Tag Archives: Penn Yan New York

A. S. Barber

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1857                Rooms over H. D. Pratt’s Shoe Store, Penn-Yan, New York.

A. S. Barber was recorded in one announcement and two advertisements.  The announcement appeared on August 27, 1857 in the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Solar Pictures.—Mr. A. L. Barber, a very worthy young gentleman from Geneva has purchased the Daguerrean Rooms of Mr. B. S. Wilson, and put himself in readiness to take pictures painted by the sun, and perfect as life.  Mr. Barber is a man of enterprise and worth, and will commend himself to the good will of the public.

The first advertisement ran from August 27 to November 19, 1857 in the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  New Daguerrean Gallery!   Mr. A. S. Barber, from Geneva, having purchased the Daguerrean Gallery of B. S. Wilson, Next door to the bookstore of James [Boras], invites the patronage of the of Penn Yan, and the Country around, and hopes, by [exceeding] in work, to merit a full share of business.  He has a splendid Sky Light, and all the most approved fixtures, for taking pictures of the best [description], and may be found in him rooms during all [reasonable] hours, prepared to do his best to give satisfaction to his customers.  Call on him and give him a trial.

The second advertisement ran on November 11 & 18, 1857 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Barber’s Mammoth Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  Good Pictures taken or “no Pay.”  Rooms opposite the Yates County Bank, and directly over the Shoe Store of H. D. Pratt, where I am prepared with all the necessary fixtures, together with a most excellent Sky-Light (better cannot be had) to take Pictures Of All Kinds, “Rain or Shine.”  I am satisfied that I can produce Pictures of such an Expression, Tone and Finish as will please the purchaser, otherwise “No Pay.”

A few hints:  Dark Clothes Take Best.  The Hair Should Be Free From Oil Or Moisture.  Children’s Likenesses taken in from 2 to 4 seconds between the hours of 11 A. M. and 2 P. M.

Instructions given in all its branches on very reasonable terms.  Lockets, Pins and Rings Filled, Copying Transfer Pictures &c., &c., taken at the above Gallery.                                                    

A. S. Barber is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Penn-Yan, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list A. S. Barber in Adrian, Michigan in 1860.  David V. Tinder’s on-line Directory of Early Michigan Photographers records Barber being active in Adrian from 1859-1865.  It is unknow at this time if they are the same person.

S. Wood

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1851-1852       Address Unknown, Rochester, New York.

1852                Rooms in the Court House, Penn-Yan, New York

S. Wood was mentioned in one advertisement that ran from August 24 to September 14, 1852 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Important to the Citizens of Penn-Yan and Vicinity!  R. B. Appleby, the Proprietor of the Rochester National Daguerrean Gallery, Who stands so deservedly at the head in that City, where, perhaps, there is more rivalry in this new and beautiful Art than in any other place West of the City of New York, and S. Wood, who has been so eminent in the above named establishment for the past year, and who brings to the aid of the Art a very comprehensive mechanical genius; have formed a collation for the purpose of an itinerant Picture Business, for a short time, during the dull season in the city.

We now offer to the citizens of this place and vicinity, advantages, for getting Pictures of a quality decidedly superior.  We have with us our Best Instruments, which were brought without regard to cost, and are entirely above [ ? ] with the instrument, generally used in small towns.  That those who do not know us by reputation may have some proof that we understand our business, we have with us some of our specimens, among which are several full size—Pictures of Jenny Lind and Husband, President Fillmore and Cabinet, &c., &c.

We now extend an invitation to all to call and see us—see our Specimens—see our Instruments—see our [manner] of doing business—and if you find us to be what we claim to be, then our advice to you is, have your Daguerreotypes taken!  Have a good one—(for a poor one [cannot] be copied if your friend dies,)—we say, have a good one of each member of the family, while you have them with you.  Life and health are uncertain.  The instances are [too numerous] in which we have been called out of our Rooms to take Corpse Pictures; which besides being [attention] with great expense to friends, are very unsatisfactory at best.  But the fact shows how much all think of retaining in their memory the features of departed friends.  It is not necessary that you set apart a whole day for this business with us.  We will not detain you more than 30 or 40 minutes, and we warrant every picture to give perfect satisfaction, or it will be taken over, free of charge.

Being largely engaged in the Daguerrian Stock business, we have been with us the Largest Assortment of Frames and Cases and find Gold Lockets ever exhibited in this place.  We offer to you rare opportunities, but remember, they are only for a short time.  When business revives in the City, we shall leave at some unexpected moment.  Rooms in the Court House.  R. B. Appleby. S. Wood.

S. Wood is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Rochester or Penn Yan, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a Sidney A. Wood who was active in Auburn, New York in 1859.  It is unknown if they are the same person. 

B. S. Wilson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1855-1857       Elmendorf Building, opposite the American Hotel, Penn Yan, New York.

B. S. Wilson was recorded in two announcements, two advertisements and mentioned in a third advertisement in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York) and one advertisement in the  Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  The first announcement appeared on September 26, 1855 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Yates County Fair.  The annual Fair and Cattle Show of the Yates County Agricultural Society came off per announcement, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last….S. B. Wilson, Daguerrean Artist, exhibited several beautiful specimens of his skill in the line of Ambrotypes, Photographs, &c.

The second announcement appeared on October 17, 1855.  But few are probably aware of the rapid progress that has been made in bringing the art of Daguerreotyping to perfection.  The latest, and we may say the greatest improvement that has yet been made in the art, is that of taking Ambrotypes and Photographs on glass.  The Ambrotypes are pictures taken on the back of plate glass, forming a picture that is seen in any light, and its natural position, not reversed as in Daguerreotypes.  The picture is covered with a gum that hardens and forms a secure protection from dampness or dust.  Indeed the picture can be destroyed only by breaking the glass.  It is seen through the glass, and is equally clear and distinct seen at any angle.  They are afforded at about the same rates as Daguerreotypes.

The Photographs are also taken on glass, and then by chemical process, the impression is transferred on to paper, presenting an appearance equal to the finest steel engraving, and any number of impressions can be taken from the same plate.  Bring on light paper you are enabled to present your distant friends with a beautiful and accurate picture of yourself, and that at a trifling expense.

Mr. Wilson, successor to Mr. Flower, at his rooms, opposite the Yates County Bank, is now prepared to furnish all who wish with either Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, or Photographs in the highest style of the art.

The first advertisement ran from October 31, 1855 to February 25, 1857.  Photographic And Daguerrean Gallery.  B. S. Wilson would inform the citizens of Penn Yan and surrounding country that he has now introduced the new and wonderful art of taking Likenesses on Paper and Glass.

While he is prepared to take these new pictures in the best of style, his facilities for producing Daguerreotypes are not inferior, but superior to what they have ever been, and all wishing the regular Daguerreotype, can rely on getting good pictures as heretofore.  The rooms are open and free at all hours, and all are invited to call and examine specimens.    B. S. Wilson.

Successor to S. J. Fowler, nearly opposite the Yates Co. Bank, Penn. Yan.  Instructions carefully given in the art, and apparatus furnished cheap.  Penn Yan, Oct. 31, 1855.

The third advertisement ran from February 21, 1856 to March 5, 1857 in  the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Pictures Taken On Paper And Glass.  The undersigned after being to considerable expense in [ ? ] and preparing to take pictures as above, is now enabled to put up pictures with Neatness And Dispatch.

And now while I return my sincere thanks and gratitude to the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, for the liberal patronage that they have given me, I would say to them that I have a new process for Glass pictures, that surpasses anything before [ ? ].  The advantages in taking in this style of picture is 1st.  You do not sit more than [ ? ].  2d.  It does not reverse but makes a positive Picture.  3d.  It is secured from dampness.  These pictures are decided by the most competent Judges, to be [as] much superior to the Plate Picture, as a Steel Engraving is to a Wood Cut Picture.

My pictures shall be as Cheap as the Cheapest; please give me a call, and you shall be [ ? ] or no charge.

Rooms in Elmendorf building, opposite the Yates Co. Bank, formerly occupied by S. J. Fowler.  B. S. Wilson.

N. B.  Pictures taken on plate as before, if desired.  A good assortment of Locket, Pins, and a variety of Cases, always on hand, all of the latest style.

Daguerreotype [ ? ] for sale to Artists and sent to all parts by Express if desired.

The fourth advertisement appeared in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York) on April 1, 1857.  Daguerreotypes.—Mrs. Lansing has taken the rooms formerly occupied by S. B. Wilson, opposite the American, where she will be pleased to furnish such as may wish with a superior quality of Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We have been shown several specimens of her work, and they are certainly very fine.

B. S. or S. B. Wilson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

N. Tribou

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1853                Knapp’s Block, Malone, New York.

1855                Washington Hall, Main Street, Penn Yan, New York.

1855                Address Unknown, Elmira, New York.

N. Tribou was recorded in three advertisements and two announcements.  The first advertisement ran from August 4 to September 15, 1853 in the Frontier Palladium (Malone, New York).   

Daguerreotypes!  The Subscriber having determined on spending a few week in this vicinity, for the benefit of his health, has made choice of Malone as a temporary residence, and has taken rooms in “Knapp’s Block,” for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Likenesses, Where he would be happy to wait on all who may favor him with their patronage.

He would also take occasion to say that, aided as he is by an experience of nearly nine years, in some of the first establishments of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, and using none but the Best Materials.  He feels no hesitation in saying that the present is an opportunity seldom met with procuring an Accurate And Artistic Picture.

All the newest styles of Plain and Fancy Cases, at the lowest New York Prices.

Persons having had inferior or unsatisfactory pictures taken by inexperienced operators, can have them exchanged at a trifling cost.

Please call and examine for yourselves.

Will positively remain but a few weeks.  N. Tribou. Malone, July 29, 1853.

The second advertisement ran from August 6 to September 27, 1853 in the Franklin Gazette  (Fort Covington, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  The Subscriber having determined on spending a few week in this vicinity, for the benefit of his health, has made choice of Malone as a temporary residence, and has taken rooms in “Knapp’s Block,” for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Likenesses, Where he would be happy to wait on all who may favor him with their patronage.

He would also take occasion to say that, aided as he is by an experience of nearly nine years, in some of the first establishments of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, and using none but the Best Materials.  He feels no hesitation in saying that the present is an opportunity seldom met with procuring an Accurate And Artistic Picture.

All the newest styles of Plain and Fancy Cases, at the lowest New York Prices.

Persons having had inferior or unsatisfactory pictures taken by inexperienced operators, can have them exchanged at a trifling cost.

Please call and examine for yourselves.  N. Tribou.  Malone, July 29, 1853.

The first announcement appeared in the Franklin Gazette (Fort Covington, New York) on August 13, 1853.  Daguerreotypes For Fifty Cents!  At Tribou’s Rooms, “Knapp’s Block.”

Open for only a short time longer.

The third advertisement ran from June 27 to July 11, 1855 in the Penn Yan Democrat.  (Penn-Yan, New York).  Daguerreotypes For 25 Cents!  At Tribour’s Rooms, Washington Hall, Main St., Penn Yan.  The Subscriber has opened a room at the above place, for the purpose of making Daguerreotypes at prices varying from 25 c’s to Six Dollars—which for accuracy of delineation, ease and gracefulness of position, Truth fullness of expression, harmonious blending of Light and Shade, beauty and durability of finish, and in fact all the requisites of an accurate and artistic picture, he confidently assures the public Cannot Be Surpassed.

An early call is respectfully solicited, as his stay is limited to A Few Weeks.  N. Tribou, Artist.  Penn Yan, June 26, 1855.

The second announcement appeared on August 15, 1855 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Pass Him.—A daguerrean Artist, by the name of Tribou, who has been sojourning in our village for several weeks, has left for somewhere else, without paying a bill for advertising, amounting to $2, due us.  He advertised to take pictures for 50 cts.  He is a small sized man, with large dark whiskers.  The craft will please give him the benefit of their circulation.—Elmira Gazette.

The same “small sized man, with large dark whiskers,” owed us something like $3, which he wrote to us he would positively pay on the coming Saturday—but, as he absconded the same night, we presume he forgot it.

N. Tribou is not recorded in other photographic directories.

William Tinsley

Daguerreotypes, Portrait Painter, , ,

1849                Room over G. D. Wells, Drug Store, Penn Pan, New York.

William Tinsley was recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 15 to July 3, 1849 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Portrait Painter & Daguerrean.  Respectfully inform the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, that he has opened Rooms for the practice of the above Arts.

He has been successful in procuring Optical instruments of the finest workmanship, possessing powers superior to anything that has yet appeared in this region, and equal to anything that ever may come into competition.  By which he flatters himself he shall be able to produce works of the most minute fidelity, varying in size from 4 inches to the smallest locket or finger-ring.

Operating room over the Drug store of G. D. Wells.  Penn-Yan, May 8, 1849.

William Tinsley is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in 1850-1851 in Penn Pan, New York without a business address.  Tinsley is recorded in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artists in America 1564-1860 as a portrait painter in Albany, New York in 1852.

Charles M. Speelman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1859                Rooms over the Chronicle Office, Penn-Yan, New York.

Charles M. Speelman was recorded in three announcements and three advertisements.  The first announcement appeared on March 9, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York.   

Photographs, Daguerreotypes, &c.  Mr. T. J. B. House has disposed of his Photograph and Daguerrean Gallery to Mr. C. M. Speelman, who is to take possession on Monday next.  While we regret to part with Mr. House, we are well pleased to know that his successor is fully qualified to fill his place.  Mr. Speelman is an excellent artist and a through gentleman.  He has had much experience in taking pictures, and we are quite sure Mr. House’s patrons will lose nothing by the change, should they wish anything in the line of Photographs, Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We predict for our young friend Speelman abundant success.

The second announcement appeared on March 10, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle (Penn Yan, New York).  Mr. T. J. B. House has sold his Photograph and Ambrotype Gallery together with his entire business, to Mr. Charles M. Speelman of Torrey.  Mr. House is an excellent artist, and a very worthy man.  He has made best of friends during his stay of two years in Penn Yan who will regret his departure.  The young man who takes his place is said to be a skillful artists and worthy successor to Mr. House.

The first advertisement ran from March 30 to August 17, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, &c., Penn Yan, N. Y.  Charles M. Speelman Having purchased the Rooms of T. J. B. House, over the Chronicle office, will carry on the business in all its branches.

Photographs Taken Any Size.  He hopes, by strict attention to business, to retain the public patronage that has ever been given to these rooms.

None But The Best Kind of Pictures taken at this Gallery.  His Instruments are of the best manufacture.  His stock is of the Latest Style and patterns in the New York Market.

Pictures from 50 Cents Upwards.  Cha’s M. Speelman.

The second advertisement ran from March 24 to May 5, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle  (Pen Yan, New York).   Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, &c., Penn Yan, N. Y.  Charles M. Speelman Having purchased the Rooms of T. J. B. House, over the Chronicle office, will carry on the business in all its branches.  Photographs taken any size.  This is the only room in Yates County where Photographs are taken.  He hopes, by strict attention to business, to retain the public patronage that has ever been given to these rooms.

None but the Best Kind of Pictures taken at this Gallery.  His instruments are of the best manufacture.  His [stock] is of the latest style and patterns in the New York Market.

Pictures from 50 Cents Upwards.  Cha’s M. Speelman.

The third announcement appeared on May 11, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).   Pictures.  Mr. Speelman has recently added largely to his stock of plain and fancy Cases, &c., and has reduced his prices for Photographs, Ambrotypes and melainotypes.  He takes excellent pictures, and should be liberally patronized.  See his advertisement in another column.

The third advertisement ran from May 12 to July 14, 1859 in the Yates County Chronicle (Pen Yan, New York).  Pictures!  Pictures.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, And Melainotypes, At Speelman’s Gallery, (over the Chronicle’s Office.)

Mr. Speelman continues to take the best Pictures in Town.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, and in fact, every kind of Picture of his [Profession.]  A large stock of Plain & Fancy Cases Just Received, and Prices Lower then ever before.  Call and examine them.  Particular attention paid to copying , and all work warranted to give entire satisfaction.

Charles M. Speelman is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in West Dresden New York in 1859 without a business address.  There are several scenarios that I would suggest. First—the distance between Pen Yan and West Dresden is less then six miles, Speelman might have had a gallery in both towns.  Second—he might have had a gallery there before March 9 or after July 14th.  Third—since he was recorded in the residence section of the city directory without an address he probably lived in West Dresden and worked in Pen Yan.  Having done a lot of work with city directories this has always puzzled me why did they not add a business address.  Either they worked in a different town or it is also possible they were employed by someone else, another suggestion is they were semi-retired, or in-between jobs.  

Mr. Reynolds

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

ND                  Address Unknown, Albany, New York.                                                                          ND                  Address Unknown, New York, New York.                                                                            1850               Address Unknown, Penn Yan, New York.

Mr. Reynolds was recorded in one advertisement that ran from September 3 to 17, 1850 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  Mr. Reynolds, of New York who formerly operated for Meade & Bro. of Albany, has taken rooms over Rose’s store,—and having availed himself of the recent improvements in the art, the finish of his Pictures will in no way inferior to Brady and other artists of New York who are working after this late improved process.  Pictures finished by this process have a beauty of tone, roundness of features and distinctness of outline that far surpass those by the old method, and may readily be seen in any light.

Mr. Reynolds has brought with him his full gallery of over 100 specimens, containing portraits from life of some of our eminent men among which is one of the late President Taylor.

He has on hand a supply of Lockets and Fancy cases.  Having one of the best instruments he is enabled to take correct Likenesses in any weather—and children of any age, that can sit still five seconds.

Please call immediately, as he will remain but a short time.  Peen Yan, Aug. 27, 1850.

Mr. Reynolds is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. B. Norris

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                Rooms on Elm Street over McAllaster, Penn Yan, New York.

J. B. Norris was recorded in one advertisements that appeared on June 1, 1852 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  New Daguerrean Gallery, On Elm Street, Penn Yan.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Penn Yan and vicinity, that he has recently furnished, and has now successfully furnished, and has now in successful operation the rooms recently occupied by Mrs. Sacket, as a Millinery establishment, three doors from Main-st., over McAllaster [Recess].

The above rooms are furnished with every facilely for taking first rate Likenesses, and with all the late improvements in the art, and put up in the most fashionable style of Cases or Lockets of all sizes, and at the most reasonable prices.

I shall not expect any person to take their picture away if they do not give entire satisfaction.  Pictures taken of sick or deceased persons at their residence, if desired.  Rooms open from 8 A. M., till 5 P. M.  Hours for children from 10 to 12.  J. B. Norris.  April 27, 1852.

J. B. Norris is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Charles Morris

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Auburn, New York.                                                                            1856                Address Unknown, Penn Yan, New York.[1]

Charles Morris was recorded in two announcements in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York).  The first appeared on April 2, 1856.  Hung.—John Fitzgerald, the youth recently sentenced by Judge Welles, at Auburn, was hung in the Jail at this place at 5 minutes past 3 P. M., on Friday Last…Mr. Charles Morris, of this place took several Ambrotypes of the condemned boy on the morning of his execution, one or two of which he now has in his possession.  He is a remarkably good looking fellow; the countenance, as seen in the picture, evince no sign of the murderous and reckless disposition that his deed and actions showed him possessed of.  We shall probably give a short account of his execution next week.

The second announcement appeared on April 9, 1856.  From the Auburn Daily Advertiser, of March 28th.  Execution of John Fitzgerald—A Hardened Criminal….Yesterday he sat for his Daguerreotype….The Daguerreotype was taken by Charles Morris, of Penn Yan….

Charles Morris is possibly listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as Charles Y. Morris active in Auburn from 1856-1860.

[1] Unknown address and location.  First article states that he is from Auburn, second article states he is from Penn Yan.  John Craig Craig’s Daguerrean Registry records him as being from Auburn.

J. C. Mills

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , ,

1859                Rooms on Main Street, Penn Yan, New York.

J. C. Mills was recorded in an announcement on March 30, 1859 in the Penn Yan Democrat (Penn-Yan, New York). Photographs, Daguerreotypes, &c.  We happened into Mr. Mills’ Photograph and Daguerrean Gallery (entrance on the west side of Main St., at the first stairs south of Runns’ Bookstore) the other day.  While there we were shown some very nice specimens of pictures, Photographs, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, &c, some of which equal in execution any we have ever seen.  Mr. Mills is preparing to take Photographs in a new style, which have proven very acceptable to those who have seen them.  The general mode of procedure, we believe, is about the same, but the effect given to the picture is not a little improved.  Mr. M. has a good sky-light, and all arrangements complete for taking excellent pictures.

J. C. Mills is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Penn Yan, New York in 1859 without a business address.