My favorite sheep posed for the camera

Photos-1840s-1850s-Nearly Arcane Trades

One of the most enlightening inventions of the 19th century was photography. This inexpensive method of making portraits allowed us to see all levels of people in society, rather than just the wealthy who could afford to have paintings of their families.

Locksmith


Blacksmith


Furniture Maker


Surveyor


Coachman


Cooper


Stonemason


Watchmaker


Carpenters


Butcher


Blacksmith


Butcher


Chimneysweep


Miners

Peddlar

Railroad Designer


Scene Painter


Shoemaker

Sign Painter


Teamsters


Toleware Painter

Blacksmith

Butcher

Carpenter holding a mallet and chisel

Carriage Driver with buggy whip

Cook

Daguerreotypist

Fisherman

Indiana Survey Crew

Merchant marine sailor

Miner with pick and shovel

Mule Train Driver with his whip

Musician

Plasterers 1850

Scientist or Pharmacist

Shoe model maker

Watchmaker