Tag Archives: Photographer

D. M. Stoughton

Ambrotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

1857-1858       Doctor Rawson’s Block, Findlay, Ohio.

D. M. Stoughton was recorded in four advertisements in The Hancock Jeffersonian (Findlay, Ohio).  The first advertisement dated April 10, 1857 ran on June 19 and 26, 1857, when he was by himself.

A New & Valuable Discovery. 

Enameled Photographs, 

Enameled Photographs,

Can Be Sent By Mail,

Can Be Sent By Mail,

To Any Part Of The World,

To Any Part Of The World,

Without Injury, or Extra Postage,

Without Injury, or Extra Postage,

And the only place where they can be obtained in perfection is at Stoughton’s, Stoughton’s Doctor Rawson’s Block, Stoughton’s old stand, where he can always be found, ready to wait upon his friends and customers,  having during the past season, repaired and refitted his rooms, he flatters himself that they now possess conveniences, both for himself and customers, superior to any in North-Western Ohio.  He never fails in executing Likenesses of children, by the aid of an improvement of his own, together with a powerful Sky-Light, he is enabled to take them at a sitting of only one second.—Enameled Photographs are superior to anything ever discovered, for locket pictures, &c.  Ambrotypes warranted not to crack.

N. B.—Instructions given in the art.  Findlay, April 10, 1857.

The second advertisement ran from July 17 to October 23, 1857 under the firm name of Stoughton & Hartsock.  Sphereotypes.  The undersigned would respectfully announce to the people of Hancock county that they have formed a co-partnership for the purpose of introducing the celebrated Patent Sphereotype!

This style of picture is unparalleled for beauty, and is acknowledged by all to be the greatest improvement of the age, in the Art Of Picture Taking!!

There is a softness and delicacy and beautiful, and which cannot be surpassed.  Call and examine their specimens.  They will also take Ambrotypes!  With all the latest improvements, together with pictures on paper, Cloth, Leather, &c.  Pictures taking on Leather In a recent discovery, and is very convenient for filing Lockets, or for sending any distance by mail in letters, which may be done without injury to the picture or extra postage.  By the aid of a Powerful Sky-Light, and excellent Chemicals, they are enabled to execute Pictures at a sitting of only one second; hence they seldom fail in getting the likenesses of Children.  Satisfaction warranted in all cases, both in regard to Price and Quality!!  And are determined not to be excelled.  They may be found at Stoughton’s old stand.  Stoughton & Hartsock.  Findlay, O., July 10, 1857.

The third and fourth advertisement appeared under the firm name of Stoughton & Reiterman.  The third advertisement ran on March 12 to October 15, 1858.  Stoughton’s. Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices as they can be obtained at any other place.  There may be some, however, that are ignorant of these facts, and for their benefit they are mentioned.

Particular attention is called to our method of taking Likenesses on Leather, Card, Paper, &c. This is a convenient means of sending likenesses by leather, which can be done without extra postage.

Rooms in Doct. Rawson’s Block, opposite Ewing’s.  Stoughton & Reiterman.  D. M. Findlay, Ohio, March 5, 1858.

The fourth advertisement ran on October 15 & 22, 1858.  Stoughton’s. (Stoughton & Reiterman’s) Ambrotype Gallery.  This establishment has been so long in operation, and its reputation is so well known by the people of Hancock and adjoining counties, that we presume it is not necessary to mention The Fact, that all the different styles of pictures are taken here, in a manner that Cannot Be Surpassed, and at low prices as they can be obtained at any other place.  There may be some, however, that are ignorant of these facts, and for their benefit they are mentioned.

Particular attention is called to our method of taking Likenesses on Leather, Card, Paper, &c.

This is a convenient means of sending likenesses by leather, which can be done without extra postage.

Rooms in Doct. Rawson’s Block, opposite Ewing’s.  Stoughton & Reiterman.  Findlay, Ohio,

D. M. Stoughton, Stoughton & Hartsock and Stoughton & Reiterman are not recorded in other photographic directories.  W. Reiterman is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Findlay, Ohio in 1860.

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.

Starbird & Dodge

Photographs, , , , , , , , , , , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Augusta, Maine.

Starbird & Dodge (Charles H. Starbird) was recorded in one announcement in Oxford Democrat (Paris, Maine) on  September 30, 1859.  Maine State Fair…There is a fair display of plain and colored Photographs exhibiting great perfection in this wonderful art.  Photographs are destined ere long to supersede portraits painted in oil, not only because they can be taken in greater perfection but because they cost so much less.

Burnham Brothers of Portland…

Silsbee, Case & Co., of Boston…

Starbird and Dodge of Augusta occupy the next space and have a fair collection.  Their portraits of the Augusta Clergymen were very fine.

S. W. Sawyer, of Winthrop…

[Simon] Wing of Warterville.

Starbird & Dodge are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Augusta, Maine in 1860.

Eldridge Stanton

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1856-1857       Pratt’s Block, over Kerr’s Hardware Store, Chatham, Ontario, Canada.[1]

1859                Address Unknown, Moundsville, Virginia.

1859                Address Unknown, Barnesville, Ohio. (?)

1859                Rooms at the Monroe House, Woodsfield, Ohio.

1859                Rooms at Davis’ Hotel, Woodsfield, Ohio.

Eldridge Stanton was recorded in five announcements and one advertisement in The Spirit of Democracy (Woodsfield, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  We are informed that all the handsome ladies about town intend to have their ambrotypes taken by Mr. Stanton.—Pretty much everybody else intends to do the same thing.  His terms are cheaper, and his pictures better, if we may judge from his reputation, than those of any of his predecessors in this place.

The advertisement ran from May 18 to July 13, 1859.  Mr. Stanton Is Taking Pictures For Fifty Cents, At The Monroe House Woodsfield Ohio.

The second announcement appeared on May 18, 1859.  Mr. E. Stanton, Photographer.  This gentleman, who has been here for some time, engaged in taking pictures for our citizens took his departure yesterday, bound for Barnesville, Belmont co., Ohio, where he will remain a few weeks before his departure for Canada, his place of residence.  While here he made many warm friends, and we were sorry to give him the parting hand, as we found him to be a worthy friend and fellow, and passed many a pleasant evening with him.  We commend him to those among he may chance to sojourn for a time—not only as a gentleman, but as an artist of the first water.  He has been a practical chemist for many years, and was the first to introduce the photograph (paper picture) into Western Virginia.  We can attest the fact of his skill as an artist from having the most life-like picture of ourselves taken by him, that we ever had taken in our life, although we have tried many artist.  He knows the use of the camera thoroughly.—Moundsville Sentinel.

The third announce appeared on May 25, 1859.  War!  War!  Before you start for the seat of War, give Mr. Stanton a call at Davis’ Hotel, and get your likeness taken to leave with your friends.

The fourth announcement appeared on July 6, 1859.  Interesting To All.—Mr. Stanton will be absent from town till Thursday the 7th Inst., when he will return and close up operating here by the 14th.  His success heretofore is sufficient evidence of his skill, we would advise all desiring those excellent Melainotypes, to give him an early call as the last day will undoubtedly be crowded.

The fifth announcement appeared on July 20, 1859.  Going to Remain.  Mr. Stanton had determined to depart from here on Friday, but such has been the rush of business at his rooms that he has concluded to remain until after court.  He is doing more than double the amount of business that any artist has done before him.  He makes the best pictures, by one half, and the cheapest by seventy-five per cent, that have ever been taken in this place.  That’s so.

Eldridge Stanton is not recorded in other photographic directories during the daguerrean period.  Born in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada on March 7, 1835, died Toronto in 1912.  Stanton was active in Baltimore, Maryland from 1867-1870, and in Detroit, Michigan in 1870.[1]

[1] A Biographical Index of Daguerreotypists in Canada 1839-1871 by Graham W. Garrett.

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.  

Miss Alice Smith

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

1857                Address Unknown, Watertown, New York.

Miss Alice Smith was recorded in one announcement in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York) on October 1, 1857.  Jefferson County Agricultural Society.  Premiums Awarded…Pictures…

Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Thos. Waite, Pamelia, book.

Best Specimens Photographs, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. & $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Photographs, G. S. Rugg, Watertown, book.     

Miss Alice Smith, Watertown, recommended, $3.00.

Hart & Hose, Watertown, recommended, $2.00

Those recommend a discretionary premium of $3.00 to No. 207 for best Ambrotypes, also one of $2.00 to No. 65 for 2d best Ambrotypes.

The committee would recommend that, at the next annual exhibition there be one premium for the best ambrotypes and one for the 2d best, and also a premium for the best ambrotype views.  A large portion of the pictures exhibited were of this character, and as they form a very interesting part of the exhibition the committee have recommended premiums to be given, and that greater inducement be offered by the society hereafter for the exhibition of specimens of art.  E. Q. Sewall, T. C. Chittenden, Jr., E. H. Smith, Judges.

Miss. Alice Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Watertown, New York.

G. K. Smith

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1857                At the Wharf, Pomeroy, Ohio.

1858                Rooms over T. O. Crawford’s Store, Pomeroy, Ohio.

G. K. Smith was recorded in two advertisements in the Meigs County Telegraph (Pomeroy, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from August 25 to September 15, 1857. Ambrotypes.  G. K. Smith, Artist, has opened rooms on the “Floating Gallery,” now lying at Pomeroy, where he will remain two weeks, to enable all to get one of his unrivaled miniatures.  These pictures will be found far superior to any ever before taken at this place; they have a life-like tone, combined with a perfect Stereoscope relief that is rarely met with in Photographic Portraiture, and are pronounced by good judges, perfect gems of the Art.

Those in want of a perfect likeness, should improve this opportunity.

Perfect satisfaction guaranteed.

Rooms open from 8 A. M., to 5 P. M.  Hours for children 9 to 11.  August 18th ’57.

The second advertisement appeared on August 31, 1858.  Life-Size Photographs!  Plain, Or Colored, In Oil, Can Be Had At G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Girls.  Who would have a beautiful Likeness of themselves for a “Cousin,” or a friend, Should go to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Mothers Who would have a life-like Picture of their little loves, should go between the hours of 11 A. M. and 2 P. M., to G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Ladies, Whether old or young, should remember that they can get better and cheaper pictures than has ever before been made in Pomeroy, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Young Men Who would be remembered in the days of their youth, should get a dozen Photographs to distribute among their friends.  They are the most durable and cheapest picture ever made.  They are only three dollars per dozen at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Parents Should secure one of those imperishable Photographs, colored in oil, to leave to perpetuate their memory among their descendants, long years hence, when but for the Portrait that hangs on the wall, their once-familiar faces should have faded from the mind of their children and be forgotten.  You who have lost your parents and have no likeness left to remember them by, think what a treasure a perfect Likeness would be to you now, and get one while you may, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

Old Daguerreotypes.  Those who have old Daguerreotypes, half faded away, of some dear friend, now gone, can have a beautiful colored Photograph made from them, at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store.

The Public Are respectfully invited, whether wanting pictures or not, to satisfy themselves that the above is not gas or humbug, by calling and examining specimens of work at G. K. Smith’s Gallery, Over T. O. Crawford’s Store. 

G. K. Smith is not listed in other photographic directories.

A. F. Smith

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , ,

1858-1859       Baltimore Street, 2 Doors North of the Post Office, Cumberland, Maryland.

A. F. Smith was recorded in three advertisement  in the Civilian & Telegraph (Cumberland, Maryland).  The first advertisement ran from April 28 to December 22, 1858.  Smith’s Art Union!  Very Great Attraction!  The Well Known & Celebrated Ambrotype & Photograph Artist.  A. F. Smith would respectfully announce to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the city of Cumberland and the surrounding country, that he has established himself permanently in this city, and is prepared to execute work in every style of the art, and in all kinds of weather, On Moderate Terms,

Satisfaction given or no charge.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens.

Surpassing art, by which we lend,

Our countenance to absent friends;

Or leave a token for the bower,

Where love laments the parting hour:

Where childhood, with its winsome faces,

Or lovely woman’s queenly grace;

Or lordly man’s imperial frown.

Are each adroitly penciled down.

Gallery and Reception Rooms, 2 doors North of the Post Office, Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Md.  Full Instruction in the Art on moderate terms.

The second advertisement ran from June 30 to December 29, 1859.  Smith’s Great Southern Sky-Light Gallery 2 doors North of the Post Office, Balto. St., Cumberland, MD.  A. F. Smith would respectfully return his sincere thanks to the Ladies and Gentlemen of the city of Cumberland and surrounding country for their very liberal patronage, and hopes by strict attention to business and his efforts to please, to still merit and receive an equal share of your custom.

I am prepared to execute work in every style of the art on a very accommodating terms.  I am not selling pictures at cost, consequently I can afford to do my work well, in proof of which you only have to call and have one taken in good cases for 25 and 50 cents.

Don’t forget the place—2 doors North of the Post Office, Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Md.

N. B.—I am also selling color Lithographic Views of the Tomb of Washington and Mount Vernon Mansion, in aid of the Ladies Mt. Vernon Association.  Call and examine Specimens. 

The third advertisement ran from October 27 to December 22, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures!!  A. F. Smith would respectfully announce to the citizens of Cumberland and surrounding country, that he has just received from the east a whole sized Camera, one of the largest that has ever been in this city.  He is now prepared to make full size photographs, Ambrotypes and Hollotypesas well as all of the smaller sizes, on the most reasonable terms.

I make no pretensions of being the cheapest, but I do claim to do my work in the most artistic and workmanlike manner, in proof of which you have only to call and examine specimens.

Operators supplied with pure chemicals of my own manufacture on reasonable terms.  Gallery and Reception Rooms 2 doors North of the Post Office, Balt. St., Cumberland, Md.  Also agent for the Stereoscopic Boxes and Views of all parts of the world.  A. and F. G. copy.

A. F. Smith is not recorded in other photographic directories.         

R.H. Sheppard

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1859                Near the Western Hotel, McArthur, Ohio.

R.H. Sheppard  was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the M’Arthur Democrat (McArthur, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on December 15, 1859

Pictures.—Persons desiring pictures of almost any style or description, are invited to look at the advertisement of Mr. Sheppard, whose Daguerrean car is situated near the Western Hotel.

The advertisement ran from December 15 to 29, 1859.  Pictures!  Pictures!  Sky Light Pictures!   If you wish a picture artistically executed, come to the “Roving Palace.”  My facilities for taking Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes, Sphereographs, &c., are unsurpassed, and it is acknowledged by all persons who know anything about pictures, that the Sky-Light picture for clearness, beauty of light and shade, &c., is far superior to the picture made by a side light.  Another advantage is that Good Pictures can be taken in Cloudy Weather. 

Opinions Of The Press.  “We can say conscientiously, that Mr. Sheppard’s work is of the finest order, and is seldom surpassed.—Jackson Standard.

Mr. Sheppard is an excellent artist, he having been engaged in the business for the last fifteen years.  We can safely recommend him to all.—Iron Valley Express.

He has some specimens of Art, in the way of paintings, Ambrotypes, Melaneotypes, &c. as beautiful as were ever looked upon.—Piketon Union.

From what we have seen we can, without fear of successful contradiction, say that R. H. Sheppard is an excellent artist, and can heartily recommend him and his work to the people whom he may visit.—Waverly Dollar Times.

As I shall remain but a short time in this place, I would say that now is the time.  Tomorrow may be too late.  Life size Photographs, plain or in colors, made to order.  R. H. Sheppard

Drawing and Painting.  R. H. Sheppard, of the Maryland Institute School of Design, would respectfully inform the public of McArthur and vicinity that he is prepared to teach free-hand Drawing.  He will also give lessons in India Ink, Water Colors, Distemper and Oil Colors.  Those desirous of learning either of the above beautiful Arts may rely on through instructions for a moderate price.—For Particulars apply at the Roving Palace.  December 8, 1859.

R. H. Sheppard is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Mr. Sheldon

Photographs, ,

1858                Address Unknown, Kingston, New York.

Mr. Sheldon was recorded in one announcement on December 9, 1858 in Tri-State Union (Port Jervis, New York).  An Ingenious Swindle.—A few days since, Mr. Sheldon, a photographic artist of Kingston, was rather cleverly swindled.  A young man presented himself at the rooms and asked to have his portrait taken.  Pending the arrangements, he suggested the propriety of his noble person being decorated with a gold chain.  Having none of his own he made bold enough to ask the loan of one from Mr. Sheldon, who readily granted the favor.  The likeness was taken, the plate was removed from the instrument, and taken to the chamber, where certain processes are performed to develop the picture, occupying a minute or two.  Mr. Sheldon returned to the sitting room, with the full expectation of gladdening the eyes of his customer with a veritable similitude of himself, but was struck with astonishment to discover that the “substance had vanished while the shadow remained.”

Mr. Sheldon in not recorded as being active in Kingston, New York in 1858.