Tag Archives: Lynchburg Virginia

J. Ward

1847-1848       Nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, Lynchburg, Virginia.

J. Ward was recorded in two advertisements in the Lynchburg Republican (Lynchburg, Virginia).  The first advertisement was recorded on November 15, 1847.  Daguerreotyping.  The subscriber having taken the rooms recently occupied by Mr. Gibbs as a Daguerrean Gallery, is prepared to take Photographic miniatures upon a plan embracing all the latest improvement in this beautiful art.  Miniatures taken in clear or cloudy weather, and warranted a fac-simile of the original.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.  He will keep constantly on hand a supply of celebrated [Quick], and all other materials used in the art, which he will furnish to those wanting, on liberal terms.  Instructions given at reduced prices.  J. Ward.  August 12.

The second advertisement was recorded four times between May 3 to June 17, 1848.  Miniatures.  The subscriber having recently repaired his rooms, so as to make them more comfortable in every respect, will be ready on the 1st of March to give all those desiring it, an exact copy of themselves or friends.  Having received new materials altogether, he will be better prepared than heretofore to execute with neatness  dispatch, anything in his line.

Galvanizing done in the best style and on reasonable terms.  J. Ward.  Feb. 24.

J. Ward is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Tanner & Cochran

1857                Main Street, Lynchburg, Virginia.

Tanner & Cochran (N. S. Tanner & A. Cochran) were recorded in one advertisement on August 26, 1857 in the Lynchburg Daily Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  N. S. Tanner & Co. Photographers, Main St. 3rd Door From Bridge Lynchburg, Va.

New Copartnership.—The undersigned have formed a copartnership under the style and firm of N. S. Tanner & Co. for the purpose of conducting a general Photographic business, at the old stand of Minnis & Tanner, the copartnership dating from the 1st January, 1857.  The business will be greatly enlarged, and everything new in the business will be found at our Gallery, and pictures warranted to please.

We are agents for the sale of Neff’s Patent Melaniotype Rights.  Melaniotype, is a new and beautiful style of picture, and can be colored very highly with pleasing effect.  The Melaniotype manual contains full and complete instructions in Ambrotyping, Photographing on paper, and infact everything that belongs to the business.  Also Lockets, Breast Pins, Rings, &c.

Instruction in either of the above arts given on reasonable terms, and satisfaction given in all cases.  N. S. Tanner, A. Cochran.   may 6.

Tanner & Cochran are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Unfortunately, this was the only newspaper available for 1857.

Stabler & Jones

1856                Address Unknown, Lynchburg, Virginia.

Stabler & Jones (no first names recorded) appeared in one advertisement that was recorded on August 26, 1856 in the  Lynchburg Daily Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Talbotypists’ And Ambrotypists’ Materials.—A large supply Acetic Acid fort, Sulphuric Ether, Acetic Acid glassical, Sulphate Iron in Chrystals, Nitrate of Silver in Chrystals, Cyanide of Potash, Hyposulphite Soda, &c., just received by Stabler & Jones.  May12.

Stabler & Jones are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Stabler & Jones appear from advertisements to be druggists who also sold teas, seeds, brandy & port, soap and sewing machines.

W. A. Retzer

1844                341 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1845                129 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1846-1847       Rooms one door above Citizens’ Bank. Lynchburg, Virginia.

W. A. Retzer was recorded in four advertisements and one announcement.  The first advertisement ran from May 28 to August 31, 1846 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Silver Medal Awarded by the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, and the American Institute, New York, from Improved Daguerreotype Likenesses, taken by Van Loan & Retzer.

W. A. Retzer’s rooms one door above the Citizens’ Saving Bank. Lynchburg, Va. Where can be seen specimens of those exquisite works of art, which are pronounced by scientific gentlemen of Philadelphia and New York, to stand unrivalled either in Europe or America.

Oil Paintings, Miniatures, and all kinds of Pictures accurately copied.

Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.

It is a common idea that these pictures will not stand the test of time—all such defect is entirely moved, as they are gilded by the galvanic process and will never fade.  Instructions given in the art, and apparatus of the most approved kind furnished.  Materials of all kinds used in the art for sale.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

Pen  from 8 o’clock, A. M. to 6 P. M.

The announcement appeared on January 7, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  List Of Letters Remaining in the Post Office in Lynchburg, on the 1st day of January 1847…Retzer, Wm. A.

The second advertisement was recorded on January 28, March 18 & 22, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Having appointed J. H. Fitzgibbon my agent in Lynchburg for the sale of Pictures, Cammeras (sic.) Plates, Chemicals, Cases and all other articles used in the Daguerreotype business.  Operators in this section of the Country will find it to their advantage to give me a call for they will find all articles at the Northern prices. Instructions also given in the Art.

Pictures taken as usual at my room nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, in all kinds of weather. Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine the numerous specimens I now have on hand. Open from 8 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M.

The third advertisement he was mentioned in first appeared on April 5, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

The fourth advertisement that he was mentioned in appeared on May 3, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

W. A. Retzer is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active Lynchburg, Virginia.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a W. A. Retzer being active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1844-1845. Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 also records him in Philadelphia in 1840-41.

James Keagy

1850                Rooms at the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

1851-1852       Rooms at the Va. House, Staunton, Virginia.

1852-1853       Rooms opposite the Spectator Office, Staunton, Virginia.

1855                Gallery next door to the Virginia Bank, Lynchburg, Virginia.[1]

James Keagy was recorded in three announcements and six advertisements in four different newspapers.  The first announcement appeared on April 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson  (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Keagy, a daguerrean Artist of considerable merit, is now sojourning in our town, and has his rooms at the Court House.  He has already taken some among the finest likenesses we have ever seen, and is prepared to do any work pertaining to the Daguerrean art.

The first advertisement was recorded on 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures Taken In The Best Style By J. Keagy, Daguerrian Artist.  Rooms at the Court-House, where he will remain but a short time, for the purpose of taking Miniatures by the improved Daguerrian process.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and Jefferson and cordially invited to call and examine Specimens which the subscriber feels confident will commend him to the patronage of all who wish good Daguerreotype Portraits.

N. B. These Miniatures are taken in all kinds of weather.  Miniatures set in Lockets, Rings, etc. in the best style.

The second advertisement ran from October 29, 1851 to July 21, 1852 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The subscriber begs the attention of the ladies and Gentlemen of Staunton and the adjacent country, to his collection of splendid Daguerreotypes.  He takes them in an entirely new style.—Please call soon Ladies and Gentlemen, as my stay will be short.  Rooms at the Va. House.  James Keagy.

The third advertisement ran from July 28 to December 22, 1852 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Staunton Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  The subscriber has just opened his new Daguerrean Gallery, opposite the Spectator Office, where he will be happy to see all who are at all interested in the beautiful art of Photography.

Having a fine sky and side lights and every other facility, he is prepared to produce the finest results of which the art is capable.  The very great advantage of sky-light is known to all who have given any attention to the subject.  Entire satisfaction given in all cases, or no charge.

Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.  Dark dressing greatly preferable.  J. Keagy.

The fourth advertisement ran from December 22, 1852 to January 19, 1853 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Call at once if you wish Splendid Daguerreotypes of yourself or friends.  J. Keagy has just returned from New York, where he has been for the purpose of improving himself in his profession.  He is now making the finest pictures ever made in the Valley of Virginia.  He has an entirely new style of picture, which is surpassingly beautiful—the Stereoscope, one of the great wonders of the age.  Call at once and see specimens.  The apparatus is entirely new and of very large size.

The fifth advertisement ran on January 19 & 26, 1853 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  J. Keagy, Daguerreanist, Respectfully requests all persons indebted to him, to call and settle their accounts, as he intends leaving town in about two weeks, not to return.

The second announcement 1853 February 2.  Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator).  (Staunton, Virginia.)  February 2, 1853, Vol. XXX, No. XII, P. 2.

Mr. Jas. Keagy, Daguerreotypist, desires us to say that he will remain in Staunton only one week longer.  Persons having business with him will please call at his rooms immediately.

The third announcement appeared on October 15, 1855 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).… We publish elsewhere the farewell card of Mr. P. E. Gibbs, who leaves this city for Richmond.  We can but express regret at the departure from us of so accomplished an artist and worthy citizen as Mr. G. [  ?  ] congratulate the people of Richmond on his accession to that city.  As a daguerrean artist we regard Mr. Gibbs as without a superior anywhere.  He leaves the assurance that his place will be well filled in the person of his successor, Mr. Keagy.—Lynchburg Virginian, Oct. 12.

The sixth advertisement appeared on August 26, 1856 in the Lynchburg Daily Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  A Card.—Having sold my interest in the Daguerrean Gallery, in this place. To Mr. James Keagy, I would respectfully recommend to the favorable attention of the public as a skillful Artist, and a gentleman on whom they may rely.  Come, then, and secure one of his inimitable Ambrotypes, which can only be procured of him in this city.

In taking my leave, I would return thanks for the liberal patronage and kind attention received from a generous public, during a residence if over eight years.  P. E. Gibbs.  Oct. 12. James Keagy is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Several notes first J. Keagy first appeared in the blog on September 29, 2019.  Since then more information has been found.  Second is the name of the newspaper Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) the online newspaper records the newspaper under this title, the masthead is recorded as Staunton Spectator.


[1] Address from Peter E. Gibbs 1853 advertisement.

Hamilton & Adams

1848                Rooms in the Cabell House, Lynchburg, Virginia.

Hamilton & Adams (Charles F. Hamilton & John Adams) were recorded in one advertisement in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  To The Inhabitants of Lynchburg and vicinity.  Hamilton & Adams, Daguerrian Artists, Respectfully return thanks to the ladies and gentlemen of Lynchburg and the surrounding Country, for the liberal patronage bestowed non them during their residence in this place.  They are now better prepared than ever to take Daguerreotype Miniatures, having procured from the North, at considerable expense, a large wheel for polishing purposes, together with all the other recent improvements, which have never before been introduced in this State; and from Mr. Hamilton’s experience of nearly five years in Virginia, and repeated visits to New York—and Mr. Adams’ experience as an operator four years in the , first establishments in New York and Philadelphia, they are prepared, with the aid of a large Sky-Light to produce miniatures, which for depths of tone, softness of light and shade, beauty of coloring, and easy and graceful positions, will defy competition.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at their rooms in the Cabell House, and examine the specimens.

Likenesses inserted in Lockets, Bracelets, Breastpins, &c.  Likenesses taken of sick or deceased persons, dwelling houses, country-seats, in the best style.  Portraits and Daguerreotypes accurately copied.  Chas. F. Hamilton, John Adams.

N. B.—H & A.  would respectfully inform the public that they have been taking Daguerreotypes by the Electro-Galvanic Process for two years past, and with their Gold-enamelling process, their miniatures are rendered imperishable in any clime.  Nov. 27.

Hamilton & Adams are not recorded in other photographic directories as being in partnership.  Charles F. Hamilton if one can assume that he is the same Charles F. Hamilton

James Burney

1844                Mrs. Pendleton’s, Main Street, Lynchburg, Virginia.

James Burney was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on September 5, 1844 in the  Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Portraits.  The subscriber would respectfully announce to the citizens of Lynchburg that he is now, and will remain for a few days at Mrs. Pendleton’s; on Main Street, and is prepared to take Daguerreotype Portraits, superior to any that have ever been taken in this place, and equal to any in the world.  He has a variety of specimens on hand, and very respectfully invites ladies and gentlemen to call and examine them.  He will execute his work with dispatch and elegance, at all hours of the day, at a very reduced price. James Burney.  Sept. 2.

James Burney is not recorded as being active in Lynchburg, Virginia.  A James Burney is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in New Burn, North Carolina in 1847-1848, it is unknown if they are the same person.

John Adams

1848                Rooms in the Cabell House, Lynchburg, Virginia.

John Adams in the partnership of Hamilton & Adams (Charles F. Hamilton) were recorded in one advertisement in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia) on November 30, 1848.

To The Inhabitants of Lynchburg and vicinity.  Hamilton & Adams, Daguerrian Artists, Respectfully return thanks to the ladies and gentlemen of Lynchburg and the surrounding Country, for the liberal patronage bestowed non them during their residence in this place.  They are now better prepared than ever to take Daguerreotype Miniatures, having procured from the North, at considerable expense, a large wheel for polishing purposes, together with all the other recent improvements, which have never before been introduced in this State; and from Mr. Hamilton’s experience of nearly five years in Virginia, and repeated visits to New York—and Mr. Adams’ experience as an operator four years in the , first establishments in New York and Philadelphia, they are prepared, with the aid of a large Sky-Light to produce miniatures, which for depths of tone, softness of light and shade, beauty of coloring, and easy and graceful positions, will defy competition.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at their rooms in the Cabell House, and examine the specimens.

Likenesses inserted in Lockets, Bracelets, Breastpins, &c.  Likenesses taken of sick or deceased persons, dwelling houses, country-seats, in the best style.  Portraits and Daguerreotypes accurately copied.  Chas. F. Hamilton, John Adams.

N. B.—H & A.  would respectfully inform the public that they have been taking Daguerreotypes by the Electro-Galvanic Process for two years past, and with their Gold-enamelling process, their miniatures are rendered imperishable in any clime.  Nov. 27.

John Adams is not recorded in other photographic directories, nor is the firm Hamilton & Adams.  Charles F. Hamilton is possibly the same person who was active in California?

J. Keagy

1850                Rooms at the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

J. Keagy was recorded in two announcements. A third announcement is recorded but it is only speculation on my part that they are the same person. The first announcement appeared on April 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Keagy, a daguerrean Artist of considerable merit, is now sojourning in our town, and has his rooms at the Court House.  He has already taken some among the finest likenesses we have ever seen, and is prepared to do any work pertaining to the Daguerrean art.

The second announcement appeared on April 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures Taken In The Best Style By J. Keagy, Daguerrian Artist.  Rooms at the Court-House, where he will remain but a short time, for the purpose of taking Miniatures by the improved Daguerrian process.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and Jefferson and cordially invited to call and examine Specimens which the subscriber feels confident will commend him to the patronage of all who wish good Daguerreotype Portraits.

N. B. These Miniatures are taken in all kinds of weather. Miniatures set in Lockets, Rings, etc. in the best style.

The third announcement appeared on October 15, 1855 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  … We publish elsewhere the farewell card of Mr. P. E. Gibbs, who leaves this city for Richmond.  We can but express regret at the departure from us of so accomplished an artist and worthy citizen as Mr. G. [  ?  ] congratulate the people of Richmond on his accession to that city.  As a daguerrean artist we regard Mr. Gibbs as without a superior anywhere.  He leaves the assurance that his place will be well filled in the person of his successor, Mr. Keagy.—Lynchburg Virginian, Oct. 12.

J. Keagy is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Charlestown Virginia or Lynchburg, Virginia. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a John Keagy as being active in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania in 1860. Its unknown if they are the same person.

G. B. Jones

1854                Address Unknown, Petersburg, Virginia.

G. B. Jones was recorded in one announcement which appeared on  October 28, 1854 in The Daily Dispatch  (Richmond., Virginia).  Petersburg Fair.  Fourth Day.  Petersburg, Oct. 27, 1854…List of Premiums Awarded at the Union Fair of Virginia and North Carolina… Discretionary Premiums.—….$2, to G. B. Jones & Co., Petersburg; for specimens of daguerreotyping, $5 each, To Messrs. P. E. Gibbes of Lynchburg and White of Petersburg;

G. B. Jones is not recorded in other photographic directories.