Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. II, Part 10

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1166

USA > Georgia > Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. II > Part 10

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AUGUSTA NEWS.

"The Augusta News," started in 1877 by the late William H. Moore, is still a successful evening paper, running neck-and-neck with its bright rival, "The Herald," whose leading writer is Thomas D. Murphy, a newspaper man who stands deservedly high in journalistic circles "The Rome Tribune" was started in 1843 as "The Coosa River Journal," by S. Jack, H. V. M. Miller and W. Spencer. There were several changes and as "The Courier" it was owned successively by A. M. Eddleman, S. M. Jack, Joshua Knowles and W. J. Scott. M. Dwinell made a fortune out of "The Courier," and conducted it many years as a weekly, tri- weekly and daily. Among the papers absorbed by it was "The Commercial," Henry W. Grady's paper. Its successor is "The Tribune," which has been edited by such competent journalists as John Temple Graves, Walter G. Cooper and Addison Knowles. "The Bulletin," "The Hustler" and other dailies have all con- tributed to Rome's progress, and A. B. S. Moseley, of the former paper, has made quite a fortune out of his enterprise. Col. B. F. Sawyer, who was connected with various paper in Rome and later with "The Atlanta Commonwealth," is one of the ablest newspaper men in the state. "The Griffin Daily News," started in 1871, and

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

conducted by J. D. Alexander, has been a notable paper for years. In Albany "The News and Advertiser," conducted at different times by H. M. McIntosh and others has made its mark in Georgia journalism.

VARIOUS NEWSPAPERS.

The leading religious newspapers of Georgia for many years have been "The Christian Index," the organ of the Baptist denomination, edited for a long time by the Rev. David Shaver, D. D., and the Rev. H. H. Tucker, D. D., and "The Wes- leyan Christian Advocate," the organ of the Methodists. The latter paper changes editors every two or three years. "The Milledgeville Union and Recorder" is the outgrowth of two papers-"The Recorder," started in 1819, by Grantland & Camak; and the "Federal Union," established in 1825. Gen Avery says in his history that the latter paper was at various times edited by John G. Polhill, John A. Cuthbert, H. V. Johnson and other distinguished men. "The Mountain Signal," at Dahlonega, edited for a long time by Hon. W. P. Price, has always been an influential weekly. Fifteen years ago, in his summary of the weekly press, Gen. Avery wrote: "The next paper in age is the "Sandersville Herald and Georgian," founded in 1841, and now run by Wm. Park. "The La Grange Reporter" was started in 1843 by Dr. Bronson, with Col. W. B. Jones and Hon. John F. Awtry as printers, and the name then was "The La Grange Herald." B. H. Bigham and Col. Jones owned the paper a while. William J. Scott of "Scott's Magazine," edited it for a period. Alexander Speer, a most remarkable man, father of Judge Speer of the supreme court, and grandfather of Emory Speer, the congressman, was editor a long time. Thomas J. Bacon, a relative of Speaker A. O. Bacon, conducted this journal. The paper had a stirring administration under C. H. C. Willingham, who was threatened with arrest for his unsparing denunciation of the military reconstruction government. Mr. J. T. Waterman bought "The Reporter" in 1872, and ran it for eight brilliant journalistic years, making it a model in every respect. He sold it to William A. Wimbish, who has recently disposed of the paper.

The next weekly paper in point of time was that exquisite specimen of typog- raphy and sustained taste and ability, the "North Georgia Citizen," published and edited at Dalton by J. T. Whitman. It was started in 1847 by Ware & Wyatt, as the "Mountain Eagle." Its name has been often changed-to "Spirit of the Times," "North Georgia Times and Citizen." In 1858 the proprietor and editor was J. Troup Taylor. In 1859 J. T. Whitman, the present owner, bought the paper. It was partially destroyed by Gen. Sherman's men, and was suspended a while. It has been democratic, conservative and ably conducted, and was one of the solid institutions of Dalton. It still runs under another management, but "The Argus," conducted by A. H. Shaner, is a formidable competitor. In 1854 Col. C. W. Hancock established the "Sumter Republican" in Americus, when the place had 300 people. It was a whig paper, but has been democratic since the war. It was suppressed by Gen. Steadman a month in 1865. It is a fine journal, and Col. Hancock is a leader of the Georgia press. It has a splendid scope of territory, it has grown steadily in circulation, and its present and only proprietor, if he lives fifty years longer, will leave it a legacy of honor and profit to his descendants. "The Southern Watchman," at Athens, was also established in 1854. "The South- ern Enterprise," at Thomasville, began its life in 1855, and is now brilliantly run by Mr. C. P. Hansell.

In 1856 the "Monroe Advertiser" was launched at Forsyth. J. P. Harrison ran it long. J. C. Harris began his bright journalistic career upon it. It has always been a model of a paper, and Henry H. Cabaniss now keeps it up to its

LITERATURE AND JOURNALISM.

unsurpassable standard. In 1857 the "Cartersville Express" was put forth. In 1858 the "Gainesville Eagle" commenced a strong career, J. E. Redwine long managing it. Its editor was a bright writer, H. W. J. Ham, who now edits "The Georgia Cracker" in the same town. In 1859 the "Early County News," at Blakely, and the "Elberton Gazette," at Elberton, were established, both first-class journals.

VARIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

"The Warrenton Clipper," so far as we can learn, is the only war-born paper in existence, it having been established in 1863. It has had a stirring time, one of its editors, Mr. Wallace, having been murdered. It is now run by Rev. John A. Shivers, one of the noted men of the state press, a bold, born editor. After the surrender, the "Newnan Herald" came to us first in 1865, and also the "Georgia Enterprise" at Covington. The year 1866 saw an increased activity in the birth of papers. The "Marietta Journal," "Waynesboro Herald and Expositor," "Daw- son Journal," "Eatonton Messenger," "Greenesboro Herald," "Hawkinsville Dispatch," "Jesup Sentinel," "Sparta Times and Planter," and "Washington Gazette," all vigorous bantlings, inaugurated healthy, influential journalistic lives. The "Marietta Journal" was issued when the town was in ruins and garrisoned by Federal soldiery. It served a good mission, and gave hope to the county. It fought reconstruction boldly, and was menaced time and again. R. M. Goodman & Co. owned it up to 1875, when Neal & Massey bought, and still run it. It is a first-class journal. The "Waynesboro Herald and Expositor" is under control of R. O. Lovett, and was a consolidation in 1880 of "Expositor," started in 1866, and the "Herald," in 1878. The "Eatonton Messenger" has been a specially valuable and vigorous paper. It was called first the "Press and Messenger." It has changed hands and names several times. Its publisher and editor is George W. Adams. It is one of the progressive journals of Georgia.

In 1867 the "Valdosta Times" was established. In 1868 the "Barnesville Ga- zette" was introduced to the public by Lambkin & Pound. Mr. Pound, Mc- Michael & Allen, and lastly J. C. McMichael owned the paper in succession. The journal has been twice enlarged, so great has been its prosperity. It is read in six counties, and is a strong publication. The "Brunswick Appeal" was started also in 1868. The year 1869 saw several excellent weeklies given to the public, the "Madison Madisonian," the "Calhoun Times," the "Fort Valley Mirror," the "Perry Home Journal," the "Rome Bulletin," and the "Talbotton Register and Standard." The "Madisonian" was the project of the late Dr. J. C. C. Blackburn, for thirty years identified with our state journalism. The "Talbotton Standard" was the enterprise of two remarkable young men, John B. Gorman and J. T. Waterman. Mr. Gorman was a gallant soldier, has been a successful business man, and a great walker, traveling on foot over 1,200 miles, and is altogether a genial and original character. The "Standard" was consolidated with the "Reg- ister" in 1880, and is now owned by J. B. Gorman and O. D. Gorman, and edited by O. D. Gorman, who is a facile writer and noted for his enterprise and fearless views. It is one of the model papers of the state and wields a deservedly great influence in the progressive county in which it is published.

In 1871 the "Catoosa Courier" was published, and has a large circulation, under R. M. Morris. The "Hinesville Gazette" was first issued in 1871, and that sterling journal, the "Gwinnett Herald," published now by Col. Tyler M. Peeples, at Lawrenceville. This is one of the strong weeklies, and edited by an ornament of the newspaper calling. The "McDuffie Journal," at Thompson, and the "Louis-

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

ville News and Farmer" and "Bainbridge Democrat," by Mr. Ben Russell, com- plete the list of 1871. The "Eastman Times," the "Toccoa News" and "Greenville Vindicator," by J. T. Revill, the "Lumpkin Independent" all came out in 1872. The "Vindicator" is conducted with singular power and independence. The "Greensboro Georgia Home Journal" was founded in 1873 by Rev. J. Knowles, an eloquent preacher and an able writer. The "Hamilton Journal" and "Middle Georgia Argus," at Indian Springs, "Oglethorpe Echo," at Lexington, and "Montezuma Weekly," and the "Thomasville Times," by J. Triplett, also ap- peared in 1873. In 1874 the "State Line Press" at West Point, by S. P. Callaway; the "Covington Star," by J. W. Anderson, the "Jonesboro News," "Quitman Re- porter," "Summerville Gazette," and the "Darien Timber Gazette," by Richard W. Grubb, were established. These are all the very highest types of weekly journals, bold, able and enterprising. Mr. Callaway aided to found an admirable system of public schools. Mr. Anderson's career has been romantic, he figuring largely in the famous Kansas troubles, and is one of the strong men of our press. Mr. Grubb is a genius. His bright, newsy paper has been a departure in journalism, and is to-day a recognized leader among our state publications. In its files it has embalmed the local history of its county and the famous citizens. It has given some twenty-five sketches of the journalists of the state. His office has been twice destroyed by fire. As delegate to political conventions, member of the · state democratic committee, he has been unusually honored. The "Gazette" has a large circulation, copies of it going to Hong Kong, Calcutta and Europe. The year 1875 saw the birth of the "Berrien County News" at Alapaha, the "Brunswick Advertiser," the "Carnesville Register," "Hartwell Sun," "Irwinton Southerner and Appeal" and "Jefferson Forest News."

The "Rome Tribune," the "Marion County Argus," the "Dublin Gazette," the "Ellijay Courier" and "Butler Herald," "Crawfordville Democrat," now under charge of a bright Atlanta youth, Mr. Ed Young; "De Kalb News" at Decatur, "Franklin News," "Henry County Weekly," by Brown & McDonald, "Walton County Vidette" at Monroe, "Coffee County Gazette," "Swainsboro Herald," all had birth in 1876. The "Crawfordville Democrat" was established by W. D. Sullivan, then sold to M. Z. Andrews, who disposed of the paper to Ed Young & Co. Mr. Young has doubled the size and circulation of the paper in a month, and its editorial management shows the first order of ability. The "Tribune" was founded by that powerful writer, Col. B. F. Sawyer, and is now run by an efficient editor, W. A. Knowles. The "Argus," published by W. W. Singleton, at Buena Vista, is a conservative and well-conducted journal, having a large scope of terri- tory. The "Dublin Gazette" was the enterprise of John M. Stubbs. It had a number of editors, A. T. Allen, J. M. G. Medlock, Ira T. Stanley, J. H. Etheridge, and now it is managed ably by David Ware, Jr. The "Du Pont Okefeenokean," "Walker County Messenger," at La Fayette, "Quitman Free Press" and "Griffin Sun" belong to the year 1877. Mr. W. R. Hanleiter edited the "Sun" vigorously and recently sold it to Randall & Randall.

In 1878 the "Dade County Gazette," the "Conyers Weekly," and the "Dalton Argus," "Blackshear News," "Cartersville Free Press," by C. H. C. Willingham, that sturdiest of our political editorial fighters; the "Cedartown Advertiser," the "Dublin Post," and "Louisville Courier" came forth in healthy usefulness. The Rev. J. A. Darr put out the "Gazette," Dr. T. J. Lumpkin bought it in 1879 and runs it now. Its motto well exemplifies its management: "Faithful to the right and fearless against the wrong." Mr. J. N. Hale established the "Conyers Weekly," and it is a paragon of good administration, run strictly on a cash basis,

LITERATURE AND JOURNALISM.

by J. B. and J. H. Reese. The "Argus" was the bantling of H. A. Wrench, at Dalton, and was a spicy, outspoken, combative, keen-cutting striker. It is now run by A. H. Shaver and is still a piquant paper.

In 1879 several most excellent journals were established, one of them in its scholarly, forceful and vivid editorials equaling any journal, north or south. This paper, the "Sparta Ishmaelite," edited by Sidney Lewis, is marked by a command- ing ability, thorough fearlessness, and an incisive discrimination in its editorial conduct. Mr. Lewis is certainly a strong and gifted writer and one of the orna- ments of Georgia journalism. The "Fort Gaines Tribune" was the enterprise of S. E. Lewis, and has deservedly grown into large circulation. The "Douglassville Star" was founded by Rev. J. B. C. Quillian, and sold the same year to its present proprietor, Robert A. Massey, who has made it one of the live papers of Western Georgia. The other papers born in 1879 were the "Arlington Advance," "Cochran Enterprise," "Americus Recorder," "Bellton Georgian," in Hall county, "Dawson- ville Mountain Chronicle," "Fort Gaines Tribune," "Fort Valley Advertiser," "Harlem Columbian," "Mc Ville South Georgian," "Newnan Leader," "Sylvania Telephone," "Thomaston Middle Georgia Times," "Thomasville Post," and "War- renton Our Country." The year 1880 was right prolific in new journals, the "Walkinsville Advance," "Spring Place Times," "Danielsville Yeoman," "Cleve- land Advertiser," "Canton Advance," "Camilla Despatch" and "Elberton News."

"The Leader" is a newspaper in Cuthbert, but it holds its own with all of them. It was established about seven years ago by Joseph W. Stanford and was a success from the first. It has a splendid circulation in Randolph and adjoining counties. Mr. Stanford is a hard worker and was formerly editor of the "Cuthbert Enterprise," which was afterward consolidated with "The Leader." The "Jesup Sentinel" is one of the liveliest papers in the "wire grass" section, where it enjoys a splendid circulation. Everybody knows Ben Miliken, the editor of the "Senti- nel." He is one of the cleverest men on the Georgia press-clever with his pen and clever personally. He has brought the "Sentinel" out in a wonderful manner,. and keeps fully abreast with the times. It has done much good work for Jesup, advertising its interests far and wide. It is the paper of the people, and the people appreciate and sustain it. M. T. B. Fuller is editor of the "Abbeville Times," one of the bright weekly newspapers of southwest Georgia He is a young man who has made his way in the world and has risen to local fame and prominence by brains and energy. Mr. Fuller is also business manager of the "Baptist Watch- man." The "Buchanan Messenger" is the official organ of Haralson county and enjoys a good circulation It is a well-edited and very neatly-printed weekly news- paper. Its editor is Mr. A. Edgar Nix, but his young wife has been a potent fac- tor in the establishment and progress of the paper. The "Smithville News" is published at Smithville and circulates in Lee and adjoining counties. Mr. Albert Clarke is its young editor, who seems determined to be at the helm of only a good paper. Mr. H. D. Smith is the energetic and enterprising editor of the "Adel News." The "News" has always been a success. It gets the news and gives it in brief and breezy form, and has become very popular with its readers. Editor Smith is a good hand at turning a paragraph and understands just how to get up a good weekly newspaper. The "Stewart County Hopper" is edited by John Barton Gilbert, a veteran in the business. He grinds to powder all that comes to his "Hopper," and by its deft agency columns dwindle to brief, bright paragraphs. Mr. Gilbert's journalistic experience dates back to the forties. He was, in 1863, war correspondent of the "Columbus Enquirer"-now the "Enquirer-Sun"- and a good one. The "Tallapoosa Dispatch" is one of the big enterprises of that thriving, progressive town. It is now published daily and weekly. Both papers

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

receive a splendid patronage. Mr. H. J. Shields is editor of the "Dispatch," and he wields a bright pen. He is devoting all his energies to the upbuilding of the town and county, and his efforts are heartily appreciated by the people. Col. H. A. Wrench, formerly editor of the "Dalton Argus," is now editor of the "Bruns- wick Times." For years he has been a leading spirit in the progress and enter- prise of the town and county and has done much to bring the interests of his section before the country. "The Times" ranks with the solid "old reliables" of the weekly press. Its editor keeps pace with the times, and its columns are always bright and interesting. Walter Scott Coleman, editor of the "Cedartown Standard," is one of the rising young men of the state. He has been successful in everything he has undertaken, but the crowning success of his life is the "Cedar- town Standard." Mr. Coleman has built up in Cedartown this splendid weekly news- paper, which is probably one of the best equipped in the state, and has done more to advertise the interests of Polk county than all other agencies combined. Joseph S. Walls, editor of the "Jonesboro News," is another "shining light" in weekly journalism. Readers of Clayton county's bright paper will agree that he has greatly improved his paper in every department. Especially is this so in the county news service, which is always full and interesting. "The News" has a large circulation, not only in what might be termed its legitimate field, but is well patronized by Atlanta advertisers, who know a good thing when it comes along. Col. W. T. Christopher is an editor who has done much for southwest Georgia through his paper, "The Montezuma Record," which has been a great factor in the upbuilding of the town and county. "The Record" is a fearless, out-spoken newspaper, and is well patronized by the people. It shows up well with the best weeklies in the state, and has a high exchange value, while its editor is known and appreciated throughout the state. J. C. Johnson ranks with the young editors of the weekly press and all who read his paper will admit that he is a bright one. "The Enterprise" is firmly established in the good will of the people. It is pub- lished at Watkinsville, and is the official paper of Oconee county. Mr. Johnson is also clerk of the superior court-a responsible position, and is popular wherever he is known. For a young man of twenty-four years he is pretty well up on the ladder of success. The "Fort Valley Leader" is the successful result of the estab- lishment of two weekly newspapers-"The Leader" and "The Enterprise." Fort Valley is a flourishing town, and it needs a first-class journal to illustrate its growth and prosperity. This it has in "The Leader," under its present able man- agement. Mr. T. V. Fagan, the proprietor, assisted by Mr. Austin in the editorial department, is doing splendid work for Fort Valley, and the people appreciate his efforts. Trox Bankston and "The Ringgold New South." They go together quite naturally, and both have a state-wide reputation. Under his enterprising management "The New South" has prospered and is spreading out wonderfully. It has many bright and interesting features, and so popular has it made its young editor that nothing is too good for him in Ringgold The "Henry County Weekly" is one of the best known of Georgia weekly newspapers, and ranks well with the best of the state exchanges. Mr. J. A. Fouche, who assumed control a few years ago, has infused new life into the paper, which is newsy, ably edited and on a solid basis of prosperity. Its columns show a careful editing, and are read by a large number of subscribers in and out of the county. "The Weekly" is an "insti- tution" on which the people of McDonough and Henry county may well con- gratulate themselves. The "Greensboro Herald-Journal" is one of the old established Georgia weeklies, being now in its twenty-seventh volume. From time to time it has employed some of the best editorial talent of the state, and has always been a strong and influential newspaper. Its editor, Mr. Charles Dobbs, is

LITERATURE AND JOURNALISM.

a young man of energy and ability, and he is keeping the paper up to its former high standard. The "Herald-Journal" is perhaps the best patronized weekly in the state, both as to advertising and circulation, and it fully merits the handsome sup- port the people are giving it. The "Cherokee Advance" is a weekly newspaper of considerable prominence in the state. It has been established for thirteen years and is now under the editorial management of Benj. F. Perry. It excels as a newspaper-covering three counties through the work of its correspondents. "The Advance" naturally has a large circulation on that account. No item of news escapes its vigilant editor, who is so popular that he has frequently been mentioned for the state senate. In "The Middle Georgia Argus," published at Jackson, the people of Butts county have a good weekly newspaper, which they have complimented with a splendid patronage. Mr. David J. Thaxton, the editor, is well known as a versatile writer and a man of affairs, whose talent and energy has made "The Argus" what it is. In addition to his editorial work Mr. Thaxton writes excellent sketches and poems that touch a popular chord. His work in this direction has been highly praised and widely copied by the press. There is, perhaps, no editor in the Georgia weekly press who enjoys greater popularity than the preacher-editor, J. L. Underwood, who for many years has presided over the destinies of the "Camilla Clarion," Mitchell county's progressive newspaper. Editor Underwood has been president of the Georgia Weekly Press association and a prominent man of affairs at all times. His energy knows no limits. He can preach a sermon in the morning, edit the paper at noon and address an agricul- tural society at night. He preaches, farms, edits, and orates on short notice. He is a man admired and respected by the people. The "Conyers Solid South" ranks with the "old reliable" Georgia weeklies; but recently it has taken a new lease of life and has made great progress. Mr. John Maddox is the editor. He is a young man who wields a bright and vigorous pen, and is saying some sharp things in his editorial columns. There is not an editor in the state who enjoys greater popularity than J. W. Hanlon of "The Quitman Sun," and a more versa- tile writer does not exist in the weekly sanctum. The first recollection of Editor Hanlon is connected with a Georgia hand press; he was literally raised in Georgia journalism, which is better for having known his pen. As the editor of the "Alapaha Star," he gave to Berrien county a splendid paper; in Albany he has done brilliant work and in Quitman his "Sun" shines brightly over the fertile fields of Brooks county. As Bob Wick his humorous works have received wide recognition. Hanlon can give more spice and variety to a country weekly than the man who invented the hand press with all its interesting and intricate attach- ments. The "Elberton Star" is a representative Georgia weekly, edited by Mr. Ira C. Vanduzer, who has made it a popular and influential paper. It has made rapid progress the past three years, and has an excellent county news service. It is edited with great ability and typographically is a "beauty." Mr. Frank E. Calla- way, editor of the "La Grange Reporter," is perhaps the youngest editor in the state. He has chosen journalism as his profession, having early developed the true journalistic instinct, and it is easy to predict a bright future for him-judged by the work he has already accomplished. He was one of the brightest boys at the state university, where he has acquitted himself with high honors. He has contributed some notable acticles to "The Reporter," and under his editorial man- agement it will take first honor with the weekly press. Mr. J. W. Chapman of "The Washington Gazette" is one of the veteran editors of Georgia, having been in the newspaper business twenty-five years. He was formerly one of the editors of the "La Grange Reporter," but for seventeen years has edited "The Gazette" and has been closely identified with the best interests of Washington and Wilkes

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Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. II, Part 10

Author: Publication date: 1859 Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association Number of Pages: 1166

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1166