1851-1852 Opposite J. C. Bingham’s Drug Store, St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
1852 Address Unknown, Barnet, Vermont.
1855 Address Unknown, Chelsea, Vermont.
1855-1860 Exchange Building, Concord, New Hampshire.
1857 Saloon near the Trotter House, Bradford, Vermont.
1861 Merrimack Block, Concord, New Hampshire.
1862 Address Unknown, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[1]
1863 Address Unknown, Baton Rough, Louisiana.1
1864-1867 132 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
1851 November 29. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) November 29, 1851, Vol. 15, N0. 30, Whole No. 748, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Miniatures, Taken singly or in groups at W. D. M’Pherson’s Daguerrian Saloon, opposite J. C. Bingham’s Drug Store where he would respectfully invite all those who wish for a perfect Likeness to give him a call. Children taken of any age. Pictures taken from Portraits, Daguerreotypes, Bust, &c., from deceased persons and invalids, at their residences.
Pictures taken equally well in cloudy weather, and neatly set in Lockets, Rings, Pins or Frames.—Prices, $1.00 and upwards.
Advertisement ran from November 29, 1851 to May 15, 1852.
1852 March 20. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) March 20, 1852, Vol. 15, N0. 46, Whole No. 764, P. 3.
All those who wish to have their pictures taken will do well to call soon, as I shall leave town in a few weeks. W. D. McPherson.
Advertisement ran from March 20 to May 15, 1852.
1852 May 15. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) May 15, 1852, Vol. 15, N0. 44, Whole No. 772, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. Mr. W. D/ McPherson would respectfully inform the inhabitants of this place and vicinity that he will remain for 2 weeks longer. All those who wish for a good picture will now have an opportunity of getting one. Pictures taken in every style of the art at the Saloon opposite J. C. Bingham’s Drug Store. Pictures For 75 Cts.
N. B. Pictures taken equally well in cloudy weather.
Advertisement ran from May 15 to June 5, 1852.
1852 June 5. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) June 5, 1852, Vol. 15, N0. 47, Whole No. 775, P. 3.
Mr. McPherson, Daguerrean Artist, who has been operating in our villager several months past, is due to be at Barnet Next week, where he will spend a short time. He is a good artist, and we cheerfully recommend him to our friends.
1855 August 3. Vermont Journal, (Windsor, Vermont.) August 3, 1855, Vol. XII, No. 7, Whole No. 569, P. 3.
Cutting’s Ambrotypes, Or Pictures On Glass, Taken By W. D. McPherson & Co. Having obtained the right for Chelsea, and other towns in the vicinity, we are now prepared to take these Beautiful and Never-Changing Pictures, At their Rooms in Chelsea. The Picture is taken on Plate Glass, after which a similar glass is placed over it, and the two are cemented together by an indestructible gum, rendering the picture entirely impervious to atmospheric influence, and securing to it the most perfect durability.
For taking Likenesses of Children, or operating in cloudy or dark weather, this process is vastly superior to any and every other, since it works in less than one-fourth the time of the quickest Daguerreotype process. These pictures can be seen in any light, as well as engravings or any paper picture under glass,—and hence are very suitable for large pictures to be hung in frames. They are not reversed, but are seen in the natural position of the sitter.
Prices from $2, upwards.
The public are invited to call and examine specimens.
Advertisement ran from August 3 to October 26, 1855.
1855 August 31. Vermont Journal, (Windsor, Vermont.) August 31, 1855, Vol. XII, No. 11, Whole No. 573, P. 2.
Ambrotypes. This is the name of a newly invented process for taking likenesses, or pictures of any kind . Judging from specimens of the art we have seen at the rooms of McPherson & Co., in Chelsea [we] think it far superior to the Daguerreotype [process.] We advise our friends in [ ? ] Chelsea to call on Messrs. McPherson and [examine] their beautiful pictures. We refer [ ? ] to their notice in our advertising columns.
1855 September 29. Aurora of the Valley. (Newbury, Vermont.) September 29, 1855, Vol. VIII, No. 39, New Series No. 45, Whole No. 351, P. 2.
Orange County Agricultural Fair. The ninth annual fair of the Orange County Agricultural Society, was holden at Chelsea, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 19th and 20th inst…
List of Premiums Awarded…
Discretionary…
Best Ambrotypes, McPherson Brothers, Chelsea, 1.00
1855 December 12. New Hampshire Patriot & State Gazette. (Concord, New Hampshire.) December 12, 1855, Vol. 9, No. 447, Whole No. 2447, P. 2.
Ambrotypes.—See advertisement of W. D. McPherson.
1855 December 12. New Hampshire Patriot & State Gazette. (Concord, New Hampshire.) December 12, 1855, Vol. 9, No. 447, Whole No. 2447, P. 3.
Ambrotypes. The subscriber would respectfully invite public attention to those new and beautiful pictures at his rooms in Exchange Building. These picture is taken on fine plate glass, and rendered imperishable by cementing to another glass, with the picture inside. They are bold, clear and distinct, are not reversed, and will not change in any climate. We are enabled to take better likenesses of Children by this process, as we can operate in one-fifth the time required to take a Daguerreotype. Copies taken of Daguerreotypes, Portraits, &c. Pictures taken of deceased persons and invalids at their residences. Please call and examine specimens. Prices reasonable.
Instruction given in the Art. W. D. McPherson.
Advertisement ran from December 12, 1855 to December 30, 1857.
1855 December 15 New Hampshire Statesman. (Concord, New Hampshire.) December 15, 1855, Vol. XXXV, No. 1802, P. 3.
Ambrotypes. The subscriber would respectfully invite public attention to those New and Beautiful Pictures at his rooms in Exchange Building. These picture is taken on fine plate glass, and rendered imperishable by cementing to another glass, with the picture inside. They are bold, clear and distinct, are not reversed, and will not change in any climate.
We are enabled to take better likenesses of Children by this process, as we can operate in one-fifth the time required to take a Daguerreotype. Copies taken of Daguerreotypes, Portraits, &c. Pictures taken of deceased persons and invalids at their residences. Please call and examine specimens.
Prices reasonable. Instruction given in the Art. W. D. McPherson.
Advertisement ran from December 15, 1855 to May 12, 1860.
1856 October 11. New Hampshire Statesman. (Concord, New Hampshire.) October 11, 1856, Vol. XXXVI, No. 1842, P. 3.
Re-issue of the Ambrotype Pictures has been signally shown, by the united efforts of some of the principal Daguerreotypist to break down and prevent a re-issue of the Patent. They have been defeated by the Government in their attempts, and a new Patent has been issued, covering the entire claims of the Patentee, in making pictures on Glass, and hermetically sealing them between two plates of glass with Balsam of Fir or its equivalent, giving exceeding brilliancy and beauty of tone, which can not be affected by the atmosphere, water, or acids: making it as enduring as the glass in which it is secured.
The word Ambrotype, coined expressly to designate the Picture, is also patented. All persons, not having purchased the rights, that are making use of the term to sell a worthless imitation, taking on a single glass, and covered with varnish and black paint, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The genuine pictures all have the patent stamp. Cutting & Bowdoin, The originators and proprietors.
N. B. We are the owners of the Ambrotype right for this city. All persons violating the Patent, or using the term Ambrotype for the purpose of selling their pictures, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. M’Pherson Brothers.
Advertisement ran from September 20 to October 25, 1856.
1855 December 20. Independent Democrat. (Concord, New Hampshire.) December 20, 1855, Vol. XI, No. 34, P. 3.
Ambrotypes. The subscriber would respectfully invite public attention to those New and Beautiful Pictures at his rooms in Exchange Building. The picture is taken on fine plate glass, and rendered imperishable by cementing to another glass, with the picture inside. They are bold, clear and distinct—are not reversed, and will not change in any climate. This process is better for taking Likenesses of Children, than any other as we can operate in one-fifth the time. Copies taken of Daguerreotypes, Portraits, &c. Pictures taken of deceased persons and invalids at their residences.
Please call and examine specimens. Prices reasonable.
Instruction given in the Art. W. D. McPherson.
Advertisement ran from December 20, 1855 to October 29, 1857.
1860 November 17. New Hampshire Statesman. (Concord, New Hampshire.) November 17, 1860, Vol. XL, No. 2059, P. 2.
Messrs. Rufus Merrill & Son, of this city, have published a series of fine stereoscopic pictures of views around Amoskeag Falls, Hooksett, and several streets of this city, which are equal in clearness and nicety of execution to any pictures of similar character which we remember to have seen.—They were taken by Mr. W. D. McPherson, whose artistic skill is well established.
1861 August 8. The Independent Democrat. (Concord, New Hampshire.) August 8, 1861, Vol. XVII, No. 16, P. 2.
Hallotypes. W. D. McPherson of this city is now taking pictures of a superior quality called Hallotypes, from a Mr. Hall the inventor. They are superior to any picture we have ever seen. They are equal to any ivory paintings in color and finish. Any one who desires to get a perfect likeness, and a picture equal to an oil painting will not fail to call at McPherson’s in Merrimack Block.
1861 September 21. New Hampshire Statesman. (Concord, New Hampshire.) September 21, 1861, Vol. XLI, No. 2103, P. 3.
Notice. All persons are warned not to purchase a promissory note for $75, dated June 15, 1861, on three months, signed by me and payable to the order of John Bishop Hall; as said note was stolen from said Hall, and is not now in the hands of honest parties. W. D. McPherson.
Advertisement ran from September 21 to October 5, 1861.
1861 September 25. New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette. (Concord, New Hampshire.) September 25, 1861, New Series—Vol. XV, No. 749, Whole No. 2749, P. 2.
More Sharpshooters.—Capt. Jones’ company of sharpshooters have elicited the warm approval of the War Department, and another company has been ordered from this State.—For this company, Henry M. Caldwell of Danbarton has been appointed Captain; John A. Moores of Canterbury, First Lieutenant, and James H. Hildreth of Lebanon, Second Lieutenant. Those marksmen who were too late to become members of Capt. Jones’ company can make application to either of these officers…
We hear it stated that a third company of Sharpshooters has been organized, and W. D. McPherson of this city appointed captain.—Ed. Pat.
1861 September 26. The Independent Democrat. (Concord, New Hampshire.) September 26, 1861, Vol. XVII, No. 23, P. 2.
Sharp Shooters…
A third Company of Sharpshooters is also to be raised. W. D. McPherson, the well known Daguerreotypist, of this city, who is as good with a rifle as the camera, has been appointed Captain.
1861 December 18. New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette. (Concord, New Hampshire.) December 18, 1861, New Series—Vol. XV, No. 761, Whole No. 2761, P. 2.
The Sharpshooters.—The third company of Sharpshooters enlisted in this State, left this city for Washington on Saturday. They were without arms or uniforms, which are to be furnished by the general Government.—Their officers are Capt. William D. McPherson of Concord, First Lieut. John A. Moore of Canterbury, Second Lieut. Edward Dow of Concord.
1862 September 10. New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette. (Concord, New Hampshire.) September 10, 1862, New Series—Vol. XV, No. 799, Whole No. 2799, P. 2.
The Sharpshooters.—It is reported, by private letters, that captain W. D. McPherson of this city was killed; and we have the names of Capt. W. P. Austin and Private Isaac Davis among the wounder.
Information From–http://dunhamwilcox.net/nh/nh_2d_reg_ss.htm.
Revised Register Of The Soldiers And Sailors Of New Hampshire In The War Of The Rebellion 1861-1866. Prepared And Published By Authority Of The Legislature, By Augustus D. Ayling, Adjutant General. Concord: Ira C. Evans, Public Printer. 1895.
Companies F and G, Second Regiment United States Volunteer Sharpshooters. (Three Years.) [Transcribed by Dave Swerdfeger]
Companies F and G, Second Regiment United States Volunteer Sharpshooters. (three years.)
Company F was mustered into the service of the United States November 26, 1861, at Concord, by Seth Eastman, Lt. Col. 1 Inf., U.S.A. The original members who had not re-enlisted were mustered out November 26, 1864, near Petersburg, Va., by S. D. Newcomb, Capt. and A. C. M.
The re-enlisted men and recruits were transferred to the Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry January 30, 1865.
Company G was mustered into the service of the United States December 12, 1861, at Manchester, by Haldimand S. Putnam, 1 Lt. Topographical Engineers, U.S.A. The original members who had not re-enlisted were mustered out December 12, 1864, near Petersburg, Va., by S. D. Newcomb, Capt. and A. C. M. The re-enlisted men and recruits were transferred to the Fifth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry January 30, 1865. The records of the field and staff officers appointed by the governor of New Hampshire are given. Each man was a volunteer appointed or enlisted for three years unless otherwise stated…
McPherson, William D. Co. G; b. Boston, Mass.; age 33; res. Concord; app. Capt. Sept. 19, ’64; must. in Dec. 12, ’64; resigned. Oct. 31, ’62. Died Oct. 9, ’67, New Orleans, La.
1864 October 16. The Era. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) October 16, 1864, Vol. II, No. 230, Whole No. 530, P. 2.
The Perfection of Art. We believe that Mr. McPherson & Oliver, photographers on Canal street, has about reached perfection in his art. We yesterday accepted an invitation to visit his gallery, and were astonished at the accuracy and variety of the historical local scenes which he has collected. From the siege of Port Hudson until the present time Mr. McPherson has been in the field, accompanying the army in its various movements, and constantly adding to his store the objects and scenes made famous by the war. Besides Port Hudson, he has pictures of Donaldsonville, Baton Rouge and Alexandria, the great dam on Red River, (by which our fleet was saved) the ram Tennessee as she lay in front of our city, and all the monument buildings, statues, squares, and places of note in the Cresent city.
But the latest and most complete triumph Mr. McPherson has achieved, is a series of views of fort Morgan and its surroundings after the siege. Nine large pictures comprise the main set, but he has a host of smaller scenes. Of the main set we can only testify to its excellence as a work of art, but we have heard the most unqualified praise, from both Union and Confederate officers familiar with the spot, as to its accuracy and correctness, even in the minutest details. The fact that ninety full sets were ordered by army and navy officers at Mobile Bay before Mr. McPherson left, is about the best evidence, however, that the pictures are perfect. The large number of orders this firm has received enables them to sell these sets at a very moderate price, and we do not know of a more interesting subject with which our friends can decorate the walls of their rooms. All who participated in the engagement should secure a set for their friends at home. Any of our citizens who desire to examine these views will be courteously received by the gentlemanly proprietors of No. 132 Canal street.
1864 October 16. The Era. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) October 16, 1864, Vol. II, No. 230, Whole No. 530, P. 2.
View of Fort Morgan and its Surroundings, Taken On The Spot, By. Messrs. McPherson & Oliver. These Pictures are the most correct and comprenensive yet taken, as was admitted by both Union and Confederate officers at Fort Morgan.
The public are invited to call at the Gallery, No. 132 Canal street, and inspect these magnificent triumphs of the Photographic Art.
Sets sold on reasonable terms.
Also: Views of the Great Red River Dam, Alexandria, Port Hudson, Baton Rough, Donaldsonville, etc.
Call and examine these Historical Pictures.
Advertisement was recorded between October 16 to December 1, 1864.
1864 October 16. The Era. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) October 16, 1864, Vol. II, No. 230, Whole No. 530, P. 2.
Perfect Pictures. These can be obtained at the Photographic Gallery of McPherson & Oliver, 132 Canal street, between St. Charles and Carondelet.
Every new improvement in use in the best establishments of the country can be found at the rooms of Messrs. McPherson & Oliver.
Advertisement was recorded between October 16 to December 31, 1864.
1864 December 2. The Era. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) December 2, 1864, Vol. II, Whole No. 573, P. 2.
Messrs. McPherson & Oliver, Photographist, No. 132 Canal street, have taken an admirable likeness of Farragut and his staff standing on the deck of the noble old Hartford as she lay in Mobile Bay. No person should be without a copy of this excellent picture. Carte de visites of Farragut, Drayton, and others, can also be procured. See advertisement.
1864 December 2. The Era. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) December 2, 1864, Vol. II, Whole No. 573, P. 2.
Admiral Farragut, Commodore Drayton, And Other distinguished Naval Officers, taken on the deck of the Flagship Hartford, By Messrs. McPherson & Oliver, No. 132 Canal Street.
Every Sailor Should Have A Copy.
Views of prominent Buildings and Scenes in New Orleans.
Also: Views of the Great Red River Dam, Alexandria, Port Hudson, Baton Rough, Donaldsville, etc.
Call and examine these Historical Pictures.
Advertisement was recorded between December 2 to 31, 1864.
1865 July 8. The New Orleans Times. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) July 8, 1865, Vol. IV, No. 646, P. 5.
Notice—The Copartnership Between W. D. McPherson and A. J. Oliver under the name McPherson & Oliver, in this city, is dissolved by mutual consent to date July 4.
The undersigned will continue the Photographic business at the old stand, 132 Canal street. W. D. McPherson.
Advertisement was recorded on July 8 to 10, 1865.
1865 October 19. The New Orleans Daily Crescent. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) October 19, 1865, Vol. XV, No. 66, P. 7.
W. D. McPherson, Photographist, No. 132 Canal Street, New Orleans.
All work done in a superior manner and satisfaction guaranteed.
Advertisement was recorded between October 19, 1865 to January 1, 1866.
1867 January 15. The New Orleans Times. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) January 15, 1867, Vol. VI, No. 1178, P. 6.
Photography—Prices Reduced At McPherson’s Gallery, 132 Canal street, Cartes de Visite at $2 per dozen. Opaltypes, Ambrotypes, and all kinds of Photographic work, done in the best manner at greatly reduced rates. Call and see. W. D. McPherson.
1867 January 23. The Daily Picayune. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) January 23, 1867, Vol. XXX, No. 320, P. 3.
Photography—Prices Reduced At McPherson’s Gallery, 132 Canal street, Cartes de Visite at $2 per dozen. Opaltypes, Ambrotypes, and all kinds of Photographic work, done in the best manner at greatly reduced rates. Call and see. W. D. McPherson.
1867 February 1. The New Orleans Daily Crescent. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) February 1, 1867, Vol. XVI, No. 157, P. 6.
Photography—Prices Reduced At McPherson’s Gallery, 132 Canal street, Cartes de Visite at $2 per dozen. Opaltypes, Ambrotypes, and all kinds of Photographic work, done in the best manner at greatly reduced rates. Call and see. W. D. McPherson.
1867 October 11. The New Orleans Times. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) October 11, 1867, Vol. VI, No. 1419, P. 2.
Daily Mortuary Report.
We are indebted to Dr. Dirmever, Secretary of the Board of Health, for the following daily reports of deaths in the city, beginning with Oct 1:
Yellow Fever…..Other Fevers…..Cholera…..Other Diseases…..Total.
October 1…………..63……………..12……………1……………21…………….97
October 2…………..54……………..14……………4……………17…………….[89]
October 3………………56……………..11……………2……………28…………….97
October 4…………..75……………..6……………..3……………23…………….107
October 5…………..59……………..11……………0……………20…………….90
October 6…………..60……………..16……………0……………21…………….97
October 7…………..58……………..9……………..0……………23…………….90
October 8…………..50……………..10……………0……………16…………….76
October 9…………..64………………8…………….3……………21…………….[96]
October 10……………56……………..14……………2……………40…………….112
The following is a list of persons who died of yellow fever, and who were interred in the cemeteries named. During the twenty four hours ending at 6 o’clock A. M. Thursday Oct. 10. All blanks in the report are not stated in certificate:
W. D. McPherson of__________.
1867 October 12. The Daily Picayune. (New Orleans, Louisiana.) October 12, 1867, Vol. XXXI, No. 224, P. 5.
Succession of Wm. D. McPherson. Second District Court Of New Orleans. No.___ Whereas S. T. Blessing has petitioned the court for letters of administration on the estate of the late Wm. D. McPherson, deceased, intestate: Notice is hereby given to all whom may concern, to show within ten days, why the prayer of the said petitioner should not be granted.
By order of the Court: P. R. O’Rorke, Clerk.
[1] Photography In New Orleans.
