1851-1855 Corner Bank and Superior Streets, opposite Weddell House, Cleveland, Ohio.
1852 Corner of Superior and Seneca Streets, Sartwell’s Block, Cleveland, Ohio.
1851 April 9. Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) April 9, 1851, Vol. 7, No. 8, P. 2.
Cleveland Daguerreotype Stock Depot. Johnson & Fellows, Daguerrean Artist. Keep constantly on hand a full assortment of every variety of materials for Daguerreotypists’ Use, which they are selling as low as can be bought in New York City.
The attention of Artists is respectfully invited to their elegant and large assortment of Cameras, Plates, Cases, Chemicals, &c., Cc. all of which they test before offering for sale, and warrant genuine. Having had long experience in the business they supply themselves with such stock, only, as Artists require.
Instruction in the art carefully given.
Rooms on the corner of Bank and Superior-st. opposite the Wendell House, Cleveland, Ohio. Chas. E. Johnson. Parker Fellows
Advertisement ran from April 9 to July 17, 1851.
Daguerreotypes.—Messrs. Johnson & Fellows, Daguerreotypist, have recently procured the services of Mr. J. F. Ryder, late of New York—a very skilful operator. We yesterday examined several specimens of his work, and we have rarely if ever seen their equals. They are sufficiently distinct without being harsh in their outline, and excel particularly in life-like expressions. Call at their rooms and look at their portrait gallery.
1851 July 21. Portage Sentinel. (Ravenna, Ohio.) July 21, 1851, Vol. 7, No. 8, Whole No. 320, P. 3.
Read And Consider! Matthews having made arrangements with Johnson & Fellows, of Cleveland, to enter their employment for a certain length of time, has disposed of his entire interest in the Daguerrian Business, To B. S. Morrill & Co., and according to an agreement with them will make no more Pictures in this County, and would most cheerfully recommend all those wanting Perfect Specimens of the Art to patronize them; fully knowing their knowledge of the business equal to any other artist in the east or west, your humble servant not excepted.
Wm. B. Matthews. Ravenna, July 14, 1851.
Advertisement ran from July 21 to August 4, 1851.
1851 December 22. Cleveland Daily Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) December 22, 1851, Vol. 7, No. 225, P. 2.
Fire. A fire was discovered Sunday at 10½ A. M., in the Rooms of Johnson & Fellows, Daguerreotypist, Merchants’ Bank Block. It originated from the stove, burned through the floor, and rapidly spread between the floor and ceiling below, nearly the whole length of the building. It was considerable time after the engines were on the ground that the precise location of the fire could be ascertained, owing to the dense smoke. Nearly all the furniture and apparatus of Johnson & Fellows were more or less damaged by fire and water. Precise loss not known. The offices of C. Stetson, Esq., Dr. Bigelow and Dr. Robinson, were considerably injured by water. Cutter & Taylor suffered quite a loss from the same cause.
We understand that Johnson & Fellows [are] insured for $1,200.
1851 December 22. Cleveland Daily Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) December 22, 1851, Vol. 7, No. 225, P. 2.
We also return our sincere thanks to the Firemen and our friends, whose efficiency and care saved much of our property in yesterdays conflagration. Prudence, care and judgement, characterized every movement on their part, and to them we owe every thing. At present, we can only say that we are very grateful. But at some future period, we will endeavor to express our thanks by deeds as well as words.
We would also state that we shall be fully prepared on Wednesday morning to take Miniatures as well and as rapidly as ever. Our Rooms, by that time, will be in through repair, and we should be glade to see all who may feel inclined to give us their patronage. Johnson & Fellows.
Messrs. Johnson & Fellows are not to be burned or drowned out. They will resume labors to-morrow. Such pluck and enterprise deserves patronage.
1852 January 7. Morning Daily True Democrat. (Cleveland, Ohio.) January 7, 1852, Vol. 6, No. 5, P. 3.
Johnson & Fellows, Premium Skylight Daguerreotype Rooms, Over Merchants’ Bank, opposite the Weddell House. Also, Sartwell’s Block, corner of Superior and Seneca Streets.
1852 January 7. Morning Daily True Democrat. (Cleveland, Ohio.) January 7, 1852, Vol. 6, No. 5, P. 3.
Cleveland Daguerreotype Stock Depot. Johnson & Fellows, Daguerrean Artists, keep constantly on hand a full assortment of every variety of materials for Daguerreotypist use, which they are selling as low as can be bought in New York City.
The attention of Artists is respectfully invited to their elegant and large assortment of Cameras, Plates, Cases, Chemicals, &c., &c., all of which they tested before offering for sale, and warranted genuine. Having had long experience in the business, they supply themselves with such stock only as Artists require.
Instructions in the art carefully given. Charles E. Johnson, Parker Fellows
Rooms, Superior Street, opposite Weddell House, Cleveland, Ohio. apr8.
Advertisement ran from January 7 to
Premium Daguerreotypes. Johnson & Fellows, at their Rooms corner Bank and Superior sts., opposite the Weddell House, are still taking miniatures in the highest style of the art. Mr. Johnson is universally acknowledged one of the most eminent artists in the United States. His pictures have for two successive years taken the first premiums at the American Institute, New York; Franklin do. Philadelphia; Mechanics’ do. Boston.
They are taking, in addition to the old style, the celebrated Illuminated Daguerreotypes, which are considered far superior to any others. The Daguerrean Journal in speaking of them says “they somewhat resemble the Crayon, yet surpass them in beauty.” They have the largest and finest operating Room with skylight in the State, and the best whole size Camera ever manufactured in the country. Their Cameras were judged the best at the World’s Fair. Every variety of Cases, Frames and Lockets can be found at their Rooms. Dec. 22, 1851.
1852 January 21. Morning Daily True Democrat. (Cleveland, Ohio.) January 21, 1852, Vol. 6, No. 16, P. 2.
$5 Reward—We will give the above reward to any one who will inform us of the person or persons who broke the shutters and large pain of glass in our showcase on the sidewalk, on Saturday or Sunday night last. Johnson & Fellow.
1852 May 20. Cleveland Daily Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) May 20, 1852, Vol. VIII, No. 43, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. Only One Dollar Each!! Now is the time to get a first class Miniature put up in good style for One Dollar. We pledge ourselves to execute better work than can be obtained at any other place in this city for that price. Perfect satisfaction warranted. Let none hereafter employ inferior Artists from motives of economy.
Remember the old establishment, rooms over the Merchants Bank, opposite Weddell House, corner of Bank and Superior-sts. Johnson & Fellows.
N. B.—We use both side and sky lights—the most perfect arrangement in this city.
1852 September 22. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) September 22, 1852, Vol. XI, No. 38, P. 3.
List of Entries At The State Fair…
Class H.—Domestic Manufactures…
A. C. Partridge, Wheeling, Va., daguerreotypes.
Mrs. Short, Cleveland, daguerreotypes.
Johnson & Fellows, Cleveland, daguerreotypes.
1852 September 22. The Daily Ohio Statesman. (Columbus, Ohio.) September 22, 1852, Vol. II, No. 1460, New Series No. 1921, P. 2.
Third Annual Ohio State Fair. We continue from the Cleveland Herald the following notices of the Ohio State Fair:
Daguerreotypes. The improvement in the display of specimens in this beautiful Art over previous State Fairs is striking both as to the number of competitors and elegance and perfectness of the pictures. A portion of the Floral Hall has been fitted up expressly for this Art, and as constantly crowded with admiring visitors…
Next are the choice specimens of Messrs. Johnson & Fellows of Cleveland, consisting of six splendid views of Niagara Falls, the Painesville Railroad Bridge, and two miniatures, one that almost preaches right out, of Rev. Dr. Perry. The views of Niagara are greatly admired, and finely illustrated the perfection and instantaneousness of sun-painting. The views consist of Table Rock—Clifton House from Prospect Point—view of both Falls with private party on the brink—American Falls from Canada Ferry landing, with small boat crossing with passengers, the countenance of the boatman pulling at the oar so perfect as to be recognized by acquaintances—Horse-shoe Falls from Canada landing—and the Bridge and Rapids above the American Falls—the dashing waters so instantly transferred to the plate as to present a natural waving and curling appearance. The series is very creditable to the skill of the old and well known artists…
1852 September 23. Scott Soup Bowl. (Cleveland, Ohio.) September 23, 1852, Vol. 1, No. 12, P. 1.
The State Fair…Class II—Domestic Manufacturers…
W. C. North, Cleveland, specimens Daguerreotypes.
A. Bisbee, Dayton, specimen daguerreotypes.
Class II.
Johnson & Fellow, Cleveland—Daguerreotypes.
McDonald & Co., Buffalo—Daguerreotypes.
A. C. Partridge, Wheeling—Daguerreotypes.
S. Root, New York—14 Daguerreotypes.
Mrs. Short, Cleveland—Specimens daguerreotypes.
1852 September 23. Scott Soup Bowl. (Cleveland, Ohio.) September 23, 1852, Vol. 1, No. 12, P. 4.
Notes of the State Fair. We shall make such specific notice of the articles exhibited at the State Fair as time and circumstances permit, and if any exhibitors are neglected, as probably will be in the multitudes assembled, if will not be for lack of good intention. We should be glad to deal fairly by all. We begin with…
Daguerreotypes.
The improvement in the display of specimens in this beautiful of specimens in this beautiful Art over previous State Fairs is striking both as to number of competitors and elegance and perfectness of the pictures A [portion of ] Floral Hall has been fitted up expressly for this Art, and is constantly crowded with admiring visitors.
Entering from the West, Mrs. Short, of Cleveland, has a pretty group of miniatures, two of them old settlers whose well-known countenances often [ ? ] sunshine on the poor and suffering…
Next are the choice specimens of Messrs. Johnson & Fellows, of Cleveland consisting of six splendid views of Niagara Falls, the Painesville Rail Road Bridge, and two miniatures, on that almost preaches right out, Rev. Dr. Perry.—The views of Niagara are greatly admired, and finely illustrate the perfection and instantaneousness of sun-painting. The views consist of Table Rock—Clifton House from Prospect Point—view of both Falls with –private party on the brink—American Falls from Canada Ferry landing, with small boat crossing with passengers, the countenance of the boatman pulling at the oar so perfect [as] to be recognized by acquaintances—Horse Shoe Falls from Canada Landing—And the Bridge and Rapids from Canada Landing—and the Bridge and Rapids above the American Falls—the dashing waters so instantly transferred to the plate as to present a natural waving and curling appearance! The series is very creditable to the skill of the old and well-known artists.
Mr. North, another Cleveland artist who took the first premium at last year’s State Fair, has filled a large space close at hand with his truly splendid pictures and life-like miniatures. His views of the Weddell, Melodeon, new Jail, &c., are realities, and his groups and single miniatures, many of them well known personages, attract-much attention. One feature, The Editorial corps of the city, including a full length of Lippard in Brotherhood regalia, and Mrs. Gage, the story-teller and poetess, from a” home-picture” good looking of course. The portraits are all perfect—would we could say as much of some of the originals! Little “Zack,” to our eye the gem of North’s collection, is generally mistaken for the “Infant Drummer,” and quite naturally in the absence of a label. There is an air of ease and rest after a boyish rub-a-dub both in countenance and position, rarely obtained in daguerreotypes even of children of larger growth.” North has good reason to be proud of his skill as well as of the Art to which he is devoted…
Next o North’s, is a collection of magnificent Daguerreotypes from Root’s Premium Gallery, New York. Three of the portraits are unusually large and fine. Among the notables miniatured are Madame Alboni, Horace Greeley, Geo. M. Dallas, and P. T. Barnum, the picture no humbug at least. Our Western Artists will have to look out for their laurels. In a homely frontier phrase, it is now “Root hog or die!” for premiums.
The Old Dominion is also in the field with pictures “ardent as a Southern Sun can make them.” Mr. Partridge, of Wheeling, has a numerous a fine display of pictures and miniatures; ranged by the side of New York. He has beautiful views of Zane’s Island in the Ohio, and the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the span 1010 feet. It is a spider’s web in mid-air, the most delicate tracery being limned in beauty by the unerring light. Rev. Dr. Campbell, Dr. Valentine, and a host of the lesser known are submitted to the admiration of thousands. A group of a hundred or more little Misses on a single plate, all standing in compact order, is a sweet picture Old Sol must have been delighted in taking.
A. Bisbee, of Dayton, has filled nearly a whole side with his grand collection. He has a fine, large size picture of Dayton Court House, the best edifice of the kind in Ohio, the Phillips House and other Dayton views. His view of Cincinnati from Newport, is the great Daguerreotype picture of the exhibition. It presents a plate richly framed, about 8 feet long by 10 or 12 inches wide, and gives a river view of the city and hills several miles in length! The panorama is of course faithful to nature, and is a wonderful triumph of the Art. Mr. B.’s miniatures, single and in groups, are very attractive.
Last, but not least, are a group of three ladies and two other miniatures of large size, by McDonnell & Co., of Buffalo. It would be difficult to select three more pleasing or meritorious pictures from the entire collection. Everybody stops to admire them, a sufficient meed of praise, unless it be the first approval of the committee.
1852 December 24. Morning Daily True Democrat. (Cleveland, Ohio.) December 24, 1852, Vol. 6, No. 304, P. 3.
Johnson & Fellows.—These artist have now a fine suit of rooms at the corner of Bank and Superior streets, and are prepared to take the best of pictures.—They have a large and beautiful stock of cases for Christmas, and we advise those who wish to procure a good likeness either of themselves or others, to go to Johnson & Fellows. The excellence of their work merits great praise, and the cheapness ought to ensure good success, which we heartily wish the above firm.
1853 June 7. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) June 7, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 56, P. 2.
Speaking of Daguerreotypes, we saw to-day in the possession of Johnson & Fellows, a crystal covered picture, the plate of which was not convex, but flat as in the common daguerreotype. It appears in very particular a perfect portrait, and a good picture. Mr. Fellows informs us that this style of putting up daguerreotypes is no new thing, but has often be used in other places. There seems to be a slight controversy on this subject between certain parties. The convex plate vs the level plate. Both make very good pictures, but we shall decide when daguerreotypist disagree!
1853 June 8. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) June 8, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 57, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes. If you want a fine likeness, get one put up in Johnson & Fellows’ inimitable style. If you want a paperweight, get one with your likeness in it. Their Stereoscopes are the greatest wonder in the city.
1853 June 9. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) June 9, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 58, P. 2.
[Advertisement.] Dear Dealer:—I saw in your paper of Tuesday evening, a statement, (Mr. Fellows being your authority) that my Crystal Daguerreotypes setting is “no new thing, but has been used in other places” I deny the truth of the statement, and ask when and where? If it is no “new thing” why did Mr. Fellows, after hearing that I had set a daguerreotype in this style, go to several stores in town to procure a glass, which he obtained on Monday of this week (several days after I had applied for a patent) and putting his likenesses in the same, spent most of the afternoon in visiting hotels, stores, and stopping his friends in the street, showing his picture thus set! He acted as though he thought or that others would think, that it was “something new.” As it regards the flat or convex plate I would state that the first picture that I set in this style was on a flat plate. The convex plate is a decided improvement, making the picture more distinct and luminous. I claim in my patent both the level and convex plate. Since writing the above, I saw the following advertisement in the [Daily] Forest City of Tuesday morning, headed thus: “‘A Novelty’.—Get a Paper Weight Daguerreotype of yourself or friend. Just the thing for a writing desk. Johnson & Fellows get them up in a beautiful style.” To be consistent, he should have said “no new thing” I say, let every man manufacture his own “thunder.” W. C. North
1853 June 28. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) June 28, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 74, P. 2.
[For the Plain Dealer.] Editors of Plain Dealer: I have just returned from New York, and find that during my absence, my neighbor, Mr. Fellows, (Not Johnson & Fellows, as Mr. Johnson is in California, and can have no part in this matter,) has been given me some sage advice, wishing me not to “set such a belligerent example.” He also begs of me to “fight” some one elce, and “not quite annihilate” him. You and your readers will bear me witness that I have done nothing more than ward off the blows which his “belligerent” disposition led him to aim at me for my “annihilation.” I told you in all truth and honesty that I had discovered a new setting for Daguerreotypes. Mr. Fellows denied the truth of my statement, by saying, “that this style of putting up Daguerreotypes is no new thing, but has often be used in other places.” Now, if Mr. Fellows had attended to his own business, and not denied what I know to be true, (and what he can’t prove to be false.) I should not have said the first nor the “last word” in this controversy. I would simply add that I expect to exhibit this new style of Daguerreotype at the World’s Fair in New York, and am prepared also to furnish then to my patrons, and invite all who wish to to call and see them. W. C. North.
1853 August 13. Daily Forest City. (Cleveland, Ohio.) August 13, 1853, Vol. 2, Np. 95, P. 3.
A Novelty. Get a Paper Weight Daguerreotype of yourself or friend. Just the thing for a writing desk.
Johnson & Fellows get them up in a beautiful style. je7.
1853 August 13. Daily Forest City. (Cleveland, Ohio.) August 13, 1853, Vol. 2, Np. 95, P. 3.
Stereoscopes; Or Solid Daguerreotypes. These Daguerreotypes are taken in fine style by Johnson & Fellows. They have the appearance of Statuary—the greatest improvement in the Daguerreotype art. je8.
1853 September 2. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) September 2, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 131, P. 2.
Home Again. Mr. Fellows has just returned from New York with an entire new assortment of every thing new pertaining to the Daguerrean Art. We have a fine assortment of Lockets, which we offer upon reasonable terms. Please call and see.
1853 October 11. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) October 11, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 164, P. 2.
Miniatures. One of the best places in the west to secure a perfect likeness is at the well known Rooms of Johnson & Fellows, (over Merchant’s Bank.) They now offer to the public a better assortment of Cases and Lockets than were ever before offered in this city. Go and see them.
1853 November 10. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) November 10, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 190, P. 2.
Wanted to see a nice cottage, well arranged, every thing convenient. House and grounds in the best order. Enquire of Mr. Fellows, at Johnson & Fellows’ Daguerrean Rooms,
1853 December 22. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) December 22, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 226, P. 2.
Holiday Presents. Nothing cab be more appropriate for a Holiday Present than one of Johnson & Fellows’ Daguerreotypes, done up in fine style. They have a large assortment of fancy cases and elegant lockets.
1853 December 23. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) December 23, 1853, Vol. IX, No. 227, P. 3.
Where to get Christmas Presents…
Johnson & Fellows, Mrs. Short, and North. Are all prepared to take daguerreotypes. What prettier gift than semblance of a loved one?
1854 January 7. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) January 7, 1854, Vol. IX, No. 240, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes.—Since the opening of our Rooms in this city, nearly six years since, there never has been a season in which we have met with such good success as we have in the year just closed, For the steady increase in our business, we thank the citizens of Cleveland. Having secured the assistance of good artists, we shall now be better prepared than ever to accommodate all who favor us with a call. The quality of our work heretofore will be the guarantee of its continuance. Johnson & Fellows.
1854 May 31. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) May 31, 1854, Vol. X, No. 52, P. 3.
A Card—New Daguerreotype Arrangement.—The late firm of Johnson & Fellows will be hereafter known as Ryder & Fellows. Mr. Ryder of the new firm is a vetean in the art, so with our present strength and advantages we are better prepared than ever to suit our Customers. With the oldest establishment and best arranged rooms in the City, and every facility for executing superior miniatures, we respectfully tender our services to the public. Ryder & Fellows.
1854 December 2. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) December 2, 1854, Vol. X, No. 207, P. 3.
Holiday Gifts.—Ryder & Fellows are prepared to furnish the most suitable and appropriate presents for Christmas and New Years. Now is the time. Supply yourselves before you forget it. Rooms in Merchants’ Bank Building.
1855 May 2. Cleveland Weekly Plain Dealer. (Cleveland, Ohio.) May 2, 1855, Vol. XI, No. 45, P. 3.
Ryder’s Daguerreotype Rooms, In The Merchants’ Bank Building, corner of Superior and Banks—sts., are the oldest establishment and the best in the city. A most successful business of eight years is the result of the very superior Miniatures produced at this establishment. Its patrons may depend upon being promptly and faithfully served. J. F. Ryder, (late Ryder & Fellows.)
Note–Todate Ohio Newspapers have not been thoroughly checked. I have done a quick check for Parker Fellows, Johnson & Fellows and Ryder & Fellows in the Cleveland newspapers to fill in some of the gaps, but advertisements were not checked to see have long they ran.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 