Tag Archives: New Bern North Carolina

Jeffers, George A.

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , ,

1849-1855       Corner of River and First Streets, Troy, New York.[1]

1853                Address Unknown, Norfolk, Virginia.[2]

1854-1855       Craven Street, over Whaley’s Store, Newbern, North Carolina,

1855                Over E. Williams’ Store, Kinston, North Carolina,

1856                Winyah Hall, Georgetown, South Carolina.[3]

1856                Address Unknown, Charleston, South Carolina.

1856                Rooms at the Mansion House, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1856                Address Unknown, Chester, South Carolina.2

1856                Rooms over Brown, Stitt & Co.’s. Store, opposite Kerr’s Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina.

1856-1857       Address Unknown, Georgetown, South Carolina.2

1851 September 25.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  September 25, 1851, Vol. XIII, No. 49, P. 3.

Daguerreotypes Which Please Everybody.  Can Be Found At Jeffer’s Celebrated Establishment.  Corner of River and First sts., opposite the Troy House, Troy.

No picture sold but those entirely satisfactory to customers and myself also—so that each and every person is sure of getting the very best kind of work, no matter whether they are judges of Daguerreotypes or not.

The superior advantage and facility possessed by this establishment for producing the very best results in Daguerreotyping, are pretty generally known, and are attested by the qualities of the thousands upon thousands of pictures which the subscriber has furnished the public for several years past.  Daguerreotyping in all its varieties by George A. Jeffers.

N. B.—Entrance to the Gallery on First st., directly opposite the Troy House.

Advertisement ran from September 25, 1851 to April 28, 1853.

1852 June 4.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  June 4, 1852, Vol. I, No. 297, P. 4.

Daguerreotypes Which Please Everybody, Can Be Found At Jeffer’s Celebrated Establishment Corner of River and First sts., opposite the Troy House.  No picture sold but those entirely satisfactory to myself also—so that each and every person is sure of getting the very best kind of work, no matter whether they are judges of Daguerreotypes or not.

The superior advantage and facility possessed by this establishment for producing the very best results in Daguerreotyping, are pretty generally known, and are attested by the qualities of the thousands upon thousands of pictures which the subscriber has furnished the public for several years past.  Daguerreotyping in all its varieties by George A. Jeffers.  au20.

N. B.—Entrance to the Gallery on First st., directly opposite the Troy House.

1852 August 18.  The Troy Daily Times.  (Troy, New York.)  August 18, 1852, Vol. II, No. 361, P. 4.

North Light Daguerreotypes.  Jeffers’ Daguerreotype Gallery, corner of River and First Sts., opposite the Troy House, is the oldest and best arranged establishment of the kind in the city.  It was established in the year 1838, and has been fitted up, regardless of expense, with every convenience for taking Daguerreotypes in the most perfect manner.  The principal feature of this establishment is the Great Northern Operating Light, which is acknowledged by all to be the most desirable light that can be obtained.

Instruction given in the art, and apparatus furnished on the most reasonable terms.

N. B.   All pictures made in this gallery are taken on pure silver plates, and furnished in the best style, and warranted to never fade or spot.

Pictures put up in every style of case or frame, as low as they can be obtained elsewhere.  Perfect Satisfaction given in all cases or no charge.  Geo. A. Jeffers, Artist.  Entrance on First street, opposite the Troy House, Troy, N. Y.  feb7.

1853 February 3.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  February 3, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 16, P. 3.

Wonderful Discovery!  Great Improvement in the application of Daguerreotype Portraits to the Stereoscope.  George A Jeffers, Daguerreotypist, Corner of River and First sts., opposite the Troy House, has just received an ingenious, apparatus, by which he is enabled to execute Daguerreotypes from Life, for the Stereoscope with nearly the some facility as the ordinary Daguerreotype, thereby overcoming all the obstacles hitherto thought insurmountable in the way of applying daguerreotype Likenesses from life to the Stereoscope.  In looking at pictures through this instrument, the eye is completely deceived, the image appearing like a real, round, solid body which can be felt and handled, instead of a flat picture.  With the aid of this great improvement we have the means of transmitting to posterity the exact image of all that is physically remarkable in the present day, at least so much as can be appreciated by the sense of vision.  Paintings, Engravings & c., copied without being reversed, if desired.  The greatest variety of Fancy Cases, &c. that can be found in the city, constantly on hand.  Remember the place.                    

Geo. A. Jeffers, Artist, opposite the Troy House—Entrance on First st.

Advertisement ran from February 3 to December 1, 1853.

1853 June 30.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  June 30, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 36, P. 2.

From the Troy Daily Post of Wednesday.  Jeffers & Clough’s Gallery.  We paid a visit to this Daguerreotype Gallery yesterday; and certainly they have arranged their rooms in admirable order and with elegant taste.  The first room, is well supplied with sofas, and lounges, and mirrors; is richly papered and carpeted, and will soon have a piano of the best character, to enable those who wait, to keep their patience amused and in good humor.

Off this room is the toilet-room, appropriated to the ladies, and where they can rest,—‘tire themselves, and put on their most conquering look.

The next story, to which you ascend by easy stairs, is the operating room; and which has recently been fitted with northern and side light, according to the mode adopted by the best artists in the country.  Immediately adjoining this is the room for the chemicals, the work shop, and finishing, and preparatory departory department of the artist themselves.

Messrs. Jeffers & Clough are among the most accomplished daguerreotypist in the country; and with the perfect means now at their command, cannot fail.

To make the sun with pencil true,

Bring features lov’d before our view;

Memento’s friendship still will prize,

When in the grave the dear one lies!

1853 October 6.  Lansingburgh Democrat.  (Lansingburgh, New York.)  October 6, 1853, Vol. XVII, No. 50, P. 3.

Jeffers, corner of River and First street, is the place where you may be sure of getting a good Daguerreotype.  He has lately fitted up his rooms with every convenience for taking pictures, and you will always find him on hand whenever any of his friends favor him with a call.

Advertisement ran from October 6, 1853 to March 22, 1855.

1855 January 3.  The Daily Delta.  (New Bern, North Carolina.)  January 3, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 1, P. 3.

Jeffers’ Gallery Of Daguerreotypes.  The citizens of Newbern and vicinity are respectfully invited to call at Jeffers’ rooms, and examine his great variety of specimens.  His new styles of Crayon, Floral Wreath and Chemically colores Daguerreotypes are pronounced to be the finest productions of the art.  He has on hand the largest assortment of Plain, rich and fancy Cases ever exhibited in this country.

Daguerreotyping, in all its varreties, [sic.] done with neatness and dispatch .

Rooms on Craven st., over Whaley’s store.  G. A. Jeffers, Artist., Dec 19th, 1854.

Advertisement ran from January 3 to February 14, 1855. 

1855 August 30.  American Advocate.  (Kinston, North Carolina.)  August 30, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 12, P. 3.

Grand Exhibition Of Daguerreotype.  Jeffers & Doty, The Celebrated Artists, From New York.  Have taken Rooms over E. Williams’ Store, Where they are prepared to take Likenesses in the most modern style, having been engaged in the business for the last nine years, and being posted in all the new and valuable improvements, they do not hesitate in saying, that they can produce Daguerreotypes superior to any heretofore taken in this place.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Kinston and vicinity, are respectfully invited to call and examine the specimens, and judge for themselves.

We have on hand the largest and best assortment of Cases and Frames ever offered for sale in this country, which we will furnish, with perfect Likenesses at very moderate rates.

N. B.—An early call will be necessary, as we will remain in this town but four weeks.  Jeffers & Doty, Artist.

Advertisement ran from August 30 to September 28, 1855.

1856 September 23.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  September 23, 1856, New Series—Vol. 5, No. 9, P. 3.

Jeffers, The celebrated Ambrotype and Daguerrean Artist from Charleston, South Carolina, has fitted up a suit of rooms Over Brown, Stitt & Co.’s. Store, opposite Kerr’s Hotel, where he is prepared to execute these Beautiful Likenesses, in the Highest Style Of The Art.  The Ambrotype is taken on Glass and unlike the Daguerreotype.  Without being reversed, they can be viewed in any position with distinctness, as they are free from the glare of the Metallic plate.  They cannot get dusty, and are Impervious to Water or Acids, and cannot be tarnished or injured even by washing or rubbing, and are Warranted to last for Ages.  The superiority of these pictures in point of beauty and durability, has placed them at the head of the Fine Arts.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlotte and vicinity, are respectfully invited to call and examine his specimens.

N. B.—An early call will be necessary, as I will remain in this place for three weeks only.  Perfect satisfaction given in all cases, or no charge.  Terms moderate.  G. Abben Jeffers, Artist.            

1856 September 16.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  September 16, 1856, New Series—Vol. 5, No. 8, P. 3.

Mr. Jeffres, the celebrated daguerrean and Ambrotypian Artist, of Charleston, S. C., is in town, at the Mansion House, and proposes favoring our citizens with counterparts of themselves—or letting us “see ourselves as others see us.”  He will be prepared in a day or two to commence operations.  In the meantime, call at the Hotel, and see specimens of his skill.

1856 October 7.  The Western Democrat.  (Charlotte, North Carolina.)  October 7, 1856, New Series—Vol. 5, No. 14, P. 3.

$100 Reward!!!   The subscriber offers the above reward to any person who will produce an Ambrotype taken in this country equal to his.  G. Alben Jeffers, Artist.

N. B.—Jeffers’ Ambrotypes are richly colored and are warranted never to fade or spot.

Remember the place Opposite Kerr’s Hotel.

Last Week.  Remember this is the last Week of Jeffers the celebrated Ambrotype Artist.  Those wishing Perfect Likenesses of themselves or friends, should not fail to improve this opportunity of getting them.  Rooms over Brown, Stitt & Co.’s. Store, opposite Kerr’s Hotel.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list Jeffers in Troy, New York starting in 1849.

[2] Photographers In North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1841.

[3] Partners With The Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940, P. 61-62.  Jeffers & Doty.

Harrison, Benjamin Franklin

Daguerreotypes, Stereoviews, , , , ,

1852-1853       Front Street, Mozart Building, Wilmington, North Carolina.

1853                Over Mr. Whaley’s Jewelry Store, New Bern, North Carolina.

1852 December 3.  Wilmington Journal.  (Wilmington, North Carolina.)  December 3, 1852, Vol. 9, No. 13, P. 3.

Something New.  A branch of Whitehurst’s Daguerrean Gallery in Wilmington, N. C.  The undersigned having taken the rooms formerly occupied by Mr. J. W. Gulick, is now prepared to take Likenesses of any who may favor him with a sitting.  By the aid of his new Sky Light (which has been constructed on the most approved and scientific plan) and his quick-working Camera; enables him to guarantee a Picture equal to any taken in any State in the Union, and in as short a space of time.  He most respectfully invites one and all to call and examine his specimens.  Cloudy weather preferable, (except for children.)  Come one, come all, and secure the shadow ere the substance fades.  B. F. Harrison & Co., Mozart Hall, over Messrs. Polley & Hart’s Store, Front-st.  Nov. 29th, 1852.

Advertisement ran on December 3 & 10, 1852.

1853 January 14.  Wilmington Journal.  (Wilmington, North Carolina.)  January 14, 1853, Vol. 9, No. 20, P. 3.

Branch Of Whitehurst’s Gallery.  Every Day Chat.  How beautiful they are; that is just like you. Miss H.; I never saw anything more perfect; how distinct they all are; they seem to almost speak, though that is not wonderful.  Whitehurst’s Pictures speak for themselves in tone and finish.  All who visit Whitehurst’s Gallery, are struck with their beauty and life-like expressions.  When it is known that we finish such gems to our patrons, is it wonderful that our business is so rapidly increasing?  Mr. Harrison, the skillful and experienced operator, is still at my Gallery in this city, and all who may favor him with a call, can be furnished with one or more of those fine Sky-light Daguerreotypes!  Likeness taken equally well in all weather.  Remember, Whitehurst has the only Gallery in the City.  B. F. Harrison & Co., Mozart Hall, over Messrs. Polly & Hart’s store, Front street, Wilmington, N. C.

Advertisement ran on January 14 to 28, 1853.  

1853 June 10.  Wilmington Journal.  (Wilmington, North Carolina.)  June 10, 1853, Vol. 9, No. 40, P. 2.

Stereoscopes or Solid Daguerreotypes.—Mr. Harrison, the operator at Whitehurst’s Gallery in Wilmington, showed us yesterday evening a specimen of the new style and arrangement of daguerreotypes, which Whitehurst has recently patented under the above title.  It would be somewhat difficult to explain the arrangement, but the effect is beautiful, and well worthy a visit to Mr. Harrison’s room in the Mozart Hall building.  We have little doubt but that the improvement will be generally adopted.

1853 July 22.  Wilmington Journal.  (Wilmington, North Carolina.)  July 22, 1853, Vol. 9, No. 46, P. 3.

Wonderful, Yet None The Less Beautiful.  If you will go to the Whitehurst Gallery, over Messrs. Polley & Hart’s Store, Front street, the whole matter will be explained by the excellent and accommodation operator, Mr. B.F. Harrison, whose experience in the beautiful art of Daguerreotyping now enables him to rank among the first artists in this profession.  With all his honest affability and kindness. If you give him an opportunity he will steal from nature its most lovely smiles.  We would advise all who want a perfect and never-fading likeness to go immediately and don’t forget to enquire for the Ivory and Stereoscopic Daguerreotypes; they are new and beautiful beyond conception, having almost the infallibility of life.  You will be impressed at once with the fact that nature can copy that which nature made.  Rooms open from 8 o’clock to sunset.  Hours for children 10 to 3 o’clock.  No choice of days for adults.  B. F. Harrison & Co.

Advertisement ran from July 22 to November 18, 1853.

1853 October 1.  The Weekly News.  (New Burn, North Carolina.)  October 1, 1853, Vol. 1, No. 36, P. 3.

Wonderful, Yet None The Less Beautiful.  If you will go the Mr. Harrison’s Gallery over Mr. Whaley’s Jewelry Store the whole matter will be explained to you by him, whose long experience in the beautiful art of Daguerreotyping, now enables him to rank among the first artists in his profession.  With all his honest affability and kindness, if you give him an opportunity, he will steal from nature its most lovely smiles.  We would advise all who want a perfect and never-fading likeness to go immediately to Mr. Harrison’s rooms; don’t forget to enquire for the Ivory Daguerreotypes!  They are new and beautiful beyond conception having almost the infallibility of life, you will be impressed at once with the fact that nature can copy that which nature made.  Rooms open from 8 o’clock to sunset.  Hours for children from 10 to 3 o’clock.  no choice of days for adults.  B. F. Harrison & Co. New Burn, October 1, 1853.

Advertisement ran from October 1 to December 24, 1853. 

Cowling, Jesse L.

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

Ca. 1850’s       Address Unknown, Norfolk, Virginia.

1856-1862       Craven Street, above Jewelry Store of J. Whaley, New Bern, North Carolina.[1]

1857                Rooms at the Town Hall, Cheraw, South Carolina.

1857                Rooms over Mr. E. Martin’s Store, Washington, North Carolina.

1857 June 3.  Cheraw Gazette.  (Cheraw, South Carolina.)  June 3, 1857, Vol. 19, No. 37, P. 3.

Raised Flesh Tint Ambrotypes!  J. L. Cowling, From Norfolk, Virginia, Would respectfully inform the citizens of Cheraw and Vicinity, that he has taken rooms at the Town Hall, Where he will Remain a Short Time Only.

He is now prepared to take the above style of Pictures in the very best manner.  The Ambrotype is made on glass—is a new and beautiful style of Picture, and colored equal to an oil painting.  It can be seen in any light, and taken in about one fourth the time required for the Daguerreotype, and it is believed that they cannot possibly fade.

The subscriber keeps constantly on hand a beautiful assortment of Gold Lockets, Breast-Pins, Fancy Cases, &c., In Which He Will Place Pictures, and sell at moderate prices; and in no case is a person expected to take a picture unless entire satisfaction is given, as he believes, from his long experience in the art, he will be able to please the most fastidious.  An earlyvisit to his gallery is most respectfully solicited, whether pictures are desired or not, as his stay will be but short.  J. L. Cowling, Artist,

P. S.—Daguerreotypes, Portraits, Engravings, &c., correctly copied, and instructions given in Ambrotyping, to those who may wish to acquire a knowledge of the art.  J. L. C.

1857 December 23.  Washington Dispatch.  (Washington, North Carolina.)  December 23, 1857, Vol. 1, No. 27, P. 1.

The Latest Improvement.  Raised Flesh Tint Ambrotypes.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of this place and surrounding country, that he has taken rooms over Mr. E. Martin’s Store, where he is now prepared to take the above style of picture, in the very best manner.

Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call, examine specimens, and take a sitting, and if the picture does not give entire satisfaction, no charge will be made.  Prices range from $1 to $5.  Sept. 29, 1857.

[1] Photographers in North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1841

Chapin, Moses Sanford

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , , ,

1849                6 Exchange, Chicopee, Massachusetts. [1]

1849                9 Brinley Hall, No.9, Worcester, Massachusetts.

1850                9 & 10 Brinley Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1851                9 Brinley Hall, No.9., Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1852-1855       Waldo Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1856                227 Main, Clark’s Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1857                Main, Clark’s Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1859                Clark’s Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1860-1861       American House Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1862                197 Main, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1862                Union Art Gallery, New Bern, North Carolina[2]

1863-1866       Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1876                86 Front, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1877                Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1878                204 Front, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1879                Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.1

1849 October 4.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  October 4, 1849, Vol. 5, No. 96, P. 2.

Premium Daguerreotype Establishment, No. 9 Brinley Hall, No. 9

The proprietor of this Establishment is prepared, as usual, to furnish his friends and the public with the most perfect Daguerreotypes that can be produced.  Of the character of the pictures executed at this long established Gallery, it is enough to repeat that they have secured the very highest tokens of award from the late Mechanics’ Fair in this City, and from other equally competent sources.  Probably no Establishment in the country enjoys a more enviable reputation for its Perfect and Life-Like Types, as well as for the beauty and expression of their minutest parts.  Having secured the services of Mr. Moses S. Chapin, as an Artist, to take charge of my operating department, allow me to invite the attention of your readers to the beautiful Daguerreotypes executed at Dr. Van Alstin’s Establishment, No. 9 Brinley Hall.

Those who visit our City for the purpose of procuring Daguerreotypes, cannot be more satisfactorily accommodated than at No. 9 Brinley Hall.

Miniatures put into Silk for $1—and into Velvet Cases for $1,50.  N.B. Stock constantly on hand and for sale at reasonable prices.                  

Advertisement ran from October 4 to December 6, 1849.

1849 December 7.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  December 7, 1849, Vol. 5, No. 149, P. 2.

Premium Daguerreotype Establishment, Types taken with Voightlander’s Quick Camera.

No. 9 Brinley Hall, No. 9

The proprietor of this Establishment has fitted up entirely anew his spacious and commodious Rooms, and furnished them with every convenience and comfort that can be obtained in the most fashionable rooms in the city.  He has procured one of Voightlander’s Large and Quick Cameras—as large as any in this city—for the purpose of taking large types, groups of persons, and children, in a style of elegance and perfection that cannot be obtained by the use of smaller and less perfect instruments.  He has also procured a large lot of Gold Lockets, double and single, of all sizes and descriptions, which he offers for sale at lower prices than they can be bought at any other place in the city.  He is prepared, as heretofore, to furnish his friends and the public with the most perfect Daguerreotype that can be produced.  Of the character of the pictures executed at this long established Gallery, it is enough to state that they have secured the very highest tokens of favor from the late Mechanics Fair in this city, and from other equally competent sources.  Probably no Establishment in the country enjoys a higher reputation for its perfect and skillfully executed types, which exhibit the form and minutest parts of the original, fully and accurately delineated.

The public here and those visiting this city are invited to call and examine for themselves the beautifully and skillfully executed types at Dr. Van Alstin’s Establishment, at No. 9 Brinley Hall, under the charge of Mr. Moses S. Chapin.

Miniatures put into Silk for $1—and into Velvet Cases for $1,50.  N.B. Stock constantly on hand and for sale at reasonable prices.                              

Advertisement ran from December 7 to December 31, 1849.

1851 May 13.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  May 13, 1851, Vol. VI, No. 292, p. 2.

To The Public.  This is to certify that the undersigned, Daguerreotypist of this city have visited the Rev. Mr. Hill, of New York, the discoverer of the process of taking portraits and landscapes, in natural colors, and that Mr. Hill presented to them the communication which appeared in the Daily Spy last Saturday, May 10th, with a request to hand it to the Editors of the aforesaid paper, for publication; and he furthermore stated that if Mr. Van Alstin persisted in his assertions, he should send one more communication to the Spy, which would be definite and effectual.

Signed Moses S. Chapin. & C. R. B. Claflin

Advertisement ran from May 13 to June 3, 1851.

1851 June 20.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  June 20, 1851, Vol. VII, No. 17, P. 2.

Notice.—In reference to a certain article that appeared in the Spy, dated June__, I would say, in reply, being requested so to do by that Daguerrian Artist to “take notice” who it was that took the medal in 1848.  It was Walker & Adams, not Adams alone, as be stated.  Who was it that took the medal alone, in 1848?  A. W. Van Alstin.

Adams; perhaps the public will say.  Why not A. W. Van Alstin?  Because he was in California.

Who was it that took so many poor pictures in my room while I was there?

Moses S. Chapin.

Where is George Adams operating at the present time?

Providence, R. I., not in Worcester.

Who is in the rooms formerly occupied by Adams?

Moses S. Chapin.

I hope that the remainder of the Artist’ will soon appear, and place him in his proper position, which is at the bench, with a saw and jack-plane.  A. W. Van Alstin.

Advertisement ran from June 20 to June 23 1851

1851 October 3.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  October 3, 1851, Vol. VII, No. 108, P. 2.

It will be seen that Adams has removed his Daguerreotype establishment to rooms opposite the American Temperance House, where he will accommodate those desirous of his services.  Mr. Chapin continues at the old stand.

1851 September 29.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  September 29, 1851,  Vol. VII, No. 104, P. 2.

Particular Notice.—Geo. Adams would respectfully announce to his friends and the public, that the limitation of his engagement with Mr. Chapin, of Waldo Block, having expired, he has taken a suit of rooms in Brinley Row, over the Citizens Bank, and directly opposite the American House, where all those who are capable of appreciating fine Daguerreotypes are invited to call.  Mr. A.’s Rooms are very easy of access, spacious, and fitted up with every convenience to produce good miniatures.  The room for his Sky-light is of a size suitable for making a group of 40 persons on one plate.

Advertisement ran from September 29 to October 7, 1851

1852 January 9.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  January 9, 1852, Vol. VII, No. 191, P. 2

To the Public—The well known Daguerrean Rooms, Waldo Block, formally owned and occupied by Geo. Adams, and More recently by Adams & Chapin, have not been removed, but still are the center of attraction for all who appreciate good Daguerreotypes, as the facilities for taking daguerreotypes are such as cannot be surpassed in this city, if in the world.  The limitation between Messrs Adams & Chapin and Adams & Co. Having ceased Sept. 18, 1851, Mr. Chapin would say to the public, that those splendidly finished Daguerrean Rooms, Waldo Block, are still open for exhibition, or all who may favor him with a call Mr. Chapin would say to all who would like good Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends, they will do well to call on Mr. C., Waldo Block, where all may be sure of obtaining perfect daguerreotypes for the extreme low price of 50 cents.  Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  Particular attention paid to taking Children.—Hours for taking children from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M.  Call and examine for yourselves.           

Advertisement ran from January 9 to February 11, 1852.

1853 January 3.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  January 3, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 105, P. 3.

Christmas and New Year’s Presents, At Reduced Prices!

A large assortment of all the latest style Daguerreotype Cases, both fancy and plain Also a large variety of Gold Lockets, suitable for presents, to be had at Chapin’s Daguerreotype Rooms, Waldo Block, where you will be supplied with the richest, that the market affords.

Mr. C. would most cordially welcome all who may favor him with a call.  Dec 24.

Advertisement ran from January 3 to January 31, 1853.

1853 September 27.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  September 27, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 331, P. 2.

M. S. Chapin having returned to Waldo Block Daguerreian Rooms, will attend personally to those who may favor him with a call.

All those wishing for a perfect gem of the art, will of course, avail themselves of the first opportunity of calling on Mr. C. and secure one or more of those mamentoes, which in the hour of affliction no price can purchase.

Mr. Chapin is taking splendid Daguerreotypes and enclosing them in a very beautiful case, inlaid with pearl for $1,00.  Also, in very fine cases for 50 cts.

Please call and examine specimens before purchasing at any other rooms, and satisfy yourselves that you can buy cheaper and better Daguerreotypes at Chapins, than any other Rooms in this City.

This is no humbug.  Will you call and favor me with a sitting.                                    

Advertisement ran from September 27 to October 26, 1853.

1853 December 24.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  December 24, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 404, P. 2.

Christmas and New Year’s Gifts.  Mr. Chapin, having collected an endless variety of all the very latest and richest patterns of Daguerreotype Cases, selected expressly for Christmas and New Year’s presents, would most cordially welcome all who wish to procure a gem.  Call on Mr. C., Waldo Block, and make a selection from the largest stock of Daguerreotype Cases ever offered to the public.

All pictures taken at his rooms are warranted to give satisfaction.  Mr. Chapin is now the only Daguerreotyper in this city to whom was awarded a silver medal, for the best Daguerreotypes, at the Mechanics’ Exhibition, 1851.

Ladies and Gentlemen make a wise selection, and go to Chapin’s where you can get a rich gift for a little money, and where you will be treated with respect and attention.  M. S. Chapin, Artist.

Advertisement ran from December 24, 1853 to January 14, 1854.

1855 October 23.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  October 23, 1855, Vol. X, No. 252, P. 2.

257…New Daguerreotype Rooms…257.  M. S. Chapin having now removed from Waldo Block, and taken rooms in Wm. C. Clark’s new and splendid block, corner of Main and Mechanic streets, and directly over Martin Stowe’s Dry Goods store, would call the attention of his numerous friends and customers, and all in want of a first class Daguerreotype, (not second to any made in this city,) will be doubly paid by calling on Mr. C. and obtaining one of the same, thus securing one of his superior toned types, which are so much admired by all lovers of this truly beautiful art.  Having speared no pains in arranging a very large North sky-light, which is acknowledged by all artist to be much the best, and always sought for whenever to be had, he feels confident that his long experience and practical knowledge of the business, will be sufficient to warrant him a large share of public patronage.  Mr. Chapin’s operating room is very large and commodious, enabling him to take groups of any number desired.

Mr. C. will take Daguerreotypes at as reasonable prices as any room in Worcester, including case.  Copying done in the very best manner.

Daguerreotyping of the sick, and deceased, taken in the most satisfactory manner.  Also—Great pains taken with children.  Each person is allowed the privilege to sit till they are satisfied with their Daguerreotypes, and no pay in advance.  Remember—Rooms in Clark’s Block.

Advertisement ran from October 23 to November 8, 1855

1856 January 17.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  January 17, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 14, P. 2.

Gallery of Female Beauty.—It will be seen by reference to an advertisement in our columns, that Barnum’s plan for a “Gallery of American Female Beauty” is about to be into affect, and that portraits of the most beautiful women in various parts of the country, are to be taken, First by daguerreotype, and then to be painted in oil.  A large amount is to be awarded in premiums.  Three artists are appointed to take daguerreotypes for the purpose in this city, without any expense to the sitter.

1856 January 17.  Worcester Daily Spy.  (Worcester, Massachusetts.)  January 17, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 14, P. 3.

Gallery of Female Beauty.  Prizes amounting to [$ 0000] for the likeness of the Handsomest Women in America.  Daguerreotypes of Beautiful Females taken, with out expense to the sitters, by the first artist in the country!  The celebrated enterprise of Mr. P. T. Barnum, the “Gallery of American Female beauty.”  Is now being actively carried out by the proprietors of Barnum’s American Museum in New York, Messrs. Greenwood & Butler, as originally designed by Mr. B.

The premium for the likeness of the handsomest lady is $1,000; for the next most handsomest $300; the next, $200; the next $150; the next $100; and the next ninety, $25 each.  The entire one hundred are to be painted in oil portraits, afterwards, by distinguished artists, and the ten handsomest of all will be engraved for the World’s Book of Beauty in Paris.  The following artists will take the daguerreotypes in this city free of expense to the sitter:

C. R. B. Claflin, 188 Main Street; Lewis Babbitt, M. S. Chapin, Clark’s Block.

Advertisement ran from January 17 to January 22, 1856

1935 April.  The Worcester Historical Society Publications (Worcester, Massachusetts) New Series Vol. I, No. 8, p. 438.

The Daguerreotype Art And.

…Moses Sanford Chapin was a native of Milford, Mass., and before entering the daguerreotype business had learned the cabinet trade.  He conducted a successful gallery until shortly after the close of the Civil War, when he retired to take up his earlier calling.

During the War he went to Newbern, N. C., and for a time did photographic work with the Northern Armies.

The society is fortunate in having a considerable collection of daguerreotypes made by Mr. Chapin.  These are very interesting as illustrating the appearance of the patrons of a daguerreotype gallery three quarters of a century ago.

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

[2] Photographers In North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1941.