1852-1856       Over Merriman’s Store, Main Street, Jackson, Michigan.

1857-1859        Merriman’s New Block, Main Street, Jackson, Michigan.

1852 August 4.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  August 4, 1852, Vol. III, No. 49, P. 2.

Read the advertisement of Cookingham & Iams, the new Daguerreians.  The have nice rooms, display fine specimens, and have the reputation of being first rate artists.

1852 August 4.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  August 4, 1852, Vol. III, No. 49, P. 3.

Premium Sky-Light Daguerreian Gallery.  Over Merriman’s Store, Main Street, Jackson, Michigan.  The subscribers would say that they have opened rooms for the purpose of executing the above work, in a superior style to any ever taken, here or elsewhere, as our pictures are made indelible and warranted.  We would also say that we have the best suit of rooms in Michigan, west of Detroit, and having an apparatus superior to any other artist’s in the west, we are prepared to excel in every particular in the art, both in taking pictures and our mode of finish.

Ladies & Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at our rooms and examine specimens of the art.

Likenesses taken equally as well in cloudy as in clear weather and warranted.  Cookingham & Iams.

Advertisement ran from August 4 to November 3, 1852.

1852 September 1.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  September 1, 1852, Vol. IV, No. 1, P. 2.

We have hanging in our sanctum, a beautiful miniature of Gen. Scott, re-daguerreotyped from one of Brady’s, by Mr. Cookingham, who has opened rooms over Merriman’s Store.  It is a fine picture, and, indeed, Cookingham executes none other.  Give him a call.

1852 September 15.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  September 15, 1852, Vol. IV, No. 3, P. 2.

Monochromatic Painting.—Mr. Geo. A. Armstrong has successfully closed with his first class in this beautiful art, and having been solicited to take another class, has concluded to remain another term.  He designs also to keep a supply of marble board, crayons, stubs, holders, &c., of the best quality, which he will furnish at the lowest rates.  Persons wishing to take lessons are requested to call at Cookingham’s Daguerreian Rooms, over Merriman’s.

1852 November 17.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  November 17, 1852, Vol. IV, No. 112, P. 3.

Premium Sky-Light Daguerreian Gallery.  Over Merriman’s Store, Main Street, Jackson, Michigan.  The Subscriber would say that he still holds forth at his Old Stand, for the purpose of executing the above work in a superior style to any ever taken here or elsewhere as my pictures are made indelible and warranted.  I would also say that I have every facility for making the best of work, both in light and convenience of rooms, for customers, as well as apparatus for working

Which every one who visits my rooms acknowledges as unsurpassed by any they ever saw.

Ladies & Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call at our rooms and examine specimens of the art.

Price  from $1 upwards, and no person is required to take a likeness unless it suits them, as I intend to spare no pains in giving perfect satisfaction by doing as I would like to be done by.  J. V. Cookingham.

Advertisement ran from November 17, 1852 to May 4, 1853.

1853 May 4.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  May 4, 1853, Vol. IV, No. 36, P. 1.

Business Directory—J. V. Cookingham, Daguerreian Artists; Rooms in Merchants Exchange Block

Advertisement ran from May 4 to October 10, 1855.

1853 May 11.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  May 11, 1853, Vol. IV, No. 37, P. 2.

J. V. Cookingham’s Premium Sky-Light Daguerreian Gallery.  Over Merriman’s Store.  The oldest and only place to get a well finished Daguerreotype in Jackson.  Mr. J. V. Cookingham takes pleasure in announcing to the citizens of Jackson, and vicinity, that he has fitted up his rooms in first class style, besides having secured many very valuable improvements in the art; also, having just received a very large assortment , of both plain and fancy cases, lockets, &c., of a very large variety.  This including five years of experience, he would say that he feels confident in satisfying all tastes and minds.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine his many beautiful, and well executed Daguerreotypes at his rooms, as taken by the new process, which adds such perfection of delineation, and boldness and clearness of tone, as to entitle it to be classed among the greatest triumphs of science in modern times.  Instruction given in the art on reasonable terms, and warranted correct.  Don’t mistake the rooms, over Merriman’s Store, opposite the Empire Block.  Price from $1 upwards, and liberal deductions made for whole Families.  J. V. Cookingham, Artist.

Advertisement ran from May 11 to June 22, 1853.

1853 May 18.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  May 18, 1853, Vol. IV, No. 38, P. 2.

Mr. M. Finlay[1], a veteran Daguerreian Artist over fourteen years experience, has associated himself with Cookingham, for the furnishing of our town’s people with a little the best looking lot of pictures ever taken here.  Drop in and take a sit.

1853 October 12.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  October 12, 1853, Vol. V, No. 7, P. 2.

First Annual Fair Of The Jackson Co. Village of Jackson, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 5th and 6th days of October, instant…

Domestic Manufactures:  67 J. V. Cookingham, best lot of daguerreotypes  .50.

1854 June 21.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  June 21, 1854, Vol. V, No. 43, P. 3.

Public Opinion.  Cookingham’s Premium Sky-Light Daguerreian Gallery.  (Over Merriman’s Store, Main Street, Jackson.)  Mr. Cookingham takes pleasure in announcing to the citizens of Jackson and vicinity that he has fitted up his Daguerreian Rooms with new Apparratus’, (sic.)  Furniture, Stock, Cases &c., and that he is now executing pictures of the most magnificent style and finish, which his long experience of seven years has enabled him to acquire.  All those in want Pictures Cheap, Perfect and Lifelike, will do well to give him a call, and you will surely agree that he is the best artist that ever stopped in Jackson.  Stock at wholesale, and instructions given in the art on the most reasonable terms.  Cookingham, Artist.  

Advertisement ran from June 21 to October 25, 1854.

1854 August 2.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  August 2, 1854, Vol. V, No. 49, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.

Attention, the people I wish to suggest

To all picture seekers, where they can do best;

My Daguerreian Gallery is now wide awake,

And I am able and ready good pictures to take.

I’ve every convenience, I take young and old,

And make as good pictures as ever were sold.

I wish to remind you that this is the place,

Where the Sky and Side-Light the features I trace,

And with the assistance (the light of the sky,)

I never need to procure a good eye;

With a shade or without, I can bring them to Light,

But a fine-shaded picture I think about right

I can put them in Keys; in Rings, or in Lockets,

Or in nice little cases, to slip in your pockets;

Or in nicer ones still, on a table to lay,

Which are inlaid with pearl, and call’d papermache,

Jenny Lind, and the like, to numerous to mention;—

But to dwell upon this is not my intention.

Therefore, many thanks to my patrons be tendered,

For the kind attention and help they have rendered;

And now in conclusion, I invite one and all,

When you come into Jackson, give me a call.  J. V. Cookingham, Artist.

Advertisement ran from August  2, 1854. to January 10, 1855.

1854 November 1.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  November 1, 1854, Vol. VI, No. 10, P. 2.

J. V. Cookingham’s Daguerreotypes.  Mr. J. V. Cookingham, takes pleasure in announcing to the public that he has returned from the east with the largest assortment of Daguerreotype Goods ever offered for sale in this market, of the latest styles.  He has also procured many improvements in the art which are worthy of attention, particularly Taking The Colors, which has been the anxiety of many for years.  He would invite your attention to his Views of Niagara Falls, Also, a full sized picture of  the Swiss Breaded Lady!!  The World renowned curiosity.  A full plate picture of Daniel S. Dickinson, of New York.  Also a Daguerreotype of the Man on the Rapids of Niagara!! who went over the Falls.

Call and see; no charge for showing Goods or looking at Pictures.

Rooms Over Merrimans’ Store, Main Street, Jackson, Mich, Artist.

Advertisement ran from November 1, 1854 to September 26, 1955.

1854 November 8.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  November 8, 1854, Vol. VI, No. 11, P. 1.

List of Premiums Awarded at the Second Annual Fair of the Jackson County Agricultural Society, held on the 12^th, 13^th, and 14th days of October, i1854, including discretionary premiums allowed by Executive Committees…

Miscellaneous:  J. V. Cookingham Collection Daguerreotypes, .50.

1855 April 25.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  April 25, 1855, Vol. VI, No. 35, P. 3.

Cookingham is beating the world on daguerreotypes.  A few day ago a group of friends from Detroit, so well were they pleased with his skill and pictures, favored him with their patronage in preference to the Detroit artists, declaring his pictures superior to theirs.  Call and see specimens.

1855 June 20.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  June 20, 1855, Vol. VI, No. 43, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes.

Call and see;

For all must be aware, that

“Nature, when unadorned, is adorned the most”—

Was the expression of one who possessed a passionate

Love of the beautiful in the works of Nature.

The mellow landscape with its light and shade—

The rugged cliff—the gentle gushing fountain down the glade—

The mighty, thundering, rolling cataract—

The blushing rose bud, with its prismatic hues—

And man, above them all the most majestic as well

As the most beautiful object of Nature,

Bearing the noble impress on his brow of Him who rules all—

The noblest work of God;

Were to him never failing sources of pleasure

And delight.  The works of art are His prerogatives,

And the exercises of His high attributes

Would seem essential ever to secure

Nature as she is when unadorned,

From old Time’s ruthless grasp.

To view the fair impression in a frame

That wears with time as doth a noble name,

How bright the eye will speak of noble worth

In beauty’s pictures when we leave this earth.

As time moves on, eternity appears,

And mars our features with declining years;

And if we have an emblem of our face,

Secured on plates that time will ne’er erase,

We can behold with pleasure at our ease,

Times’ progress on our features as we please;

And if our friends depart from face of clay,

We still possess their features, which portray

Each smile of hope, and love to cherish still

Their noble deeds.  Then let all now fulfil

The debt they owe to all their friends,

Before pursued by “Satan,” and rush to

Cookingham’s Gallery and have your picture taken.

Advertisement ran from June 20 to October 3, 1855.

1856 January 3.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  January 3, 1856, Vol. VII, No. 18, P. 1.

Business Directory

Cookingham & Allen, Daguerreian Artists; Rooms in the Merrimack Exchange Block,  J. V. Cookingham, N. E. Allen.

Advertisement ran from January 3 to March 27, 1856.

1856 January 3.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  January 3, 1856, Vol. VII, No. 18, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes!  Cookingham & Allen.  Challenge The World!!  On Pictures!!  A New Era in the Fine Arts, Pictures in Stereoscope Cases Magnified The Size Of Life, They have just received the Magnifying Case, which is quite the novelty.  It enlarges a picture to Life Size, and reveals all its beauties, without materially adding to the expense.  And in addition to those we have every description of styles which Daguerreotypes are put up in, enumerating over sixty different kinds of Cases, and a splendid lot of Gold Lockets, which we off er extremely low!  We would state that we have the advantage of a Quick Working Camera.  With which we can take Pictures in any kind of weather.  Pictures taken of Children in the short space of two Seconds of Time.  Copies of other Daguerreotypes taken Equal To The Original.  Now let all fulfil the duty they owe to all their friends.

Before pursued by “Satan,”

And rush to Cookingham’s Gallery,

And have your “Picture” Taken.  Rooms over Merriman’s Store, Main Street.  N. E. Allen  J. V. Cookingham.

Advertisement was recorded five times between January 3 to February 21, 1856.[2]

1856 February 28.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  February 28, 1856, Vol. VII, No. 29, P. 3.

Ambrotypes.—Mr. Cookingham has exhibited to us several specimens of this new style of the picture-taking art, which are superior to anything of the kind we have witnessed.  The Ambrotype is an entirely distinct discovery and process from the Daguerreotype, as far in advance of that style of likenesses as was the Daguerreotype in advance of the old fashioned “profile sketches.”  They exhibit a fullness, freshness and strength, it is impossible to procure in the daguerreotype.  Being taken upon Glass, they are given “positive,” or without reversing the position of the sitter,—and no mercury is used which leaves them free from glimmer and indistinctness of all mercurialized pictures.  They partake more of the nature of a Steel plate engraving than anything else we can compare them to, at the same time developing a richness in expression which cannot be imparted from mixed colors.  Call at Mr. Cookingham’s Rooms and examine his specimens. 

1856 February 28.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  February 28, 1856, Vol. VII, No. 29, P. 3.

Ambrotypes!!  Mr. Cookingham, Takes Pleasure in announcing to the citizens of Jackson and vicinity, that he is now prepared to execute the New Style Of Pictures!! Called Ambrotypes, in the latest and most approved style.  The Ambrotype likenesses are produced on Glass and the likeness is brought out in more full, round and lifelike proportions than taken by the old process.  It has not the glare of the old polished plate, but can be viewed with the ease and distinctness of an engraving.  It is taken without being reversed, and is positively indestructible by the action of the atmosphere or water, and cannot be tarnished or injured even by washing or rubbing.  Likenesses by this process can be taken in all kinds of weather, and in a few seconds of time.  Ladies and Gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens of the Ambrotype process, and should you want one taken you will always find Mr. C. ready and willing to wait upon you, as he proposes making this his principal business.

Rooms over Merriman’s store, north side of main st.  J. V. Cookingham, Ambrotypist.

Advertisement ran from February 28 to July 31, 1856

1856 April 3.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  April 3, 1856, Vol. VII, No. 31, P. 1.

Business Directory.  J. V. Cookingham, Ambrotypist and Daguerreian Artist, Rooms in the Merchant Exchange Block.

Advertisement ran from April 3, 1856 to September 23, 1858.

1857 February 5.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  February 5, 1857, Vol. VIII, No. 23, P. 2.

Cookingham’s Ambrotypes & Melaneotypes!!  Cookingham has Opened his New Picture Gallery at Last!!!  This Large and Splendid Establishment, surpassed by none for convenience and artistic merit, erected under the subscribers personal supervision, deserves a passing notice; it occupies the whole of one story 100 feet deep, in Merriman’s New Block, and divided into 4 Rooms, as follows:

1st.  A Parlow or Show Room 18 by 24.

2d.   A Toilet or Dressing Room 15 by 18 feet.

3d.   An Operating Room 18 by 24 feet.

4th.  A Finishing Room 15 by 20 feet.

Making the largest and best suit of Rooms in the west, and accompanied by the largest and best arranged Sky-Light & Side-Light in the State, having 230 square feet of light which enables him to take pictures in all kinds of weather, also adopted to taking Large Groups as well as Small and single Pictures.

Mr. Cookingham renders his sincere thanks to his old patrons and friends for past patronage and influence and again invites their attention to his new rooms and pictures, as he has spared no pains in Fitting Them Up!! to the comfort and pleasure of every one, and secured all the late improvement of taking pictures in the various styles which are now in vogue.

He would call particular attention to a new process called Melaneotypes. which are Patented, and he has purchased the right of Jackson Village and County, so that you will find the Melaneotype at no other place but Cookingham’s and the are certainly the finest pictures for Lockets, Pins and Rings, That were ever taken.

Particular attention paid to the taking of Children, Groups and every description of  Copying done with dispatch at all times, and equally well in all kinds of weather.

All wishing anything done in the picture line, are invited to call and examine Work & Prices!! before purchasing, as you will always find every description  of Cases used in the business, both Single and Double, Large and Small, Round, Square, Oblong, Octagon, Oval, and many others to numerous to mention.

Don’t forget the Place; in Merriman’s New Block, Main Street, Jackson, Mich.  J. V. Cookingham, Artist.

Advertisement ran from February 5 to November 26, 1857.

1857 November 26.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  November 26, 1857, Vol. IX, No. 13, P. 2.

Pictures!  Pictures!  Cookingham’s Premium Picture Gallery, In Merriman’s New Block, Main street, Jackson.  Cookingham still continues to make those very fine Ambrotypes and Melanotypes, that he is so celebrated in producing, and is now making a new style of Picture that please the public very much.  All that want a superior picture of themselves or friends, we would advise to go to Cookingham’s and get it, for he certainly has the best advantages for making good Pictures, and is the Oldest and Best artist known in the west.  Give him a trial, and you will never regret that you had your picture taken.

Advertisement ran from November 26 to December 24, 1857.

1858 January 7.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  January 7, 1858, Vol. IX, No. 19, P. 2.

$500.00 Reward!  Intense Excitement.  Highly Important To The Public!  Great Sensation in the Picture Trade Brilliant Display Of Specimens!ighly mportant To The Public!

  Irresistible Temptations!  Fine Ambrotypes for One Dollar.  People alive to their own Interests!

Cookingham is now offering to the public every desirable style of Pictures known to the community, and at lower rates and executed in a better manner than can be done at any other establishment in the State.  Remember these are the Largest Rooms! and possesses more facilities for executing fine Portraits than any other Gallery in the Great West, 

Remember the Rooms in Merriman’s New Block, Main Street, Jackson, Michigan.

Advertisement ran from January 7 to June 24, 1858.

1858 January 7.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  January 7, 1858, Vol. IX, No. 19, P. 3.

Readers have you ever visited Cookingham’s Ambrotype Rooms?  If not it is time you had.  We venture to say that a finer, better finished or arranged suit cannot be found anywhere; and as to pictures, that are of the best kind, and cheap as a song.  See adv’t.

1858 September 30.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  September 30, 1858, Vol. X, No. 5, P. 1.

Business Directory.  J. V. Cookingham, Ambrotypist and Daguerrean Artist.  Rooms in the Merriman Block, up stairs.

Advertisement ran from September 30, 1858 to December 22, 1859.

1858 November 25.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  November 25, 1858, Vol. X, No. 13, P. 2.

Cookingham’s Excelsior Gallery and Premium Pictures Still Ahead!  Receiving Three Distinct Premiums on Pictures made and exhibited by him at the late County Fair held in this place, as being the Best and Largest Collection of Pictures ever exhibited in this place.  Bluffing, as it were, all Pretended Competition in the field.  The public will therefore know who has the confidence as well as the ability to make not only the best Pictures, but the largest Pictures in this city, as I have the largest Camera, or as some call Machine, and acknowledged by superior Artists to be the best one they ever saw, without any exceptions, and having the largest and best arranged suit of rooms in this city, I am prepared and am bound to make Better Pictures , Larger Pictures and just as Cheap Pictures as any other establishment dare or can, having constantly on hand the best of everything to make pictures with.  I am always ready to wait upon everybody that wants to look at, or have Pictures taken.

Rooms in Merriman’s Block, Main St., Jackson.  J. V. Cookingham, Artist.

Advertisement ran from November 25, 1858 to August 18, 1859.

1858 December 9.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  December 9, 1858, Vol. X, No. 15, P. 3.

Cookingham’s Art Gallery.—It has long been a source of pride to our city, that it has one of the best, if not the best, Ambrotype and Picture Gallery in the State.  Our friend Cookingham has displayed a skill and energy in his profession which deserves to be rewarded by the liberal and substantial patronage which this community are able to bestow.  But to many are ready to desert an old and permanently established Artist, if they can only save a few cents or shillings in the price of pictures, even if they do not get near as good or well finished work.  In view of the fact that such competition now exists in this city, “Cook” has determined to “be with them to the end,” and advertises to take and put up in good style pictures for the small sum of fifty cents each.—Now is the time to get a good picture, taken bu a competent artist at the bare cost of the material, and they will be good ones, too.—Let nobody say they cannot afford to see them in the best of trim, “large as life and twice as natural” when they can get a good picture for fifty cents.  Just call at the Premium Gallery, in the Merriman Block, examine specimens and prices, and we know you will never go away angry or dissatisfied.

1858 December 16.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  December 16, 1858, Vol. X, No. 16, P. 4.

Good Dollar Pictures Put up in Cases at Cookingham’s Excelsior Gallery For Fifty Cents!

Advertisement ran from December 16, 1858 to August 18, 1859.

1859 January 6.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  January 6, 1859, Vol. X, No. 19, P. 3.

The Excelsior Art Gallery [in] Merrimack’s block is the only art gallery in the State that has never failed to take a premium at all fairs where its works was on exhibition.  This speaks more in its favor than at the other commendations it has received [and] they are not few.  Cookingham is now putting up Premium pictures for from 50c to $1, and warrants them superior to any other Artist’s in the city or State.

1859 February 3.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  February 3, 1859, Vol. X, No. 23, P. 3.

Cookingham’s appears to be still the centre of attraction to those who wish for a good, correct and cheap “shadow of the living self.”  It is useless for any competition to think of rivaling the Excelsior Gallery.  The idea of getting cheap, stale, flat pictures, is a humbug, when you can get a fine, lasting, brilliant likeness, such as has always heretofore cast a dollar, for fifty cents.  This you can do at Cookingham’s and it is the only place in the State where this agreeable little thing can be done.  We advise all in search of a good artist, and who prefer a good picture to a poor one, to go to his rooms.

1859 October 20.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  October 20, 1859, Vol. XI, No. 8, P. 4

Good Dollar Pictures Put up in Cases at Cookingham’s Excelsior Gallery.  For Fifty Cents!  Cookingham’s Excelsior Gallery And Premium Pictures Still Ahead!  Receiving Three Distinct Premiums on Pictures made and exhibited by him at the late County Fair held in this place, as being the Best and Largest Collection of Pictures ever exhibited in this place.  Bluffing, as it were, all Pretended Competition in the field.  The public will therefore know who has the confidence as well as the ability to make not only the best Pictures, but the largest Pictures in this city, as I have the largest Camera, or as some call Machine, and acknowledged by superior Artists to be the best one they ever saw, without any exceptions, and having the largest and best arranged suit of rooms in this city, I am prepared and am bound to make Better Pictures , Larger Pictures and just as Cheap Pictures as any other establishment dare or can, having constantly on hand the best of everything to make pictures with.  I am always ready to wait upon everybody that wants to look at, or have Pictures taken.

Rooms in Merriman’s Block, Main St., Jackson.  J. V. Cookingham, Artist.

Advertisement ran from October 20 to December 1, 1859.

1859 November 24.  The American Citizen.  (Jackson, Michigan.)  November 24, 1859, Vol. XI, No. 13, P. 3.

Cookingham’s Art Gallery is still the most famous and fashionable thing of its kind in this section of the State, as the crowds who constantly throng it attest.  As the season for the annual interchange of tokens of love, friendship and respect, is approaching, it will be well to be prepared for it.  You can have superior pictures put up in any style you want at Cookingham’s Rooms on the shortest notice.  A word to the wise is sufficient.   

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[1] Possibly Marshall Finley.

[2] Newspaper was not available from October 10 to December 27, 1855.