1859 Address unknown, Celestine, Indiana.
H. O. Freeman was recorded in an announcement on December 21, 1859 in The Jasper Weekly Courier (Jasper, Indiana). Fine Pictures.—We advise all in the vicinity of Celestine, who want number one pictures, to call o Mr. H. O. Freeman. He will stay there about ten days, and can’t be bent taking melainotypes or ambrotypes.
H. O. Freeman was not recorded in other photographic directories.
1856 168 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]
Edwin R. Frederick as part of the partnership of Fredericks, Penabert & Germon was recorded in the April 1, 1856 Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York). In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America. Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.
Frdericks, Penabert & Germon, Chestnut St.—The distinguishing feature of this gallery is its oil colored photographs, which are only equaled by some I have seen in Brady’s gallery New York. The positive photographs show much artistic skill, and are notable for great depth of tone, softness of contour, and for even balance of light and shade. The rooms are very prettily furnished, and their appearance very effective.
Edwin R. Fredericks is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, and is included here because of the firsthand account of their work.
[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.
1858 Address Unknown, Richmond, Virginia.
C. J. Fox appeared in an advertisement on March 18, 1858 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia). Rooms Wanted, For A Photographic Gallery On the second or third floor. The south side of Main street, between 7th and 12, preferred. Apply personally or by letter, to C. J. Fox, American Hotel.
A Charles J. Fox is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1859. It is unknown if they are the same person.
1858 Rooms nearly opposite the Wilson House, Salem, Ohio.
A. Fletcher was recorded in an advertisement that ran from July 3 to August 28, in the Anti-Slavery Bugle (New-Lisbon, Ohio). A. Fletcher, Photograph Artist, From Massillon, Ohio, Has taken rooms for a short time with Mr. Duck, Ambrotypist, nearly opposite the Wilson House, Salem, Ohio, where he is prepared to execute Photographs On white paper, both plain and fancy, in the most beautiful styles of the Art
Daguerreotypes, or Ambrotypes of deceased, or absent friends, can be magnified up to any size required, and furnished equal to the finest steel engraving.
Photographs are considered the cheapest as well as the most enduring and most beautiful pictures made. Please call and examine specimens.
At this time it is unknown if he is the same A. Fletcher who was in Barre, Massachusetts in 1846 and Springfield, Massachusetts in 1848.
1855-1860 Address Unknown, Freemont, Ohio.[1] 1856-1859 Rooms in Nims’ Block, Fremont, Ohio. 1859 Rooms Over the Bank of Fremont, corner of Front and Croghan Streets, Fremont, Ohio.
M. W. Fitch was recorded in three announcements and two advertisements. The first announcement appeared on October 24, 1856 in the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio). Ambrotypes and Painting. Mr. A. D. Wiles, has sold his stock, fixtures, &c. in the ambrotype business, and removed from the place. His successor, Mr. Fitch, will continue to occupy the same rooms. Mr. F., is also a very fine painter; and those of our citizens who wish can have the opportunity of sitting for their portraits. Call at his rooms.
The first advertisement ran from October 31, 1856 to March 11, 1859 in the Fremont Journal. (Fremont, Ohio). Fitch’s Gallery of Art. Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes and Photographs taken in superior style. Also, Portraits painted Life Size, either from the sitter, or from Daguerreotypes, and satisfaction warranted in all cases.
I have lately purchased the stock, fixtures, &c., belonging to the A. D. Wiles’ room, in Nims’ block, and shall continue the business at the same place, where I shall be happy to attend to those who favor me with a call. Instruction given in Ambrotyping, also in Portrait and landscape painting. M. W. Fitch. Fremont. Oct. 31, 1856.
The second announcement appeared on October 8, 1858 in the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio). Sandusky County Fair. This annual exhibition which came off on the Agricultural Society’s grounds in Fremont…Painting, Printing, &c., No. 31.
5. Ambrotypes…M. W. Fitch. 6. Oil Painting….M. W. Fitch.
The announcement appeared on October 15, 1858 in the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio). Sandusky County Fair, 1858. Premiums Awarded…No. 31—Painting and Printing….
M. W. Fitch, Ambrotypes…Diploma. M. W. Fitch, Oil Painting….Diploma.
The second advertisement ran from March 18 to December 30, 1859. In the Fremont Journal (Fremont, Ohio). Ambrotypes. M. W. Fitch, takes pleasure in saying to his numerous patrons and friends, that he is still Making Pictures in the Best Style, and on as reasonable terms as any artist in town. He has Lately added a large Camera, to his apparatus capable of taking ambrotypes direct from the sitter. Oil paintings made from daguerreotypes or from life and warranted satisfactory. Instructions given in the business. Rooms—Over the Bank of Fremont, corner of Front and Croghan Streets. M. W. Fitch. Fremont, March 18, 1859.
M. W. Fitch was recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Fremont, Ohio for 1859-1860.
[1] Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 by Diane VanSkiver Gagel.
1848 Address Unknown, Canandaigua, New York. 1859 Address Unknown, Canandaigua, New York.
Marshall Finley was recorded in two announcements. The first on November 1, 1848 in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York). Ontario County Fair. Premiums On Non-Enumerated Articles…. Daguerreotypes, Mr. M. Finley, Canandaigua, $1.
The second announcement appeared on October 12, 1859 in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York). Premiums Awarded at the 20th Annual Fair of the Ontario County Agricultural Society….
Best exhibition ambrotypes, M. Finely, Canandaigua, $2. do do photographs, do, do, $2.
Marshall Finley is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.
1855-1858 Room in Hathaway’s Building, Lansingburgh, New York.
H. J. Finch was recorded in fourteen announcements and one advertisement in the Lansingburgh Democrat (Lansingburgh, New York). The first announcement appeared on November 28, 1855. Daguerreotypes And Ambrotypes.—We have just examined splendid specimens at the Daguerrian Gallery of Mr. Finch. A group of pictures set is one Frame pleased us very much. Mr. Finch guarantees his Photographs to be equal in every respect, either for fineness of tone, depth of light and shade or durability, to those made at any other establishment in the country.
The second announcement appeared on December 20, 1855 in the same newspaper. Mr. Finch, the Artist, still keeps open doors and a smiling face, to welcome his friends to his Picture Gallery, where people should go, to be taken.
The third announcement appeared on March 20, 1856. Finch’s Photographs And Daguerreotypes.—There is no better place in which to secure a perfect copy of the human face divine, than at Finch’s Daguerrean Saloon. He is a thorough operator, and those who are not good judges of a picture can place confidence in him, for he will not allow a poor picture to leave his rooms. His ambrotypes are beautiful; and he makes even an ugly face look well, after transferring it to glass. We are pleased to learn that he is receiving a good share of patronage. Give him a call, and examine specimens for yourself.
The fourth announcement appeared on March 27, 1856. Finch swings his banner to the breeze to-day, and invites all who are in want of either Ambrotypes or Daguerreotypes to call and examine some of his specimens. He has discovered a way of making even ugly faces look pleasing and interesting.
The fifth announcement appeared on May 15, 1856. All those persons who desire to procure the likeness of themselves or friends, would do well to call upon Mr. Finch, who is one of the best Daguerrean Artists in the State. Mr. Finch’s shop is in Hathaway’s building.
The sixth announcement appeared on September 18, 1856. The Fair… Finch’s Daguerreotypes are the best on exhibition.
The seventh announcement appeared on November 27, 1856. Finch’s Daguerrean Room is one of the attractive spots of “the garden,” and it does not fail to secure the attention of many passers by.—His Ambrotypes, Photographs, and Daguerreotypes, are splendid specimens of the art, and in his line of business he has no superior.
The eighth announcement appeared on February 5, 1857. If you have not visited Finch’s Ambrotype Gallery, in Hathaway’s Row, you are behind the age. His pictures are worthy of examination, as combining all the excellences of the art. We doubt if he could not compete with the most renowned in his profession.
The ninth announcement appeared on February 12, 1857. The Fine Arts. All those who have any fancy for the Fine Arts, should not miss of calling at Fitch’s Photographic Gallery, and examine a specimen of his ambrotypes, colored in Oil. These pictures are taken by the collodian process, on a metallic plate instead of glass, and then painted in Oil Colors. They are the most life-like, high toned pictures we have seen, yet possessing all the accurateness of a Daguerreotype, giving natural color, even to the color of the eyes, and we see no reason why they should not be as lasting as any other oil painting. Mr. Finch informs us that he can copy old Daguerreotypes, and enlarge them several times, and have the copy painted, making a perfect picture, equal to that taken from life. We think that friend Finch will have enough of that sort of work to do, as there are scores of Daguerreotypes of deceased persons, whose friends would like to see pictured out in Nature’s colors. Those who have Daguerreotypes to copy, should give Mr. Finch a Call, and have the shadow secured by this new process.
The first advertisement ran from June 18 to July 9, 1857. A Card. H. J. Finch would tender his thanks to his friends in Lansingburgh and vicinity for their liberal patronage and would also inform them that his Ambrotype Rooms will be closed after the 20th of this month until the 20th of September, when he will again be happy to wait upon his old customers and all may favor him with a call.
The tenth announcement appeared on June 18, 1857. H. J. Finch, Esq., of this village, has been chosen Secretary of the Grand National Horse Exhibition and fair, to be held in September next, in Albany. $6000 in premiums will be awarded, and it is to be conducted in the most liberal manner.
The eleventh announcement appeared on June 18, 1857. Where To Go.—If you want clothing of any kind, Charley Clark’s “Taylor’s Camp,” is the place to get it, and after you are dressed up in a suit purchased of him, go to Finch’s and get one of those inimitable illuminated Ambrotypes that he takes. If these directions are followed, we’ll guarantee the only fault to be found will be that the miniature will be a “little flattering.” Enough said.
The twelfth announcement appeared on July 23, 1857. A Card. Those who wish a good Ambrotype, would do well to call at Fitch’s Rooms. Mr. Finch has made arrangements with Mr. Dewel formerly operator for Clark and Holmes to continue the business during his absence.
The thirteenth announcement appeared on January 7, 1858. H. J. Finch, Artist, has re-opened his Ambrotype Saloon, and is prepared to take pictures for the million. Try him on once. He makes excellent pictures.
The fourteenth announcement appeared on February 17, 1858. Ambrotypes. Mr. James Irving, of Troy, has leased the Daguerrian rooms in this place, lately occupied by Mr. Finch, and is now fully prepared to make first class pictures in his inimitable style. Those who desire a really good picture should give Mr. Irving a call.
H. J. Finch is not listed in other photographic directories.
1859 Rooms at Marshall House, Abbeville, South Carolina.
G. E. Farrington was recorded in an announcement on May 12, 1859 in The Abbeville Banner (Abbeville, South Carolina). Ambrotypes. We are pleased to notice that G. E. Farrington has opened an Ambrotype Gallery in the second story of the Wooden Wing of the Marshall House. We learn, too, that he is stationed here permanently. He will be pleased to see his friends and customers from any part of the District. He is prepared to take Ambrotypes, Spherotypes, Melainotypes and Relievotypes of any size or style. He is also prepared to insert the best specimens of the art in Broaches, Medallions and Rings. Mr. Farrington is a permanent resident of the place, and may at all times be found at his rooms to accommodate all who may favor him with a call.
He has some beautiful specimens of his skill which may be seen at his room. To our friends from the country who may desire anything in his line, we can recommend him as an artist in every way worthy of support.
G. E. Farrington is not recorded in other photographic directories.
1859 Baltimore Street, Cumberland, Maryland.
Ewing was recorded in an advertisement that ran from June 16 to December 29, 1859 in the Civilian & Telegraph (Cumberland, Maryland). Pictures! Pictures! Great Excitement!!! Ewing’s Great Sky-Light Gallery, on Baltimore street. Pictures positively taken at cost. First rate pictures in good cases at Twenty-Five Cents!
All pictures warranted to give satisfaction, or no charge!! Taken equally as well in cloudy as in fair weather!!! Ambrotypes, Photographs, Melaneotypes, Nellotypes, Ferrotypes, Spherytypes, & Ambrotypes, and all kinds of Pictures taken in the highest style of the art, and at prices so low as to place them within the reach of all. Instruction given in the art on the most reasonable terms.
Ewing is not recorded in other photographic directories.
1856 388 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[1]
Charles Evans was recorded on April 1, 1856 in the Photographic and fine Arts Journal (New York, New York). In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America. Number Two, Philadelphia. The author visited 57 Galleries in Philadelphia.
Evans, Market St. — A good, substantial little gallery. The pictures are deserving of credit. In photography we can easily distinguish the clean, careful artist, and are always disposed in his case to overlook lesser defects.
Charles Evans is recorded in other photographic directories, but is included here because of the first-hand account of his work.
[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.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 