USA > Iowa > Cerro Gordo County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 32
USA > Iowa > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo counties, Iowa and biographies of representative citizens. History of Iowa, embracing accounts of the pre-historic races > Part 32
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HAMPTON FREE PRESS.
This paper was established at IIamp- ton, in 1869, by L. B. Raymond, the first issue making its appearance on the 1st of October. Mr. Raymond continued its publication alone, with the exception of a few months, when G. II. Brock was associated with him, continuing until April 3, 1872, when the office was pur-
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chased by J. C. Whitney, and consolidated with the Recorder.
THE MAGNET.
The Magnet was established in 1871 by W. C. Eaton. It was a six column folio, and was a good paper, full of interesting news and paying advertisements. In 1876 Mr. Eaton sold the paper to J. C. Whit- ney, who dropped the name Magnet, and in its stead adopted that of the Chronicle. Mr. Eaton came to Franklin county from Wisconsin. He had spent a number of years in the newspaper business, and was an able editor. He went from here to Northwood, Worth county, this State.
THE CHRONICLE.
This representative of the press was es- tablished at Hampton in 1876, the first issue making its appearance on the 2d of August. The founder was J. Cheston Whitney, who also started the Franklin Reporter. The paper was a well printed and ably edited six-column quarto, well filled with general and local news, and home advertisements. In introducing his paper to the public Mr. Whitney, in his first issue, said :
"Strange, unlooked for, events are con- stantly occurring. Little did we think when one short month ago we penned our parting words, made public through the columns of the Recorder, that we should so soon resume the management of a news- paper in Hampton.
" We expected at that time to seek a home elsewhere, and in some locality find new friends and form new associa- tions, but circumstances have conspired to produce a different result, and again we have the pleasure of greeting old, fa- miliar friends through a different channel
from that hitherto employed. As we again enter the field of journalism, we do it with the determination to furnish the people of Franklin county with a paper of which they shall have no reason to feel ashamed. Our object will be to make a good local paper, and hence, special atten- tion will be devoted to home interests- the interests of the town and county in which we live.
"We shall seek to faithfully chronicle current events, to encourage and assist in building up those enterprises which are calculated to benefit the community, and, so far as lies in our power, labor to pro- mote the best interests of the public, upon whom we are dependent for support.
"We have been connected with the re- publican party ever since its organization, and love it for the grand work which it has accomplished, and while we are free to admit that abuses have crept into the party, and unprincipled men have attached themselves to it for selfish purposes, as will always be the case with the party in power, we still believe that it is the party of progress and reform, and that the gov. ernment will be more secure by the con- tinuance of a republican administration, than by placing it in the hands of the op- position. Believing this, we shall give the support and influence of our paper to the republican party, at the same time feeling it to be our duty to censure the wrong wherever found, and to refuse to aid in the election of unworthy men by whomsoever placed in nomination. In short, we shall aim to publish a paper which will be a welcome and valued guest in the homes which it may enter; a paper always earnest in its devotion to the prin-
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ciples of sound integrity, whether in social civil or political circles. We come not here a stranger, and we regard a lengthy salutatory unnecess ry, as from our course in the past a fair conception may be gained of what may be expected in the future. With these introductory words we again hopefully engage in our pleas- ant work."
In the second issue the following para- graph appeared with the statement that it had been omitted the previous week:
"As was announced in last week's paper, we have purchased from W. C. Eaton his entire interest in the Magnet, and shall continue its publication under the name of the Chronicle."
J. C. Whitney remained as sole pro- prietor of the Chronicle until Jan. 4, 1879, when his son, C. E. Whitney became a partner. Mr. Whitney announced the change by saying: "The public are here- by notified that I have associated with myself in the publication of the Chronicle my son, C. E. Whitney, thus realizing what has for several years been antici- pated to occur Jan. 1, 1879. The business of the office will hereafter be transacted under the name of J. C. Whitney & Son."
The Chronicle had undergone various changes as to size, and at this time came to the public as a seven column quarto, which size is still retained. It has attained a large and steadily increasing circulation, and is one of of the largest and best fam- ily papers in this part of the State. Both J. C. Whitney and his son, C. E., are practical newspaper men, and are easy and fo cible writers.
C. E. Whitney, junior member of the firm J. C. Whitney & Son, has charge of the
local management of the Chronicle. He was born in Rockford, Ill., Jan. 28, 1857. His parents, J. C. and Anna (Otis) Whit- ney, were natives of the New England States. Mr. Whitney, senior, was for- merly a carpenter by trade, but for the past twenty-three years has devoted his attention to the newspaper business. In 1859 the family came to Iowa, locating in Floyd county, where the father taught school for a time, and then engaged in his present profession. While there Mr. Whitney served three terms as superin- tendent of schools. They remained in Floyd county until 1865, when they re- moved to Mason City, where J. C. edited the Mason City Republican in connection with teaching the city schools. In May, 1866, they came to Hampton, and Mr. Whitney, senior, purchased the material that had been used in the Franklin Record office, and established what is now the Franklin Recorder. He has since made Hampton his home, devoting his attention to the newspaper business. He has held many offices of trust.
C. E. Whitney learned his trade in his father's office, and on the Ist of January, 1879, became a partner in the publi- cation of the Chronicle. For the past year he has had entire charge of the paper. On the 1st of September, 1880, C. E Whitney was married to Anna B. Logan, of Hampton, and they have two children. In politics the Messrs. Whitney are staunch republicans.
REAL ESTATE JOURNAL.
In 1870 the Real Estate Journal was established at Hampton by James Thomp- son. It was a monthly, intended chiefly as an advertising medium for his real
17
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estate business. Mr. Thompson soon after disposed of his interest to Davidson & Co., who continued the paper under the name of the Freeholder. After several months the publication was discontinued.
IIAMPTON LEADER.
The paper under this name was estab- lished at Hampton in 1877, the first issue making its appearance on the 28th of De- cember, as an eight-column folio with patent insides. The founder was L. B. Raymond, who had been identified with the press of Franklin county since 1866. The paper was neatly printed, well edited, and had a good patronage. The office was well stocked with materials belong- ing to the art preservative. In intro- ducing his paper to the public, Mr. Ray- mond said :
" We take pleasure in presenting to your notice the initial number of the Hampton Leader, a weekly newspaper to be published at Hampton, Franklin Co., Iowa, until further notice.
"To those who know the undersigned, it is unnecessary to say that the Leader will be radically republican at all times and under all circumstances. We are not of the number who believe that the republi- can party is dead, or that it has outlived its usefulness, but we believe that it has a glorious and progressive future before it, as well as honorable record in the past. We believe that for its future spirit in the accomplishment of what we regard as its manifest destiny, it must depend upon the men to whom its past success is due, and to those actuated by the same motives and following the same lines of conduct. The past record of the republican party is good enough for us, and if any reform is
needed, we want it made inside of the ranks of the party as has been done in the past."
In the same connection the editor states that as a logical conclusion, he was opposed to the administration of Presi- dent Hayes, and refused to recognize him as a republican, and that if a fair con- struction of his language meant " to the victors belong the spoils" so be it. "But," continued the article, "it is only proper to say that we do not expect to make politi- cal affairs a prominent feature of the Leader. We only say what we do on the subject to properly define our position ; but we expect to make this paper a news- paper in every sense of the word. We intend to give news, especially the local news, and our creed upon this point may be summed up in a very few words 'all news-and the truth about it. '"
For one year Mr. Raymond continued the publication of the Leader, when it was merged into the Franklin County Recorder, under the management of McCracken & Raymond. The Leader had a successful career and made money for its publisher.
ONCE A MONTII.
This was the title of a monthly maga- zine published at Hampton in 1878, by . Charles Wilcox. Its existence was short and uneventful.
THE SHEFFIELD PRESS.
This is among the best local newspapers in the northern part of the State. It was established by the present editor and pro- prietor, Frank P. Morgan, in 1880, the first issue coming to light on the 4th of March, 1880, as a five-column folio. It was, and still is, a neatly printed, well made up, and ably edited sheet, well filled
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with local and general news and advertise- ments. Mr. Morgan is a practical news- paper man, well posted on all topics of the day, and a good writer. In introducing his paper to the public the editor said :
"We herewith present ourselves before you with a few words by way of introduc- tion, simply because such is the custom. We are aware that, as a rule, the starting of a new paper is a hazardous undertaking, but hope, with the encouragement and help of our friends, to be successful. We view political matters from a republican standpoint, consequently, the political complexion of the Press will be of that character. Not having had an opportunity to interview Mr. Blaine, or Mr. Grant, or Mr. Edmunds or Mr. Sherman as to their respective chances for the Presidency, we have concluded to accept the situation and give whichever one receives the nomina- tion our hearty and undivided support. At the same time, way down in the secret recesses of our heart, the man of Maine occupies a place which is a little more tender than the places occupied by the others. Mr. Grant has had glory enough for any one man in this world ; a third term might ruin him. Mr. Edmunds is a very wise, good man, and, no doubt, would make an excellent President, but they say he is not available; and Mr. Sherman is needed right where he now is. This settles the Presidential question; in our mind. However, the election of either one of the above named gentlemen or all of them or any one else, does not, neces- sarily, have anything to do with the publi- cation or control of the Press. Even the man with the big "bar'l" has not, neither indeed, can he have any influence over our
destiny in that direction. The Press will be published all the same and right along, just as though nothing in particular had happened ; and we take this occasion to call upon our friends to assist us in mak- ing the paper such a one as will be a credit to our community. This can be done in no better way than by a liberal patronage in the way of advertising, job work, and aid in extending our circulation. We want a correspondent in every neigh- borhood, who will give us the news from their respective localities. If a house, or a barn, or a hen coop, or a hog-pen, or a corn-crib is built, or if a man wallops his Qwn wife or runs away with his neighbor's wife, just send us the items and we will publish them with pleasure. Our two great objects are to furnish a good home paper and accumulate wealth. We re- spectfully ask your co-operation, and be- lieve we shall receive it.
Respectfully yours, F. P. MORGAN."
The Press has changed its form several times, assuming its present size, eight column folio, Jan. 1, 1883. It has a large and steadily increasing subscription list, and is justly entitled to be ranked among the best local papers and advertising me- diums in this congressional district. The subscription price is $1.50 per annum.
F. P. Morgan, editor and proprietor of the Press, was born in Whitewater, Wis., May 27, 1853. He is a son of E. F. and Mary (Benjamin) Morgan. They moved to Richland Co., Wis., when he was two years old, where he received his education. At the age of eighteen, he commenced to learn the printer's trade, working on both
.
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
the Richland County Observer and Sentinel. In 1879, he came to Hampton and worked on the Recorder a few months, and then went to Butler county and started the Bristow Dial, which he run for three months, when he sold, came to Sheffield
and founded the Sheffield Press. Mr. Morgan was married to Nettie Jones, daughter of S. M. Jones, of Hampton, in 1880. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Sheffield, and a staunch republican in politics.
CHAPTER XV.
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 question of slavery, but the fears of slaveholders were only allayed for a short time. Threats of secession were often made by the slaveholding 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, to- gether 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 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 democrats, 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 se- cession and disunion in case of the election 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
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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 independ- ent State, with full power to levy war and conclude peace, contract alliances, estab- lish commerce, and do all other acts and thing 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 peace, 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 ad- ยท mirable 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 appeals for re-inforcements were seconded by General Scott, but unheeded by President Buchanan, and entirely ig-
nored 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 re- signed 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.
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 Mississippi 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 secession conclave. On the 9th, Secretary 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 home- ward, leaving Fort Sumter and its gallant little band to the mercy of the rebels. On the same day, the ordinance of secession
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passed the Mississippi Convention. Flor- ida 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 Lake Pontchartrain entrance. Pensa- cola navy ya d and Fart Barrancas were surrendered to rebel troops by Col. Arm- strong on the 13th. Lieut. Slemmer, who had drawn his command from Fort Mc- Rae to Fort Pickens, defied Armstrong's orders, and announced his intention to to hold the fort at all hazards. The Georgia convention adopted an ordinance of secession on the 19th. On the 20th, Lieut. Slemmer was besieged by a thousand allied troops at Fort Pickens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of secession on the 25th. On .the 1st of February the rebels seized the United States mint and custom house at New Orleans. The peace con- vention assembled at Washington on the 4th, but adjourned without doing anything to quiet the disturbed elements. On the 9th, a provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Ala., it being the consti- tution of the United States reconstructed 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 inaugu- rated on the 18th, and on the 25th it was learned that General Twiggs, command- ing the department of Texas, had basely betrayed his trust, and that he had sur- rendered all the military posts, munitions and arms to the authorities of Texas.
Mr. Lincoln was inaugurated March 4, 1861, in front of the capitol, the inaugu- ration 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 Amer- ican people and the civilized world awaited with irrepresible anxiety. With that ad- dress, and the administration of he 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- self of the people, the government was safe.
Traitors were still busy, plotting and planning. Troops were mustering in all the seceded States. On Friday, April 12, the surrender of Fort Sumter, with its garrison of sixty effective men, was de- manded and bravely refused by the gallant Maj. Anderson. Fire was at once opened on the helpless garrison by the rebel forces, numbered by thousands. Resist- ance was useless, and at last the National colors were hauled down, and by traitor hands were trailed in the dust. On Sun- day morning the 14th, the news of the surrender was received in all the princi- pal cities of the Union. That was all, but that was enough. A day later, when the news was confirmed and spread through the country, the patriotic people of the North were startled from their dreams of the future-from undertakings half com- pleted-and made to realize that behind that mob there was a dark, deep, and well organized purpose to destroy the govern- ment, rend the Union in twain, and out
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of its ruins erect a slave oligarchy, wherein no one would dare question their rights to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black. Their dreams of the future-their plans for the establishment of an independ- ent confederacy-were doomed from their inception to sad and bitter disappoint- ment. Everywhere north of Mason and Dixon's line, the voice of Providence was heard :
"Draw forth your million blades as one; Complete the battle now begun ; God fights with ye, and overhead Floats the dear banner of your dead. They, and the glories of the past, The future, dawning dim and vast, And all the holiest hopes of man, Are beaming triumphant in your van."
"Slow to resolve, be swift to do ! Teach ye the False how fights the True ! How buckled Perfidy shall feel,
In her black heart the Patriot's steel ; How sure the bolt that Justice wings ; How weak the arm a traitor brings; How mighty they who steadfast stand, For Freedom's flag and Freedom's land."
On Monday, April 15, President Lin- coln issued the following proclamation :
"WHEREAS, The laws of the United States have for some time past, and are now, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Mis- sissippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals ; now, therefore I, Abra- ham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested by the Consti- tution and the laws, have thought to call forth, and hereby do call forth the militia of the sev- eral States of the Union, to the number of 75, - 000, in order to suppress said combinations. and to cause the laws to be duly executed.
The details for this subject will be immedi- ately communicated to the State authorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, and to aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and existence of our National Union, and the per- petuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first services assigned to the forces hereby called forth, will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union ; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consist- ently with the object aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of, or interference with property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons composing the combina- tions aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, within twenty days from this date.
Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, I do, hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Con- gress. The Senators and Representatives are, therefore summoned to assemble at their re- spective chambers at 12 oclock noon, on Thurs- day, the fourth day of July next, then and there to consider and determine such measures as iu their wisdom the public safety and interest may seem to demand.
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