USA > Illinois > Perry County > Combined history of Randolph, Monroe and Perry counties, Illinois . With illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 49
USA > Illinois > Randolph County > Combined history of Randolph, Monroe and Perry counties, Illinois . With illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 49
USA > Illinois > Monroe County > Combined history of Randolph, Monroe and Perry counties, Illinois . With illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 49
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The Weekly Randolph County Democrat was founded by Judge J. M. Ralls. The first number was issued March 10, 1857. The office was brought from Sparta and managed by J. W. Fletcher, who was a practical printer. He subse- quently founded the Sentinel at Centralia, which is still in existence.
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH, MONROE AND PERRY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
The Democrat was a 6 column folio, and its name indi- cated its politics. Judge Ralls continued proprietor until April 1, 1858, when he sold out to H. B. Nisbet and C. C. Clemens. They continued the Demoerat as an independent paper. At the elose of the third volume, or on April 1st, 1860, Mr. Nisbet purchased Clemens' interest and conducted the paper until June 1865. When he got control he made it a republican paper. It gave an unqualified and hearty support to the union cause and all measures for the suppression of the rebellion. John W. Dean and M. W. Rotrock purchased the Democrat. The firm of Dean & Rottoek continued editors and publishers until 1876, when Rotrock sold his interest back to Mr. Nisbet. The firm name was then Dean & Co. Dean during this time had charge of the management of the paper. He let it run down, so that it became of little value. It was sold to the Clarion Company.
The next candidate for journalistic favors in Chester was the
Egyptian Picket Guard .- John R. Shannon and Robert MeHenry were the founders. The first number was issued May 22nd, 1862. Mr. P. W. Baker, a veteran printer and publisher in southern Illinois, had much to do in organizing the Company, and placing the Picket Guard upon its feet. He was the compositor in the office and set up the paper, and also had an interest in the business. In fact it was owing to his energy and industry that the paper was started. In the spring of 1863 Mr. Mellenry, whose health had failed, withdrew from the paper and went to California. Mr. Shannon then became sole Editor and publisher. The Picket Guard at once became extremely partisan in its tone and gave offense to the union sentiment in the county. In the summer of 1863 it suspended publication for two months. In the meantime a Company composed of the leading Demo- erats of the county was formed and the paper became the property of the democratic party of Randolph county. S. St. Vrain was appointed as its special agent, treasurer and general manager. P. W. Baker took charge as publisher, and managed the business department inside the office. John R. Shannon was continued as Editor. He was extremely partisan in his views, and criticised the measures adopted for the suppression of the rebellion in such a canstie term that he provoked the anger of a company of soldiers who in July 1864 broke into the office, took out the type and scattered it along the streets. The office was refitted with type and the publication resumed. Soon after that event John McBride, a prominent local politician, became proprietor of the Picket Guard He retained Shannon as Editor. In 1865 McBride retired from the management and was succeeded by William H. Toy, who published the paper until the fall of 1867, when McHenry, one of the original proprietors, returned from California and assumed control He changed the name to
The Valley Clarion, and continued Editor and publisher until June 1868, when he died. Robert E Deitrich con- ducted the paper until the close of the year, when he was succeeded by William J. Armour who held control until Nov. 9th, 1869; then Charles L. Spencer purchased the
Clarion and continued editor and publisher until December 8th, 1875. During Spencer's management the Clarion be- came the leading and most potential: Democratic newspaper in the District. Ile was not only an able editor but was in addition a most excellent newspaper manager. Few country newspapers in Illinois prayed so profitable as the Clarion under Mr. Spencer's management. On the last date above named Mr. Spencer sold the Clarion to John H Lindsey d. Co. The Company was composed of Beverly Weltshire, who was then sheriff, and John S. MeBride, County Clerk. Mr. Lindsey was at that time County Judge. In the spring of 1876 the publishing firm was changed to the
Valley Clarion Printing Company .- On the 1st of May, 1876, John F. Lindsey sold out to Charles L. Spencer and John S. MeBride. They remained proprietors with Mr. Spencer as Editor until February 11th, 1878, when John H. Lindsey purchased the interests of the Valley Clarion Printing Company and became again the publisher. He associated with him Robert E. Deitrich in the editorial de- partment. This arrangement continued until October 1st, 1880, when he sold out to Wm. M. Holmes, the present Editor and publisher.
The Valley Clarion is the organ of the Democratic party in Randolph connty. It is typographieally neat and well edited, and its superior management reflects credit upon its owner.
The Frei Blaetter was the name of a German paper published in Chester. The first issue was made August 11th, 1880. It was brought to Chester from St. Genevieve, Mo. Franz Klein and Alonzo Humphreys were the Editors. It was sold out February 18th, 1881, under a foreclosure and pur- chased by William M. Holmes of the Clarion. It started as an Independent paper but developed into a Republican journal before its demise.
The Chester Tribune was founded October 30th, 1872, by William Knapp and C. B. Wassell. At that time there was no Republican paper published in Chester, and it was started with a view to supply the party with an organ. The firm of Knapp & Wassell continued until February 21st, 1874, when it was dissolved, Wassell retiring, and Mr. Knapp continued sole owner until March 1st, 1881, when he sold to James B. Matlack and James F. Wassell, who bave continned the publication to the present.
It was originally a 6 col. folio. Mr. Knapp enlarged it to a 5 col. quarto. The present proprietors changed it back to a folio form, 7 col.
The Tribune has been an exponent of Republican prin- ciples since its first establishment. The proprietors are both practical printers and have had considerable experience in the printing business both at the case and in the sanetum, therefore the Tribune under their management has grown to be one of the representative organs of the party in southern Illinois, and is in a healthy financial condition and a source of revenue to its owners.
The Greenback Gazette was the name of a campaign paper printed at the Tribune office. It was edited by R. P. Thompson and A. G. Gordon. It made its appearance in the presidential campaign of 1876, and advocated the claims
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH, MONROE AND PERRY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
of Peter Cooper for the presidency. That there might be no mistake as to its political color, it was printed on green paper. It suspended at the close of the campaign
Eighteen-Eighty was the name of a paper published by Mr. Knapp, in connection with the Tribune. It was issued on Saturdays.
The first paper published in the enterprising town of Red Bnd was called
The Egyptian .- The press and material was purchased in Belleville by John and William Brickey. The first issne was made -, 1868. Peter W. Baker had charge of it for the proprietors. At the same time a German paper was published in Red Bud by the same parties, over which Anton Helmich presided as editor. Both papers supported Seymour and Blair for the pres.de icy. They soon sus- pended.
In 1872 Albert L. Krepps started a paper in Red Bud, called
The Courier .- It continued three months, then ceased publication. No paper was published in the town after that date until August 19, 1876, when the
Red Bud Courier made its appearance. It was edited by De Journette & Brewer. It was Democratic in tone. It suspended after the sixteenth number.
The next venture was the
Courier, Everett H. Eliff editor and publisher. The office was brought to Red Bud from Lebanon. The first number was issued April 20 1877. It also was Democratic in tone. Mr. Eliff continued the publication until Septem- ber 19, 1879, when the office was leased to H C. Hinckley, for the term of one year. In February, 1880, Mr. Eliff purchased the lease from Mr. Hinckley and removed the press and material to Columbia, in Monroe county. On the date of the surrender of the lease Mr. Hinckley bought the Review office and continued the publication of the Courier until August, 1882, when he sold the paper and office to Miss T. A. McDonough, her brother, T. J. McDonough, taking editorial charge. The paper is the exponent of Democratic principles, and in political campaigns the Courier is a factor of more than ordinary importance.
The Review was established in Red Bud July 19, 1879, by William II. Toy. He published the paper for a few months, then closed up the office and soon after sold to Mr. Hinckley as above stated.
Coulterville Chronicle was published in the village of Coulterville. The first issue was made in the latter part of August, 1879. John A. Wall was the proprietor. The office was brought from Pinckneyville. Mr. Wall published the Chronicle for one year, then it passed into the hands of Messrs. McFie & Childs. They changed the name to
Coulterville Headlight. McFie's interest was purchased by his partner, who continues to edit and publish the paper.
The Item was an amateur paper, published monthly and printed in the office of the Sparta Plaindealer. It was edited by E. C. Minner. The first number was issued August 15, 1878, and the last, August 12, 1879.
Our Work was the name of a religious journal, published in Sparta. It was edited by Rev. Thomas E. Green. It was
published under the auspices of the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta.
MONROE COUNTY.
The first newspaper published in Monroe county was established in Waterloo, and founded by Elam Rust. It was called
The Independent Democrat. The first number was printed in the spring of 1843. In 1845 the name was changed to the
War Eagle. It was then Democratic, and supported the administration of James K. Polk and the war measures in- augurated for the conquest of Mexico. It suspended soon afterward. Rust went to Belleville and edited a paper there, after which he drifted north to Central Illinois. In 1856 he published the Democrat in Decatur, Illinois, and died there in 1857.
The War Eagle was succeeded by the
Patriot, which was established by Mr. Abbott February 19th, 1852. Its publication was continued until 1856, when it was sold to H. C. Talbott, and consolidated with the
Monroe Advertiser, which had been established in Waterloo by Mr. Talbott March 1st, 1851. It continued until the purchase of the Waterloo Patriot, then the Advertiser dropped and the Patriot continued. Mr. Talbott continued the pub- lication until 1857 when it suspended. The office was opened in 1858, and J. C. Goethe published the paper for a short time. It was subsequently bought by George Abbott and shipped to Alton.
After the Patriot went down the Democratic party of Monroe county were without an organ. For the purpose of supplying that want a joint stock company was formed, composed of the leading representative men of the party. The principals were Hon. W. H. Morrison, Hon. J. L. D. Morrison, Charles Frick, Hon. William Erd, Johu Morri- son and James Sennott. The latter was chosen editor. The material and presses were bought, aud on the first of August, 1858, the first number of
The Waterloo Advocate was issued. It advocated the elec- tion of Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency. Mr. Sen- nott was succeeded by James A. Kennedy in the editorship and management, and he in turn by Mr. Weedin, a news- paper publisher of Belleville, Illinois. In 1861 J. C. Goethe had charge for a short time. On the first of April, 1862, Mr. J. F. Gotshall succeeded to the management. He continued in charge as editor and manager for the company until 1875, when he purchased the stock of the company, and he became sole owner. Mr. Gotshall is a native of Pennsylvania. At an early age he emigrated to Ohio and learned the printer's trade in the office of the Stark County Democrat at Canton. He came to St. Louis and worked at the case in the Republican office, and from there came to Waterloo.
The Monroe Democrat .- No. 1 of vol. 1 was issued July 10, 1868. It was a German paper edited aud published by Julius Von Reichenstein. Seven numbers were issued when it suspended.
The Waterloo Times was established in October, 1872, by
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPHI, MONROE AND PERRY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
R F. Brown At the elose of volume one it was purchased by A. G. Ferguson and C. F. Vangorder. In July, 1874, Ferguson sold his interest in the paper to R. T. Melvill. The firm of Melvill & Vangorder continued until June 26, 1885, when Melvill retired and Vangorder became sole pro- prietor. He continued the publication until in December, 1876, when he failed. The office passed into possession of the Kellogg Newspaper Company, of St. Louis. They placed a man in charge, and continued the publication for a short time, then sold the paper to a joint stock company, of which William Bodie is President, Henry Talbott Secretary, and C. A. M. Schlierholz Treasurer. Mr. Vangorder was appointed editor and manager. He was succeeded by Peter W. Baker, who held control for three years, then Henry Talbott took charge for a short time. On the 9th of Decem- ber, 1880, George E. Jahn, the present editor and manager assumed control of the paper. Mr. Jahn is a practical printer and editor of more than ordinary ability. He has brought the Times up to a paying basis as well as making it an influential organ of the party in the Congressional Dis triet.
On the 5th of July, 1881, Mr. Jahn commenced the issue of a German paper called the
Monroe Freie Presse. It is a 7-column folio and printed in the Times office. It is the organ of the German Demo- crats of Monroe county.
The Munroe Demokrat was the name of a German paper published in Waterloo in 1856. It was edited by William Keelmann. It was the property of a stock company and was managed by Henry C. Talbott.
The first paper printed in the town of Columbia was the Columbia Gazette. It was started by Everett H. Eliff. The issue was made in February, 1880. The office was brought to the town from Red Bud. Five numbers were issued when the paper suspended. The office remained closed until May 5th following, when it was purchased by Peter W. Baker, and from it was issued the Voice of Monroe. The Gazette was published as a Democratie paper, but the latter advo- eated Republican principles. Owing to the ill health of Mr. Baker the paper suspended publication from Nov. 4th, 1880, to May 6th, 1881, when the publication was resumed and eon- tinued until the elose of 1882. Mr. Baker is a native of Canada. He learned the printer's trade in Cleveland Ohio, and came to Kaskaskia in 1849, and since that time has been connected with the journalism of southern Illinois. His long experience in the sanetum and at the ease makes him one of the best posted men in the state on the politics of the past forty years. Ile is a ready writer, and his articles pos- sess considerable literary merit.
PERRY COUNTY.
The first newspaper established in Perry County was called the Perry County Times. It was published at Pinek- neyville and the first issue made October 1st, 1856. Wil- liam MeEwing was the editor and publisher. In form it was a 5 col. folio.
The second paper was established at Du Quoin, and was
named The Du Quoin Mining Journal. It was founded by l'aul Watkins, a practical printer who was well known to the early journalists of the State. The first number was is- sued Aug. 21st, 1858. In form it was a 4 col. folio, subse- quently enlarged to a 7 col. same form. It was Republican in polities, and devoted to the interests of Du Quoin and vi- einity. Mr. Watkins continued editor and publisher until his death, after which the office passed into the hands of Alonzo Bennett He changed its polities and converted it into an ultra Democratie paper. Ile was severe in his eriti- eisms of measures instituted for the suppression of the rebel- lion. MIis extreme views led to a rupture between him and a company of suldiers. They broke into the office and pitched the type into the street. Mr. Bennett refurnished the office, but soon after the paper suspended publication.
The Stars and Stripes was established in Du Quoin, March 24th, 1864, J. D. Mondy editor and publisher. The press and type were purchased by the citizens, who contributed different sums. In the prospectus it was announced by the editor that the " Stars and Stripes was to be an unconditional Union paper-to be for the Union,-whole Union,-without any ifs, or ands, or buts-believing as we do, that there can be but two parties in this conflict. A man must be either for his country or against it. He must be either a patriot or a traitor. A man can not serve two masters. He must love his country and despise its enemies."
Mr. Mondy continued editor and publisher for a few weeks only. On the 26th of April, 1864, Mr. Geo. O. Ash aud A. B. Bennett formed a partnership and took charge of the Stars and Stripes. They held control uutil December 30 of the same year, when they were succeeded by W. A. Ballard & Co -J. E. Bowen was the "Co." This arrange. ment continued eight months, when Mr. Bowen retired. The name of the paper was changed by Mr. Ballard to the Du Quoin Recorder. The first issue of the paper under the new name was March 3d, 1865. Ballard conducted the paper until 1867, when Charles H. Hays became associated with him. This arrangement continued until November 7, 1867, then Ballard sold the Recorder to R. Berry, and the latter formed a partnership with A. J. Alden, the editor and pro- prietor of the Tribune, and the two papers were consolidated under the name of the Tribune and Recorder.
When Mr. Bowen retired from the firm of W. A. Ballard & Co., publishers of the Stars and Stripes, he purchased an office and commenced the publication of a Democratie paper called the Du Quoin Progress. The first issue was made October 14, 1865. It was a seven-column folio. Hle con- tinued editor and proprietor until his death in 1868; after which it was published for a short time by his brother, Frank Bowen. The office was afterwards sold and removed to Pinckneyville.
The Du Quoin Tribune was established by A. J. Alden, and the first number issued March 21st, 1867. It was an eight-column folio, Republican in politics. It was yet in its first volume when it was consolidated with the Recorder. The firm of Alden & Berry continued until November 9, 1870, when Alden's interest was purchased by J. T. Beem
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH, MONROE AND PERRY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
and C. P. Richards, two practical printers and compositors in the office. The firm of Berry, Beem & Richards con- tinued until Feb. 10, 1874, at which time Mr. Berry retired, from the firm, and the remaining partners have conduc ed the paper to the present.
The Tribune is the recognized organ of the Republican party in the Twentieth Congressional District. It is neatly printed and ably edited. The office is well supplied with al] the modern styles of type necessary to the successful opera- tiou of a country newspaper, and fitted up with power presses, etc. Altogether, it is not excelled in this respect by any other office in Southern Illinois, outside of Cairo.
Mr. Beem is a native of Pittsburg, Penn. He came to Alton, Ills., when young, and learned the printer's trade in the office of the Alton Telegraph. In 1861 he was one of the firm who re-established that paper. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. " G," 97th regiment Ills. Vols., and served three years in the army. At the close of the war he returned to Alton, and in 1868 came to Du Quoin, and, two years later, became one of the proprietors and editors of the Tribune. C. P Richards, the junior member of the firm, is a native of Wy- oming county, New York, where he learned the trade of printing. He came west in 1863, and worked in the print- ing offices of Kalamazoo, Chicago, Champaign and Rock Island. He came to Du Quoin in 1868, and in 1870 became a partner in the Tribune, and has continued as one of the editors and publishers of the paper to the present.
The Du Quoin Republican .- The office of the above named paper was bought in Pinckneyville, where it was known as the Banner office, by Messrs. Kimball & Taylor of Belle- ville, Illinois, and by them removed to Du Quoiu. The first number was issued May 6, 1871. Frank R. O'Neil was placed in charge as editor and manager. It was a nine column folio, republican iu politics. The publication was continued until the third volume, when the Union News- paper Company of Belleville, of which Messrs. Kimball & Taylor were the proprietors, failed, and with them failed the different newspapers under their management in southern Illinois.
The Perry County Banner, No. 1, of volume 1 was flung to the journalistic breeze May 27, 1869. John A. Wall and D. B. Van Syckel were the editors and proprietors. When first issued, it was, iu form a six column folio, subsequently it was enlarged to an eight column same form. On the Ist of May, 1870, Mr. Van Sickel's interest was purchased by E. II. Lemen, Esq. Ile took charge of the editorial columns, and soon gave the Banner a political standing among its contemporaries. It started as an independent paper, but Mr. Lemen made it the exponent of republican principles. The increasing business in his profession compelled his retirement from the editorial chair, the date of which was February 10, 1871. W. K. Murphy and John Boyd succeeded him as political editors, and of course they gave it a different political cast. The paper was soon after sold to Messrs. Kimball & Taylor as stated above and re- moved to Du Quoin.
In 1870 the citizens of Tamaroa concluded that a news- paper was necessary in order to speak for the town, and in-
form the outside world the advantages it possessed over many places in Illinois. The citizens with commendable liberality subscribed a sum sufficient to purchase a press and the necessary outfit of type. They selected L. E. Knapp- and II. W. Adams to take charge of it as editors and pub- lishers. The first number was printed December 20th, 1870, and bore the name of the
Perry County Watchman .- The publication continued un- der the same management until 1872, then D. C. Barber who had obtained control of the stock, leased the office to H. F. Montressor. He changed the name to
The Enterprise -His administration was short and not over brilliant. The material was then leased to E. W. Koonce who changed the name to
The Star .- The Star shone with a lack-lustre brilliancy for a short time, when its light went out and in its place came
The Item, under the editorial control of F. A. Allison ; after him came the Curlee Bro-, who run it for a short time, then Mr. Barber sold it to parties in Murphreysboro, Jackson county, Illinois, since which time there has been no paper published in Tamaroa.
The News was the name of a paper published iu Du Quoin by Thos. K. Wi loughby. It was independent in politics. After the close of the first volume it was removed to Piuck- nezville, and from the office was issued
The Independent, a democratic paper, the first issue of which was made January 16th, 1875. John A. Wall was the editor and proprietor. He ran it successfully until November 1878, when a mortgage held against the office was foreclosed and it passed into the posession of E. C. H. Willoughby. He changed the name to the
Pinckneyville Democrat .- It passed from Mr. Willoughby to J. J. Sargeant and T. K. Will ughby. It was originally a seven column folio. The last named publisher changed it to a five column quarto. Sargeant bought out Willoughby's interest in 1880, and published the Democrat until October 28, 1881, when publication was suspended. The office was then purchased by W. A. Penny, and the next issue made November 25, 1881. On the same date J. J. Penny, a brother of W. A. Penny, became a partner, and took charge of the editorial columns. The Democrat in the hands of Mr. Penny has become healthy and prosperous, and bids fair under his management to live a long life of usefulness.
John A. Wall and L. D. Murphy purchased a press and material and ou the 16th of November 1878 issued at Pinck- neyville the first number of the Perry County Signal. It was an independent Republican paper. In April 1879 Mr. Wall withdrew from the Signal and took charge of the Belle. ville Advocate, afterward established the Chronicle at Coul- terville then moved it to Benton, run it one year, then sold out, and at present is engaged at farming near Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Mr. Wall learned the printer's trade in Mt. Ver- non, and has been connected with many papers in the differ- ent counties of Jefferson, Marion, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair Williamson and Franklin. His papers were always popu- lar with the masses.
The Press was first issued at Tamaroa May 9th, 1879, by
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HISTORY OF RANDOLPH, MONROE AND PERRY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
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