USA > Iowa > Cass County > History of Cass County, Iowa; together with sketches of its towns, villages, and townships; educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of old settlers and representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races, and a brief review of its civil, political, and military history > Part 56
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DAILY DEMOCRAT.
Several campaign journals, under the above head have been issued from this office. The first made its appearance on the 10th of August, 1880, under the edi- torship of Mr. Chase, who advocated in his usual ardent manner, the election of the standard bearers of the democracy of that year. This disappeared after the election in November, of that year, there being no room for it to thrive. It was re- suscitated in May, 1882, during the Pro- hibitory Amendment campaign of that year, it taking a strong stand against the passage of any sumptuary laws. While the paper was in the hands of Bilderback and Foster, they essayed to revive the daily, but after it had run a few months,
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the office passed into the hands of C. F. Chase, as related, who allowed the daily to cease.
ANITA TIMES.
When the old paper under the editorial control of Charles F. Chase, with the above name, was removed to Atlantic in July, 1880, and became the Cass county Democrat, Anita was left without a journal and a new paper with the same name was started by Chase and Blakes- ley, the latter of whom was editor, the first issue of which bore date of January 17, 1881. It was a lively little paper un- der this management and neatly gotten up in the shape of a five column folio, well filled by advertisements, and bright, crisp locals, the paper was attractive and en- tertaining. It was afterwards enlarged, to an eight column folio, and in May, 1881, Mr. Chase retired from the firm. Mr. Blakesley continued to wield the pen editorial until the latter part of February, 1883, when he stepped down and out, with the following valedictory to his friends:
"For more than two years we have been section boss of The Times, and now we have lost the job. During that period the country bas not been convulsed in any great wars to try men's souls, and noth- ing of very great moment has arisen to make men shed tears, except it might be the death of the Greenback party, and the star spangled banner still waves. Whether it will continue to wave after we retire from the management of The Times, is doubtful; but it may. Yes, it is over two years that we have lahored to keep this community in good bumor, and have partially succeeded, and one of the sad- dest thoughts we have in parting with you,
my friends, is the fear that you may, with- out the moral and religious instructions you may have received weekly, again be- come barbarians. But, seriously, we do not leave the old shop without a feeling of sadness as parting from a tried friend, one who would always be willing to travel far out of his way to "take somethin'" every time you would set 'em up, and it is only the hope that in the peaceful calling of Agricola, we may be free from the ever recurring cry of "copy," that tempts us to quit the job.
"To the many friends who have stood by The Times we wish to return thanks. You have been generous in your patronage, which has helped to keep the kettle boil- ing, and have spoken words of encourage- ment that have kept the spirits up. Wherever our lot shall be cast we will re- member you with kindest remembrances. It may be in sections far from you, but never so far that the mind will not return and, as it were, live over the years spent in your midst.
"Mr. S. F. Myers will step into our place, and it will not be necessary for us to in- troduce him. We would, however, ask for him a continuance of the patronage given to us, believing he will prove worthy, and now, kind friends, adieu. May the kindness we have received at your hands be ever returning in a tenfold degree to you, and the lavish hand of for- tune be ever emptying into your laps."
"Sherm," as he is called by his friends, on mounting the editorial tripod, indulged in the following language, in his first issue on the 1st of March:
"Agreeable to a time honored custom, it becomes necessary for us to make a brief
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statement of the policy we intend to pur- sne in conducting the Times, and believ- ing an independent sheet is best calculat- ed to advance the interest of the com- munity, we will make no change in this particular. By independence we do not consider ourself bound to remain silent when a wrong has been committed by any political party, and shall take the liberty to censure all acts or measures of any po- litical party, that, in our judgment, is against the interests of the people, and shall take as great pleasure in commend- ing a worthy act or measure adopted by one party as another. In making a paper a success, as much depends upon the peo- ple of the community as upon the editor. A newspaper cannot exist long without patronage; therefore, we ask a continu- ance of the very liberal patronage given our predecessor.
"We will strive to keep all matter out of our columns that would have a tenden- cy to injure any one, either in character or property, believing it is not just and fair to publish anything against oue who has not the control of the columns of a newspaper in which to defend himself, unless the act be such that the good of the community demands that it be made public.
"We ask the indulgence of our patrons until experience and more mature years shall enable us to make the Times "the best paper in the county."
But, the well laid plans so often made are apt to be broken up by circumstances over which we may have no control, for in No- vember, 1883, V. D. Rood, who owned the office, sold it to S. W. Teagarden Myers in stepping down from the perch, favored
his friends and neighbors with a valedic- tory, which as it is not very long is in- serted bere. He said:
"For the past eight months the Anita Times has been under our management and control, and with this issue, as editor and publisher, we step down and out. Mr. S. W. Teagarden, until recently one of the editors of the Atlantic Saturday Herald, being our successor. During the short period of eight months we have en- deavored to edit a paper which would, as near as possible, please anybody, but we have found it a difficult task to perform. While we have made some friends we have no doubt made some enemies, but it has not been our intention to unjustly criticize or wrong any who did not de- serve it. We have worked hard to place the Times on a sound financial basis, and none can deny the fact that this has been our constant aim. To our many true friends who have stood by us and helped us, we say well done, thou good and faith- ful people, and wish for you all the suc- cess imaginable in your branches of busi- ness. Our relations with the business men of Anita have been exceedingly pleasant with the exception of a few mis- understandings, but we all possess faults and none are perfect.
"Peace and good will to men" is our living sentiment, and with the full con- viction of the ever living truth as taught us by a good mother, that man's true mission on earth is to do all the good he can, and as little harm as possible, we drop the curtain that veils the scenes of our editorial career in Anita, with a fer- vent "God bless you," to one and all, old and young, high or low, rich and poor,
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with an assurance that wherever we may drift, we shall carry with us the kindest regards for our friends and a forgiving sentiment for the few we may have offended."
Mr. Teagarden did not continue long in control of the paper, and in February, 1883, it passed back into the possession of Dr. Rood, and in an extra published March 6, 1884, appears the following:
"The Anita Times will appear before the public, on next Thursday, March 13, 1884. Mr. R. B. Claiborne, recently from Sioux City, a newspaper man of over twenty years experience, will have charge of the mechanical department, and also become its local editor. I am deter- mined to spare no expense in making the Times a newspaper well up in all things that go to place it in the first ranks of journalism.
"All subscribers will be furnished the Times to the full extent for which they have paid. The interruption which was caused in its regular publication was some- thing for which I was wholly irresponsi- ble, and very much regretted. I am de- termined however, with the change that has been forced upon me, to largely im- prove the Times, and trust, to that end I may have the hearty co-operation and sup- port of the whole community, and the reading public generally."
V. D. ROOD.
"Having come to Anita with the full determination of making it our future home, and having taken charge of the lo- cal columns of the Anita Times, it will be our constant aim to give our readers all the news of our town and county, to do
this we need the assistance of our citi- zens, as we propose to publish a local paper, for the good of Anita and Cass county. The columns of the Times are open to all communications of a newsy nature. We hope by our untiring efforts to deserve the hearty support of the public.
"In the mean-time we are prepared to do all kinds of plain and fancy job work at reasonable rates and hope to get a share of your patronage,"
R. B. CLAIBORNE.
Richard B. Claiborne, was born in Nantes, France, on the 14th of May, 1839. His father, Richard B., died in Glenwood, Iowa, in 1879, and his mother died in France in 1852. The subject of this received his education in England and France, and on coming to America in 1854, he served an apprenticeship to the printer's trade, until the war broke ont, when he went to Cincinnati and entered the theatrical profession at Pike's Opera House. He was employed in that business for a number of years, when he began traveling through the south, and was taken prisoner by Webb's guerilla band, of Gen- eral Price's army, at White Bluffs, which is situated on the Arkansas river. He then returned to Glenwood, and began the grocery business, and was so engaged until 1867, when his entire stock was de- stroyed by fire. When quite a boy, he became devil in a printing office, of which his father was proprietor. After the fire he returned to his trade, which he has fol- lowed ever since. Ile came to Anita in 1884, and in March of that year, began the publication of the Anita Times. He has established a good circulation through-
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out the country, and has received the con- fidence and esteem of Cass county. Mr. Claiborne was married in November, 1866, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, to Miss Eliza- beth A. Register, a daughter of Josiah R. and Catharine A. (Tutt) Register. They have been blessed with four children- IIansford H., James R., Elizabeth W., de- ceased, and Bertha K. Mr. Claiborne is an independent politican.
CAP SHEAF.
A Democratic newspaper, under the above name, was established in the spring of 1874, at the rising town of Atlantic, by D. M. Harris. The first issue bears the date of May 1st, and is a six-column quarto. Mr. Harris, a writer of genuine ability, in obedience to the time honored custom of the craft, indulged in the fol- lowing remarks, by way of a greeting to the public in general and his friends in particular.
"Custom has established the law making it necessary that the editor in taking charge of a paper, shall proclaim to his readers the course he intends to pursue, defining his position on leading measures, and map out his journey in advance. A wise man once said: 'Universal empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience, he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal court of kings.' We are also aware that it is much easier to make a promise than it is to redeem it, and hav- ing this experience we shall make but few. Our object is to publish a newspa- per in the fullest meaning of the term, and
shall use all reasonable means to make it what it purports to be.
"Party and creed will be adhered to only so long as they are true to the inter- est of the people, and while we approve the objects and aims of the Anti-monop- oly party as proclaimed by the leaders of that organization, we will not prove recre- ant to the great interests of our readers, in adhering to that organization should they forget the high stand taken to re- form the administration, both State and national, but will labor for the people, and with the people, to secure purity, economy and justice in the making and adıninistra- tion of law and political authority.
"Desiring to be independent of all rings, cliques and juntos we shall make no tangling alliances with any, but shall- endeavor to treat all men with kindness, and shall refrain from all personalities calculated to wound the most fastidious taste, but should it become necessary to strike in self defense, we shall 'strike from the shoulder,' with the full intention of hitting the mark, holding ourselves per- sonally responsible for everything appear- ing in our columns published as original matter.
"We are not unmindful of the fact that the establishment of another paper in Cass county, where we already have two, is an experiment of doubtful propriety, yet we make the adventure upon the solicitation of many of the leading men of the county, trusting to that spirit of liberality for which the people are so justly distin- guished, and in our own ability to publish a paper worthy the confidence of those who have so generously assisted us so far, will- ing to risk the adventure and abide the
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result. We come to stay-to build up a home-to assist in developing the native wealth of the county-to speak in behalf of the farmer, mechanic and the laboring man-to advance the common interest of all, and thus promote our own, while we add to the interest of others. We there- fore launch our craft upon the common sea of criticism and invite for it only so much favor as it deserves from true merit. Trusting we may have a pleasant voyage, we are, etc."
Mr. Harris continued to publish this journal until the fall of 1875, whe he sold it to James Pugh. In the last number of the Cap Sheaf, under his control, Mr. Har- ris took his leave of patrons and readers, in the following fine article, under the head of "Our work is finished:"
"Unexpectedly to ourself, and no doubt to many of our friends, we, in this number of the Cap Sheaf, finish our work as edi- tor, and now bid adieu to our patrons. * * * *
* * *
And now, without any regret or bad feel- ings to any, only regreting our ability was unequal to the task, we bid you adieu, trusting that our retirement may be to the advancement and interest of the city, and the prosperity of the party to which we are proud to belong.
"We cannot close this communication without returning our thanks to our con- temporaries for their courtesy and friend- ship during our editorial life in this city, and to the papers of the State who have exchanged with us, for their editorial eti- quette and liberality in exchanging, and trust they will continue the same friend- ship to our successor."
*
On the accession of Mr. Pugh to the editorial control and proprietorship, he changed it to a prohibition sheet, and the name to
THE NORTHWESTERN JOURNAL,
But did not change the general form. The first issue of the paper saw the light on Friday, November 5, 1875, and con- tained the following salutatory:
"We issue to-day the first number of the Northwestern Journal, devoted to temperance, morality and education. The times demand such an organ. The liquor parties are fixed in their determination to extend the manufacture and sale of intox- icants, and thereby perpetnate the untold sorrows and expense of the traffic. It is now avowed that neither of the great political parties are willing to advocate the cause of prohibition. The great cause of intemperance, the worst enemy to the grandeur of our country -- and the great- est evil in it-has been entirely cast aside for party ends. The friends of prohibi- tion cannot have their rights upheld-and the wrongs of the anti-prohibitionists, and the corruptions of the liquor traffic ex- posed through a press that is bound to party. Hence we feel the necessity of an organ that is firm in the right cause-de- termined to be swayed by no favor and awed by no fear-that will speak out boldly in opposition to intemperance, and expose faithfully the long train of evils resulting from the wicked traffic, and en- deavor thereby to so educate the public mind that the traffic shall be hurled from us. Men are now permitted to sell at any corner this liquid death that sets on fire the souls of men, impoverishes children, makes widows and orphans, supplies pris-
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ons with victims, and increases the tax of the country, and receive protection from the law of the land. Thousands of men, women and children, have petitioned and asked relief, but this greatest question now before the people has been hurled from both political parties-only as they have favored the liquor interests. In the Northwestern Journal the friends of pro- hibition will find an unflinching advocate of their cause.
"On all questions of public interest the Journal will be out-spoken, independent in all things. No men are more uncertain than those who are always waiting to see which is to be the popular side before committing themselves. Questions of du- ty and right never enter their creed, pol- icy men, time servers. We can never consent to make either party our oracle or finger-board. We believe in opposing political error and corruption, though found in either party-in opposing for office men of any party who are advocates of the liquor traffic. Though the temper- ance question shall form a main feature of the Journal, it shall not be the only one. The warfare is not now of swords but of ideas. The educational and moral element of the country must be guarded. Social and political customs of the old world are now meeting us face to face. The alliance of the various elements is being perfected. -seeking to destroy the legal recognition of the Sabbath, and substitute for the church, beer gardens, etc. The papal power seeking to destroy the common school system, and to arrange for sectarian schools sustained by the State. These are some of the questions that have to be met. They will not "down" at the bid-
ding of party serving men. We desire to make it a live newspaper-shrinking from no duty, exposing corruption wherever found-advocating good morals and edu- cation; giving a synopsis of the general news, markets, etc.
"With this, we ask the friends of such a paper to assist in securing subscribers and job work. Of course, a newspaper cannot be sustained without money-and we believe the people will so sufficiently patronize us as to leave no doubt as to the success of the Journal."
In August, 1876, the office was purchased of Mr. Pugh, by J. A. Crawford, and in the taking farewell of his subscribers, Mr. Pugh explains the reason of the change in the following lines:
"When we issued the last number of the Northwestern Journal, we were not aware that it was our last, but such is the case, having negotiated the sale of the Journal office to Mr. J. A. Crawford, who will change the name and object of the paper. We will state that all those who have paid us for the Journal will receive the Cap Sheaf up to the time they paid for the Journal. That we have been suc- cessful in our efforts to publish a temper- ance journal our friends admit, and taking all things into consideration we are glad we can retire from the publication of it with little or no financial loss to ourselves or our patrons. Many will no doubt blame us for not continuing the publica- tion of the Journal. To such we will say that a large majority of the temperance people of the State do not want a temper- ance journal, and will not support the same, especially in a political campaign like the present. Hence, we concluded to
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sell the Journal to save ourselves from financial loss.
"To all those who gave us their support we return our thanks, and will ask of those who owe us on subscription, to settle the matter at once, so as to enable us to meet our demands.
"To our exchanges we return thanks for their kindness in exchanging with us, and for tieir many kind notices of the Jour- nal.
"In conclusion we will state that it is with joy and regret that we take our leave. Joy, that we are relieved from our labors, and yet we regret that we are unable to continue them. That we have made many friends we are assured, and, on the other hand, we have made bitter enemies, we are also assured. To the latter we will say we have no apology to offer, and take it as an assurance we have done our duty; for had we not done our duty we would neither had friends nor enemies. With this assurance we take our leave."
Mr. Crawford, on taking possession of the office, at once revived the old name of CAP SHEAF,
and placing it at the head of the paper, once more entered the arena to defend the tenets of the Democratic party. In launchi- ing his craft upon the stormy seas of jour- nalism, he, too, had something to say, which was couched in the following lan- guage:
"The Northwestern Journal, press and office, having changed hands, necessitates a discontinuance of that sheet with the issue of No. 39, Vol. I; its place to be oc- cupied by a journal of different name and character, devoted to another cause than that of temperance.
"It will be sufficient for our first issue to state the mere outlines of the course in- tended to be pursued through the present campaign, as we yet have not completed necessary arrangements to make our first paper little more than an introductory.
"This paper will be devoted to the cause of Democracy; placing at its mast- head the names of Tilden and Hendricks, we will follow with all and every Demo- cratic conventional nominee, both state and local. We propose making this jour- nal purely Democratic, not a bolter's battle-axe. Neither do we propose to publish a weak-kneed, conservative organ, for it is considered that the doctrine un- der whose teachings our government ad- vanced from infancy to manhood, under the ruling of which our nation expanded, from a small confederation to a firm and mighty government, is yet good enough to support, without being interspersed with conservative rules and nurtured on Greeley milk. * * *
* None but bandy-kneed conservatives and half-con- verted radicals, will assume in this cam- paign a neutral stand, or desert the cause, because the minions of deep corruption and darkness dire has for so long held the balance of power; or because the strong- hold of salary-grabbers or corrupt rings will point the sharky finger, and exclaim, -a Democrat is a traitor! * * * * All that is needed to make our cause suc- cessful, is a combined action of our party, from our platform and our standpoint. By such uniformity of action, we can drive the radical calves away from the treasury kettle, and leave them dolefully bellowing for another lick at its much-coveted con- tents.
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.
"Should onr young journal be the means of converting one radical to the cause of Democracy and right, we will be happy; our sanctum sanctorum will be a place of rejoicing; for sacred writ says-'he that converteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a sonl from hell; thereby hiding a multitude of sins.'
"And let it be understood that this is not a campaign paper only, but a perma- nent thing; a fixed star in the journalistic constellation, whose "shine" we hope to improve and brighten, as it rises above the horizon and misty haze (Hayes.)
'It will not be our aim to make war on individuals; we will attack only party principles and not persons. Only when we are pitched_into shall we show fight, as 'self-defense is nature's first law.'
"It will be our aim to make this paper worthy of the patronage of the party and others, who desire a live, local sheet, a good advertising medium, and a general raider on the wrongs, rings, and corrup- tion, from whatever source they arise."
The paper ran thus until September 29, 1876, when J. S. Barnett took it in charge as agent for the mortgagee, and George S. Wedgewood was installed ] as editor, but it did not long survive, the last issue appearing upon the 20th of October, 1876. LEWIS INDEPENDENT.
The only newspaper published at Lewis at the present time, is the Independent. It was established by the present proprie- tor and editor, J. B. Erion, who came here from Springville, Linn county for the purpose. The first issue appeared May 19, 1880, and each Wednesday since that time it has been published with great regularity. The first edition of the pa-
was 1,200 copies, which were distributed among those who had already subscribed, and in the territory in which it was thonght the paper would acquire a circulation. The salutatory was conched in the follow- ing language :
"WHAT WE ARE HERE FOR.
To-day we have the pleasure of handing you the first number of the Lewis Inde- pendent, together with our compliments. Examine it carefully, criticise it leniently, and decide-that is, in our favor. There is a period in the history of all business points, of any pretensions whatever, when it seems to become necessary, in the course of human events, for some enter- prising American citizen to immolate him- self on the altar of journalism, for the benefit of the public, by supplying that 'long felt want' for which every paper in the land has been established. Lewis has arrived at that stage in her history. (It sometimes occurs more than once). The business of the town demands the publi- cation of a weekly journal within its bor- ders, and the initial number is before you. As its name implies, it will be independ- ent in politics-now and forever-but will not fail to to give important political. news and results impartially and fairly, withont taking sides in the already over- troubled pool of politics. Our specialty will consist in giving the people a genuine home paper, one that will give all its time and space. to the publication, in an at- tractive form of local and county news in its local columns, while our 'patent out- side' will give a better and more complete epitome of general news from over the entire world than we could possibly ob- tain for our readers through any other me-
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