Tag Archives: Peter E. Gibbs

J.  Thomas Smith

Ambrotypes, Ivorytypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

1856-1857       151 Main Street, Eagle Square, Richmond, Virginia.

1859                Corinthian Hall, Richmond, Virginia.

1859                215 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.[1]

1860                77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.1

J.  Thomas Smith was recorded in fifteen advertisements and three announcements in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from December 27, 1856 to January 1, 1857. This is to inform my friends and the public generally, That I am now taking Pictures at the well established rooms of Mr. Powers, where I should be pleased to receive a liberal patronage.

Ambrotypes one Dollar—entire satisfaction, or no charge.  Respectfully, J. Thos. Smith.

The second advertisement ran from April 13 to 16, 1859.  Ambrotypes And Photographs.  Having purchased the Fine Art Gallery in Corinthian Hall. recently occupied by P. E. Gibbs, I respectfully solicit a call from all who wish to obtain a good Likeness of themselves or friends, before purchasing elsewhere.  Having employed one of the best artist in America, I deem it unnecessary to say more than guarantee satisfaction, or no charge.  Respectfully, J. Thos. Smith                                                                           

The third advertisement ran on April 15 & 16, 1859.  Photographs, Ivorytypes, Ambrotypes and Melaneotypes.  The above styles Pictures can be obtained at Corinthian Hall, (Gibbs’ old stand) of the best quality.  Particular attention is called to copying old Daguerreotypes by the Photographic process.  J. Thos Smith.

P. S.—One of the best Artists employed.

Prices Low.                                                                                                                

The first announcement appeared on April 16, 1859.  To The Public.—Having purchased the Gallery of Mr. P. E. Gibbs, in Corinthian Hall, I respectfully announced to my friends, and the public generally, that I am prepared to make every style of Picture pertaining to the art.

I have in my employ a No. 1 Operator.  Particular attention paid to copying old pictures by the Photographic or Ambrotype process.  They can be enlarged to life size, if desired.  J. Thos Smith.

The fourth advertisement ran on April 19 & 20, 1859.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, Ivorytypes and Melainotypes can now be had, of surpassing beauty, at Corinthian Hall, Gibbs Oud Stand.  J. T. S.                                                    

The fifth advertisement ran from April 20 to 26, 1859.  Pictures, Pictures—All kinds of pictures know in the art taken at Corinthian Hall—Gibbs’ Old Gallery.  Photographs colored in Oil, Water, Pastel, Crayon, Indian Ink.  Particular attention called to enlarging old Daguerreotypes by the Photographic process.  Pictures of deceased persons and invalids at their residence.  I warrant my pictures not to be surpassed by any in America.  Call and examine for yourselves.  J. Thos Smith.

P. S.—Master workman employed.                                                                          

The sixth advertisement ran from April 27 & 28, 1859.  Pictures, Pictures—All kinds of pictures know in the art taken at Corinthian Hall—Gibbs’ Old Gallery.  Photographs colored in Oil, Water, Pastel, Crayon, Indian Ink.  Particular attention called to enlarging old Daguerreotypes by the Photographic process.  Pictures of deceased persons and invalids at their residence.  I warrant my pictures not to be surpassed by any in America.  Call and examine for yourselves.  J. Thos Smith.

P. S.—Master workman employed.                                                              

The seventh advertisement ran from May 2 to 6, 1859.  To Strangers And Citizens Of Richmond—Attention Asked To Gibbs’s Old Gallery, Corinthian Hall.—Sphereotypes, a glass picture; something entirely new, and finished in a style not known to any one outside of this gallery.  Come and see them.  Photographs colored in oil, pastel and water.  Ambrotypes and Melaneotypes, at low prices.  Any one in want of a good picture of themselves or friends, will find it to their interest to call and examine specimens before purchasing elsewhere.  Entire satisfaction or no charge.  Respectfully, J. Thos Smith.         

The eighth advertisement appeared on May 16, 1859.  Smith’s Gallery, Corinthian Hall!  Smith’s Gallery, Corinthian Hall! 

See his new style picture, Sphereotype.

See His Photographs, Corinthian Hall.

See his double glass Ambrotypes, and all pictures known in the art.  Gibbs’ old stand.

See Ladd & Webster’s Sewing Machines in operation.

Pictures and Machines warranted to please, or no sale.                                                        

The second announcement appeared on May 17, 1859.  We have longed wished for some one to make genuine Double Glass Ambrotypes for 50 cents, and we understand that Mr. Smith, successor to Mr. P. E. Gibbs, Corinthian Hall , intends making them; and, if he does, we should patronize him.  He is well known to the most of us, and understands his business thoroughly.  We have seen several specimens of his work, and we have no hesitation in saying that he is making some of the finest Ambrotypes in this city.

Go and see them and judge for yourselves.  Many Friends.                         

The ninth advertisement ran on July 25 & 26, 1859.  I am now making a very superior style of Ambrotypes, and invite the ladies to give me a call, feeling assured that no other picture has ever been invented that will surpass it in beauty of tone and finish.  Those that have seen them pronounce them to be superior to anything they have ever seen.

Children’s Pictures made in one second, and warranted to please.  A call is solicited from my friends and the public generally.  Respectfully, J. Thos. Smith.                         

The tenth advertisement ran on August 5 & 6, 1859. 

Pictures, Pictures—Superior Ambrotypes. 

See them and be convinced. 

They are not to be excelled.

They speak for themselves.

Come and see them at

Smith’s Gallery.

They are made on the first floor,

And no two pair stems to climb.

They are pronounced the best by all who see them.                                                  

The eleventh advertisement ran on August 10 & 11, 1859.  Photographs And Ambrotypes.—I am prepared to make Photographs as low as they can be made in the Northern cities—of the best quality, in gilt frames, $1.50.  Artists employed for each branch of the business.  My Ambrotypes are pronounced superior by all who have seen them; the eyes are perfect, and face not chalky-white; made with or without shades, just to suite the purchasers.

Smith’s Gallery, Between 9th and 10th sts.                                                                 

The third announcement appeared on August 11, 1859.  I saw yesterday some of the finest Ambrotypes my eyes ever [upheld.]  They were made at Mr. Smith’s Gallery of a family from the South.  He deserves credit for his Pictures.  If you wish to see a fine Ambrotype, of the Picture, look on his center table.  He told me they were of his own make, and made in the last two weeks.  His prices are reasonable.  A. H.                  

The twelfth advertisement ran on August 12 & 13, 1859.  Between 9th and 10th Streets, Corinthian Hall—Smith’s Ambrotype And Photographic Gallery.—Superior Ambrotypes—see them and judge for yourself.—They are pronounced the best by all who see them.   Prices low.  Made with or without shades, as the person may fancy.

The thirteenth advertisement ran on August 27 & 29, 1859.  The Fine Art Gallery of Mr. J. Thos. Smith, having been thoroughly repaired, is again open for the reception of visitors.  He is making some of the finest Ambrotypes ever exhibited to the Richmond people.  We should see them and judge for ourselves.  They cannot be surpassed.  His prices are low.  He keeps every kind of case; also, frames of all kinds.             

The fourteenth advertisement ran October 13 & 14, 1859.

1859 October 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  October 13, 1859, Vol. XVI, No. 89, P. 2.

Crowded, Crowded.—

Every Day, Every Day.

Smith’s Gallery. Smith’s Gallery.

Always Crowded. Always Crowded.

Smith’s Gallery. Smith’s Gallery.

Best Ambrotypes And Photographs. Best Ambrotypes And Photographs.

Low Prices. Low Prices.

All Made Satisfactory, All Made Satisfactory,

Or No Charge. Or No Charge.

Best Artists Employed. Best Artists Employed.

Smith’s Gallery. Smith’s Gallery.

Corinthian Hall. Corinthian Hall.

Smith employs more artists than any other house, and makes the best Ambrotypes cheaper than any one else.

His Gallery is all the time full of visitors. 

Smith’s Gallery, Corinthian Hall.  Two Rooms In Operation.  oc. 12.

The fifteenth advertisement ran from December 6 to 8, 1859.  Ladies And Gentlemen Of Southern Principals.—Having returned home from Charleston.  I offer my personal services to those who wish to obtain Photographs or Ambrotypes of themselves or friends at the most reasonable terms, guaranteeing satisfaction, or no charge.  Best operators employed.  J. Thomas Smith, Corinthian Hall.                                                     

J. Thomas Smith is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Richmond, Virginia in 1859-1860.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

W. A. Retzer

Daguerreian Stock and Materials, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1844                341 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1845                129 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1846-1847       Rooms one door above Citizens’ Bank. Lynchburg, Virginia.

W. A. Retzer was recorded in four advertisements and one announcement.  The first advertisement ran from May 28 to August 31, 1846 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Silver Medal Awarded by the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, and the American Institute, New York, from Improved Daguerreotype Likenesses, taken by Van Loan & Retzer.

W. A. Retzer’s rooms one door above the Citizens’ Saving Bank. Lynchburg, Va. Where can be seen specimens of those exquisite works of art, which are pronounced by scientific gentlemen of Philadelphia and New York, to stand unrivalled either in Europe or America.

Oil Paintings, Miniatures, and all kinds of Pictures accurately copied.

Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.

It is a common idea that these pictures will not stand the test of time—all such defect is entirely moved, as they are gilded by the galvanic process and will never fade.  Instructions given in the art, and apparatus of the most approved kind furnished.  Materials of all kinds used in the art for sale.  Ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens.

Pen  from 8 o’clock, A. M. to 6 P. M.

The announcement appeared on January 7, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  List Of Letters Remaining in the Post Office in Lynchburg, on the 1st day of January 1847…Retzer, Wm. A.

The second advertisement was recorded on January 28, March 18 & 22, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Having appointed J. H. Fitzgibbon my agent in Lynchburg for the sale of Pictures, Cammeras (sic.) Plates, Chemicals, Cases and all other articles used in the Daguerreotype business.  Operators in this section of the Country will find it to their advantage to give me a call for they will find all articles at the Northern prices. Instructions also given in the Art.

Pictures taken as usual at my room nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, in all kinds of weather. Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine the numerous specimens I now have on hand. Open from 8 o’clock A. M. to 6 P. M.

The third advertisement he was mentioned in first appeared on April 5, 1847 in the Lynchburg Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

The fourth advertisement that he was mentioned in appeared on May 3, 1847 in the Lynchburg Republican.  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Lynchburg and surrounding country, that he has taken the rooms nearly opposite the Franklin Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. W. A. Retzer, and recently by Mr. J. H. Fitzgibbons, where he is prepared to execute Miniature Likenesses with all the latest and most important improvements.

Miniatures taken in any kind of weather, and all pictures warranted a fac-simile of the original.

Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens of this beautiful art.

N. B.—Instruction given in the art on moderate terms.  P. E. Gibbs.  April 5.

W. A. Retzer is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active Lynchburg, Virginia.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a W. A. Retzer being active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1844-1845. Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 also records him in Philadelphia in 1840-41.

James Keagy

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1850                Rooms at the Court House, Charles Town, Virginia.

1851-1852       Rooms at the Va. House, Staunton, Virginia.

1852-1853       Rooms opposite the Spectator Office, Staunton, Virginia.

1855                Gallery next door to the Virginia Bank, Lynchburg, Virginia.[1]

James Keagy was recorded in three announcements and six advertisements in four different newspapers.  The first announcement appeared on April 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson  (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes.  Mr. Keagy, a daguerrean Artist of considerable merit, is now sojourning in our town, and has his rooms at the Court House.  He has already taken some among the finest likenesses we have ever seen, and is prepared to do any work pertaining to the Daguerrean art.

The first advertisement was recorded on 16, 1850 in the Spirit of Jefferson (Charles Town, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures Taken In The Best Style By J. Keagy, Daguerrian Artist.  Rooms at the Court-House, where he will remain but a short time, for the purpose of taking Miniatures by the improved Daguerrian process.

The Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlestown and Jefferson and cordially invited to call and examine Specimens which the subscriber feels confident will commend him to the patronage of all who wish good Daguerreotype Portraits.

N. B. These Miniatures are taken in all kinds of weather.  Miniatures set in Lockets, Rings, etc. in the best style.

The second advertisement ran from October 29, 1851 to July 21, 1852 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  The subscriber begs the attention of the ladies and Gentlemen of Staunton and the adjacent country, to his collection of splendid Daguerreotypes.  He takes them in an entirely new style.—Please call soon Ladies and Gentlemen, as my stay will be short.  Rooms at the Va. House.  James Keagy.

The third advertisement ran from July 28 to December 22, 1852 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Staunton Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery.  The subscriber has just opened his new Daguerrean Gallery, opposite the Spectator Office, where he will be happy to see all who are at all interested in the beautiful art of Photography.

Having a fine sky and side lights and every other facility, he is prepared to produce the finest results of which the art is capable.  The very great advantage of sky-light is known to all who have given any attention to the subject.  Entire satisfaction given in all cases, or no charge.

Pictures taken in all kinds of weather.  Dark dressing greatly preferable.  J. Keagy.

The fourth advertisement ran from December 22, 1852 to January 19, 1853 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  Call at once if you wish Splendid Daguerreotypes of yourself or friends.  J. Keagy has just returned from New York, where he has been for the purpose of improving himself in his profession.  He is now making the finest pictures ever made in the Valley of Virginia.  He has an entirely new style of picture, which is surpassingly beautiful—the Stereoscope, one of the great wonders of the age.  Call at once and see specimens.  The apparatus is entirely new and of very large size.

The fifth advertisement ran on January 19 & 26, 1853 in the Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) (Staunton, Virginia).  J. Keagy, Daguerreanist, Respectfully requests all persons indebted to him, to call and settle their accounts, as he intends leaving town in about two weeks, not to return.

The second announcement 1853 February 2.  Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator).  (Staunton, Virginia.)  February 2, 1853, Vol. XXX, No. XII, P. 2.

Mr. Jas. Keagy, Daguerreotypist, desires us to say that he will remain in Staunton only one week longer.  Persons having business with him will please call at his rooms immediately.

The third announcement appeared on October 15, 1855 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).… We publish elsewhere the farewell card of Mr. P. E. Gibbs, who leaves this city for Richmond.  We can but express regret at the departure from us of so accomplished an artist and worthy citizen as Mr. G. [  ?  ] congratulate the people of Richmond on his accession to that city.  As a daguerrean artist we regard Mr. Gibbs as without a superior anywhere.  He leaves the assurance that his place will be well filled in the person of his successor, Mr. Keagy.—Lynchburg Virginian, Oct. 12.

The sixth advertisement appeared on August 26, 1856 in the Lynchburg Daily Virginian (Lynchburg, Virginia).  A Card.—Having sold my interest in the Daguerrean Gallery, in this place. To Mr. James Keagy, I would respectfully recommend to the favorable attention of the public as a skillful Artist, and a gentleman on whom they may rely.  Come, then, and secure one of his inimitable Ambrotypes, which can only be procured of him in this city.

In taking my leave, I would return thanks for the liberal patronage and kind attention received from a generous public, during a residence if over eight years.  P. E. Gibbs.  Oct. 12. James Keagy is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Several notes first J. Keagy first appeared in the blog on September 29, 2019.  Since then more information has been found.  Second is the name of the newspaper Staunton Spectator (and Vindicator) the online newspaper records the newspaper under this title, the masthead is recorded as Staunton Spectator.

[1] Address from Peter E. Gibbs 1853 advertisement.

White

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1854                Address Unknown, Petersburg, Virginia.

White appeared in one announcement on October 28, 1854 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Petersburg Fair.  Fourth Day.  Petersburg, Oct. 27, 1854…List of Premiums Awarded at the Union Fair of Virginia and North Carolina…Discretionary Premiums.—… for specimens of daguerreotyping, $5 each, To Messrs. P. E. Gibbes of Lynchburg and White of Petersburg;

White is not recorded in other photographic directories.