Tag Archives: Maquoketa Iowa

M. Murphy

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1857                Spaulding Block, Maquoketa, Iowa.

M. Murphy was recorded on one advertisement that appeared on July 28, 1857 in the Weekly Maquoketa Excelsior (Maquoketa, Iowa).  Ambrotypes For Fifty Cents, Ay Murphy’s Daguerrean Gallery.  I am Now Prepared To Take Pictures in Cases for the above named price, for a short time only, and persons wanting Cheap Pictures Would do well to call soon.  I have now on hand a fine assortment of plain and Fancy Cases, of all descriptions, comprising Union, Shell, Turkey Morocco, &c., &c.

Having had several years experience in the Daguerrean business, and having been in the Ambrotype business for more than a year in this place—which is twice as long as nine-tenths of the traveling humbugs, that pretend to be Artists, have spent at the business—I flatter myself that I will be able to please the most fastidious.

I would just say for the benefit of the public, that if I do not take Better Pictures Than any they can get taken elsewhere in Maquoketa, or Jackson county, I will not charge them anything for what I do take.

Beware Of Side Shows.  Gallery in the 3d story of Spaulding Block, up the Winding Stairs.  M. Murphy.  Maquoketa, June 30, 1857.

M. Murphy is not recorded as being active in Maquoketa, Iowa in 1857.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a M. Murphy in St. Louis, Missouri in 1860, it is unknown if they are the same person.

H. C. Jewell

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1856-1857       West Platt Street, Maquoketa, Iowa.

H. C. Jewell was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on July 28, 1857 in the Weekly Maquoketa Excelsior (Maquoketa, Iowa).  Something New!  The Melainotype.  The Beautiful Picture Is Now Taken by me, having permanently located in Maquoketa for the purpose of taking Likenesses of all kinds, to wit:  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Ambrographs, Sphereotypes, Parchment Photographs, &c.

I would call the attention of the people of this section of country to the Melainotype, or Iron Picture, which is unsurpassed for brilliancy of tone and finish.  They can be sent to England or any part of the world, at the same rates as double letters without being defaced.  I would also say that I will take pictures Ten Percent Cheaper that they can be bought for in Maquoketa or Jackson county.  Having worked at the business in the East, I feel confident that I can suit all who may favor me with a call.

H. C. Jewell hereby returns his thanks to the numerous friends who have so generously favored him with their patronage, and solicits a continuance of favor, especially as he feels confident of being much better able to give satisfaction in future, having within a few days received a large and elegant assortment of the latest and most beautiful cases, both common and fancy, by means of which all wants and taste may be gratified at prices which  cannot fail to please.  He would further say, that miniatures will be inserted in Pins, Rings and Lockets, on the shortest notice.

Rooms one door west of Jonas Clark’s Banking House, West Platt Street.  H. C. Jewell.  n17.

H. C. Jewell is recorded in Pioneer Photographers From The Mississippi To The Continental Divide A Biographical Dictionary, 1839-1865 as being active in Maquoketa, Iowa in 1860.  The date at the end of the advertisement indicates that it first appeared on November 17, [1856].