History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 40

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 40
USA > Iowa > Bremer County > History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa > Part 40

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In response to the universal demand for a local paper in Shell Rock, the Enterprise makes its appearance to-day. As the name indicates, it is an enterprisc of the people of Butler county in general, and of Shell Rock in particular / But, be it understood, that, while it is an enter- prise, it is no experiment. It has come to stick. Its founders have an abiding faith in the liber- ality of the people of the Shell Rock Valley, and have staked their bottom dollar on its success. It has not been nursed into being by any bonus or pledges, other than the earnest, active sup- port which its merits may demand. We propose to make it a local paper. What we know about the unlimited resources of the Shell Rock Valley will be made known.

Unlike the New York Tribune, the Enterprise will be "an organ." It will support the republi- can party and its standard bearer. With Grant and Wilson we propose "to fight it out on that line." The publishers of this paper propose to launch their bark upon the sea of public opinion, relying upon a generous public for support, and success. Shall our anticipations be met? Yours, etc.

J. H. BOOMER & Co.

This firm continued the publication of the Enterprise until the 4th of October, 1872, when it was purchased by F. M. Barnard & Co., and two months later the firm name of White, Barnard & Co. appears at the head. In this shape the manage- ment remained until the 5th of March,

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

1874, when it was dissolved, and the part- nership of White & Hall took the helm of the paper. ' In making their introductory bow they say:

The undersigned have formed a co-partnership under the firm name of White & Hall, and will, in the future, carry on the business of publish- ing the Shell Rock Enterprise; and would respect- fully solicit a continuance of the liberal busi- ness the office has formerly been favored with.

SILAS WHITE, FRANK HALL.

Early in the month of August, 1874, this firm dissolved, Frank Hall retiring, and Silas White becoming sole proprietor. He continued the publication alone until Jan- uary 29, 1875, when O. B. Courtwright purchased a half interest and became a partner, under the firm name of White & Courtwright.

It seems that from the number of times the paper changed hands, it did not receive sufficient encouragement, or else lack of good management, for on the 19th of Feb- ruary, 1875, it was purchased by E. A. Kittel, M. D. The Doctor did not have much newspaper experience, but he had ability and "grit." In his salutatory he strikes out boldly from shore, as follows:

A newspaper has become a necessity to every live, enterprising village from one end of the land to the other. It would be a sorry comment on the enterprise and intelligence of this com- munity did they not support a newspaper. If we need a newspaper, then let us have a good one.

" The great mass of the community will fully endorse the above, but when we come to speak of the means necessary to attain the result, there is too often a difference of opinion. To begir with, something more is necessary on your part, than merely to subscribe for the paper. It is an easy matter to look over the barren columns of

your home paper, with a doleful countenance, and anathematize the editor for not furnishing more news; as though a printing office was an establishment where news can be ground out wholesale from ever ready material. Before you say another word, let us ask, have you ever written a word for the paper? Have you ever stepped one single foot from your path to give the editor a single item that may have taken place under your very nose? Lastly, have you paid for the paper you are so liberal in denounc- ing? The chief object of a county newspaper is the local news; but bow meagre it may be in this particular, if the only items published are such as come to the ears of the editor, who from the necessities of the business, must be immured in the office much of the time. Then don't be a

niggard in your views. We shall strive, how- ever, to atone for our inexperience as far as pos- sible by especial, earnest and determined effort, hoping by your aid to publish a paper that shall be a credit to the town. We do not aspire to any independence, so called, which is rather a blind obstinancy. But we wish it distinctly understood that we are not a tail to wag at the will of any man or party. E. A. KITTEL.

Mr. Kittel was succeeded in the man- agement of the paper by Hazlet & Thorp, who changed the name of the Enterprise to

THE SHELL ROCK NEWS.

In a short time the firm name was changed to Lucas & Hazlet.

On the 2d of November, 1876, the pro- perty was purchased by George E. Farrar, and he inaugurates his administration as follows:

I have purchased the News of Lucas & Hazdet, and shall assume the management of the same. In publishing the News, I am, in a great part, entering upon a field new to me, and can only tell you what I intend to do. My one endeavor shall be to furnish the people of Shell Rock and Butler county, as good and as readable a paper as the county affords. In politics, the paper

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

will be in the future, as in the past, a republican sheet, working by all honorable means to ad- vance the principles of the republican party as enunciated by their platform, and supporting Hayes and Wheeler, and republican nominees. How well I shall accomplish what I propose to do, time and your own judgment will tell. The News has heretofore been well patronized, and I shall do all in my power to merit a con- tinuance of the same.

Mr. Farrar continued in the manage- ment of the News until the 6th of Septem- ber, 1877, when he sold it to E. E. and E. Savage. In his "valedictory," he tersely says:

With this issue we close our editorial connec- tion with The News, having sold our interest to Messrs. Savage, to whose tender mercies we con- sign the business with best wishes for its pros- perity and yours. Our connection with The News has been one of profit and of pleasure to us. Knowing nothing of the newspaper busi- ness when we assumed control of the paper, we are egotistical enough to think we do know something now of how a paper should be man- aged. Our course has been full of errors, and gross ones, too, which our optics perceive as well as yours, and in which we thank you for your kind forebearance. Towards Shell Rock and its people, we shall ever bear the kindest remem- brance as the scene of our first business efforts, and as the pleasant village where we have passed more than two years of our existence. Now as we step down from the stool, and our successors step up, we do so feeling that the news will be an enterprise, that it will pay you to support; for we feel assured that it will be more worthy of your support than it has heretofore been. Once more then we say farewell.

GEORGE E. FARRAR.

In the same issue the new proprietors take the pen and say:

Once again we have the pleasure of making our bow to the world as we mount the editorial tripod.

Being naturally very modest, we do not pro- pose, at this late date, to laud and magnify ourselves, nor to make large promises of what we can do. It has been the subject of remark for some years past, that Shell Rock could not sup- port a newspaper, and from the numerous changes it would seem to be a fact, yet we believe that by careful attention to business and economical management, it . will not only be possible for a paper to exist, but that it may be made a profitable investment. To the end that we, Shell Rock and Butler county, may be the better for our coming, we ask the assist- ance of the people of Shell Rock. It shall be our object to aid every undertaking that has for its chief end the good of Shell Rock. In politics we adhere to the republican party; in morals we endeavor to be upright, and shall try to promote purity in the same. We strongly oppose intem- perance, that has lain its blight on so many of the towns of our county. With this brief state- ment of where we may be found, we salute our readers; Grand Salaam!

E. E. & E. SAVAGE.

On the 20th of September, 1877, this firm was dissolved, and the senior men- ber, E. E. Savage, retained possession of the paper. In his few remarks on the change he explains it as follows:

Once again! Again we note a change in the ownership of The News, Mr. Ernest Savage hav- ing disposed of his interest to the senior mem. ber of the firm. The News will hereafter be managed by the undersigned. There will be no change as regards politics, or principles, nor as regards business matters. We are thankful for past generous patronage, and solicit a continu- ance of the same.

E. E. SAVAGE.

Mr. Savage continued to publish the paper until in the latter part of September, 1878, when a financial crash came upon him and he was obliged to abandon The News. The office was sold at sheriff's sale, and

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

was purchased by J. P. Reed, the present editor and proprietor.

In November, 1878, Mr. Reed took edi- torial control, and in his salutatory, speaks thus:

Having chosen the publishing business as a life calling, we purchased the material of the late Shell Rock News, and propose to make this beautiful little town of Shell Rock our starting point. We believe we have a correct idea of what a good local newspaper should be, and that idea shall be faithfully our guide. We then, reaching across the editorial table, extend a friendly hand to everybody throughout the country, and especially to every citizen of Butler county. We ask your friendship and assistance, your prayers and words of cheer, for the average newspaper man does not get rich in these days of close competition, and his burdens are often grevious to be borne. We shall always labor to make the News a spicy, lively and able exponent of the business and growth of our town and Butler county. We are from principle a republican, and shall adhere to the doctrines of that party; but in these critical times it is essential that every man should be on his guard; and it shall ever be the aim of The News to lay bare fraud and corruption whether it be com- mitted by republicans or democrats, and always to be on the alert for the interests of the people. On questions of temperance and morality we shall ever be on the right side, and work for morality in all its phases. We know that the interests of the people are our interests; the peo- ple's prosperity our prosperity; and we trust always to advocate the highest good to the greatest number. We hope to make The News a household and a welcome visitor to every family in Butler county. With these hasty words of salutation, we now turn to the work at hand, with a faith strong and enduring in the future greatness of the beautiful and picturesque village of Shell Rock.

J. P. REED.

Mr. Reed still manages the newspaper, and has made it one of the leading press

advocates in the county. With a large and healthy subscription list it makes a most desirable medium for advertising. Mr. Reed is a well read and well posted man, an able writer and a thorough newspaper man.

J. P. Reed, editor and proprietor of the. "Shell Rock News, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1851, and is a son of Martin and Elizebeth (Mor- rison) Reed, who are both natives of Penn- sylvania. In 1858 his parents moved west and settled in Stephenson county, Illinois, and here J. P. grew to manhood, and received his education in the common schools of Freeport. In the spring of 1864 he enlisted in Company B, 46th Illinois Volunteers, and served as a private until honorably dischared at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Upon receiving his dismissal from the army, he returned to Freeport, and learned the "art preservative of all arts," in the office of the "Journal" of that city. In 1869 he came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and, for a while, clerked in a grocery store of that place, and then formed one of the staff of the Gazette, and afterwards of the Reporter, of Waterloo. In 1878 he located at Shell Rock, and bought the News, of which paper he has since been the proprietor. Mr. Reed was married in September, 1880, to Miss Carrie S. Jones, who was born in Shell Rock, and is a daughter of J. R. Jones.

In December, 1882, Mr. Reed received an appointment in the Treasury Depart- ment at Washington.

The News says in its issue of December 21, 1882:

"J. P. Reed, editor of this paper, writes

saying, that he secured a clerkship in

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

the Treasury Department at Washington, at a salary of $1,200 a year. He does not say when he will be at home, but the News will be issued every week just the same."

PARKERSBURGH ECLIPSE.

This ably managed journal first saw the light August 30, 1872, with the names of Auyer & Edwards, C. D. Auyer and S. T. Edwards appearing as editors and proprie- tors; terms 2.00 per year. The publication day was Friday, and size of the paper eight column folio, all home print. Its columns are well filled with advertisements. In the salutatory remarks appearing in this issue the editor says:

In presenting the initial number of the Eclipse to the public, they will naturally expect us to say something in regard to the position we propose to take in setting forth the political doctrines and policies of the day, and other topics that from time to time engage the public attention. We propose-and shall spare no pains or labor to effect that purpose-to make the Eclipse an interesting and reliable. news- paper that will reflect the popular spirit of the times, and gather inspiration from western en- terprise and progress. The Eclipse is dedicated to the interests of Northwestern Iowa, and especially to the future destiny of Butler county. Politically, the Eclipse will berepublican, and will advocate the re-election of President Grant. Our knowledge of the republican party, from its organization, has taught us to hold in the highest estimation, the intelligence-of its leaders, the purity of its doctrines, justice of its policies, and the noble and loyal men who so largely con- tributed to make up its rank and file, and while we may earnestly support the measures it may adopt, we shall reserve to ourselves the option of judging whether they be sound in principle, and based upon right and justice. We hold that those who entertain different views, from us, on political or other questions, have the same right

to express and maintain them, as we claim for ourselves. Our columns shall not be used for the purpose of venting personal malice, nor will they be controlled by clique orring to the detriment of any.

These are good and loyal principles, and have been followed and maintained by the Eclipse up to the present day, with com- mendable zeal for the right canse.

With the issue of the Eclipse on the 5th of September, 1873, number one of volume two, the size is changed from the folio form to a six column quarto, the inside pages being printed at Chicago. The ap- pearance of it is materially improved. The publication day remains unchanged.

The paper evidently prospered, for in its issue on the 13th of January, 1874, the following item appears:

ENLARGEMENT .- We promised our readers on the beginning of this volume, that we would make some decided improvements, during the coming year, and accordingly on the following week we enlarged and changed the form to eight pages. Now we find it necessary, in order to accommodate our advertising patronage, to re- enlarge, making an addition of 2,036 inches of matter weekly in the Eclipse. Furthermore we are furnishing a large variety of interesting original matter, and the generous support we are receiving, is substantial evidence that the Eclipse is appreciated by its many readers.

With this edition, the Eclipse made its appearance as a seven-cloumn quarto, and was the largest paper ever published in Butler county. The day of publication was changed to Tuesday, and the columns were crowded with "live ad's."

In this shape the paper remained until the hard times, and decreased amount of advertising, made running so large a paper

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

unprofitable, so on the 29th of April, 1874, the Eclipse resumed its former size-six column quarto-and Wednesday was again made the day of publication.

On the 23d of September, 1874, the management of the paper underwent a change, and the names of Frank L. Dodge and E. E. Savage, under the firm name of Dodge & Savage, appeared as editors and proprietors. The former proprietors, Auyer & Edwards had, some time previous to this, established a paper at Webster City, called the Argus, which they intended to devote their whole attention to. In their farewell article, they state that "they have disposed of the Eclipse to Messrs. F. L. Dodge and W. H. Mahanke," but the latter gentleman's name does not further appear. The circulation of the paper at this time, is stated as being about 600.

With its issue on the 16th of December, 1875, the Eclipse assumed the form of a seven column quarto-as large as any paper in the State at the time-in deffer- ence to the demand for more advertising space. The publication day is Thursday, and the editors state that they "wished to make the Eclipse sufficient to satisfy its many subscribers;" and its prosperity proves that they succeeded.

In January, 1876, the patent inside system was discarded, and the paper con- tinued as a seven-column folio, "all home print;" and the subscription price reduced to $1.50 per year.

One year from this-in January, 1877- the firm of Dodge & Savage is dissolved, E. E. Savage retiring to devote his atten- tion to the practice of law, and Frank L. Dodge assumes full control. At this time the Eclipse was a seven column folio, with

patent ontsides. Mr. F. L. Dodge con- tinued to manage it alone until 1880, when he took his brother, Fred. A. into partner- ship, and they still, under the firm name of Dodge Brothers continue in the capacity of proprietors. Within the last year or so the Allison Tribune was started by this firm, and is edited by F. L. Dodge, while the Eclipse is under the editorial guidance of Fred. A. Dodge, a pungent writer, and a thorough printer. The Eclipse has a large and growing subscrip- tion list. It is now an eight column folio with "patent outsides," is well got up, and has a large advertising patronage.

Fred. A. Dodge, editor of the Eclipse, was born in Dunham Township, McHenry county, Illinois, on December 2, 1858. Hc was the youngest son of Elisha and Susan Dodge, who settled in that locality in 1839. He was brought up on the farm where he enjoyed the privilege of attending district school until eighteen years of age, when he moved with the family to Howard, Ill- inois, where he attended the high school until September, 1878, at which date he came to Parksburgh, Iowa, and began work at the printer's trade in the Eclipse office, then owned by Frank L. Dodge. In Sep- tember, 1880, he bought an interest in the Eclipse, and when they established the Allison Tribune, in the spring of 1881, he assumed editorial control of the Eclipse, which position he is now filling, and is also associated with Frank L. Dodge in the publication of the Allison Tribune.

BUTLER COUNTY PRESS.

This representative of the newspaper press is published at Green, in the north- ern part of Butler county, and, although

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY. ~

it circulates chiefly in this county, a great many of its readers are citizens of Floyd county. It was established in August, 1873, with H. C: Hammond as editor, the first issue making its appearance as a six- column folio, with "patent insides." The political faith of the paper was proclaimed as republican, and since it first saw the light, it has been steadfast to its first de- claration of creed. At the head of the columns appeared the announcement "A Local and General News Journal." Mr. Hammond continued in connection until July, 1874, an interest having been held in it for a short time by Mr. Failing, sub- sequently by Esquire Soesbe, whose share Mr. Hammond purchased. The first year, as is the case with all papers, was not a financial success, and it is claimed the management was made cumbersome by the fact that there were "too many cooks to season the broth."

In July, 1874, the newspaper became the property of the firm of Wagner & Riner, the personnel of which was J. R. Wagner and W. W. Riner; the former "now de- ceased, and the latter is now the affable post master at Greene. The circulation at this time was stated at 13 quires per week, and by March, 1875, this had been in- creased to a weekly edition of 30 quires, or 720 papers. The files of the paper dur- ing its first year of existence, while Mr. Hammond was editor, have not been pre- served, so we are unable to review them. The file that has been saved commences with number one of volume two, dated the 26th of August, 1874, neatly bound, well edited and printed. At this date the names of Wagner & Riner appear as editors and publishers, and in a short and

able review of the situation, headed "Pros- pective," they say:

· With the present issue the Press commences its second year of existence, its second series of visitations. * *

* We hope to make it de- serving, and its weekly visitation one of pleas- ant anticipation and welcome to all that give us the encouragement of their patronage. From its past history and liberal patronage we are cheered; with its present prosperity, encouraged; with a promising prospect for the future, we are determined to labor zealously for the end that designates every true lover of excellence, and supply our readers with that which has become an everyday necessity-a good support of whole- some reading.

At that time the Press was supporting H. O. Pratt, of Floyd county, the Repub- lican candidate for representative in Con- gress. In the meantime the paper had been enlarged to a six-column quarto, with "patent insides." In January, 1876, the board of county supervisors designated the Press as the official paper of Butler county, and the tax list and other legal county printing appeared in it for the ensuing year. In the latter part of 1876, with the issue of the 14th of October, the form of the Press underwent a change, being converted into a seven-column folio, all printed at home, and discarding the "patent-inside" sys- tem. This commenced with number seven of volume four, and with the same issue the day of publication was changed from Thursday to Saturday and the subscription price reduced from $2.00 to $1.50 per an- num. The week after this reconstruction took place the Shell Rock News says:

The Greene Press is now all printed at home. It is a seven-column folio and presents a neat appearance. * . Wagner & Riner get up a good paper. Long may the Press live!

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

In 1877, with the issue of May 24, num- ber forty of volume four, the management of the paper again changed, and the firm of W. W. Riner and George E. De Lavan took the helm, announeing as their motto: "Independent in everything, neutral in nothing." The publication day had in the meantime been changed to Thursday, and in its issue on the 26th of July of the same year the size was enlarged to an eight-eol- umn folio and again adopted the "patent- inside" pages, which were printed at Des- Moines. In this shape the Press continued, enjoying a liberal patronage, until May, 1880, at which time the partnership which had existed between W. W. Riner and George E. DeLavan was dissolved, and the former retired from the newspaper business. Mr. DeLavan is still at the helm of the Press, and eonduets it in an efficient and able manner, being a pointed and ready writer and a competent business manager. The paper is on a solid and permanent basis, with a large and healthy circulation, and is one of the best adver- tising mediums in Northern Iowa.

NEW HARTFORD BUGLE.

This was a saucy and piquant little sheet which flourished at New Hartford in the year 1873.

THE BUTLER COUNTY STANDARD.

This was a paper established at Greene, in 1876, by J. B. Adams. It was pub- lished at that point for about one year, when it was removed to Clarksville, and continued until the latter part of 1880. It was then moved out of the county to Roek- ford, Iowa.

THE BRISTOW DIAL,

Was established at Bristow, in 1879, by Mr. Morgan, who ran it until the spring of 1880, when it was purchased by J. Q. Stew- art, and continued until the winter follow- ing, when it was moved to Sumner, Bre- mer county.

THE ALLISON TRIBUNE.

This newspaper was first conceived by the Dodge Brothers, of the Parkersburgh Eclipse, in December, 1880. At that time they made a visit to Allison, and purchased a lot for the erection of an office building, which they at once eommeneed, and' in May, 1881, was so far along that a full and complete outfit of new printing material and stoek was put in, and on the 16th of June, 1881, the Tribune first appeared, as an eight column folio, with patent insides, well printed and ably edited. The paper was-and yet is-owned and published by the Dodge Brothers, en personnel, Frank L. and Fred. A. Dodge, the editorial man- agement being under the direet control of the former.

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History of Butler and Bremer counties, Iowa, Part 40

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