1849                3 Broad Street, Newport, Rhode Island.

1849                Address Unknown, Warren, Rhode Island.

Miss. M. J. Dinsmore was recorded in one advertisement, two announcements and one poem in the Herald of the Times (Newport, Rhode Island).  The advertisement appeared on August 9, 1849.  Ladies Daguerrian Gallery.  Miss. M. J. Dinsmore takes the present opportunity to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Newport, that her Daguerrian Gallery No. 3 Broad street, is now open for the reception of all who may be desirous of obtaining True [ ? pics] of themselves or friends; also, for any o, all who may feel disposed to examine her work.

Her Pictures are entirely free from that dull smoky appearance discoverable in most Daguerreotype Pictures, (the shades being a clear dark and light,) resembling a fine steel engraving, the Eye, also, in perfectly bright and clear, giving a more life-like expression to her Pictures than any which have been compared with them, taken by other good artists.

Those engaged in the art are respectfully invited to call and compare specimens (their own) with her handy work.  She will also dispose of copies of her recipe for the Chemicals, should any wish for them,  and give instruction in the art.  Her Camera needs no comment,—the Pictures speak for it themselves.  June 28.[1]

The first announcement appeared on September 6, 1849.  Persons who desire a daguerreotype of the “Old Stone Mill,” executed in excellent style, by Miss. Dinsmore, will fine them for sale at Tisdale’s, or at her rooms in Broad street.

The poem appeared on October 18, 1849.  Poetry.  Lines.  Written on the death of two little daughters of the Rev. B. Watson, Newport, by Miss. M. J. Dinsmore.

How sacred the spot where those loved ones repose,

In their little beds hid ‘neath the turf,

The angel, who watched their young footprints below

Thought their spirits too pure for this earth,

In those little homes in the churchyard are laid

The buds of a mother’s fond joy,

There, nipt by time’s frost ere their petals began

To unfold for earths scenes to alloy.

And as by the green little hillock she strays

She recounts all their innocent glee,

Oh, the pang in her heart the void in her breast

Is known only to mothers bereaved.

Yet she joys ‘mid her grief, though her children sleep

With the signet of death on their brow.

Through their little cheeks paled and their bright eyes dimmed

And their beauty is veiled with the shroud.

And although they are hid from her tender care,

Yet she feels there’s a Saviour above,

 And the sinless souls of her cherubs have gone

There to bask in the smiles of his love.

Then dry those bright tears for those loved little ones,

For although they sleep under the sod,

How sweet is the thought that the babes from they breast

Are bright gems mid the jewels of God.

The second announcement appeared on November 1, 1849.  Miss M. J. Dinsmore, who has been taking Daguerreotype pictures in this town, during the last summer, having concluded all her engagements, has gone to Warren, for the purpose of giving the good people of that flourishing town an opportunity to have their faces transferred to plates, with almost living, breathing accuracy.  She is a good artist, and takes a fine picture as any one need desire, at a very low price.  We commend her to Warren people, and can assure them that she will give the amplest satisfaction.

Miss. M. J. Dinsmore is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Rhode Island.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Miss J. S. Dinsmore in St. Louis Missouri in 1850he goes on to say that she was also noted as J. Maria Dinsmore.  One might speculate that they are the same person.

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[1] Advertisement did not appear between June 28 to August 2, 1849 or after August 9, interestingly it appeared twice once on page 3 and again on page 4.