Tag Archives: Wilmington North Carolina

Mr. Millard

Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Washington House, Front Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.

Mr. Millard was recorded in four announcements in the Wilmington Journal (Wilmington, North Carolina).  The first announcement appeared on May 6, 1859.  A Picture.  We found on our table this morning a capital portrait of the old Journal Office, corner Front and Princess Streets, opposite the Bank of the State.

Mr. Millard by whom this view was taken, has our thanks for this souvenir of a building so long identified with the history of our paper;—within whose walls we have sat “in summer’s heat and winter’s cold.”  In joy and in sorrow, for these changes come to all in the lapse of years.

We shall preserve this picture for “auld lang syne,” and in long after years, should we live to see such, it may call up recollections of pleasure or of pain, as either feeling may happen to predominate at the moment.

In a few months we hope to be in our new and more convenient quarters but we shall no doubt find ourselves lingering involuntarily around the old corner, where both Editors of the Journal have toiled away so many of the best years of their lives, meeting perhaps as much success as they deserved, maybe more, for few are proper judges in their own case.

Mr. Millard’s street views are very good, and any person desiring such, would do well to give him a call at the Washington House, Front Street, opposite the Bank of Cape Fear.

The second announcement appeared on May 20, 1859.  Last week Mr. Millard took ambrotypes of two houses on Front Street near Chestnut, which he presented to the editors of the Journal, they being the “counterfeit presentment” of the houses in which they respectively live.

We do not think that we ever saw better pictures—in fact, we never saw as good open-air pictures.  The lights and shadows are perfect, the outlines are distinct and the figures of persons, although necessarily very minute, are easily recognizable.  In one of them especially, the faces brought out by a magnifying glass, are just as complete portraits as though taken separately with all care and preparation.  A newspaper held by one of the persons taken, is exceedingly well done, bot we rather doubt whether it could be read, has it is next to no size at all..

It is really wonderful to note the improvements that have been made in the different departments of photography.  The old attempts at open-air views, were horrible.  Those taken by Mr. Millard are almost perfect.  When he gets “gems” as he calls our pictures, it is interesting to see how much good it does him.  Without enthusiasm, the highest order of success is impossible, and with it almost anything may be done.  Mr. M. has any amount of enthusiasm certainly, and his success is commensurate.  

The third announcement appeared on May 27, 1859.  Light Infantry Celebration, May 20th.  We learn that the prizes at the Target Shooting yesterday were won by the following gentlemen:…

3d Prize,—Daguerreotype of Company, taken by Mr. Millard, and presented by Committee of Arrangements.  Won by John R. Ivey.

The fourth announcement appeared on May 27, 1859.  The Ambrotype of the Wilmington Light Infantry, taken by Mr. Millard, on the 20th, is really a fine picture, especially when the circumstances are considered.  We can recognize most of the members.

Mr. Millard is not recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.  He is recorded in Photographers in North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1941 as being active in 1859 in Wilmington, and references Craig as listing L. B. Millard in Perkin, Illinois  in 1860.  A Directory of Early Illinois Photographers does list Lyman B. Millard in Perkin, Illinois in 1860 and 1864-1865.  It is unknown at this time if they are the same person.

E. T. Barry

Ambrotypes, , , , , ,

1856                Rooms in W. Dunn” Building, next to Post Office, Kingston, North Carolina.

1856                Rooms above E. Martin’s Store, Washington, North Carolina.

1857                Rooms in Union Hotel, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

1859                Over A. N. M’Donald’s Variety Store, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

1859                Front Street, Mozart Hall Building, Wilmington, North Carolina.

E. T. Barry was recorded in six advertisements five different newspapers.  The first advertisement appeared in the American Advocate (Kingston, North Carolina) on August 21, 1856.  Ambrotypes.  The undersigned respectfully informs the citizens of Kingston and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in the new building of W. Dunn, next door to the Post Office, for the purpose of taking Ambrotype likenesses.  The ambrotype is an imperishable picture taken upon glass by a new process, which for correctness of delineation and beauty of tone cannot be excelled.

Persons desiring likenesses will please give me an early call as my stay here is limited.  E. T. Barry.

The second advertisement appeared in the North Carolina Times (Washington, North Carolina) on October 8, 1856.  Ambrotyping.  The undersigned respectfully informs the citizens of Washington and vicinity, that he has taken rooms over E. Martin’s Store, where he is prepared to execute Ambrotypes in the most perfect manner.  The Ambrotype is taken on glass by an entirely new process, which for beauty and durability has given it precedence over all other pictures in the photographic art.

Ambrotyping is not affected by dampness, consequently pictures can be taken in rainy, as well as in fair weather.  Pictures correctly copied.  The public are requested to give hime a call and examine his specimens.

Instructions given in the art and apparatus furnished.  E. T. Barry.

The third advertisement appeared in The Chapel Hill Weekly Gazette (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) on May 9, 1857. Still A New Style.—Improvements in the Photographic art are still being made almost daily, until we fear the next thing will be to produce living and moving pictures.

We were shown the other day, my Mr. E. T. Barry Ambrotypist, who has a gallery now open at the “Union Hotel” in this place, the last ne kink, called “statuary” pictures, which consists of a picture so taken as to show the bust in relief—looks as if you can see behind it, and in fact actually appears to stand out from the glass.  Give this gentleman a call, and examine his specimens, as he expects to remain here but a short time.  See notice in another column.

The fourth advertisement ran from May 9 to June 6, 1857 in The Chapel Hill Weekly Gazette  (Chapel Hill, North Carolina).  Ambrotypes, By E. T. Barry.  Who would respectfully inform the citizens of Chapel Hill and vicinity, that he has taken rooms in the Union Hotel, where he will be prepared to execute ambrotypes in the most perfect manner, until the 25th inst.  His Statuary Pictures, the latest improvement in the art, are superior to anything heretofore seen.  The public are invited to call and examine his specimens.  Pictures taken in all weather.  May 7th, 1857.

The fifth advertisement ran from February 19 to May 7, 1859 in the North-Carolinian  (Fayetteville, North Carolina).  Ambrotypes!  Barry’s Gallery Over A. N. M’Donald’s Variety Store.  Likenesses taken of all sizes, singly or in groups.

From long experience in the Art, our pictures are not excelled by those of any operator in the country.  Give us a call, examine our specimens, and judge for yourselves.  Who would be without the likeness of those they love? 

Barry is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  It is very possible that this is E. T. Barry.                         

The sixth advertisement ran from July 1 to December 29, 1859 in the Wilmington Journal  (Wilmington, North Carolina).  $40.  The $40 Double Lock Stich Family Sewing Machine.  Now on Exhibition at Barry’s Daguerreotype Gallery, Mozart Hall…

E. T. Barry is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and in Photographers in North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1941. The new information is that he was active in Fayetteville & Wilmington in 1859.

Clark & Hutchins

Daguerreotypes, , , , , ,

C.1846-1847   Address Unknown, Wilmington, North Carolina[1]                                                  C.1846-1847   Address Unknown, Raleigh, North Carolina[1]                                                           1848                Rooms at Mrs. Gregory’s Hotel, Tarborough, North Carolina.

The partnership of Clark & Hutchins were listed in an announcement on February 5, 1848 in the Tarboro’ Press (Tarborough, North Carolina).  Daguerreotype Likenesses.  To the advertisement of Messrs. Clark & Hutchins, in another column, we would call attention.  They are now in our village, operating in their profession to a considerable extent, and have given entire satisfaction in all cases.  We would advise such of our citizens, as desire fine likenesses and pictures, to call and see their collection.

Among the scientific productions of the mind of man, there is not one so mysterious when untaught, yet so simple in its operation when understood, as that of Daguerreotyping; and yet, while its mysterious operations amaze, its beautiful and touching tints cannot but please.  When we behold the productions of the onerous labor of the portrait painter, we admire not so much the work, as we do the perceptive glance, the steady nerve, and the scientific mind of the operator; but Daguerreotypes are but simple, they require a perfect knowledge of the mode of operation to produce a true likeness; and some far excel others in this science.  Among those who are conceded by the public as being the best, are those gentlemen now in our village.                                                                                                                                                                            “Here Childhood with its gladsome face,                                                                                                         And lovely Woman’s queenly grace,                                                                                                                   And Lordly Man’s imperious frown,                                                                                                                     Are each adroitly penciled down.                                                                                                                         Surprising Art! by which we lend                                                                                                                        Our countenance to absent friend,                                                                                                                      Or leave a token for the bower                                                                                                                              Where Love laments the parting hour,—                                                                                                          By which the child who absent lies,                                                                                                                   Gladdens the parent’s longing eyes.                                                                                                                   Or parent, as the child doth roam.                                                                                                                      Gladdens him with memories of home.”

The  advertisement ran from February 5 to 12, 1848 in the same paper.  Colored Daguerreotype Portraits.  Clark & Hutchins, Would respectfully announce to the citizens of Tarboro’ and vicinity, that they have taken rooms at Mrs. Gregory’s Hotel, for a short time only for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Portraits On the most approved plan and in the most fashionable style.                                                                                                        N. B. Portraits taken equally well in all kinds of weather.  Persons are recommended to dress in dark colors.

The partnership of Clark & Hutchins was listed under E. W. Clark entry in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry in Raleigh but not in Tarborough, North Carolina.

[1] Information from an article “Portraits by the Sunlight Made”: Daguerrean Artists in North Carolina, 1842-1861.  In the checklist (Table 3 Roster of Daguerreans Active in North Carolina, 1842-1861) list under each partners names is the name of the partnership Clark & Hutchins, the activity dates 1846-1847, and the location(s) Wilmington, Raleigh.  Since the distance between Wilmington and Raleigh is 133 miles

Henry William Bradley

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , ,

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….

Nathan S. Bennett

Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , ,

Nathan S. Bennett was first recorded in the 1844 Boston City Directory as a photographer at 109 Washington Street, Boston[1], with no residence information provided.  He was not listed in subsequent directories.  He next appears in an advertisement in the Wilmington Journal newspaper (Wilmington, North Carolina.)  The advertisement ran from December 24, 1847 to January 28, 1848.

“Transferred by wondrous magic art, Behold how perfect every part.”  N. S. Bennett, From Boston, would most respectfully inform the inhabitants of Wilmington and vicinity, that he has fitted up rooms in the rear of Dr. Ware’s Office, Front Street, for the purpose of taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, and would invite all who wish really bold and perfect miniatures of themselves or friends, to give him a call.  By a new and expeditious process, peculiar to himself, he is enabled to take the likeness of infants, of almost any age; and parents may now procure pictures of their little ones which will be protraction’s of life itself.  Hours for operating, from 10 a. m., till 4 p. m.

Nathan S. Bennett is recorded in several photographic directories for his time spent in Boston in 1844.  The possible connection to the Hale brothers (Charles E. and or Luther Holman) has not previously been explored.  There is also another possible connection to Smith Bennett and Nahum S. Bennett in Washington, D. C. and Alexandria, Virginia.

[1] He may have worked for Charles E. Hale and or possibly Luther Holman Hale in 1844-1845 at 109 Washington Street.