Tag Archives: San Francisco California

Lovering, Reuben F.

C.1843-1847   75 Court Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]

1845                190 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.                       

1848                257 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

1849                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.2

1850-1851       203 Washington, Boston, Massachusetts.2                                   

1851                247 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.2

1851                34 Tremont Row, Boston, Massachusetts.

1855                Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.

1859                182 Washington Street, San Francisco, California.[3]

1859-1860       111 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California.

1845 July 21.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  July 21, 1845, Vol. V, No. 191, P. 3.

Cannon & Lovering, Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 190 Washington Street, (Opposite The Marlboro Hotel,) Boston.  Miniatures taken with or without coloring at a reasonable price.  Daguerreotype Apparatus constantly on hand.  Instructions in the art carefully given.  Terms moderate.

Advertisement ran from July 21 to August 20, 1845.

1845 July 23.  The Boston Daily Times.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  July 23, 1845, Vol. XVIII, No. 4949, P. 3.

Cannon & Lovering, Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 190 Washington Street, (Opposite The Marlboro Hotel,) Boston.  Miniatures taken with or without coloring at a reasonable price.  Daguerreotype Apparatus constantly on hand.  Instructions in the art carefully given.  Terms moderate.

Advertisement was recorded twice on July 23 & 28, 1845.

1845 July 24.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  July 24, 1845, Vol. V, No. 194, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  Cannon and Lovering have removed their rooms to 190 Washington street opposite the Marlboro’ Chapel, where they executed the most perfect miniatures at prices lower than at any other establishment.—Call and examine them.

1846 November 10.  Daily Evening Transcript.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  November 10, 1846, Vol. , No. 4999, P. 2.

Robbery.  Between 3 and 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon a show case belonging to Lovering & Davis daguerreotype artists no. 34 Tremont row, which was hanging in the passage way at the foot of the stairs was pried open by some rogue and $40 worth of lockets were stolen.  The lockets were of Stone & Weaver’s manufacture, Providence.

1846 November 11.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  November 11, 1846, Vol. VI, No. 289. P. 2.

The Daguerreotype Show Case of Messrs. Lovering and Davis, No. 34 Tremont Row, was broken open on Monday night, and about $40 worth of lockets stolen.

1847 August 6.  The Boston Daily Times.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  August 6, 1847, Vol. XVIII, No. 4961, P. 3.

Cannon & Lovering, Daguerreotype Rooms, No. 190 Washington Street, (Opposite The Marlboro Hotel,) Boston.  Miniatures taken with or without coloring at a reasonable price.  Daguerreotype Apparatus constantly on hand.  Instructions in the art carefully given.  Terms moderate.

1848 September 5.  Boston Daily Times.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  September 5, Vol. XXV, No. 3884, P. 3.

For Sale—A Daguerreotype Establishment, well located and doing a good business; only a small capital required.  Sufficient reason given for selling.  Inquire of R. F. Lovering, 257 Washington st.

1850 February 9.  Christian Register.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  Febroary 9, 1850, Vol. XXIX, No. 6, P. 4.

Marriages.  In Manchester, 5th inst. by Rev. A. B. Fuller, Mr. Reuben F. Lovering of Boston to Miss Martha Ann Whitle of Deering, N. H.

1851 February 17.  The Boston Daily Bee.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  February 17, 1851, Vol. 18, No. 102, P. 2.

A fire was discovered yesterday morning about 3 o’clock, in the daguerreotype establishment of R. F. Lovering, in the third story of the building 203 Washington, corner of Bromfield street.  The fire burnt quite freely and nearly destroyed Mr. L’s stock—amounting to about $1000.  It is supposed to have been set on fire, as two or three suspicious characters were seen sculking about the neighborhood a short time before the fire broke out.

1851 February 17.  The Boston Daily Mail.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  February 17, 1851, Vol. XI, No. 41. P. 2.

Fires.  At 3 o’clock Sunday morning fire was discovered in the second story of a building No. 203 Washington street, corner of Bromfield street, occupied by R. F. Lovering, daguerreotype artist, whose stock and materials were destroyed and considerable damage done to the building…

1851 February 17.  The Boston Herald.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  February 17, 1851, No. 8625, P. 4.

Fire.  About 3 o’clock yesterday morning, fire broke out in one of the upper rooms over the jewelry store of Mr. Wm. B. Fessenden, corner of Washington and Bromfield streets, occupied as a daguerreotype room by Mr. R. F. Lovering,  The room in which the fire originated was pretty well burnt out, and one or two other rooms were somewhat damaged by the fire.  The stock of Mr. Fessenden suffered considerable damage from water.

1854 November 23.  The Boston Daily Atlas.  (Boston, Massachusetts.)  November 23, 1854, Vol. XXIII, No. 124, P. 2.

In the Police Court, John O’Brien and John Sullivan , minors, were arraigned for breaking and entering the house of Reuben F. Lovering, No. 12 Bond st.  Sullivan was sent to the State Reform School, and there having been a previous warrant against O’Brien for leading an idle and dissolute life, he was sent to the House of Reformation for Juvenile offenders. 

1859 July 30.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  July 30, 1859, Vol. X, No. 53, P. 3.

A Temple of Art is Hamilton & Lovering’s new Photographic Establishment.  There are Eight rooms all on the second floor (an advantage possessed by no other extensive establishment in the United States), and built expressly for the practice of the Photographic Art in all its branches.  An experience of both Hamilton and Lovering of over sixteen years constant practice enables them to turn out finer work than any other establishment, as they are not compelled, like other establishments, to hire operators, who scarcely know anything about the business.  The First Premium was awarded to us at both the last State and City Fairs.  Hamilton & Lovering, Second story of Lecount’s Gallery, 111 Montgomery street.  jy12.

Advertisement was recorded twice on July 30 & August 5, 1859.

1859 September 20.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  September 20, 1859, Vol., XVIII, Whole No. 2646, P. 1.

Sixth Annual Fair Of The State Agricultural Society.  Sixth Day…

The Exhibition.  The Picture Gallery…

East Room.  In the northeast corner of this wing of the Pavillion are placed the daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and photographs of D. H. Woods, Sacramento.  They embrace about nineteen specimens, and besides fine portraits, contains excellent landscape views.  The next left hand collection is part of Vance’s (San Francisco and Sacramento) exhibition, consisting chiefly of a series of beautiful views of yo Semite Falls and scenery.  There are thirteen of these views, each remarkably clear and well taken; the excite much admiration…

West Room…

The remainder of the south wall is occupied by the fine display of photographs done in every variety of style, and exhibited by Hamilton & Lovering, San Francisco.  Between some of the pictures, and the splendid show down stairs by Vance, it is hard to choose.  We have not time to specify the particular merits of each collection.  It is sufficient to say that both firms have brought the art of photographing, in taking portraits, to high perfection.  These two exhibits of pictures are among the chief attractions of the Fair. 

1859 October 7.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  October 7, 1859, Vol., XVIII, Whole No. 2661, P. 1.

Official List Of Premiums Awarded At The Sixth Annual Fair Of The California State Agricultural Society…

Ambrotypes—W. Dickman, Sacramento; special premium, diploma.

Plain Photographs—Hamilton & Lovering, San Francisco; second premium, $5.

Ambrotypes—Hamilton & Lovering, San Francisco; second premium, $5.

Daguerreotypes—Jacob Shew, Sacramento, first premium, plate, $10.

Stereoscopic Pictures—R. H. Vance, San Francisco; special diploma.

Plain Photographs—R. H. Vance, San Francisco ; first premium, plate, $10.

Ambrotypes—R. H. Vance, San Francisco; first premium, plate, $10.

1860 September 24.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  September 24, 1860, Vol., XX, Whole No. 2962, P. 1.

Seventh Annual Fair Of The State Agricultural Society…

Photographs.—The exhibit of photographs of various styles, ambrotypes and other camera pictures [is] not extensive.  They fill however, the walls of the [ ? ] room.  The largest exhibit, if not the most artistic display, is from Hamilton & Lovering, of San Francisco.  They occupy nearly the whole of the north wall.  The east wall is hung with specimens from W. H. Towne’s photograph gallery, Sacramento.  The south wall is taken up with the photographs of J. Shew, of Sacramento, and there is a large display and variety in the center of the same wall, sent down by A. Liebert, of Nevada.  Next to these, on the same side is the best display of large photographic portraits in the room, from W. Shew, of San Francisco; and, to complete the list Dickman, of this city, covers the east side with some of his highly finished India ink photographs and other specimens.  Few as are the contributions, in proportion to the number of photograph establishments in the State, they present: not only a fine display, but exhibit the very highest specimens of the art in all its styles.

1860 October 23.  The Pacific.  (San Francisco, California.)  October 23, 1860, Vol. XI, No. 123, P. 2.

Four First Premiums at the late State Fair, and the Only First Premium at the Fair of the Mechanics’ Institute, were all awarded to us, over all competitors, for the Best Photographs, plain, re-touched, and life-size.  Also, the First Premium for the best Ambrotypes, at both Fairs. 

Prices low as ordinary pictures at other establishments.  Rooms all on the second floor.

Over seventeen years’ experience of both of us, enables us to excel all our competitors.  Hamilton & Lovering, Lecount’s Building.  111 Montgomery street.

Advertisement ran from October 23 to November 16, 1860.  

1862 June 23.  Sacramento Daily Union.  (Sacramento, California.)  June 23, 1862, Vol., XX, Whole No. 3505, P. 2.

Passengers For The East.—The following named persons leave in the Golden Age to-day for the East:…

R. F. Lovering and wife.


[1] The American Daguerreotype.

[2] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

[3] Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865.

Bailey, Morris B.

1853-1858                   88 Merrimack Street, Lowell, Massachusetts.[1]

1853-1855              Active in Ashland, New York.[2]                       

1859                            Active in San Francisco, California.2                

1860                            Active in Timbuctoo Post Office, California.2    

1862-1863                   Active in San Francisco, California.2

1856.  A Hand Book Of Business In Lowell, with a History Of The City.  (Lowell, Massachusetts.)  1856, P. 113.

Daguerreotype And Ambrotype Gallery, No. 88 Merrimack Street, Up One Flight Of Stairs, These rooms are pleasantly located, easy of access, handsomely furnished, and well ventilated.  The Sky-Light is one of the largest, and without doubt, the best in the city.  The proprietor, one of the oldest and most successful operators in the city, attends personally to the making of each picture, and Nothing but First Class Work is ever allowed to be taken from the room.  Citizens and strangers visiting the city are invited to call and examine.  M. Bailey, 88 Merrimack Street.

1856 April 28.  Lowell Daily Citizen and News.  (Lowell, Massachusetts.)  April 28, 1856, Vol. VI, No. 1, P. 3.

M. Bailey, Daguerreotypist Rooms—88 Merrimack Street, Lowell.  Personal attention given, and likenesses always warranted.  ap21.

Advertisement ran from April 28, 1856 to

1856 May 16.  Lowell Daily Citizen and News.  (Lowell, Massachusetts.)  May 16, 1856, Vol. VI, No. 17, P. 2.

Ambrotypes.  Mr. M. Bailey, at 88 Merrimack st., is devoting his attention quite largely to the taking of ambrotypes, or daguerreotypes upon glass. They are much superior to daguerreotypes in fineness, roundness, depth of light and shade, and for richness to tone and Mr. Bailey takes them in his usual artistic manner.  We advise our readers to call at his saloon and examine specimens.

1856 May 17.  Lowell Daily Citizen and News.  (Lowell, Massachusetts.)  May 17, 1856, Vol. VI, No. 18, P. 2.

Ambrotypes.  M. Bailey, 88 Merrimack st., takes ambrotype pictures for $1.50 and upwards.

1857 February 10.  Lowell Daily Citizen and News.  (Lowell, Massachusetts.)  February 10, 1857, Vol. VI, No. 243, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes.  We would call the attention of our readers to the card of Mr. Bailey, in our advertising columns.  The known superiority of his pictures should induce all to give him a call.

1857 February 10.  Lowell Daily Citizen and News.  (Lowell, Massachusetts.)  February 10, 1857, Vol. VI, No. 243, P. 2.

Daguerreotypes At Reduced Prices.  At Bailey’s, 88 Merrimack st., You can get a good Picture in a Velvet Case, for 50.  feb.10.


[1] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers, 1839-1900.

[2] Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary 1840-1865

James Pierpont

Ca. 1850-1851   Address Unknown, San Francisco, California.[1]                                                  1857                      109 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]

James Pierpont was listed in Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians. (New York, New York.)  P. 1409.

Born in Boston 1822,                                                                                                                                          Died Winter Haven, Fla. 1893                                                                                                                        Father John Pierpont was an abolitionist minister in Boston and held the rank of Brig. General in the Union Army during the Civil War.                                                                                        James joined the confederacy during the Civil War.                                                                        James was also an American composer

Jingle Bells, or The One Horse Open Sleigh (1859) which did not become popular until the 20th century.  His best known works were the Little White Cottage, or Gentle Nettie Moore (1857);  We Conquer or Die (1861); and Strike for the South (1863).

2016 December 8.  On line article in BU Today “Jingle Bells”…Pierpont could not have written “Jingle Bells”  in a Medford tavern in 1850, because in 1850, he was in California trying in vain to cash in on the Gold Rush.  He did enjoy some small measure of success as a daguerreotype artist, at least until an 1851 San Francisco fire burned down his shop.  He returned to Boston broke.

James Pierpont is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Boston in 1857.

[1] On-line article in BU Today News, Opinion Community.  December 8, 2016 by Joel Brown.  “Jingle Bells” History takes surprising tern beloved Christmas favorite was first performed in Boston Minstrel Hall.  (Research by Kyna Hamill).

[2] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Peter G. Clark

1850                Address Unknown, [Boston], Massachusetts.[1]                                                1851                247 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[2]                                                      1851-1852     36 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[3]                                                      1852-1854      in San Francisco, California.[4]                                                                          1853                Address Unknown, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]                                                  1854                103 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[3]                                                    1854-1856      in New York City.[4]                                                                                                1855                158 Bowery, New York, New York.[5]                                                                      1857                Lower Great George Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.[4]  1859-1862      in San Francisco, California.[4]

Peter G. Clark first appeared in the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Report for September 1850.  He exhibited daguerreotypes at the sixth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, no award was given.

Reported on December 20, 1851 in The Carpet Bag (Boston, Massachusetts). A Present.—We have received from the artist, Mr. P. G. Clark, No. 247 Washington street, an elegant and faithful likeness of Mrs. H. M. Stephens, of this city, and we take pleasure in exhibiting the treasure to our many visitors. [We have an adjourned promise of the transcript of another fair face from the East—“down east,”—when the “sometimes operator” shall get back.] Of course we are proud of it, and of course we thank the donor, and commend him to the notice of that public which always patronizes those who favor the printers.

Reported in the September 1853 report of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association.  Peter G. Clark exhibited daguerreotypes at the sixth exhibition of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. Award a bronze medal for daguerreotype views of California.

Reported in an advertisement on December 22, 1855 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York). Handsome Ladies!—Pictures Taken Gratis!—The time fixed for the opening of Barnum’s Gallery Of Beauty has been extended for a short period $20,000 will be expended in Premiums to the 100 handsomest Ladies and for painting their portraits.  Highest prize $1,000.  For particulars see circulars at the Museum.  Daguerreotypes for this Gallery will be taken free of all expense to the sitter, if application be made to them immediately, by all the principal artists in the United States, including the following superior Daguerreotypist in the City of New York.

J. Gurney, No. 489 Broadway; M. M. Lawrence, No. 831 Broadway; S. Root, No. 363 Broadway; Meade Brothers, No. 233 Broadway; R. Anson, No. 589 Broadway; Beckers & Piard, No. 264 Broadway; M. H. Kimball, No. 407 Broadway; J. W. Thompson, No. 315 Broadway, and 182 Fulton-st, Brooklyn; M. Kerston, No. 421 Broadway, cor. of canal; P. Welling, Cor. of Bleecker and Carmine-sts; P. G. Clark, No. 156 Bowery; Jullus Brill, No. 204 Chatham-st; R. A. Lewis, No. 142 Chatham Square.

Peter G. Clark is known see the following publications for more information Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, A Biographical Dictionary 1840-1865Craig’s Daguerreian Registry, A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.

The new Information, is the fact that he showed at the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association in 1850 and in 1853, the advertisement in the Carpet Bag newspaper with the 247 Washington Street address, and the December 22, 1855 New York Daily Tribune advertisement with address of 156 Bowery, New York.

[1] Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association records, 1850 & 1853.                                        [2] The Carpet Bag (newspaper).                                                                                                                        [3] Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.                                                                          [4] Pioneer Photographers of the Far West.                                                                                                        [5] New York Daily Tribune (newspaper).

Robert A Carden

1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                          1853-1854     293 Broadway, New York, New York.                                                                        1854                369 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]                                                                1855                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.                                                                  1856                Clay & Kearny Streets, San Francisco, California.[2]                                      1858                Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Based on work done by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn in Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, Craig’s Daguerreian Registry by John Craig, New York City Directories, and newspaper advertisements and notices in New York City and Washington, D. C.  I’ve put together the following snapshot of Carden’s activity.

Robert A. Carden was not listed in the 1852-1853 New York City Directory, he was listed in the 1853-1854 and 1854-1855 directories as daguerreotypes, 293 Broadway, in 1853-1854 directory his house was listed at 393 Broadway, Carden was not listed in subsequent NYC directories.  In 1853-1854 there was also a listing for Carden & Co, daguerreotypes, at the 293 Broadway.

Carden was recorded on April 13, 1853 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  25 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Carden & Co., No. 293 Broadway, are still taking those superb Pictures at the low price of 25 cents, notwithstanding there are some who advertise 12 ½ cent one to be taken at a future day.  It is a well known fact that a picture cannot be produced for less than 25 cents; hence the great rush every day at Carden & Co.’s.

Craig’s Daguerreian Registry recorded the partnership of Carden & Norton, 369 Broadway from the 1854 Mercantile Directory.

He was recorded in the Daily American Organ (Washington, D. C.) on February 9, 1855 and in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.) on February 10, 1855.  The Exhibition of the Metropolitan Mechanic’s Institute.—…Contributions from Virginia…Smith Bennett and Robert A. Carden, Frames of beautiful daguerreotypes;

Six months later the following advertisement appears on August 9 & 15, 1855 in the Evening Star (Washington, D. C.)  Daguerrean Gallery For Sale in Alexandria, Va.  One of the best rooms in Alexandria.  Will be sold cheap for cash.  Any person who wants to learn the business will be taught; and also will teach the art of Photograph free.  That alone is worth one hundred dollars to any artist.  Two Artist wanted to color Photographs.  Address “RAC,” Artist, Alexandria, Va.

Pioneer Photographers of the Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1865, by Peter Palmquist and Thomas Kailbourn.  They mention that Carden is in San Francisco, California in 1856 working for Henry William Bradley at Clay & Kearny Streets.  Also that he wrote two articles for the Photographic and Fine Art Journal on April 1857, p 112 & 113 on Photography in California and was signed R. A. C. the same as the Evening Star advertisement on August 9 & 15, 1855.   In August of 1858 he wrote about the New Orleans Photographic Galleries on pages 244 & 245. Carden is reported in the same issue on page 256 that that he has returned to New York from New Orleans where he showed Ambrotypes and prints taken while he was there.  Was Carden active as a photographer or possibly as an assistant?  Further research is needed.  He was not listed in as being active in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865, by Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker except to mention the article in The Photographic And Fine Art Journal.

Recorded on November 11, 1859 in the New York Daily Tribune (New York, New York.)  Carden—At Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., on Thursday, Sept. 15, Robert A. Carden, photographic artist, formerly of this city [died], aged 26.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Gallery in partnership of Carden & Norton.                                                   [2] Entry for 1856 & 1858 from Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West.

 

Henry William Bradley

1844- c.1846   Address Unknown, New Orleans, Louisiana.                                                                   1844                  Room in the corner house, opposite Judge Morgan residence, Baton-Rouge,                                 Louisiana.                                                                                                                            c.1846-1849    Address Unknown, Wilmington, North Carolina.                                                  1850-1878       San Francisco, California.                                                                                                1853-c. 1854   Sacramento, California.

Henry William Bradley was recorded in the Baton-Rouge Gazette (Baton-Rouge, Louisiana) on October 12 & 19, 1844.  Card.  H. W. Bradley, Daguerreotypist of New Orleans, respectfully informs the citizens of East and West Baton Rouge, that it is his intention to occupy a room in the corner house, opposite the residence of Judge Morgan for a short time, where he will be pleased to attend to those who may favor him with their patronage.  He is desirous that all should call and examine his specimens, which will speak for themselves; and guarantees to give a good picture, with or without coloring, or make no charge; which in all cases will be reasonable.  Pictures of any description accurately copied.

Bradley was not recorded in Photography in New Orleans The Early Years, 1840-1865 (Margaret Denton Smith and Mary Louise Tucker).  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry mentions that Henry W. Bradley learned the daguerreotype process in New Orleans, Louisiana but does not reference any dates.  John goes on to say that he arrived in California in 1849 and by August 1850 was operating a business. Also listed in Biographies of Western Photographers (Carl Mautz.) In Pioneer Photographers Of The Far West A Biographical Dictionary, 1840-1864 (Peter Palmquist and Thomas R. Kailbourn) List Henry William Bailey as being active in New Orleans, Louisiana c. 1846; Wilmington, North Carolina, c. 1846-1849; San Francisco, California 1850-1878; Sacramento, California 1853-c. 1854.

Based on the above information and checking all available photographic directories I am confident that the article below is for Henry William Bradley.  Recorded in the Southern Standard (Tarboro’, North Carolina) on January 31, 1852.  Agriculture In California.  Gold is not the only source of wealth in California.  But her soil is rich, and in many localities capable of immense production.  Agriculture appears to be attracting much attention, and has been very profitable during the past season.  We find in the San Francisco “Courier,” of the 14th November, a notice of an award of premiums for best agricultural specimens…and added to the exhibition are also beautiful specimens of the daguerrean and photographic art from Mr. Shew, and also from Mr. Bradley….