Tag Archives: Photographers

Stebbins Brothers

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Watertown, Massachusetts.

1856                Address Unknown, Newton Corner, Massachusetts.

N.D.                Address and Location Unknown.

Stebbins Brothers were recorded in one advertisement that ran from February 15 to May 8, 1856

In the Waltham Sentinel (Waltham, Massachusetts).  Daguerreotypes by Stebbins Brothers, Watertown.   Prices from 50 cents upwards, according to the size of plate and style of case.

Particular attention paid to taking children’s likenesses.  Patronage respectfully solicited from Watertown and Newton Corner.

Photographs made from Daguerreotypes.

N.D.  Broadside (Harvey Zucker’s Collection.)

Daguerreotypes!  The Stebbins Brothers, respectfully inform the citizens of this place and vicinity, that they will remain here _____ Weeks Longer, Only.

It is owing to the increase of business, and the great demand for our Pictures, that we are induced to give this notice.  Those who have not yet got a good Likeness will remember this is the Last Chance.

Notice.  This is a good time to get Landscape Views.  Gentlemen wishing their Residence, or any Views from Nature, Daguerreotyped or Photographed, (without reversing,) are informed that they can have them at short notice, and at low prices, by sending orders early.

Pictures Taken In Any Weather.

Likenesses of Sick and Deceased Persons taken at their residences.

Persons having old Daguerreotypes of deceased friends are informed that we can produce nice colored photographs and good Likenesses from them, which will give universal satisfaction.

Stebbins Brothers are recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1856, but not the information from the undated broadside.

Staffer & Stedman

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , , ,

1856                Over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, Ohio.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer & O. F. Stedman) were recorded in two announcements and three advertisements in The Weekly Portage Sentinel (Ravenna, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on August 21, 1856.  Pictures.—Those who desire to obtain valuable and correct likenesses of themselves or their friends, should call at the Ambrotype rooms of Staffer & Stedman in Allen’s Block.  See Advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from August 21 to December 11, 1856.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes taken by Staffer & Stedman, at their Rooms over Baird’s Jewelry Store, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, O., for seventy-Five Cents, where every variety of likenesses can be obtained.  Ambrotypes inserted in breast pins and lockets.  Whole size likenesses for $5 and $6—former price $10 and $12.  Particular attention paid to taking the likenesses of children.  Having a large sky and side light, impressions taken in from three to five seconds.  Our likenesses are all positive and not reversed. All work warranted.  Likenesses taken either in clear or cloudy weather. 

The second advertisement ran from September 4 to December 11, 1856.  Something New.—Staffer & Stedman are now taking Ambrotypes on Paper.  The finest articles in the picture line to send by mail, as it cost no extra postage. 

The second announcement appeared on September 25, 1856.  Portage Co. Agricultural Society.  At the Portage County Agricultural Fair, held September 17th and 18th, 1856, premiums were awarded as follows…On Miscellaneous Manufactured Art… 

L. V. Staffer & Co., Best specimen daguerreotype pictures,  dip.   

The third advertisement ran from October 16 to December 4, 1856.  Premium Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes.  L. V. Staffer  Co., respectfully invite the public to call at their rooms over Baird’s Jewelry, Allen’s Block, Ravenna, and examine their specimens upon which they received the first premium at the last county fair.  We offer the following reasons why we can produce better pictures than can be obtained elsewhere in this county.  We have the largest and most powerful camera in this section of the state.  Our light is so arranged as not only to give a life like expression to the features, but also drapery of the utmost beauty and richness.  (The want of which is a great fault in the work of some operators.)  We use the genuine chemicals, regardless of expense, and having had ten years experience in the art we know that we can produce better results than the mere tyro of a few months practice.  Those wishing good pictures of themselves or friends will find it to their advantage to call at our rooms and be convinced that this is the place to get a perfect likeness.  Prices as low as in any rooms of good repute in Northern Ohio. Children’s likenesses taken in one or two seconds.  We seldom fail to get a good likeness of the most restless.

Daguerreotypes.—As there are some who still prefer this style, we would say that we are at all times prepared to take them.

Caution.—The public are cautioned against Ambrotypes backed up with black paint or varnished, as the backing will crack eventually and the picture become worthless.  All good operators have discarded this process, we have not used it for many months and all persons having pictures put up by us in that way, are invited to call and when they become cracked and have them made good.  Such pictures can be known by their having a glass over the matting, the position of the setter being reversed, and having a dull appearances at arms length,.

Remember the place, over Baird’s Jewelry Store.  Oct., 16, 1856.  L. V. Staffer  Co.

Staffer & Stedman (L. V. Staffer &  O. F. Stedman), the partnership is not recorded in other photographic directories. L. V. Staffer is also not recorded, O. F. Stedman is recorded in other directories as being active in 1859-1860.

Rugg & Fowler

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

1857                Washington Hall Block, Watertown, New York.

Rugg & Fowler (George S. Rugg & S. J. Fowler) was recorded in two announcements and three advertisements .  The first announcement appeared in the Northern New York Journal  (Watertown, New York) on May 6, 1857.  Daguerrean Gallery.—Messrs. Rugg & Fowler have fitted up a fine Gallery in Washington Hall building, and are taking some excellent life-like likenesses, either Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype, Ambrograph, or Photograph.  Indeed we have never seen better specimens of the art than from their Gallery.  Their advertisement will be found in another column of our paper.

The first advertisement ran from May 6 to August 12, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal  (Watertown, New York).  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery!  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card Board.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We, therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! And Coloring Them In Oil.  Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes Made in the best Style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.        Watertown, March 7, 1857.

The second announcement appeared on May 7, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Daguerrean Artists.  The tendency towards perfection in no art has been more steady and rapid than that of taking likenesses on silver, glass and other prepared substances.  Pictures are now produced in such elegance of style, softness of tone, and exactness of likeness, on silver, glass, paper, paste-board, &c., as would astonish Daguerre himself could be revisit the earth and witness the progress the great art which bears his name has made within a few years past.  Nor is any city or village more fortunate in the possession of skillful artists in this line than Watertown.  The pictures now produced at Rugg & Fowler’s gallery in the Washington Hall block, evince a practical knowledge of the art in all its branches which marks a degree of perfection that may well be called complete.—Their rooms are very tastefully fitted up with new and elegant furniture for the express purpose of making an inviting retreat for all wishing to see their pictures or procure likenesses.

The second advertisement ran from May 7 to August 13, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery.  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card B’d.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes made in the best style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, May 1, 1857.

The third advertisement ran from August 20 to September 3, 1857 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  Dissolution.  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the name and firm of Rugg & Fowler, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business will be carried on in all its branches by G. S. Rugg.  The debts against the firm will be paid by him, and all debts due the firm must be paid to him.     G. S. Rugg,     sic. O. S. Fowler.        Watertown, Aug. 10, 1857.

Daguerreotyping will be renewed for the benefit of those who still adhere to them, and at reduced prices.  G. S. Rugg.

George S. Rugg is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in 1854 without an address or location.  J. S. Fowler is listed in 1859 in Watertown, New York without an address.

Root & Hovey

Photographs, , , , ,

1854                Address Unknown[1], New York, New York.

Root & Hovey (Samuel Root & Daniel or Douglass Hovey) were recorded in two announcements.  The first appeared on  October 7, 1854 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York).  Premium List.  The following premiums were awarded at the Fair of the New-York State Agricultural Society, held in this City October 3-6…

Best Daguerreotypes—Meade & Brother, New York                        Dip.                                                  Best sample Photographs—Root & Hovey, New York City.           Dip.

The second appeared in The New York Herald (New York, New York) on October 8, 1854.  New York State Fair…Painting, etc.

Best Daguerreotypes—Meade & Brother, New York                        Dip.                                                     Best sample Photographs—Root & Hovey, New York City.           Dip.

Root and Hovey.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry identifies Hovey as Daniel or Douglass and states that he worked in Samuel Root’s gallery in 1849.  Samuel Root is not recorded as working in Philadelphia in the Directory of Pennsylvania Photographers 1839-1900 or in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  Samuel Root does not appear in newspaper advertisements in New York City until 1850 in partnership with his brother Marcus A.

[1] Samuel Root’s address is 363 Broadway.

Root & Granniss

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1856                352 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C.

Root & Granniss (Marcus A. Root & G. N. Granniss) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from July 29 to August 11, 1856 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Root & Granniss, M. A. Root.  G. N. Granniss Photographic, Ambrotype, and Daguerrean Gallery.  Is Now Open At No. 352 Pennsylvania avenue, near Seventh street, where Photographs, colored or plain; Ambrotypes tinted and colored, new style; and Daguerreotypes, are taken in the highest perfection of the art.

The Public are respectfully invited to visit our Gallery whether desiring pictures or not.

Root & Granniss are not recorded as partners in other photographic directories.

S. T. Robinson

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, Stereotypes, , , , ,

1857                Room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery Store,                                    Eaton, Ohio.                                                                                                                                  1857                Main Street, Opposite Stephens & Co.’s Store, Eaton, Ohio.

S. T. Robinson was recorded in two advertisements in the Preble County Democrat (Eaton, Ohio).  The first advertisement ran from May 21 to July 9, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  The Subscriber respectfully announces to the citizens of Eaton and Preble County generally, that he has taken and entirely refitted the room of Mr. John Neal, adjoining R. P. Cunningham & Co.’s. Grocery, for taking Pictures.  He is prepared to take Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotypes, Stereotypes, Photographs or Mezzographs.

Having had several years experience in the Photographic Art, he flatters himself that he is  prepared to give satisfaction to all that may favor him with their patronage.

Prices—The Melainotype will be put up as low as 75 cents.                                                                Single Photographs, (whole size) $4; by the dozen, $10.                                                                          Color Photographs, $10 each.                                                                                                                               Lockets, Pins, Rings, of any size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.  Eaton, May 21.

The second advertisement ran from July 9 to August 20, 1857.  Photography In Eaton.  Persons wishing Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, or Photographs, will please call on the subscriber on Main street, opposite.  Pictures taken in all kinds of weather and on the most reasonable terms.

Copies enlarged and put up in the best of style.  Lockets, Pins, Rings, of the smallest size, filled.  S. T. Robinson.

S. T. Robinson is not listed in other photographic directories.  It is possible that this is the same person as J. T. Robinson (posted yesterday 11-6-20).

Robinson & Sample

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Hallotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , , ,

1858                Osman’s Post Office Building, Ottawa, Illinois.

Robinson & Sample (S. T. Robinson & S. R. Sample) were recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  The announcement ran on April 24, 1858.  Pictures!  Pictures!!—Messrs. Robinson & Sample have just fitted up, in the new post office block (third story) a handsome suit of daguerrean rooms, where they are now ready to make copies of the “human face divine” in a style up to the finest touches of nature.  They appear to be adapts in the whole range of the photographic art.  They take daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, spereotypes, metanotypes, hallotypes, and we don’t know how many other types; at prices ranging from about nothing upwards.  Whether you can afford to have your handsome countenance perpetuated or not, go at least and see their pictures, for they are worth looking at.

The advertisement ran from May 1 to June 5, 1858.  Photography In Ottawa!  Robinson & Sample Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Ottawa and surrounding country that they have just fitted up a suit of rooms in Osman’s Post Office Building, where they are prepared to put up Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spereotypes, Stereoscopes, Photographs, Hallotypes, &c., in the highest style of the art.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine for themselves.

Perfect satisfaction given or no charge made.  Lockets, Pins, and Rings of all sizes filled.  S. T. Robinson,  S. R. Sample.

Robinson & Sample are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Robinson & Finch

Photographs, , , ,

1859                            Unknown Location, Dayton, Ohio.

Robinson & Finch (T. J. Robinson & O. D. Finch) were recorded in two announcements in the Dayton Daily Empire (Dayton, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on May 24, 1859.  A life-sized Photograph of Dr. McIlhenry, Superintendent of the S. O. Lunatic Asylum, adorns the window of Messrs. Wilhard & Wheaton, on Third street.  It is from the establishment of Robinson & Finch, and is a picture of which they may well be proud, as a specimen of artistic skill.  Mr. E. Edmonson has added much to his celebrity as an artist, in the putting on of the paint, and the effort of  the whole have been crowned with success, as the picture has been pronounced by “old masters” as one of great merit and truthfulness.

We will mention, by the way, that Edmonson is regularly employed by Messrs. Robinson & Finch to color and finish all work of the kind entrusted to their care, and we have no doubt but that their business will improve “even as the days do grow” from this time.

The second announcement appeared on September 20, 1859.  The Journal of this morning says:…There is also , in More’s show window, a photographic portrait—not painted—the work of Messrs. Robinson & Finch, which, will be recognized by every one who has ever seen our worthy City Solicitor.  It could not well be mistaken for any body else.

These works of art speak well for the ability of our talented artists.  We doubt whether any other city in Ohio, or the West, will furnish their equals.

The partnership is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry records T. J. Robinson as being active in Dayton, Ohio from 1850-1860.  He is in the partnership of Robinson & Seebohm 1856-1858.  Craig states that the partnership was still listed in 1858-1859.  O. D. Finch is not recorded in other directories.

Parish & Edson

Albatypes, Ambrotypes, , , ,

1858                Morse’s Building, corner Pike & Main Streets, Port Jervis, New York.

The partnership of Parish & Edson (Isaac Parish & Edson) was recorded in one advertisement that ran from February 11 to March 25, 1858 in the Tri-State Union (Port Jervis, New York).  Ambrotypes and Albatypes.  Parish & Edson, the celebrated New York Artists, would respectfully inform the inhabitants of this place and vicinity, that they have taken and fitted up rooms for their business, and are now prepared to make pictures surpassed by none.

Large Size, Beautiful Colored, 50 Cents.  Faded Pictures restored.  All kinds of Pictures copied in the highest style of the art.  They are the inventors of the Albatus Lumin process, by which pictures can be taken equally as well in stormy as clear weather.  No one need stay away on account of clouds.  Entire satisfaction given or no charge.

They can be found for two weeks only, at Morse’s Building, Cor. Pike & Main Sts.  N. B. The morning light is most suitable for taking pictures of children.

Isaac Parish & Edson are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Needles and Bonsall

Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1858-1859       Delaware and Second Streets, Leavenworth City, Kansas.

Needles and Bonsall[1] (John T. Needles) were recorded in one advertisement that ran from February 20, 1858 to March 12, 1859 in The Kansas Herald of Freedom (Wakarusa, Kansas, Territory).  Needles & Bonsall, Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery, corner of Delaware and Second sts., Leavenworth city, Kansas.  All work executed in the best possible manner.

Needles & Bonsall are recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as Needles & Borsall.  They are included here because on conflicting information first the partnership is recorded as Needles & Borsall, not Needles & Bonsall, and second it is stated that Borsall left after a short time.  That might be correct, but no citation is given to corroborate the statement and the advertisement did run for almost thirteen months.

.[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry list the partnership as Needles & Borsall