(1809-1857) One of the earliest practioners of the daguerreian art, as well as a pioneer in "franchise" daguerreian studios, the life of John Plumbe, Jr. has been thoroughly researched by historian Clifford Krainik.
Referred to by Krainik as a "civil engineer, author, photographer, print maker, inventor and the first effective advocate for a United States transcontinental railroad", Plumbe was born July 13, 1809 in Wales.
His family moved to the United States in 1821, settling near Philipsburg, Pa. At the age of 18, John Plumbe, Jr. served as an apprentice civil engineer on a survey for a possible rail system across the Allegheny Mountains. Five years later, in 1832, Plumbe worked on construction of the first interstate railroad, in Virginia and North Carolina. When his family moved once again, in 1836, to Dubuque in the Wisconsin Territory, John Plumbe began developing real estate along the Mississippi River. In 1839 he drafted a proposal to Congress for construction of a railroad from Lake Michigan to the western boundary of Iowa. He considered this the first step in construction of a transcontinental railroad.
According to previously published histories, Plumbe reportedly learned the daguerreian process in June, 1840, when he visited Washington, D.C., and studied under J.G. Stevenson or others. Krainik maintains that a meeting between Plumbe and Stevenson is conjecture. He further asserts that there is no present evidence to show where or when Plumbe learned the daguerreian process. It is more probable, according to Krainik, that Plumbe learned in March, 1840, while in Boston, Mass., trying to promote interest in a railroad linking Eastern cities with the Wisconsin Territory. It was at that time that Gouraud, Daguerre's agent, was also instructing in Boston. Plumbe did advertise as a "Professor of Photography" on November 17, 1840, and made daguerreotypes at Harrington's New Museum, 76 Street, Boston, Mass. Krainik notes that in appearing at the "New Museum", Plumbe shared billing with a lady magician, a phrenologist, and a tattooed man, giving some suggestion as to the perception of photography at that time.
In May, 1841, an advertisement in Boston for Plumbe listed him as a professor of photography at the U.S. Photographic Institute. Plumbe listed his residence this year as boarding at 15 Brattle St., Boston. By mid-summer, Plumbe had opened branch galleries in Exeter, N.H.; Salem, Mass.; and Dubuque, Iowa Territory. The Dubuque gallery was run by Richard Plumbe, a younger brother.
Advertising indicates that the Exeter, N.H. gallery was operated by L.G. Chase, in association with Plumbe.
It was also recorded that J.S.F. Huddleston, a daguerreian as well as a manufacturer of daguerreian and philosophical instruments in Boston in 1840-1841, constructed a camera for Plumbe. Another source reported that the Davis brothers, Ari, Ashael and Daniel, Jr., all worked for Plumbe in the Boston area c. 1840. The three apparently devised many photographic improvements for Plumbe, and Ashael toured lecturing on the "Plumbe System."
In 1842, a patent issued to Daniel Davis for coloring daguerreotypes (#2826) was assigned to Plumbe.
Previously published histories indicate that by 1842, Plumbe had daguerreotyped in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, and probably New York. Krainik indicates that this historically accepted report may also be in error; there is currently no evidence of Plumbe operating either in Washington or New York City at this early date. In 1842, Krainik reports, Plumbe opened a fifth gallery in Philadelphia, and followed that in 1843 with additional galleries in Albany and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Baltimore, Md.; and New York City. By 1845, Plumbe's listing of galleries stood at 25; additions included Alexandria, Petersborough (Petersburg) and Richmond, Va.; Portland, Maine; Washington, D.C.; Louisville and Harrodsburg Springs, Ken.; Newport, R.I.; Cincinnati, Ohio; St. Louis, Mo.; and New Orleans, La. He also noted galleries in Paris, France (127 Rue de Temple), and Liverpool, England (32 Arura St.). In an 1845 ad, galleries were not noted in Petersborough, Alexandria, or Harrodsburg Springs. These did appear in an 1846 ad.
In "operating" all these galleries, Plumbe not only pioneered the concept of franchising, but also brand-name recognition. According to Krainik, all images coming from one of Plumbe's galleries were stamped "Plumbe", regardless of who the photographer actually was.
In 1847, Plumbe was forced into bankruptcy, but was apparently still daguerreotyping in 1848. Facing the Light refers to the diary of President James K. Polk in affirming that Plumbe too his daguerreotype at the President's home on January 12, 1848. Mr. Krainik, quoting the same diary, places the date as January 13.
J.J. Crygier, who operated as a daguerreian in Charleston, S.C., from 1846 to 1849, has been noted as a former assistant to Plumbe; at which gallery is unknown.
Coming into a variety of problems, variously cited as competition, unscrupulous operators, and declining business, most of Plumbe's galleries had been sold or transferred to his operators by the end of 1848. The New York, Boston and Washington galleries were maintained for another year or two.
In the spring of 1849 Plumbe headed for California, not for the gold but still in pursuit of his dream of a transcontinental railroad. By the mid-1850's, suffering from malaria, he returned to Dubuque and his brother Richard. The panic of 1857 impoverished him further, and on May 29, 1857 he committed suicide.
ALBANY, N.Y.
In 1843-1844, John S. Walker was listed as a daguerreian at Plumbe's Daguerreian Gallery, 15 Dow's Building (corner of State and Market Streets). In 1844-1845, Walker was listed at the same address, but not noted working for Plumbe.
In 1845-1846, Walker was listed in partnership at the same address in partnership with Gavit.
ALEXANDRIA
(DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA)
The Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery was advertised in the Lyceum Hall in September, 1845.
BALTIMORE, MD
Jacob Shew was reportedly in charge of Plumbe's Baltimore Gallery, possibly from 1841 (see below). By 1847, Shew was operating his own gallery. One source places Plumbe's Gallery at the corner of North and Baltimore Streets in 1843. Plumbe apparently began to advertise this location by late November, 1843.
Mr. Kainik's current research indicates that Plumbe did not open his Baltimore Gallery until November, 1843, and it operated until 1847. In 1845, a New York City advertisement listed Plumbe's gallery at 199 Baltimore Street. Another source listed the gallery at 122 West Baltimore Street.
In 1845 the gallery was relocated to 205 Baltimore St. Plumbe began to advertise this location in September, 1845. This was followed by a notice in November that Plumbe had "been induced to operate a gallery in Baltimore." The wording of this, as well as subsequent published reviews of the gallery and its work, leads Mr. Krainik to question whether or not the 1843 advertisement was for a functioning gallery. Plumbe, throughout this time, reportedly maintained a residence in Washington, D.C., to actively pursue his dreams of a transcontinental railroad.
Ads for Plumbe's Baltimore gallery apparently ceased after November, 1846, although in 1847-1848 the gallery was alternately listed in the directory at 202 West Baltimore Street, or 205 West Baltimore Street. In 1849-1850 the gallery was listed at 205 W. Baltimore St. This was the last listing in the Baltimore city directories. Sometime prior to 1849, C.W. Purcell was reportedly an operator for Plumbe at his Baltimore gallery. In the same year, 1849-1850, Andrew Hughes was listed at 265 Baltimore Street, as an "agent" for Plumbe's National Daguerreian Gallery. In 1851, the 205 Baltimore Street address was occupied by S.N. Carvalho.
BOSTON, MASS
Plumbe first advertised in Boston in November, 1840. In 1841 he was listed in the Boston city directory, but without an occupation, and boarded at 15 Brattle Street.
From 1841 to 1844, William Shew operated Plumbe's Gallery; one source indicates he learned the daguerreian process from Plumbe, but this seems unlikely. Other research indicates the Shew brothers learned the process together in western New York State.
In 1842, the Plumbe Boston gallery was located over the Whig Reading Room. According to the latest research Marsena Cannon, who apparently learned the daguerreian process from Plumbe, worked in Plumbe's Boston gallery (possibly from 1843 to 1848, a time when Cannon was listed as a daguerreian in Boston without a business address). After the failure of the Plumbe enterprise, Cannon continued to operate the gallery with William Shew. Cannon did leave Boston in 1850 for Salt Lake City, Utah.
From 1843-1847, Reuben F. Lovering was listed as a daguerreian at Plumbe's Gallery. From 1844 to 1847, the gallery was listed at 75 Court St. In 1847, Richard Plumbe, brother of John, was listed at this address. John Plumbe, Jr. was not listed in the Boston city directories after 1846.
Similarly, from 1843 to 1847, E.B. Chase was listed as a daguerreian at 75 Court Street, the address of Plumbe's Gallery. In addition, William A Perry is reported to have worked with Plumbe in 1843.
One source reports that Samuel Masury was associated with Plumbe's gallery in 1843. This information comes from an interpretation of an ad which appeared in the Salem, Mass., Gazette in July, 1843: "Mr. S. Masury, from Plumbe's Daguerreian Gallery, Boston... Having practiced the art of photography at the best institute in the United States...".
An undated advertisement, probably from the 1845-1846 era, listed Plumbe with two galleries in Boston, at 75 Court Street and 58 Hanover Street.
In 1847, W.B. Eastman was listed as a daguerreian on Court Street, at the corner of Howard. This is probably the 75 Court St. address. At one point, Eastman ran Plumbe's Gallery, but the specific date is unsure. In 1848, William Shew was listed as a daguerreian and casemaker at the corner of Court and Howard Streets. Eastman returned to the 75 Court Street address from 1854 to 1857.
From 1849 to 1852, Richard Plumbe was listed as a daguerreian at 228 Washington St., operating "Plumbe's National Daguerreian Gallery". In 1851, J.P. Nichols was listed as proprietor of Plumbe's National Daguerreian Gallery at 75 Court St. In 1853-1854, Richard Plumbe was listed as a daguerreian at 75 Court St., operating "Plumbe's National Daguerreian Gallery". Circa 1854 Richard Plumbe returned to Dubuque, Iowa. This would coincide with the the occupation by Eastman of the 75 Court Street address. Recent research indicates that Eastman bought out the Plumbe operation.
In later years, 1865-1866, the 75 Court St. address was occupied by E.B. Chase.
CINCINNATI, OHIO
On September 11, 1845, an advertisement appeared for the Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery at 176 Main St. In October, 1846, two locations of the gallery were listed in an ad; at 176 Main Street and at Fourth and Walnut Streets. The gallery continued to be listed at 176 Main Street in 1847-1848.
DUBUQUE, IOWA
Current research indicates that as early as November, 1841, Richard Plumbe advertised an extension of his brother's "franchise" gallery in Dubuque. Mr. Krainik reports that in September, 1845, the Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery advertised on Main Street in Dubuque. In 1846, one advertisement listed the gallery both at Fourth and Walnut Streets and at 176 Main Street. The business directory listed the gallery at 174 Main Street. In 1847-1848, the gallery was listed on Main Street.
LOUISVILLE, KEN.
A New York City advertisement in 1845 placed Plumbe's Louisville Gallery on Jefferson Street.
In 1845-1846, John Plumbe Jr. was listed as a daguerreian over 449 Main St. He was not listed in the 1848 directory. He apparently employed John T. Cunningham and J. Ebenezer Bennett at that time, as both are noted as "photographic" at that address.
In 1846, Plumbe was listed as a daguerreian on Jefferson St.
From 1848 to 1850, the 449 Main St. address, over George Blanchard's furnishing store, and next to the Northern Bank, was occupied by Edwin Church. He was not listed in the 1851-1852 directory.
In 1851-1852, the 449 Main Street address, then over Isaac Cromie's store, was now called Hewitt's (Hewett's) National Daguerreian Gallery. John M. Hewitt had previously been at 477 Main Street, in association with T.F. Dobyns. In 1851- 1852 Samuel F. Brown and Hewitt were both noted as proprietors of the gallery, and boarded at Hewitt's. In the same year, J.A. Kimball was also noted as proprietor of the same gallery.
In 1859-1860, the 449 Main Street address was occupied by William A. McGill and S. Schwing.
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.
In 1842, John Plumbe, Jr., was listed as a daguerreian at 251 Broadway, at the corner of Murray Street.
From 1843 to 1856, Plumbe was listed either as John Plumbe or the "Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery" at 251 Broadway. The location was noted in 1844 to be next to Peale's Museum. In 1844-1845, John Plumbe's residence was listed at 251 Broadway, the same address as the gallery. He also advertised daguerreian apparatus for sale.
E.W. Pratt was reported as an operator for Plumbe "prior to 1845"; in 1845, Pratt had own gallery at 293 Broadway.
From 1844 to 1847, Plumbe advertised as a dealer in daguerreian apparatus and daguerreian, 251 Broadway; he offered "First Premium Colored Daguerreotypes." In 1845 he advertised in New York that he had been awarded a medal and four First Premiums and two highest honors by the Institutes of Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania respectively for the most beautifully colored daguerreotypes and the best apparatus.
From 1847 to 1856 the gallery at 251 Broadway was listed as "Plumbe National Daguerrean Gallery." Circa 1847, C.E. Johnson (later of Cleveland, Ohio) was noted as operator for Plumbe. From 1848 to 1854 the address was occupied by William H. Butler. A classic text on the history of the daguerreotype reports that Butler was head operator for Plumbe, and bought the gallery from him in 1847. Current research by Krainik indicates that Plumbe sold the gallery to Butler in 1849; and Butler continued to use Plumbe's name at the gallery for the next three years. As late as 1851, the directory listing indicated that Butler was proprietor of "Plumbe's National Daguerreian Gallery." In 1856 Watson occupied the address. A report noted that the location was formerly Plumbe's Gallery, and that "Most of the specimens, I believe, were taken by Plumbe."
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
Plumbe's New Orleans gallery was opened in November, 1844, apparently at 56 Canal Street. He advertised at that location on November 21. In 1845-1846 he was listed as a daguerreian at that address.
NEWPORT, R.I.
In 1845-1846, Plumbe was listed as a daguerreian on Main Street.
PETERSBURG, VA
The "Plumbe National Daguerreian Gallery" was located at Mechanic's Hall, North Sycamore St. and West Tabb St., dates unknown.
In 1845, C.S. Middlebrook was probably an operator for Plumbe. In 1848, Plumbe sold gallery to Middlebrook; he was listed as a daguerreian in Petersburg in 1848, 1854.
PHILADELPHIA, PA
One source reported that Ashael Davis, a Plumbe employe in Boston who toured lecturing on the "Plumbe System," set up Plumbe's gallery in Philadelphia. Plumbe was first listed in the Philadelphia city directory in 1842-1843, when his gallery was recorded at 136 Chestnut Street. An erroneous entry locates it at 173 Chestnut Street. From 1844 to 1846 he was noted as a photographist at 136 Chestnut Street. In 1847, the listing recorded him at 136 and 142 Chestnut Street.
Truman Shew also acted as an agent for Plumbe in Philadelphia; according to Newhall's account in The Daguerreotype in America, Shew was hired by Plumbe in 1842.
RICHMOND, VA
Plumbe may have also operated a gallery in Richmond, Va. in 1846 and 1847. Support for the 1846 entry, at 139 Main Street, comes from a dated piece of sheet music, referenced by Mr. Krainik. Plumbe's own publication, The Plumbeian reported a gallery at 129 Main Street, Richmond, in 1847.
SARATOGA, N.Y.
Plumbe was listed in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in 1845-1846, as a daguerreian on Broadway.
ST. LOUIS, MO.
In St. Louis, Plumbe was listed as a daguerreian on Market Street in 1845-1846. According to an ad in Scientific American noted by Krainik (September, 1845), Plumbe's gallery was at the corner of Fourth and Chestnut Streets. In 1847-1848, the gallery was recorded on Market Street.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
One source records Plumbe in a daguerreian gallery in Washington, D.C., as early as 1840; however, current research by Krainik would indicate this date is too early. Another report indicates that from 1841 to 1844, Plumbe employed Gabriel Harrison in his Washington gallery; this, too, is questioned by Krainik. Krainik documents the opening of Plumbe's Gallery in late 1844 at the Concert Hall on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The Hall was located on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue, between Sixth and Seventh Streets. The address later became part of the Metropolitan Hotel.
Plumbe "inaugurated" his Washington gallery by having for sale a daguerreotype of President James K. Polk within 10 days of his inauguration in January, 1845; and by March Plumbe was offering small "breatpins" with a daguerreian likeness of the President.
Krainik has also reported news accounts that indicate in early 1846 Plumbe visited the White House; his stated intention was to daguerreotype the federal buidlings and monuments in Washington. No record exists to indicate how far Plumbe progressed in his project, although in 1973 eight Washington< D.C. architectural daguerreotypes by Plumbe surfaced at a California flea market.
An 1846 advertisement indicated that the gallery was opened with the assistance of Blanchard P. Paige, who apparently bought out the gallery from Plumbe in 1850. Circa 1852, John Golden leased Plumbe's old location from Blanchard Paige. Paige, however, apparently continued to use the Plumbe name as a reference in his photographic business into the 1860's.
In 1846, Plumbe exhibited daguerreotypes from his galleries at the National Fair in Washington. Krainik sumarized a report from the Fair promoters: "Plumbe... exhibited more than 300 of his best portraits and views borrowed from his various daguerreotype galleries. One section was arranged with images selected from Washington--individually framed daguerreotype portraits of President James K. Polk, Dolley Madison, U.S. Senators, Supreme Court justices, views of public buildings in Washington, and copies of statuary on the east front of the Capitol, including Persico's statue of Columbus. Another section was composed of a single gigantic frame designed to hold 28 daguerreotypes of public buildings in New York City and 20 portraits of noted New Yorkers, including Mayor A.H. Mickell, Martin Van Buren, John James Audobon, and several ladies of distinction. The dazzling finale to Plumbe's show was a series of portraits of the entire First Session of the 29th Congress arranged in six frames, including likenesses of John Quincy Adams, James Buchanan, Jefferson Davis, Stephen A. Douglas, Hannibal Hamlin, Sam Houston, and Daniel Webster."