History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 105

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316

USA > Iowa > Butler County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 105
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 105

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BREMER COUNTY INDEPENDENT,

having been purchased by Maynard & Lord, in 1870. In about a year and a half it was purchased by Daniel Fichthorn, who was then proprietor of the Waverly Repub- lican. Through his influence Capt. W. V. Lucas was induced to go into the news- paper business, and assume management of the Independent.

In January, 1872, Capt. W. V. Lucas purchased the Independent and in its issue of January 12th, assumed full control. He says in his salutatory:

In entering upon the management of the In- dependent we do so with many misgivings, knowing something of the difficulties that sur- round a country newspaper. But we are willing to work, provided we can make a living by do- ing so. It is not the notoriety or fame we seek, but the public good and our own interest. We have been a resident of Bremer county for sev- enteen years; we have seen it transposed from a vast plain to a well cultivated and prosperous community; we have seen the growth and wealth of our city accumulate from year to year; we have seen them in times of war and in

times of peace, always the

dustrious people. ** *

* same in-

We do not undertake the publication of The Independent for the purpose of breaking down or crippling the interests of any like enterprise, but simply to continue its existence as long as it pays for the time and money used in furnish- ing it to our patrons.

In politics The Independent will be straight republican, advocating the doctrinc as enunci- ated by the last National Republican Conven- tion, not hesitating to denounce corruption wherever found, believing that to be the correct way to preserve the integrity of any party * To the public we now make our bow and say, " Walk up to the captain's office and subscribe for The Independent for the year 1872."

This was the beginning of Captain Lucas' editorial career. He was very pro- minent in the political history of the State.

At this time The Independent was a six- ,column quarto, well printed, ably edited and its columns well filled with advertise- ments. In the issue of January 26th, 1872, the form of the paper was changed, it coming out as a seven-column folio. Be- fore the close of the year, however, the old form was resumed.

In the fall of 1873, the management of the Independent underwent a change- W. H. Tyrrell purchasing an interest, the firm became Lucas & Tyrrell, and in a short time it again changed, becoming Fitchthorn & Tyrrell. The latter partner- ship continued for about six months, when in 1873, Tyrrell became connected with the Republican, and Daniel Fitchthorn assumed full management of the Indepen- dent, which he has since continued. The Independent has varied somewhat as to form, for a time being a seven-column quarto, but is now back to the convenient

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

size of six-column quarto. A few years since Mr. Fichthorn inaugurated a system of drawings, giving every paid up sub- scriber a chance to win various valuable articles, among which, at the 1883 drawing, were a piano and wagon. This has proved a success, and "the Independent offering day" has become one of the gala occur- rences of Bremer county.

In the issue of the 15th of June, 1882, the Independent closed its fifteenth volume, and in making a few remarks regarding it, Mr. Fichthorn said:

With this number we close the fifteenth volume of the Independent. We have stood by it in storm and in sunshine, and we are glad to announce that never in its existence has it en- joyed a more healthy patronage than at the present time. With a paying list of 1,350 sub- scribers, and a healthy advertising and job patronage, we have reason to be thankful, and we start on the new year with renewed vigor and a determination to leave nothing undone to maintain the confidence manifested us in giving to our large family of readers a paper worthy of their support.

The circulation of the paper has now grown to 1,550, which is a healthy and paying list. It is a valuable medium for advertising.

Daniel Fichthorn, editor and proprietor of the Independent, was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of November, 1836. His father was engaged in various occupations, and Daniel was brought up attending school and at odd times working at "mighty hard work." He spent several years in the Lewistown Academy, and finally, when about seventeen years of age, his father wishing to educate him for a Lutheran minister, tried to persuade him to go to one of the noted colleges, although

the matter was left to Daniel to choose a life calling for himself. This he did by deciding to follow the printing business, and accordingly commenced his appren- ticeship in an old time democrat office in his native town. After working for one year for $40 per year, and boarding him- self, his employer, William McKay, died, thus releasing him from two years of his apprenticeship. . He next went to Altoona, Pennsylvania, then a little village of 1500, and commenced work upon the first paper established in the place. After working a short time there, and being swindled out of small and hard earnings, he returned to his native place, and for a time drove boat on the canal, and occupied his time in var- ious ways. He was yet a young man, or rather a boy, and having expressed a de- sire to go west, his father, who was then worth about $40,000, asked him if he really wished to go. This was entirely unexpected to Dan, for, although he had expressed a desire to go, the thought of leaving home for a land which was sup- posed to be inhabited by Indians and "half animal pioneers," had never once really entered his head. But he did not hesitate and at once answered, "yes." His father then told him that he would supply him with enough money to get him to the point to which he wanted to go, but no more, as he did not propose to give him a chance for squandering. Thus it was set- tled, and much against the wishes of his mother, Daniel started for Indiana, which was then considered as being "way out west." He arrived at Lafayette, in that State, one Saturday night, with only a five franc in his pocket, and at once proceeded to the Daily Journal office, where he ap-

947

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

plied for a place, which he obtained. He was told that his wages would be $9 per week until they knew what he could do. This made him feel pretty good, as he had never received more than $40 per year for his services, boarding himself. The result was that, as he was a very rapid "type- sticker," he was soon getting $15 per week. He remained at this place about a year and a half, and then went to Delphi, Indiana. Here he remained in the employ of James B. Scott for about fourteen years, acting in the capacity of foreman, editor-in-chief and pressman, in fact doing about all the work on the paper. During the war, he took an active stand against the rebellion, and was an abolitionist in the strictest sense. He won a reputation throughout the entire State from the bitter and telling articles he wrote upon the subject. Upon one occasion, while defending himself against a rebel sympathizer who was go- ing to kill him for some article which had appeared in his paper, he was shot through the wrist. In November, 1869, through the influence of Capt. Lucas, he and his old employer, Mr. J. B. Scott, were induced to come to Waverly, and purchase the Re- publicun. After the purchase had been made, and notes given, Scott backed out, leaving Mr. Fichthorn alone to stand the brunt of the battle, with but little means to do it. This involved him in debt to the amount of $3,200. However lic went to work and by industry and perseverence soon cleared himself of it. In January, 1864, he was married to Miss Jennie Mc- Clure. Mr. Fichthorn was postmaster of Waverly for nearly four years, and has also held other positions of trust. He is a man of good natural as well as acquired

ability. As a writer he is pungent and to the point, wasting no time trying to display what he could do. Gentlemanly and ac- commodating, he is popular and esteemed in Waverly circles. It should have been stated in connection with the foregoing, that Mr. Fichthorn served his country in the war of the rebellion.

THE WAVERLY TRIBUNE.

This representative of the Press of Bre- mer county, was established in 1882, by E. J. Dean, the first issue making its appear- ance on Friday, the 17th day of February, as a seven-column folio, well printed, and the editorials showing the mark of a mind well stored with reading and education. There is probably a good deal of interest- ing history connected with the foundation of this paper, and from what the project sprung. In taking the editorial pen, Mr. Dean, in his salutatory, addresses his readers as follows:

In this, the first number of the Tribune, it may be well enough to outline, to some extent, its character. I propose to publish, during the ensu ing year, a newspaper devoted to such interests as will conduce to the public weal-local notices, general news boiled down to a minimum, accur- ate market reports, facts rather than opinions. Fairness and impartiality will characterize its treatment of men and events. Personalities will be excluded, but principles affecting the public welfare, and reflecting shades of opinion, how- ever diverse, will be welcomed to its columns. To interpret the spirit that ought to actuate an American, will be my aim, and to reflect it will be my object. The Press is the greatest power in the land; it helps to mould or reflect public opinion, which, right or wrong, when chrystal- ized, is irresistable. A blessing or a scourge, it is always something of a force in society. It ex- poses the sophistries of demagogues, turns the

948

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

calcium light of truth upon the dark recesses of depravity; it helps to eliminate error, and to hold up that for emulation which is only worthy of it. To tell the truth, defend the right, expose the wrong, convey the news, and to do what it can to make one better in the world for having lived in it, gives some idea of the scope and object of the Tribune. E.J. DEAN.

The Tribune is still thriving, and has worked up the largest circulation of any newspaper between Dubuque and Ackley in the counties of Bremer, Chickasaw, Howard and Butler, amounting in all to 1,920; and Mr. Dean declared upon affi- davit, that 1,094 of them were in Bremer county.

Hon. E. J. Dean, editor and proprietor of the Tribune, was born in New York State, in April, 1833. His early life was spent upon a farm and in teaching school several winters. When nineteen years of age he went to Kentucky, and after remain- ing in the west for a few years, went back to New York, where he prepared for and entered the Central College, in that State, from which he graduated June 23, 1858, at which the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon him, and later the degree of Master of Arts. He then came west and spent several years in teaching school in Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. In 1863, he came to Bremer county for the purpose of making it his home, having previously been here and purchased about 500 acres of land. He has been here ever since, and was for many years one of the most wealthy men of the county. He was Representative of this district in the Lower House of the General Assembly, and made one of the best Representatives the county has ever had. He is also noted

in connection with the chapter upon National, State and County Representation.

THE PRESS AT SUMNER.

The history of Press matters in Sumner does not extend as far back as in other towns in Bremer county, but it is now ably represented by the Gazette. The pi- oneer journalist was R. W. Lee, now at- torney-at-law, DesMoines, Iowa. His pa- per was called The Sumner Camera. He took typographical pictures of the town and vicinity during 1875, but turned off the light in a few months and left the whole scene in editorial darkness. Noth- ing more was done in this direction until the railroad came, upon which arrived J. O. Stewart and Ed Madigan. They were pleased with the town and opened a sub- scription-list for a paper to be called the "Sumner Review. Arrangements were quite well perfected for its issue, when E. H. Yarger bought up the prospect, and the paper appeared on January 5th, 1881, as

THE SUMNER GAZETTE.

Mr. Yager continued its publication a short, time when he sold to S. F. Case and T. W. Tower and a son of the latter, as- sumed editorial charge. He was a young man of much promise, but for some unac- countable reason, committed suicide before the first issue was published-his saluta- tory and obituary appearing in the same paper. While the second issue under this management was in course of preparation the Gazette was transferred to G. P. Linn & Co., the present owners. Since which time it has appeared with G. P. Linn as editor and C. S. Linn as business manager. It seems to have a healthy

949

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

growth. G. P. Linn, the editor, is a young man of ability and well calculated for the work in hand. He was for some time principal of the school here, but the in- creasing business of the Gazette compelled him to give his whole attention to the pa- per.

G. P. Linn, editor of the Gazette, was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, August 30, 1849. His father, George Linn, died in 1868, at the age of fifty years; but his mother, Adeline, is living in Sumner. In 1853, Mr. Linn, with his parents, came to Iowa, and settled in Fayette county, Banks township, being the third family to settle there. He was educated at the Upper Iowa University, Fayette county, graduating in 1876, teaching winters in order to carry him through college. After graduating he went to New Hartford and taughtthe high school, continuing to teach in Butler county until September, 1881, when he was engaged to take charge of the high school in Sumner, which position he held until the 30th of November, 1882, when he resigned to take full charge of his paper which he purchased in 1881. Mr. Linn now owns the building where his paper is published, and by strict integrity and attention to business, has won for himself many warm-hearted friends. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was married August 7, 1878, to Miss Grace E. Paulger, of Butler county. They have one son-Louis P.

DEUTSCHE VOLKS-ZEITUNG.

This was the first representative of the German Press of Bremer county. It was established at Waverly, as a weekly, in 1874, by Tyrrell & Fichthorn; the first

issue making its appearance on the 20th of May. On the 31st of July following, it was purchased by John Weidmann. For a number of years he continued as proprie- tor, the paper being a seven-column folio, and published in the Republican office.

Within the past few months it came into the hands of Dr. Carl Dermenden, Mr. Dryer and the Hilmer brothers, who are yet proprietors. It is a neatly printed seven-column folio, and is printed upon a press which the new managers liave lately purchased.

The name of the paper has been changed to the "Volks-Blatt."

THE JANESVILLE CLIPPER.

This was a journalistic venture at- tempted by O. J. Smith, in Janesville, in 1874. It existed but two months.

WAVERLY DEMOCRAT.

The Waverly Democrat was started in 1880 by G. C. Wright and his son James W. The first number made it appear- ance on the 27th of February, the paper being an eight column folio, the same size as at present. The publishers, in their inaugural address, said:

It being customary and proper to announce in the first issue of a newspaper the course in- tended to be pursned by the editors in future issues, we, in accordance with such custom, state that we intend to publish a democratic newspa- per, one that will support the nominees of the democratic conventions, when regularly ex- pressed by the properly constituted delegates of such convention, national, State and county, and will advocate democratic principles as de- fined by snch conventions; that it will be inde- pendent at all times; that it will treat all sub- jects and persons fairly, and we shall endeavor

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HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

to the best of our ability to make it a lively and readable paper, one worthy the support of the citizens of Bremer county.

The Democrat has moved along very successfully, and is still under the original management, as G. C. Wright & Son. · In February, 1883, it closed its third volume, not having missed a single issue, and in making some general remarks regarding it, the publishers say:

Our subscription list has been steadily upon the increase, being now about 900, and we have reduced the pricc 25 per cent. if paid in advance, hoping thereby to save the expense of collec- tions, upon which basis we enter next week upon the fourth volume with renewed assurance and confidence that we shall meet the approval

of the reading people, and that they will sustain us in the future, as in the past, in our endeavors to furnish the latest, most accurate, general and local news, and to our subscribers and adverti- sers we return our heartfelt thanks for past favors, and hope and believe that as friendly relations will continue to exist in the future.

Gancelo C. Wright, one of the proprie- tors of the Democrat, for a number of years practiced law in Bremer county, and is noted at length in the chapter upon the Bar. His son, James W. Wright, who has charge of the mechanical and local de- partments, is a native of Bremer county, is a thorough printer, and is a young man of much promise.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE WAR FOR THE UNION ..

The institution of slavery was always a source of trouble between the free and slave-holding States. The latter were always troubled with the thought that the former would encroach upon their rights, and nothing could be done to shake this belief. Compromise measures were adopted from time to time to settle the vexed ques- tion of slavery, but the fears of the slave- holders were only allayed for a short time. Threats of secession were often made by the slave-holding States, but as some measures of a conciliatory character were passed, no attempt was made to carry their

threats into execution. Finally came the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the adoption of a measure known as the Kansas-Nebraska bill. This bill opened certain territory to slavery, which, under the former act, was forever to be free. About the time of the passage of this act, the whig party was in a state of dissolu- tion, and the great body of that party, together with certain democrats who were opposed to the Kansas-Nebraska bill, united, thus forming a new party, to which was given the name of Republican, having for its object the prevention of the

951

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

further extension of slavery. The people. of the South imagined they saw in this new party, not only an organized effort to prevent the extension of slavery, but one that would eventually be used to destroy slavery in those States in which it already existed.

In 1860 four Presidential tickets were in the field. Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the republicans, Stephen A. Douglas of the national democrat, John C. Breckenridge of the pro-slavery inter- ests, and John Bell of the Union. The Union party was composed principally of those who had previously affiliated with the American or know-nothing party. Early in the campaign there were threats of secession and disunion in case of the elcction of Abraham Lincoln, but the people were so accustomed to Southern bravado that little heed was given to the bluster.

On the 20th of December, 1860, South Carolina, by a convention of delegates, declared, "That the Union now existing between South Carolina and the other States of North America is dissolved, and that the State of South Carolina has re- sumed her position among the Nations of the earth, as a free, sovereign and inde- pendent State, with full power to levy war and conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent States may of right, do."

On the 24th Gov. Pickens issued a pro- clamation declaring that "South Carolina is, and has a right to be, a free and inde- pendent State, and as such has a right to levy war, conclude pcace, and do all acts

whatever that rightfully appertain to a free and independent State."

On the 26th, Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sumter, Two days previously he wrote President Buchanan's Secretary of War, John B. Floyd, as follows:

" When I inform you that my garrison consists of only sixty effective men, and that we are in very indifferent works, the walls of which are only fourteen feet high; and that we have, within one hundred and sixty yards of our walls, sand hills which command our works, and which afford admirable sites for batteries and the finest coverts for sharp-shooters; and that be- sides this there are numerous houses, some of them within pistol shot, and you will at once see that, if attacked in force, headed by any one but a simpleton, there is scarcely a possibility of our being able to hold out long enough for our friends to come to our succor."

His appeal for re-inforcements were sec- onded by Gen. Scott, but - unheeded by President Buchanan, and entirely ignored by John B. Floyd, Secretary of War.

On the 28th, South Carolina troops occu- pied Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney, and hoisted the palmetto flag on the ram- parts. On the 29th John B. Floyd resigned his place in Buchanan's cabinet, charging that the President, in refusing to remove Major Anderson from Charles- ton Harbor, designed to plunge the country into civil war, and added: "I cannot con- sent to be the agent of such a calamity." On the same day the South Carolina com- missioners presented their official creden- tials at Washington, which, on the next day were declined.

952

HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY.

On the second day of January, 1861, Georgia declared for secession, and Geor- gia troops took possession of the United States arsenal in Augusta, and Forts Pu- laski and Jackson.

Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, seized the forts at Beaufort and Wilmington and the arsenal at Fayetteville. On the evening of the 4th, the Alabama and Mississipppi delegations in Congress telegraphed the conventions of their respective States to secede, telling them there was no prospect of a satisfactory adjustment. On the 7th, the conventions of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee met in secret conclave. On the 9th, Scorctary Thompson resigned his seat in the Cabinet on the ground that, contrary to promises, troops had been sent to Major Anderson. On the 9th, the "Star of the West," carrying supplies and re-in- forcements to Major Anderson, was fired into from Morris Island, and turned homeward, leaving Fort Sumter and its gallant little band, to the mercy of the rebels. On the same day, the ordinance of secession passed the Mississippi Convention. Florida adopted an ordinance of secession on the 10th, and Alabama on the 11th. The same day (the 11th) Thomas, Secretary of the Treasury, resigned, and the rebels seized the arsenal at Baton Rouge, and Forts Jackson and St. Philip, at the mouth of the Mississippi river, and Fort Pike at the entrance to Lake Pontchartrain. Pensa- cola navy yard and Fort Barrancas were surrendered to rebel troops by Coloncl Armstrong on the 13th. Lieutenant Slemmer, who had withdrawn his command from Fort McRae to Fort Pickens, defied Armstrong's orders, and announced his intention to "hold the fort" at all hazards.

The Georgia Convention adopted an ordi- nance of secession on the 19th. On the 20th, Lieutenant Slemmer was besieged by a thousand "allied troops" at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of scces- sion on the 25th. On the 1st of February the rebels seizcd the United States Mint and custom house at New Orleans. The Peace Convention assembled at Washing- ton on the 4th, but adjourned without doing anything to quiet the disturbed clements. On the 9th, a provisional con- stitution was adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it being the Constitution of the United States "rc-constructed" to suit their purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, was chosen President, and Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, Vice-President of the "Confederate States of North America." Jeff. Davis was inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 25th it was learned that General Twiggs, commanding the Department of Texas, had basely betrayed his trust, and that he had surrendered all the military posts, munitions and arms to the authori- ties of Texas.

Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated March 4, 1861, in front of the capitol, the inaugura- tion ceremonies being witnessed by a vast concourse of people. Before taking the oath, Mr. Lincoln pronounced in a clear, ringing voice, his inaugural address, to hear which, there was an almost painful solicitude, to read which the whole Ameri- can people and the civilized world awaited with irrepressible anxiety. With that address, and the administration of the oath of office, the people were assured. All doubt, if any had previously existed, was removed. In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the people's President, and him-

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 105

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1316

Author: Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1316