USA > Illinois > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 18
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In 1802 another paper was established at Edwardsville. The " Star of the West." The name was changed the next year to Illinois Republican. In 1823 the Republican Advocate was established at Kaskaskia. In 1826 James Joncs started at Galena the Miners' Journal. The papers taken in early days were few, and in this county were the ones mentioned above, as published at Kaskaskia, Shawneetown and St. Louis.
Our County now contains five newspapers, all seemingly well supported, as they certainly deserve to be, by the people. They have done much in the past and will do more in the future to attract the attention of those desiring homes in the west, to the great resources, as yet but partially developed, of our County.
The histories of the different papers that have been or are now published in this County have been furnished by those who have been connected with them, and hence can be relied on as correct. It is a history of struggles, some of them, hopeless, against untoward circumstances and great obstacles. But they are now established in the affections of the people, and are demanded by the spirit of the times, and brighter prospects greet the editor's eye, than those of the past.
57
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
The first paper established in Jackson County was at Murphysboro,' the County seat in the Spring of 1855, thirty-eight years after the political birth of the County. This was entitled :
THE JACKSON DEMOCRAT.
Mr. George C. Bierer was the proprietor, and Dr. F. C. Bierer, now a resi- dent of Murphysboro', was the editor. The attempt was somewhat hazardous, as the county was sparsely inhabited. The leading citizens of the county were anxious to have a newspaper, and promised the enterprising firm a sub- scription list of 400. The town of Murphysboro', at this time, contained less than 200 inhabitants. The business houses were few. There were four stores, two blacksmith shops, one wagon-maker's shop and liquor grocery. The success of the venture under such conditions could not fail to be some- what doubtful. The brothers went energetically to work. A small press was purchased in St. Louis. As no railroads were then in existence in this part of the country, the press was sent by river. It came up Big Muddy River on the " Walk in the Water," which staunch little craft is well re- membered by our older citizens of the county. The friends of the enterprise, and those who had encouraged the establishment of the Democrat, were never able to secure a list of more than 250 subscribers instead of the 400 pro- mised. Jackson County, at this time, contained no towns except the county seat, if indeed that deserved the name of town. It was a village, rather ; hence there was scarcely any advertising for the first-born journal of the county.
To add still more to the difficulties that surrounded the proprietor and editor during the summer of '54, it was the year of the building of the Illi- nois Central R. R., and the principal merchants of the place, whose support and advertising patronage were so much needed, removed to the infant town of Carbondale. The lack of advertisements entailed great additional labor on the editor, as each issue had to be filled up somehow. The brothers Bierer hoped against hope, and continued to struggle against the inevitable failure before them for the space of six months. Then they disposed of the material of their office to Gov. A. M. Jenkins, who obligated himself to supply sub- scribers with the paper till the expiration of the period for which they had subscribed. The enterprise, financially, was a failure.
The Jackson Democrat had many warm friends, and the people sustained it, perhaps, as well as they could. The " Winklereid" of the press, Dr. F. C. Bierer, speaks gratefully of the way in which they were encouraged and sustained by the people. The Democrat died, but its spirit walks abroad to- day. It was the " voice of one crying in the wilderness," "Prepare ye, for a more glorious day of enlightenment and progress is at hand." " It rang out the old," and "rang in the new " order of things.
Gov. Jenkins continued the publication of the Democrat until fall, when it was suspended. In June following, the Governor issued the first number of the
MURPHYSBORO' SENTINEL,
which he published about three months, when he disposed of the establish- inent to S. S. Hall. Governor Jenkins lost between $500 and $600 cash during his connection with the Democrat and Sentinel.
Mr. Hall removed the office to De Soto, and changed the name of the paper to the
DE SOTO FARMER.
In less than six months he lost $600. This was in 1855. Several of the citizens of the town (than whom more public-spirited, generous men never existed ) determined not to let the paper go down for want of support, bought the concern, and pledged themselves to continue it one year.
In March, 1856, J. A. Hull, now a resident of Chicago, purchased an interest in the concern, and took the publishing department into his own hands. Mr. Hull says: " We used the strictest economy, and tried every means to make it pay, but in spite of our exertions the proprietors sunk at least $500 by the Farmer. Mr. Hull says, further,-we quote from the edi- torials of the Carbondale Transcript of August 20th, 1857-" This was truly discouraging, and few men would have continued a paper under such circum- stances. However, after duly weighing all the circumstances, we determined again to hazard the experiment, trusting that by pursuing a different course in regard to business matters, we should be able to make a living at printing a paper in Jackson County. We saw that it was necessary for our success that our office should be located in a place where we could have frequent and
regular communication with Murphysboro', and greater mail facilities with the interior. This led us to remove to Carbondale.
The greatest error that had been committed by our predecessors and our- selves, was the extremely low prices charged for advertising and job work, much of which had been done at even less than cost. With our removal, we determined to demand more for our services than formerly, and accordingly we raised our prices to what we considered fair, living rates."
The name of the paper after its removal from De Soto to the promising village of Carbondale, in the spring of 1857, was changed to
THE CARBONDALE TRANSCRIPT.
Mr. Hull expended in establishing his paper $1,600 above all receipts, and the editor says : "Then no reasonable man will cavil'at our charges. Had we removed our materials from Jackson County last spring "-this from date of August '57-" it is not probable that any paper would have been estab- lished here again for years. Persons acquainted with the business would have been slow to embark in an enterprise which had proved so ruinous to others. Although we are now reaping from our labors a sufficient amount to support us, we are anxious to do something more. We have room in our colums for a few more advertisements, and our subscription book will hold several hundred more names, and not be crowded." The Transcript was de- mocratic in politics, and bitterly denounced the republicans for traducing John A. Logan.
A file of this paper kindly loaned by Col. D. H. Brush, now lies before me. It is the oldest file of any in the county. A perusal of its columns, yellow with age, bearing date of 1857, discloses the fact that "ye editors of olden times " like those of to-day would have their jokes. The Transcript was a very respectable six column paper ; was ably conducted and well filled with news. A large space was given to the Kansas troubles which had not yet reached a termination. The fillibustering expeditions of Walker and Crabb were detailed at length. About fourteen pages were devoted to ad- vertisements. Notice is given that Little Dorrit, by Charles Dickens, is just from press, price fifty cents. Nearly a column of each issue is occupied in giving a list of broken banks, and the hard times of 1857 are faithfully mirrored in the editorials. Early in 1858, Mr. Hull purchased the Gazette office in Cairo, Illinois, but continued the publication of the Transcript until the month of November of that year, when, the Cairo office having entirely been destroyed by fire, the Transcript establishment was removed by its pro- prietor to Cairo.
CARBONDALE WEEKLY TIMES.
In the summer of 1859, Mr. Hull returned to Carbondale, his home, and established the paper whose title is above. This was also of democratic pro- clivities. The Times became what was known as a " war democratic sheet, and was the first democratic paper in the west to denounce the rebellion, and advocate " bold, sudden, forward, determined action." Immediately after South Carolina passed the ordinance of secession, the voice of the Times de- clared it an act of war, which meant revolution. But Mr. Hull was not satisfied to remain in the peaceful seclusion of his home when his country needed his services in the tented field, and in August, 1862, enlisted in her army. Before going to the front he rented the Times for one year to Mr. D. L. Davis. He received an honorable discharge from the army, returned to Carbondale and resumed the publication of the paper, at the expiration of Mr. Davis' lease. In the spring of 1864, Mr. Hull became editor of the Cairo Daily News, but for several months continucd the publication of the Times, when he sold the office and good-will to Mr. J. T. Vincent, who changed its name to the New Era, and its politics as well. In 1871, Mr. Hull returned to Carbondale from New York city and rented his old office for one year, and this concluded the connection of this veteran editor with the press of Jackson County.
THE NEW ERA.
This was republican in political faith, and as stated above was founded by J. T. Vincent. Mr. Vincent sold the office to John H. Barton.
The New Era was a 28 column paper, and was ably and successfully con- ducted by Mr. Barton, who is a skilful editor. The first issue under the new management bears date of September 27th, 1866. Mr. Barton pub- lished one of the very best papers ever produced in the county. He finally sold his office to Rev. Andrew Luce, who changed the name to the
58
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
CARBONDALE OBSERVER.
Mr. Barton some years later began the publication of the Southern Il- linoisan, a weekly paper. This he only published for a short time when he disposed of his office to Joe P. Robarts, who blended it with the Murphys- boro' Era.
THE OBSERVER.
Rev. Mr. Luce published this sheet for several years. Not meeting with that success which he had anticipated, he disposed of his office to Col. D. H. Brush, and again entered upon his calling as minister of the Presbyterian Church.
Col. D. H. Bruslı disposed of the paper to Prof. C. W. Jerome of the Southern Illinois Normal University with Rev. Mr. Holding as editor and manager. Mr. Holding had it in charge for a time, when he resigned its control to again pursue his loved calling as minister of the Gospel in the M. E. Church. Prof. Jerome thereupon accepted an offer received by hini from Messrs. Will, Van Benthusen and Morgan of Bloomfield, Iowa, and the paper passed into their possession. The first issue under the new man- agement bears date of Friday, Dec. 28th, 1876.
It is not unjust to former editors to say, that Messrs. Van Benthusen and Morgan, made of the Observer a better paper than it had before been. Each had, before assuming control, a large experience in the business of conduct- ing a newspaper, and no profession more imperatively demands a severe and extended course of preparatory training, in order to high success. The promises contained in their inaugural were fulfilled. Van Benthusen's ex- perience, notwithstanding his youth, extended over a period of seven years, and began at the early age of seventeen, when he enjoyed the distinction of being. the youngest editor in the entire state of Iowa. George A. Morgan is an experienced printer, and the job work executed in the Observer's office reflected credit upon his taste and skill. Extensive additions were made to the office after it came into their hands. The Observer struck telling blows for the cause of republicanism during the campaign, and did nobly and well its duty to its party. These young men were forced to give up the Observer in Nov. 1877. The Morgan Brothers, purchased the press and materials of the defunct Carbondale Democrat, and have begun the publication of the Carbondale Free Press.
The proprietor of the Observer, Prof. Jerome, has since sold his paper to Mr. Ackerman, late of Pulaski County, an editor of experience and reputa- tion in his profession throughout the southern part of the state. May lie meet that success which his ability, and high character deserve.
THE JACKSON COUNTY ERA-ILLINOISAN.
This able newspaper is published weekly at Murphysboro', by Gill J. Burr and Joe P. Robarts, under the firm name of Gill J. Burr & Co.
The Ere was established by Joc P. Robarts, in the ycar 1873, the first number appcaring on the 10th day of May. Mr. Robarts was editor aud publisher. From the first the Era has been an influential sheet, and has becn thic organ of the great Republican party. For that party it has done most effective service. Firmly believing his party to be the party of pro- gress and of freedom, its founder has been found fighting " at the fore " for its success; his tones have ever been those of confidence and of victory. When Mr. Robarts established this paper he was animated by sentiments of fealty to party rather than hopes of gain. The party needed a voice to inspire courage and hope in its contests, and the Era has been that voice. We are all glad to know, however, that the investment has been a profitable one in a pecuniary sense; for the Era has probably made more money than any other paper in the county during its time.
It has increased in influence and grown in power since its birth, and at this time claims as large a list of bona-fide subscribers as any newspaper in Jackson county or in southern Illinois.
Its advertising columns give evidence of the high estimation in which it is held as a medium of communication between seller and buyer, between lawyer and client, physician and afflicted. Its market reports are full and leave nothing to be desired. Its columns of intelligence contain, in con- densed form, the news of the week and the manifold transactions of the busy world on whose surface we tread. It contains each week able editorials on the political issues of the day and the great questions that are demanding solution. It is in every sense a news paper.
Its present editor-in-chief, Mr. Gill J. Burr, is a man of great personal
popularity throughout "all the land of Egypt; " has held high positions of power and trust in the county of his adoption, and is known personally to a majority of its citizens. He has clear-cut views, and expresses them in un- mistakable language. He may have enemies, for all positive men have ; but he has friends who are bound to him as it were by hooks of steel.
The junior editor, Mr. Joe P. Robarts, is a man who, though young, has had much experience in the editorial profession. He is no " lean and hungry Cassius," but is one of the kind of men that Cæsar desired always to have around him, for he is " fat." He is well known in political circles.
In the hands of such men, if no unforeseen cause prevents, the Jackson County Era will eventually become the leading Republican paper of southi- ern Illinois. It is now the official mouth-piece of the party and the 18th congressional district, and its predictions are looked to by politicians as fur- nishing a safe guide for the future.
The paper stands upon a firm financial basis, and bids fair to continue its visits to the firesides of our citizens for many years.
It has done much to direct attention to the great undeveloped resources of the county, and by its presentation to the world of her advantages to those desiring good homes, has merited the support and good-will of all our citi- zens, irrespective of party.
Its files should be carefully preserved for reference by the future historian of our part of the State, as they are a reflection of the degrec of advance- ment and of the events of our time.
We feel we but express the sentiments of all public-spirited citizens when we give utterance to a wish for the prosperity of the newsy, capable, cner- getic and outspoken Jackson County Era. . May its future be as its past, cx - cept that as years circle away, its power for good may increase continually.
THE INDEPENDENT.
The original title of this thriving, newsy paper was the Murphysboro' Inde- pendent.
It was established at the County-seat in the month of October and year of 1873, and was, as its name implies, independent in its political principles. It was edited by Bethune Dishon and John W. Grear, both energetic young men. We make the following extract from the editorial salutatory of first issue :
"We take pleasure in presenting to the citizens of Jackson County and southern Illinois, the Murphysboro' Independent, a weekly newspaper devoted to the interests of the tax-payers. The political character of our paper will be strictly independent in all things appertaining thereto, thereby giving our selves that latitude which party organs do not enjoy. * * * * *
"It will be our most earnest endeavor to bring such information before the public as regards the mineral wealth, manufacturing, agricultural and other inducements our county offers to capitalists having money to invest- This subject we will place before the public as favorable opportunities pre- sent themselves to us, and we hope, through the medium of our journal, to add a widow's mite to the good work of increasing and developing the wealth that covers the surface of the county, the products of our soil, and the mil- lions of tons of coal that underlie the surface. * * * * *
" We will denounce all fraud and speculation with the public funds in unmcasured terms, and give credit to those persons who by their wisc and far-seeing judgment may benefit the county in any manner.
" In the way of information of a general and local character, our columns will contain from issue to issue such news as will be both interesting and of that nature and style that it will not offend or injure the feelings of any one ; not dealing in personalities and vile abuse, but in mild and tempered criti- cism, wherever and whenever it may be required.
"In a few words, it will be the people's paper, containing as it does poetry, interesting stories, local news, editorials on the latest and most in- teresting subjects, market reports, and last but not least, will furnish the merchant, farmer and all other classes and professions of its citizens with a true and correct index to where they can purchase whatever may be needed, at the lowest rates. * * * *
" By and with the help of friends of progress, we expect to be able to record any and all items of an interesting nature that may occur in southern Illinois, and continue to grow in favor with the intelligent and respectable -
community."
The Murphysboro' Independent has not falsificd these promises, but has continued to grow in favor alway. Year by year has the number of its friends,
59
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
subscribers and patrons increased. It has won the respect of all and the love of many.
Mr. Dishon severed his connection with the paper in 1876, and its publi- cation was continued by Mr. Grear alone until September, 1877. The word Murphysboro has been dropped from its title, and it long ago left the ranks of the Independents to do valiant service in the cause of true democracy. There is not a doubt that the reduction of the strength of the Republican party in this county is partly attributable to the able manner in which this paper has presented the historic glories and great principles of the party that once was led by a Jefferson, a Jackson and a Douglas. Its warfare has been hon- orable, but fire has been steady upon the line of its enemy, and at times terrific. It is the recognized official organ of the Democratic party, and its voice is heard with attention by friends and foes.
In September, 1877, Mr. Grear, now editor-in-chief, associated with him in the management of the paper a young man of more than average ability and scholarship, Mr. James C. Sowers, who had hitherto been a citizen of Jonesboro'.
The senior editor is so well known as to need no mention at our hands. Honorable in all relations of life, generous in feeling, and just towards all, he merits and receives the respect of all. He is a native of Union County, having first opened his eyes upon the light in Jonesboro', its capital. He has demonstrated to do what is really a difficult thing-conduct a newspaper successfully. With such men for editors the future of the Independent is assured. We believe that the Independent will perform its duty to this county and this part of the State nobly and well.
A glance at its advertising columns evinces the fact that it receives the hearty support of business and professional men, while the list of subscribers is more than respectable. It is now established on a substantial basis, and waxes stronger with its years. Success to the Independent. May it always esteem the right above all things, and labor in the coming as in the past time for the best interests of the good people of this county; may its voice give forth no uncertain sound upon all that pertains to education, morality, and the dear rights of humanity. Again, we say, success to the Independent.
GRAND TOWER ITEM.
This, as its name indicates, is published at Grand Tower. M. F. Swartz- cope, well known to our citizens throughout the county, is the proprietor and editor, since the retirement of Mr. J. P. Stockton on account of ill-health.
It was established early in 1875. The circulation of this sheet is respect- able, and a perusal of its columns reveals the fact that it is conducted with decorum and editorial ability. Mr. Swartzcope's biography will be found in another part of this work, and needs no further mention at our hands here.
The Item contains items of news for all classes and conditions. It is doing a good work in the western part of the county.
It is independent in politics. Its advertising columns are well filled with first-class local and county advertisements. It seems a healthy, unpreten- tious sheet, and is founded on a sure and solid basis, and is well supported by the business men and citizens.
The times are improving, and newspapers will reap the benefit of a return of good times. One thing is evident, which is, that the sprightly, sparkling Item will endure. Mr. Swartzcope knows no such word as "fail." The weekly visits of this paper will continue to make glad the hearts of patrons and their families, let us hope, for years to come. Long may the gigantic form of its chief editor survive.
AVA REGISTER.
This spicy little sheet was established by Bethune Dishon and Mr. George Jahn, in the summer of 1876, at the flourishing town of Ava, which is situated on the Narrow Gauge Railroad, 16 miles northwest of the county seat. It was, from the first, Democratic in faith, and has labored zealously for the success of its party. It has a good circulation, and possesses the friendship of the people and business men of that portion of the county. Its advertising columns show that it receives a good patronage from the mer- chants and traders of both Ava and Murphysboro'.
Mr. Dishon retired from the paper in the summer of 1877, in order to press his claims for the nomination by his party as County Clerk; and the sheet since then has been under the sole control of Mr. Jahn.
This gentleman is young, but his editorials show that he possesses genuine editorial ability, while its typographical appearance evinces his skill and
taste as a practical printer. The paper is on secure footing, and is gaining friends with its age. Ava is destined to be one of the really good towns of Jackson county, and in a short time will rank third in population and wealth. The northwestern part of the county needs a good paper, and the Ava Register supplies that need. It is proving a success, and deserves to be successful.
THE CARBONDALE DEMOCRAT.
In the spring of 1876 [the need of a Democratic paper in Carbondale be- came apparent to those who were identified with Democracy ; and hence re- sulted the establishment, in the spring of 1876, of the Carbondale Democrat by Bell Irvin, who had recently been employed on the editorial staff of the Observer.
Mr. Irvin wielded the pen of a ready writer, and the new paper soon had a subscription list of more than 400. His connection with the paper was, however, but brief, and ceased about the 1st of August the same year. Mr. Irvin is of English descent, and worked faithfully for the principles of the party of his choice. He, on retiring from the management of the Democrat, immediately removed to Iowa, where he now resides. At present he is edi- tor and publisher of a paper in that State entitled the Backwoodsman. The vacancy in the editorial chair of the Democrat was filled very ably by Mr. John W. Burton, a young man of activity and intelligence, who had gradu- ated with honors the previous spring in thic literary department of the Indi- ana State University, located at Bloomington, Ind. Under the new manage- ment the paper did most effective service for the party during the remainder of the vigorous and unprecedentedly heated political campaign, which closed on the 7th of November, 1876. The paper was established solely as a cam- paign sheet, and ended its existence with the close of the campaign. The press and all appurtenances are now in the control of the Morgan Brothers, editors and proprietors of the Free Press.
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