Tag Archives: New York City

Benjamin C. Townsend

Photographic Stock and Chemicals, , ,

1843                42 Beaver Street, New York, New York.

Benjamin C. Townsend of the partnership of Welton & Townsend Joseph C. Welton & Benjamin C. Townsend)[1] were recorded in one advertisement that ran from April 20 to 26, 1843 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Daguerreotype Plates.  “Scovills” first quality plates, pronounced by the first operators in this country, to be superior to any imported plates, for sale by their agents, Welton & Townsend, 42 Beaver street. 

Benjamin C. Townsend is not recorded in other photographic directories.  According to the 1842/1843 New York City directory their occupation was buttons at 42 Beaver Street, the following directory 1843/1844 their occupation was still listed as buttons but they had moved to 5 William. 

[1] 1842/1843 & 1843/1844 New York City Directory.

Mrs. Townsend

Daguerreotypes, ,

1843                235 West 19th Street, Near 9th Avenue, New York, New York.

Mrs. Townsend was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 14 to 16, 1843 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Daguerrian Miniatures Of every sizes—copies of Pictures, Statues, Bust, &c., &c. (in all weather) by Mrs. Townsend, No. 235 West 19th street, near 9th avenue.

N. B.  Perfect likenesses may be had for breastpins, Lockets, Bracelets, Rings, &c.

Mrs. Townsend is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Thompson

Ambrotypes, , ,

1856                313 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]

Thompson was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York) on  January 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Thompson, 313 Broadway — This gallery I believe is pretty well known. There is little fault to be found with the pictures, they are sharp, well-developed and clear, three great requisites. The ambrotypes are as good as can be expected from the newness of the process. On the whole I think the public in general will listen to the name of Thompson with different feelings than Mr. Toodle.

Thompson is not listed in other photographic directories.  This is probably Josiah W. Thompson who is listed in 1856 as being at 315 Broadway. 

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.

Joseph W. Thompson

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1847                Granite Building, corner Chambers street and Broadway, New York, New York.

Joseph W. Thompson was recorded in one announcement in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on August 17, 1847.  A Bold Thief.—Last evening, some bold thief entered the daguerrean gallery of Mr. Joseph W. Thompson, in the granite building corner of Chambers street and Broadway, and in his absence carried away twelve half-French mahogany chairs, with slats in the backs, and hair seats.  The thief was observed to carry the chairs down stairs, place them on a spring cart. And drive down Chambers street towards the North River.  No clue as yet of the thief.  Where’s the carman?

Joseph W. Thompson is not recorded in other photographic directories.  This is probably Josiah W. Thompson who is recorded in other photographic directories and is listed in the 1847/1848 New York City Directory at 281 Broadway.

J. W. Thompson

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1845                Rooms at Mr. Shively’s Hotel, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

J. W. Thompson was recorded in two announcements in the Jefferson Republican (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania).  The first appeared on April 17, 1845.  Daguerreotype Portraits.  Mr. J. W. Thompson, of New York, is now in Stroudsburg, and will remain here for a few days, for the purpose of taking miniatures by the Daguerreotype process.  The same opportunity for families and individuals to supply themselves with their own and their friends likenesses, which is now held out to them, may not be repeated for a long time.  We can, from our own knowledge and observation, recommend Mr. T. as an able and skillful artist, and we hope a liberal encouragement will be extended to him by our citizens.  His rooms are at Mr. Shively’s Hotel.

The second appeared on April 24, 1845.  To the Public.  We have examined several Daguerreotype likenesses, taken during the last week by Mr. J. W. Thompson, and we do not hesitate in saying they are equal, if not superior, to any we ever saw.  In fact we can conceive nothing finer, either as regards the likeness or execution.. Mr. T. makes a pretty picture of a Daguerreotype, which no person who has been in Stroudsburg before has done.  Whoever wishes to transmit his physiognomy to posterity, just as it is, should not leave the present opportunity pass by.  There is no mistake in the daguerreotype.  It tells the truth.  If any one wishes to satisfy himself in this matter, let him call on Mr. T., who will be happy to attend to all request of this nature.  Mr. T. will remain at Mr. Shively’s a week longer.  Now is your time.

J. W. Thompson is not recorded in other photographic directories.  This is probably Josiah W. Thompson, but, at this point it is only speculation.  J. W. or Josiah W. Thompson does not appear in the New York City directories for 1845/1846 or 1844/1845.  Josiah W. Thompson is listed in the NYC directory as a daguerreian in 1846/1847.

Taylor

Ambrotypes, ,

1856                Address Unknown, New York, New York.[1]

Taylor was recorded in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York.) January 1, 1856.  In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America.  Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Taylor — Some of the ambrotypes excel. The daguerreotypes need improvement.

Taylor is not recorded in other photographic directories.

[1] Not all first names or complete addresses were recorded in article.   Craig’s Daguerreian Registry was used to assist in identification when possible first name and address were added.

Edward G. Taylor

Daguerreian Case Maker, ,

1854                16 Spruce Street, New York, New York.

Edward G. Taylor was recorded in one announcement in The Evening Post (New York, New York) on March 6, 1854.  Great Fire In Spruce Street.—Four Buildings Destroyed—Yesterday (Sunday) morning, about half past two o’clock, a fire was discovered in a five story brick building at No. 8 Spruce street…the fire soon extended to the adjoining store, No. 10, the basement of which was occupied by Mr. Spinney, dealer in rags.  The first floor by Benedict & Cunningham as a paper warehouse.  Second floor as the publication office of the Independent.  Third floor in part by T. C. Janes, importer of book binders’ leather.  The remaining portion of the third floors, together with the whole of the fifth floor, also the first and second stories of No. 16, were occupied by S. W. Bendict, printer.  The fourth floor was occupied by Edward G. Taylor, book binder and daguerreotype case manufacturer…

Edward G. Taylor is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1851 to 1853 at 128 Fulton and 89 Nassau.  Further research indicates that he is not listed in the following New York City directories 1854/55; 1855/56; 1856/57 but, in the 1857/58 directory he is listed as a Bookbinder at 15 Nassau Street.

Harry S. Tanner

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                315 Broadway, New York, New York.

1854                347 Broadway, New York, New York.

Harry S. Tanner was recorded in six advertisements, two in the New York Daily Tribune, and four in The New York Herald (New York, New York.)  The first advertisement appeared on September 7, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Daguerreotypes.—Beautifully colored Daguerreotypes, furnished complete in a neat morocco case, for fifty cents and upwards, better than those taken elsewhere at double the price.  Be sure to call and examine specimens at Tanner’s Daguerreian Gallery, No. 315 Broadway.

The second advertisement appeared on September 7, 1853 in The New York Herald.  To Daguerreotype Artists.—A First Class operator wanted at Tanner’s Daguerrean Gallery, 315 Broadway.  Must give satisfactory references as to qualifications and when and where employed.  None others treated with.  Immediate application necessary.

The third advertisement appeared on September 7, 1853 in The New York Herald.  Secure the Shadow ere the Substance Fade—Every one should avail themselves of the low rates and superior style of the daguerreotypes taken daily at Tanner’s daguerreian gallery, No. 315 Broadway.  Don’t take our word, but call and judge.

The fourth advertisement appeared on September 11, 1853 in The New York Herald.  Magnificent Color Daguerreotypes for fifty cents and upwards, finished complete are taken at Tanner’s Daguerrean Gallery, 315 Broadway.  Fail not to secure a good likeness.  Call and see 315 Broadway.

The fifth advertisement appeared on December 29, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune.  Tanner’s Daguerreian Gallery, No. 315 Broadway.—At this well known Gallery the very best Pictures are produced and at the lowest prices.  Those for 50 cents are done up in handsome morocco cases, and are far cheaper than those obtained at the 25 cent shops, where no cases are given.  For the estimation in which the Picture from this Gallery are held by the public press, we refer to the Times, Dispatch, Courier, Illustrated News, National Democrat, Herald, Atlas, Mercury, &c., &c.  A full assortment of Fancy Cases constantly on hand.

The sixth advertisement appeared on May 17, 1854 in The New York Herald.  Tanner’s Daguerrean Gallery, 347 Broadway.—The new and splendid rooms, just fitted up expressly for this well known concern, southwest corner of Broadway and Leonard street, are now ready for the reception of its friends.  Pictures furnished in every variety, from 50 cents (including case To $10 each—and in a style of unsurpassed excellence.

Henry S. Tanner is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, but is included here to clarify activity date for the 315 Broadway address.

John I. Talman

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Address Unknown, New York, New York.

John I. Talman was recorded in one announcement that appeared on July 30, 1846 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Law Courts….[Deferred.]…Margaret Talman against John I. Talman.—Were married in 1845.—The complainant kept and keeps a boarding house, and is about 40 years of age.  Defendant is about 21, and is a daguerreotype artist.  Same complaint and decree.  [Decree of divorce, a venculo matrimonii, (from the marriage tie) on the ground of infidelity.

John I. Talman is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is unknown who he worked for or if he was the principal owner/operator in a photographic gallery.

Erastus Steven

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1855                303 Broadway, New York, New York.

Erastus Steven of the firm De Guinon & Steven was recorded in two advertisements in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  The first advertisement appeared on June 13, 1855.  A Rare Chance Is Now Offered To An Enterprising person with small capital, to purchase very low, a first class photograph and daguerreotype gallery, now doing a splendid business, and one of the best locations in the city; the parties now interested are going to Europe.  Inquire De Guinon & Steven, 303 Broadway, corner of Duane street.

The second advertisement appeared on June 21, 1855.  A Rare Chance—For Sale, Or A Partner taken.—One of the partners of the photograph and daguerreotype establishment, No. 303 Broadway, is about going to Europe, and a rare chance is offered to a person with small capital, to buy out the establishment, or to join the remaining partner in conducting the business.  A knowledge of the business not requisite, as the remaining party is an old daguerreotypist.  Inquire De Guinon & Steven, 303 Broadway.

Erastus Steven is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as Erastus Stever it is unknown which spelling is correct.