.  Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 8, 1851, Vol. XXII, No. 6494, P. 1.

A Family Picture…

Let me say to the young men of Boston, whose parental home is in the country, that if they would awaken the affection that lingers around the family hearth, next to that of their living presence—they should send home a fine daguerreotype—such as Ives, or Ormsby and Silsbee, of Washington street, can produce.  A picture where every feature and expression are so finely delineated, and the tone and color so well preserved, that it appears more the reflection from a mirror, than the result of a chemical process.  Such a present to a parent or sister, would be one of the most valuable that could be made, and should death take the original away, this truthful representation would be invaluable.  In this way, at a trifling expense, a whol;e family may leave a memorial which would be greatly prized by the living.  What amount of money, would purchase from a mother the daguerreotype of her dead son?  With this happy thought I close this family letter.  Yours very truly, G. Q. C.

1851 September 9.  Dover Enquirer.  (Dover, New Hampshire.)  September 9, 1851, Vol. XXV, No. 15, P. 3.

Premium Daguerreotypes.  Ives, Daguerrean Artist, 142 Washington Street.  Boston.

Advertisement ran from September 9 to October 7, 1851.

1851 September 11.  Green-Mountain Freeman.  (Montpelier, Vermont.)  September 11, 1851, Vol. VIII, No. 37, P. 3.

Premium Daguerreotypes.  Ives, Daguerrean Artist, 142 Washington Street.  Boston.

Advertisement ran from September 11 to October 9, 1851.

1851 September 13.  New Hampshire Statesman.  (Concord, New Hampshire.)  September 13, 1851, Vol. XXX, No. 1581, P. 3.

Premium Daguerreotypes.  Ives, Daguerrean Artist, 142 Washington Street.  Boston.

Advertisement ran from September 13 to October 11, 1851.

1851 October 1.  Cheshire Republican and Farmer.  (Keene, New Hampshire.)  October 1, 1845, Vol. 18, No. 8, Whole No. 1255, P. 4.

Premium Daguerreotypes.  Ives, Daguerrean Artist, 142 Washington Street, Boston.

Advertisement was recorded on October 1 & 8, 1851.

1851 November 15.  The Carpet Bag.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  Vol. 1, No. 33, P. 4.

Daguerreotypes.—The pictures taken by Ives & Black, near the Old South, are unsurpassed for the beauty of their finish and the correctness of their portraiture.  It is almost inexcusable in any one to neglect securing pictures of relatives and friends, in view of the facilities now afforded for doing so.  Years ago, when a miniature was a work of great labor and expense, and then was often dependent upon the partiality of friends to decipher the resemblance it bore to those whom it was intended to represent, a picture of a loved object was not to be hoped for by a poor man—in his memory, alone, could the likeness be cherished, unless, perhaps, it was recalled dimly by some queer old black profile, that hung smoke dried on the wall, like that of “corporal Paul” in Mrs. Partington’s back sitting-room.  But now everyone has it in his power to save the semblance of friends in these exquisite pictures, which look out lovingly upon the living though Death may have claimed the originals years agone.  Messrs Ives & Black execute Talbotypes superbly, and specimens we examined recently, we found it difficult to distinguish from the finest lithographs.

1852.  Boston City Directory.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  1852/1853, P. 35.  Published by George Adams, 1852.

Premium Daguerreotypes, By L. M. Ives, 142 Washington Street, Boston.

The Public are Respectfully Invited To Call and Examine Specimens.  Customers can be sure of as good pictures as the specimens exhibited.  Perfect Satisfaction Guarantied.

1852 October 16.  The Carpet Bag.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  Vol. 2, No. 29, P. 27.

To Pathfinders!—Among the numerous paths in the City of Notions, there is one leading to L. M. Ives’s Daguerrian Gallery, 142 Washington Street.

Strangers visiting the city are respectfully invited to call, and examine a large collection of Premium Daguerreotypes, and whoever wishes a picture may feel sure of perfect satisfaction being give.  jan 14

1852 December 4.  The Carpet-Bag.  (Boston, Massachusetts.) Vol. 2, No. 36, P. 6. 

Whipple’s Crysalotypes are charming specimens of this class of daguerreotypes.  All the softness and distinctness of lithography are preserved with the correctness and beauty of the daguerreotype.  The pictures of the President elect and the late R. Rantoul, Jr., may well be referred to in proof of what we say.  Those familiar with the features of these notables may see at a glance the life-likeness preserved in their pictures.  Mr. Whipple’s room abound with splendid specimens of daguerreotypes and crysalotypes, worthy the attention of all interested in art.  Mr. Black, formerly with Ives, presides over the crysalotype department, and the excellence of his productions is a lasting monument of his skill.

1853.  Boston City Directory.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  P. 33.  Published by George Adams, 1853.

Premium Daguerreotypes, By L. M. Ives, 142 Washington Street, Boston.

The Public are Respectfully Invited To Call and Examine Specimens.  Customers can be sure of as good pictures as the specimens exhibited.  Perfect Satisfaction Guarantied.

1853 July 12.  Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  July 12, 1853, Vol. XXIV, No. 7061, P. 3. 

New Daguerreotype Rooms.  140 Washington Street, Seaver & Butler, having recently purchased these rooms, and neatly fitted and newly furnished them throughout, till they are surpassed in convenience and elegance by none in the city, are now prepared to take Likenesses with promptness, in the very best style of the art, and in every size and mode of finish.  The public are respectfully invited to give them a call.  Entire satisfaction guaranteed.

Mr. Seaver having been employed as Operator at Ives’s Establishment, for over a year past, would be pleased to see his numerous friends and acquaintances at his new place of business, where they will meet with entire satisfaction, as heretofore.

Advertisement ran from July 12 to 25, 1853.

1854 June 3.  Boston Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  June 3, 1854, Vol. XXV, No. 7338, P. 3.

25 Cents Daguerreotypes.  Good Daguerreotypes are taken at Ives’s, 142 Washington st., for 25 cents.

Advertisement ran from June 3 to 9, 1854.

1854 December 13.  Boston Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  December 13, 1854, Vol. XXV, No. 7501, P. 2.

A splendid Portrait.  Mr. Charles H. Brainard has this day published a very accurate and striking likeness of the Rev. Theodore Parker, drawn by Grozelier, from a daguerreotype by L. M. Ives, and printed by L. H. Bradford & Co….

1855 August.  The Photographic And Fine Arts Journal.  (New York, New York.)  August 1855, New Series Vol. II, Old Series VIII, No. 8. P. 247.

A Trip to Boston.—Boston Artist…

…Of Mr. Ives and Mr. Chase, both also located in Washington street, and both devoting their attention to daguerreotypes exclusively, I can speak in terms of high commendation.  By their many beautiful productions they have shown themselves able proficients in their art, while by their character and manners they do honor to their profession.

M. A. R., Philadelphia, cor. Chestnut and Fifth sts.

[1] The American Daguerreotype P. 397.  Partnership of Chase & Ives.

[2] The Camera and the Pencil Or, The Heliographic Art, P. 361.

[3] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Collagan, Charles H.

Ambrotypes, , , ,

C1850-1856    142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1857                142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.                                   

1858                142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1

1860                North Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts.1

Ca. 1850-55.   Advertising Card in back of a Ninth Plate Daguerreotype.

Ives’ Daguerreian Gallery, 142 Washington St., Boston.  Prices of Daguerreotypes, 25 cents to 25 Dollars.  N. B.—The 1st Class Medal and Diploma awarded, for specimens exhibited at the Mechanics’ Fair, Boston.  Operators, L. M. Ives, C. H. Collagan.

1857 May 18.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   May 18, 1857, No. 10, 546, P. 4.

C. H. Collagan, Ambrotype and Daguerrean Artist, Respectfully informs his friends and the public that he may be found at his old quarters, 142 Washington Street, (at the Gallery formerly occupied by L. M. Ives,) where he will be most happy to meet all their requirements in his line, having every facility to Give Perfect Satisfaction to all wanting Ambrotypes or Daguerreotypes, at the lowest possible prices, in a range from Twenty-Five Cents to Twenty-Five Dollars.  To give good pictures, and Good Pictures Only, will be the moto of this establishment, and we shall therefore pay Particular Attention To Children’s Pictures, as well as to all branches of the business.  142 Washington street,  142.Advertisement ran from May 18 to 22, 1847.

Advertisement ran from May 18 to 22, 1857.

1857 June 9.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   June 9, 1857, No. 10, 564, P. 2.

The Truth will Prevail.  Collagan is the only Ambrotypist that gives perfect satisfaction on 25 cent pictures.  Room 142 Washington st.

1857 June 11.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   June 11, 1857, No. 10, 566, P. 4.

Terrible Results Of Carelessness.  The foolish citizens who go anywhere but to Collagan’s, No. 142 Washington street, to get 25 cent Ambrotypes, find they are “sold” when it is too late.

1857 June 15.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   June 15, 1857, No. 10, 569, P. 4.

It will save thousands from disappointment if they will avoid “blowing establishments,” and go to Collagan’s, 142 Washington street, to get their 25 cent Ambrotypes.

1857 June 18.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   June 18, 1857, No. 10, 572, P. 2.

Collagan’s 25 cent Ambrotype Rooms, 142 Washington street.

1857 June 24.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   June 24, 1857, No. 10, 577, P. 2.

A Happy Lot Of People.  Every one feels perfectly happy after visiting Collagan’s Ambrotype Rooms, 142 Washington street.  It is the only place in Boston where people are allowed to satisfy themselves on 25 cent pictures.

1857 July 2.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   July 2, 1857, No. 10, 584, P. 4.

A Free Banquet On The Fourth.  In order to make up for the loss of the City Regatta, there will be a sumptuous feast spread at Collagan’s Gallery, 142 Washington street, where all may freely feast their eyes on the 25 cent ambrotypes taken by that artist.

1857 July 3.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   July 3, 1857, No. 10, 585, P. 4.

The City Procession will halt in front of the Ambrotype Gallery of C. H. Collagan, 142 Washington street, while the people pay tribute to the artist who takes pictures until sitters are perfectly satisfied.

1857 July 9.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   July 9, 1857, No. 10, 590, P. 4.

Collagan’s Ambrotypes are perfect gems, and any one doubting it can be confirmed by calling at his old rooms, 142 Washington street.

1857 October 28.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   October 28, 1857, No. 10, 685, P. 4.

Ambrotypes for 6 cents, taken by Collagan, at 142 Washington street.  A liberal discount made to Artists.  The poor considered.

1857 October 29.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   October 29, 1857, No. 10, 686, P. 2. 

Hold Your Horses!  Collagan takes splendid ambrotypes for only 6 cents.  Children only 10 cents.  Rooms 142 Washington street.

1857 October 31.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   October 31, 1857, No. 10, 688, P. 4.

Six Cent Ambrotypes!  Not genuine, unless taken by Collagan, at his original six cent rooms, 142 Washington street.

1857 November 2.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 2, 1857, No. 10, 689, P. 4.

The Cheapest Yet.  Six cent pictures, warranted perfect, at Collagan’s, 142 Washington street.  Every picture well varnished for the above price.

1857 November 4.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 4, 1857, No. 10, 691, P. 2.

As High As A Kite.  Collagan, of No. 142 Washington street, knocks his competitors “as high as a kite.”  He takes ambrotypes for six cents!

1857 November 5.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 5, 1857, No. 10, 692, P. 2.

Reader, do you want a large sized Ambrotype in a case?  The same as you have been paying $1.50 for?  If so, Collagan of 142 Washington street, will take you one for 25 cents.

1857 November 5.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 5, 1857, No. 10, 692, P. 4.

Pictures Given To The Poor, During the entire day next Saturday, Collagan, at 142 Washington street, will take pictures of the poor free of any expense.  Come children and all on that day.

Advertisement ran from November 5 to 7, 1857.

1857 November 6.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 6, 1857, No. 10, 693, P. 2.

A Sight For Six Cents.  It is worth six cents to see Collagan, the originator of the six cent ambrotypes; and by going to No 142 Washington street, you can see him and get a picture for six cents.

1857 November 9.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 9, 1857, No. 10, 695, P. 2.

As Good Pictures as ever were taken in Summer Street, if not better, taken for six cents, at No. 142 Washington street, at Collagan’s Gallery.

1857 November 10.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 10, 1857, No. 10, 696, P. 2.

Look You Here!  For six cents Collagan gives you an ambrotype the size of the original 25 cent ones, and for 25 cents a larger size, neatly put in case or frame, as you may desire.—Rooms 142 Washington street.

1857 November 11.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 11, 1857, No. 10, 697, P. 4.

Four Hundred pictures of the poor were given away at Collagan’s 142 Washington st., on Saturday last, and he continues to take the best ambrotypes for six cents.

1857 November 16.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 16, 1857, No. 10, 701, P. 4.

The Man For The People.  Collagan of 142 Washington street, will give you two large loaves of bread and a perfect Ambrotype, all for the small sum of 25 cents.

1857 November 19.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 19, 1857, No. 10, 704, P. 2.

Collagan’s Advice to the Community.  If any of you have $1.25 to pay for an Ambrotype instead of patronizing some stupid blockhead, who mistakes his calling, you had better give $1 of it to some poor person, and for the remaining 25 cents, Collagan will give you a large sized picture, in a case.

Advertisement ran on November 19 & 20, 1857.

Everything on a Level.  Large size Ambrotypes taken perfect, and put in good cases for 25 cents each, at Collagan’s Gallery, 142 Washington street.  Fancy Cases at one third the usual price.

1857 November 25.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   November 25, 1857, No. 10, 709, P. 4.

Have you Heard the News!  To-morrow Is Thanksgiving Day, and Collagan, 142 Washington St., will take Ambrotypes all day, at astonishingly low prices.  Fancy Cases, suitable for presents, at one third the usual price.  Come one and all, and come early!

1857 December 3.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   December 3, 1857, No. 10, 715, P. 2.

A Magnificent Charity!  It beats the Soup House excitement to see the people rushing to Collagan’s, No. 142 Washington street, to get those beautiful large Ambrotypes, for 25 cents, and to receive, in addition, Two Loaves Of Bread For Nothing!

1857 December 5.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   December 5, 1857, No. 10, 717, P. 4.

Don’t throw your Money Away Buying miserable Ambrotypes of poor operators, but takes 6 cents and go to Collagan’s. where you can get suited.  Recollect the number, 142 Washington st.

1857 December 14.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   December 14, 1857, No. 10, 724, P. 4.

Lose another Dollar, And by that time you will learn a lesson worth knowing Collagan is the People’s Artist, and can be found at his old quarters, 142 Washington Street.

1857 December 23.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   December 23, 1857, No. 10, 732, P. 2.

A Hint.  Those would-be Ambrotype artists, who visit the Rooms of Mr. Collagan, 142 Washington street, and behave in such a very gentlemanly manner, are reminded that should wish to repeat their visit, they will find the proprietor more ready to appreciate their civilities than the ladies attached to the establishment.

1857 December 25.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   December 25, 1857, No. 10, 734, P. 2.

Closing the Daguerrian Galleries.  It matters to the people if all other places are closed to-day (Christmas,) so long as it is known that Collagan, of No. 142 Washington street, will keep open, and take Ambrotypes as usual.

Advertisement ran on December 25 & 26, 1857.

1858 January 30.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   January 30, 1858, No. 10, 764, P. 4.

Charles H. Collagan Would be happy to see an Old Schoolmate, formerly of Baldwin, Me., at his Ambrotype Rooms, 142 Washington street.

Advertisement ran on January 30 & February 1, 1858.

1858 February 9.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   February 9, 1858, No. 10, 772, P. 2.

Curiosities of Literature:  The puffs, written by sundry verdant youths, of a so called Ambrotype Saloon in the neighborhood of Summer street.  The “puffs” and the “pictures” are of the same school, and the wise will not be deceived by them.  Those who wish a true, artistic picture, should visit the rooms of Collagan, 142 Washington street, where they can procure a better picture for 12½ cents, and the balance can be expended in some work of charity.

1858 February 16.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   February 16, 1858, No. 10, 778, P. 2.

Where are you Going?  To Collagan’s, 142 Washington street, to get one of his Six Cent Ambrotypes.  This beats the world.  Collagan is ahead, and everybody else is—Nowhere!

1858 February 27.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   February 27, 1858, No. 10, 788, P. 4.

True Artists.  Thos who would have their Pictures taken by True Artists should visit Collagan’s extensive Ambrotype Gallery, at 142 Washington Street.

1858 March 4.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   March 4, 1858, No. 10, 792, P. 4.

Military Orders……Attention! 

Come, from the hill-side, and up thro’ the valley,

Over the river, the lake and the sea,—

Leave in the furrow the ploughshare, and rally,

Lithe as an army whose banners are free!

All ye who prize the familiar dear faces,

Gentle and faithful, tender and true;

Attention! march! The best Ambrotype place is

Number on Washington street, one forty-two.

Given at Headquarters, 142 Washington St., over the propeller Printing Rooms.

Sol, (familiarly called “Ols Sol,” Lieutenant General.  C. H. Collagan, Private Secretary.

1858 March 8.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   March 8, 1858, No. 10, 795, P. 4.

The World in Arms! 

Crinoline’s the rage, and Caroline is pretty,

Over the water they sport the jupon rogue;

Little girls are queens, and the little kingdom, “Britty,”

Laughingly points us its streamer, grand and huge.

All this we Yankees can wink at and whistle—

Go it! we cry to our cousins o’er the blue;

All through the realms of rose, shamrock and thistle,

No one such Ambrotypes as Collagan can do!

‘Seek him in Washington street, one forty-two.

1858 April 12.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)   April 12, 1858, No. 10,825, P. 2.

See!  See!  See!  The Best Ambrotypes are taken by I. Bent, Artist, No. 142 Washington street, a few doors below the Old South Church, formerly Collagan’s.  Everybody gets pleased there.

1858 December 25.  American Traveller.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  December 25, 1858, Vol. XX, No. 52, P. 2.

An Alleged Spiritual Exposure.—Mr. C. H. Collagan, of West Newton, has written a long letter to the Courier, in which he makes certain statements in regard to J. V. Mansfield, a well known “spirit Medium” of this city.  Mr. Mansfield has carried on quite an extensive business in selling portraits of the departed, which purported to have been painted by spirits, but which, in reality, were painted by Mr. Collagan, under the direction of Mr. M., either from a daguerreotype likeness or from Mr. M.’s descriptions.  Mr. Collagan relates several instances of this nature, and is desirous of corresponding with any person who may have received such portraits from Mansfield.  One of the last picture she drew for Mansfield was what purported to be the spirit-bride of a clergyman of Portsmouth, N. H.  Mansfield said there had been a great wedding, at which the clergyman had been wedded to a spirit, but afterwards owned up to the humbug of the affair.

He requested Mr. Collagan to draw the picture, saying it was not so material as to the style of face, so long as it was very beautiful.  It was drawn in muslin robes, and a rose was placed in the bride’s hand because the minister was found of flowers.  Mansfield said the clergyman paid $10 for the picture, and it was to be hung up in his church in Portsmouth.

Mr. C. was next asked to draw a picture of the clergyman’s deceased mother, and commenced the work, but threw up the business before finishing.  Mansfield would sometimes say when he gave an order that it was for a believer, and that Mr. C. need not be very particular about it, as they were easy to please.

Mr. Collagan first formed the acquaintance of this “Medium” two years ago.  He had several sittings with him, and received through him several communications which purported to have emanated from the spirit world.

In conclusion, he says: “I have expended a great deal of money in investigating Spiritualism, and, whatever may be my opinion as regards the phenomena I have witnessed, I am fully satisfied that there never has been a portrait drawn through spirit influence, and that all the so-called spirit-artists are imposters, and that their disgraceful attempts are lacking in talent, taste, and education in art.”  Mr. Collagan has been led to make these disclosures on account of Mansfield’s failure to pay him for his labor, the account having once been placed in a lawyer’s hands for collection.

[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

Seaver & Butler

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1853-1856       140 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

Seaver & Butler (Chandler Seaver, Jr. & George H. Butler) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Boston Daily Evening Transcript (Boston, Massachusetts).  The announcement appeared on July 12, 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  It will be seen by reference to our advertising columns, that Messrs. Seaver & Butler have established themselves at No. 140 Washington street, where they would be happy to see their friends and the public, and to serve them in the line of their art.

The advertisement ran from July 12 to 25, 1853.  New Daguerreotype Rooms.  140 Washington Street, Seaver & Butler, having recently purchased these rooms, and neatly fitted and newly furnished them throughout, till they are surpassed in convenience and elegance by none in the city, are now prepared to take Likenesses with promptness, in the very best style of the art, and in every size and mode of finish.  The public are respectfully invited to give them a call.  Entire satisfaction guaranteed.

Mr. Seaver having been employed as Operator at Ives’s Establishment, for over a year past, would be pleased to see his numerous friends and acquaintances at his new place of business, where they will meet with entire satisfaction, as heretofore.

Chandler Seaver, Jr and George H. Butler are both recorded in other photographic directories.  The new information is that the partnership started in 1853 and that Seaver worked for Loyal Moses Ives in 1852.

[1] 1854-1856 A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.