Tag Archives: Richmond Virginia

William Roads

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                Rooms on Broad Street, Corner of 8th Street, Richmond, Virginia.

William Roads was recorded in one advertisement that ran from March 25 to 28, 1853 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Daguerreotypes.—Road’s Daguerrean Gallery.—Having opened a Gallery on Broad Street, corner of 8th, I would respectfully invite my friends, and the public in general to call and examine the beautiful specimens I have for exhibition.  Ladies and gentlemen, who are desirous of having their portraits taken in the best and most improved style of the art, should not fail to give me a call before trying elsewhere—and I warrant to give them cheap pictures, and such as will give full satisfaction.  Daguerreotypes of Children, of any age, taken in the very best style.  Wm. Roads, Corner of Broad and 8th sts.

William Roads is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in 1855 in Richmond, Virginia with A. W. Osborne.

Rees, Blodget & Co.

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1855                Main Street, Piper Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Rees, Blodget & Co. were recorded in two advertisements in the Worcester Daily Spy  (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement appeared on October 18, 1855.  Take Notice!—Opposition to Steam Daguerreotypes, taken by a new American discovery, for only 25 cents, warranted to be of the best quality, and satisfaction given.  Something less than 500 taken daily.  No connection with the steam whistle, next door.  Rees, Blodget, & Co, artists.  Piper Block, Main st.

The second advertisement appeared on October 19, 1855.  Rees, Blodget, & Co. do not take Daguerreotypes by steam, as their noisy competitors boast to do, but at the same time give all who visit them good portraits, and at a quick rate, for 25 cents.  Rees, Blodget & Co. have opened their rooms at Piper’s Block, bent upon blowing up all steam boilers in the vicinity, if they burst themselves in doing so.

Rees and Blodget are both unknown and not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts.  One could speculate that Rees is Charles R. Rees based on an 1859 advertisement in the Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia) that claimed that he had 17 years experience in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New Orleans and Cincinnati.  Rees left New York sometime around September 8, 1854.

Four days later on September 12, 1854 an advertisement appeared in The New York Herald.

Rees & Co., 25 Cent Daguerreotype Company, 385 Broadway.—This company, established under the above name, will be conducted hereafter under the [head] of McClave & Merritt, the original partners from [the commencement.]  The business will be conducted the same as usual, the whole company remaining with the exception of C. Rees, whose interest in this gallery has been purchased by the two remaining partners.  McClave & Merritt.

Where he went is unknown.  No record of his being in Boston is known.  The next advertisements found were from the Worcester, Massachusetts newspaper of October 19 & 20, 1855.  No other advertisements were found in Massachusetts newspaper prior to the above entries.  Over the next twelve day Rees advertised six times by himself.  The last advertisement in the Worcester Newspapers was on November 1, 1855.  At some point after leaving Worcester he probably worked with or for Tyler & Co. in New Orleans, Charleston and in 1858 in Petersburg and Richmond, Virginia.  So far the only mention of Rees being in South Carolina is from Harvey Teal’s Partners with the Sun South Carolina Photographers 1840-1940.  Teal states that Rees’s name appears in George S. Cooks papers in the Library of Congress as having an account with him but no address is attributed to the name.  Likewise there is no mention of in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865.

Rees is an interesting person his association with Silas A. Holmes in New York and Tyler & Co. in Richmond and possibly other southern states deserves further research and a longer article.

L. Morse

Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1849                142 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.

L. Morse was recorded in an advertisement that ran from January 11 to 27, 1849.  In the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts).  A Card.  That new beginner of the Daguerrean Art, who styles himself the “Skillful Artist,” and who alludes to ne as an “inexperienced youth,” should recollect that his own experience has not been very great, as it is well known that he took his first lesson of L. Babbit, only a few months since, and if any person by reading his advertisement should imagine he was a “skillful artist,” an examination of his types, would at once dispel the illusion.  Having the advantage of more practical experience and a better light, I engage to make a Better picture for Seventy-Five Cents, than can be made by any other 75 cent operator in this city.   L. Morse, 142 Main st.

L. Morse is not listed in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1849.  L. Morse is possibly L. H. Morse and also Leonard H. Morse.  L. H. Morse is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active at Whitehurst’s gallery in 1856 in Richmond, Virginia.  Leonard H. Morse is recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1852 and 1854.

Mr. Metcalf

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1852-1854       Rooms 77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

Mr. Metcalf was mentioned in an advertisement and announcement in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  The advertisement ran on April 2 and 3, 1852.  More New Pictures At Whitehurst’s.—Mr. Metcalf has just returned from Washington, where he has been engaged the past week in obtaining likenesses of prominent individuals, expressly for exhibition in this Gallery.  Among them are those of Gen. Winfield Scott, of the U. S. A., Gen. Gonzalez de la Vega, of Mexico, Col. Benj. McCulloch, of Texas Rangers, Hon. Lewis Cass, of Michigan, Hon. Judge Butler, of S. C., Hon. Judge McLane, of Ohio, Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, of Virginia, Ole Bull, Violinist, Miss Julia Dean, Actress, Miss Grace Greenwood, Authoress.  The public are respectfully invited to call and examine these specimens.  J. H. Whitehurst.

The announcement appeared on June 13, 1854.  Daguerreotyping.—Mr. Daniel Bendann, an operator at Whitehurst’s Daguerrean Gallery in this city, has shown us some very beautiful specimens of his art, in some views, taken by himself, of the handsome residence of Mr. Stewart, on Brook Avenue.  The beautiful Mansion, embowered in a grove; the family group gathered upon the porch; the horses and carriage seen, at a little distance, in the shade of the trees, all are the very counterpart of life.  Mr. Bendann deserves great credit for this work.  He is a young artist, who has been for several years associated with the accomplished Mr. Metcalf, the principal operator in Whitehurst’s gallery.  He bids fair to be an ornament to his profession.

Mr. Metcalf is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Richmond, Virginia  in 1853 without a business address.

James L. Lyons

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1846                Address Unknown, Richmond, Virginia.

James L. Lyons was recorded in an advertisement ran that from January 10 to February 19, 1846 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Daguerreotype Several Furnishing Establishments and Sole Agency for the sale of Voigtlaender’s Apparatus.

The genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus, also the best plates, Chemicals, Polishing Materials and Morocco Cases, &c., &c. may be procured at the subscribers’, wholesale and retail, by addressing (post paid) to W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia, or Langenheim & Beckers, 201 Broadway, N. Y.

The following gentlemen have agreed to act as Agents for the sale of the genuine Voigtlaender Apparatus:–

Messrs. Litch & Whipple, Boston, Mass.                                                                                                          Mr. James L. Lyon, Richmond, Va.                                                                                                                      Mr. S. Broadbent, Columbia, S. C.                                                                                                                      Mr. James P. Perry, Charleston, S. C.                                                                                                                  Mr. S. Noessel, New Orleans.                                                                                                                        Messrs. Johnson & Jacobs, New Orleans.                                                                                                        W. & F. Langenheim, Exchange, Philadelphia.

James Laurence Lyon listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Richmond, Virginia in 1844 at 33½  Main Street, this is possibly the same person.

Thomas A. Linton

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                146 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

Thomas A. Linton was recorded in an advertisement that ran from October 8 to 21, 1853 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Still They Come—The subscribers take pleasure in calling the attention of the public to their superior style of flesh colored Daguerreotypes.  They are not only approved by all who see them, but all are anxious to obtain a copy of themselves, relatives or friends.  The demand is great, and still increasing, and while the weather is good we would say, come one, come all—our prices are moderate, and pictures superb.  Satisfaction shall be given or no charge will be made.

While we do not say that our pictures are the best in the world, we do say that they are superior to some, and inferior to none—as the throng of customers who visit our gallery can testify.

Call and examine the beautiful work of art, whether you wish pictures or not, at No. 146 Main street, a few doors below the Exchange Bank.  Minnis & Watson.

I would be pleased to have my friends call upon me at M. & W.’s gallery, Thos. A. Linton, Assistant.

Thomas A. Linton is not listed in other photographic directories.

James Landy

Photographs, , , , ,

1850-N.D.      289 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]                                                                                 N. D.                 233 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]                                                                      1859                145 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.

James Landy was recorded in one announcement that appeared on December 28, 1859 in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  Mr. James Landy, Chemist and Photographic Artist, of long experience in the principal Galleries of New York, has just arrived to fulfill an engagement for one year with C. R. Rees, of 145 Main street.  We suppose with this addition the Steam Gallery will be able to grind out one hundred portraits more daily.

James Landy is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New York City in 1850 with Silas A. Holmes (for a number of years) and Meade Brothers (dates unknown). The next entry for Landry is 1863 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  It is possible that Landry first met Rees in 1852 when the company was known as Rees & Co. 1852-1854. (Charles R. Rees & Silas A. Holmes.)  Charles R. Rees left the company by March 31, 1854 to open another studio at 385 Broadway.  Silas A. Homes was active at the 289 Broadway address from 1848 to 1859 when Reade Street was enlarged.  More research needs to be done to get a clear and accurate understanding of the relationship between Rees and Holmes.  I currently have large files on both photographers, but I feel more research is needed to get a better understanding of the partnership.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

C. A. Johnston

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1856                [8th Street and Louisiana Avenue, Washington, D. C.]

C. A. Johnston was recorded in two announcements. The first appeared on July 30, 1856 in the Daily American Organ (Washington, District of Columbia). Mr. Walker presented the petition of C. A. Johnston, asking permission to locate a travelling daguerreotype wagon at the corner of 8th street and Louisiana avenue; which was referred to the Committee on Police.

The second announcement appeared on July 31, 1856 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Mr. Walker presented the petition of C. A. Johnston, asking permission to locate a travelling daguerreotype wagon at the corner of eighth street and Louisiana avenue; which was referred.

C. A. Johnston does not appear in other photographic directories. There is a possibility that C. A. Johnston is Mr. Johnson a daguerrean in Richmond, Virginia with traveling daguerreotype wagons (entry posted on 9-4-19.) There is no indication that the petition was approved.

Mr. Johnson

Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , , , ,

1856-1857       Wagons on the Corner of 7th & Broad Streets, Richmond, Virginia.

Mr. Johnson was recorded in seven announcements and six advertisements in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virgini).  The first announcement appeared on March 28, 1856.  Daguerreotype Wagons.—Two of Johnson’s Wagons, No. 7 and 10, are now in Richmond, corner of 7th and Broad streets, built with best lights.  Johnson himself, with twelve years’ experience, is operating in them.  Brilliant and highly finished likenesses for Fifty Cents and One Dollar—half the usual prices.  Go early to avoid the crowd.

The second announcement appeared on March 31, 1856.  Fathers!  Mothers!  Brothers!  Sisters!  Friends!—Go to Johnson’s Daguerreotype Wagons, corner 7th and Broad streets, and get one of his fifty cents or dollar likenesses.

The third announcement appeared on April 1, 1856.  If you have seen any of Johnson’s Fifty Cent or Dollar Pictures, you will go to his Daguerreotype Wagons, corner 7th and Broad sts., and get one or two to give to your friends.

The fourth announcement appeared on April 2, 1856.  A Word to the Wise, &c.—Two of Johnson’s Daguerreotype Wagons are now corner of 7th and Broad streets.  The superior lights enable him to take good pictures in any kind of weather.  His work is of the best style; he has been many years at it.  Reduced prices, fifty cents and one dollar.

The fifth announcement appeared on April 3, 1856.  Why do you Dress so nicely to get Your Likeness?—Go just as you are to Johnson’s Daguerreotype Wagons, corner 7th and Broad streets, and get on of his Fifty Cent or Dollar pictures.  He will make your cloths look equal to the best.

The sixth announcement appeared on April 4, 1856.  If you have seen any of Johnson’s Fifty Cent or Dollar Pictures, you will go to his Daguerreotype Wagons, corner 7th and Broad streets, and get one or two likenesses to give to your friends.  They are in the best style, and larger than you can get elsewhere.  Johnson himself is operating in these wagons.  No. 7 and 10; he has been about 12 years in the business.

The first announcement ran from April 5 to May 29, 1856.  If you have seen any of Johnson’s Fifty Cent or Dollar Pictures, you will go to his Daguerreotype Wagons, corner 7th and Broad streets, and get one or two likenesses to give to your friends.  They are in the best style, and larger than you can get elsewhere.  Johnson himself is operating in these wagons.  No. 7 and 10; he has been about 12 years in the business.

The seventh announcement appeared on April 8, 1856.  Wanted.—Two Horses and a Driver for a little more than one hour a day, for which one dollar each day will be paid.  Apply to Mr. Johnson’s Daguerreotype Wagons, corner of 7th and Broad streets.

The second advertisement ran from May 1 to June 4, 1856.  A Book For Nothing!  Instructions Gratis!—Go to the Daguerreotype Wagons, corner of 7th and Broad streets, and get one or two of Johnson’s 50 cent or dollar pictures for your friends; and he will give you his Treatise on daguerreotyping and Photography, by which you may learn the various processes used in the art.  Remember his prices are low.  He does a large business can sell cheap.  Johnson with his assistants take a very large number of Daguerreotypes daily.  He can, therefore, sell you larger pictures for 50 Cents and One Dollar, than you can get elsewhere; they are in the best style.  He has been many years in the business.  Good pictures taken in any kind of weather, as the lights in the wagons are built for the purpose.  Daguerreotype Wagons, Corner 7th and Broad streets.

The third advertisement ran from May 12 to 14, 1856.  Five Operators, with extra Apparatus, and another of Johnson’s Daguerreotype Wagons, corner of 7th and Broad streets, will be engaged during the holidays, so that visitors will not be delayed.  Those desiring good and cheap pictures will do well to embrace this opportunity, as Johnson’s stay in this city is now very limited.  For the quality of the pictures, he refers to the twelve hundred ladies and gentlemen who have patronized him in Richmond.  Price Fifty Cents, One Dollar and upwards.   Daguerreotype Wagons, Corner 7th and Broad Streets.

The fourth advertisement ran from June 17 to 19, 1856.   A Good Business Chance.—One of Johnson’s Daguerreotype Wagons with apparatus complete, for-sale cheap.  It is now doing a good business.  And one of Johnson’s operators would remain with the purchaser for a time, if required, and could thoroughly instruct him in the art.  For terms, &c. enquire at the Wagon, corner of 7th and Broad Streets.

The fifth advertisement ran from June 11 to November 6, 1856.  If you have seen any of Johnson’s Fifty Cent or Dollar Pictures, you will go to his Daguerreotype Wagons, corner 7th and Broad streets, and get one or two likenesses to give to your friends.  They are in the best style, and larger than you can get elsewhere.  Johnson himself is operating in these wagons.  No. 7 and 10; he has been about 12 years in the business.

The sixth Advertisement ran from December 13, 1856 to January 28, 1857.  Many Thousand Likenesses have been taken this year in Johnson’s Daguerreotype Wagon, corner of 7th and Broad streets.  Go and get one of his 50 cents or dollar pictures, and you will be pleased with it.

Mr. Johnson does not appear in other photographic directories as being active in Richmond, Virginia.  Further research is needed on this daguerreotypist, he claims to have twelve years’ experience (ca. 1844) and has a number of traveling daguerreotype wagons.  So far these are the only announcements/advertisements found, or anyone by name Johnson with a daguerreian wagon(s). There are several Johnson’s who were active in the early 1840’s but to suggest them would be pure speculation.  A listing for C. A. Johnston (will be posted on 9-10-19) appears on July 30 & 31, 1856 were he is asking permission to locate a travelling daguerreotype wagon in Washington, D. C. Its possible they are the same person based on the proximity to Richmond the dates of the announcements and spelling variant of his last name.

Charles W. Grey

Ambrotypes, , ,

1557-1858       167 Main, Opposite the Exchange Bank, Richmond Virginia.                                  1858                   371 Broadway, New York, New York.

Charles W. Grey was recorded in two advertisements in The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from December 3 to 10, 1857.  Large Ambrotypes. For Only Twenty-Five Cents, At Grey’s, Opposite the Exchange Bank, Richmond, Va.

The second advertisement ran from January 6 to 12, 1858.  Children!  Children!!  Children!!!  Wonderful Improvement In The Arts.  Magnificent Ambrotypes taken of Children of all ages in two seconds, at Grey’s Gallery, 167 Main street, opposite the Exchange Bank, Richmond, Va., 371 Broadway, two doors above Taylors Saloon, New York.

Charles W. Grey is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Richmond, Virginia.