USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 50
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Some time in 1850, if we are correctly informed, the News-Letter made its appearance, under the editorial management of W. S. Gale, Dr. James Bunce and G. C. Lanphere. This paper took the place of the Knox Intelligencer. " The News-Letter was an able advocate of local measures in which the people of Galesburg and vicinity were then deeply interested. It had a wide circulation among the friends of the Central Military Tract railroad then projected. Some of the best written articles upon the subject of railroads which were published in the West during that period, first appeared in the editorial columns of the News-Letter. The office was over the furniture rooms of W. J. Woods, on the west side of the Square.
At a subsequent period, in 1852 we think, the News-Letter passed into the hands of S. G. Cowan, who issued it under the title of the News-Letter and Henry County News. This title was given it to please its Henry county patrons, who were quite numerous. This
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was also a neutral paper, though during the latter part of its existence it was somewhat Free-Soilish.
In the fall of 1853 the News-Letter office passed into the hands of J. W. Lane, and the first political paper ever published in the town made its appearance under the title of the Western Freeman. It was an anti-slavery paper. This paper lived only two months. The office of the Western Freeman passed into the hands of Southwick Davis and William H. Holcomb, and on the 5th day of January, 1854, the Galesburg Free Democrat made its first appearance. This paper then was, and has ever since continued, an anti-slavery journal. On the 30th of November, 1854, the establishment passed into the hands of William J. Woods, and B. F. Haskins became the editor. On the 8th of March, 1865, Mr. Haskins retired from the paper and C. J. Sellon became editor. On the 26th of July, 1855, the office passed into the hands of S. W. Brown, R. H. Whiting and D. H. Frisbie. Mr. Sellon still continued to act as editor. On the 1st of November, 1855, the management of the office passed into the hands of S. D. McDonald. December 11, 1855, the office again passed into the hands of W. J. Woods, and shortly afterwards Mr. Sellon resumed his post of editor. On the 18th of Angust, 1856, Mr. Woods made a sale of the office to J. H. Sherman, who owned and edited the paper until about the close of the war, when Messrs. Bailey & McClelland became proprietors, and the name was changed to Free Press. November 20, 1872, Gen. M. S. Barnes bought the institution, and continues to run it. With the exception of a few weeks he has issued two editions,-a daily and a weekly. His son W. Bennett has the business charge of the daily. It is now De- mocratic in politics. Gen. Barnes has had forty years' experience in the newspaper business,-twelve years of which was in connection with a large daily in Chicago, and five years he edited the Dubuque Times, when it was the most influential Republican paper in the State of Iowa. He also started the first daily in the Northwest out- side of Chicago, the Milwaukee. Sentinel in 1843. He raised a regiment of soldiers, while at Rock Island during the war, served three years in the army and was brevetted Brigadier General.
Knox County Observer .- This paper was published by Louis V. Taft, in 1865; had but a short life.
The Liberal .- This paper was edited by Steve R. Smithi, and was started in 1867 at Galesburg as a weekly. It went bodly into tlie fight for the removal of the county seat from Knoxville to Galesburg. About the year 1870 he discontinued the paper and sold the material of the office to Prior & Emerick.
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The Register .- In 1866 this paper inade its appearance. It was started by Steve R. Smith, Wm. J. Mourer and II. D. Babcock. After several changes it was bought by E. F. Phelps in 1872, and shortly afterwards was merged into the Republican Register.
The Republican ..- This paper was started by C. E. Carr and J. M. Prior in 1872, and was sold to S. W. Grubb in 1872, when it consolid- ated with the Register and formed the Republican-Register.
Sidewalkings was a publication in a magazine form, and ap- peared occasionally, as its editor, Stephen R. Smith, thought its influ- ence was demanded. The first number appeared December 13, 1873. It soon became popular as a sensational publication, and even pos- sessed some literary ability, but evidently was not just the thing, and it soon disappeared to be resurrected no more.
The Galesburg Republic was commenced Jan. 1, 1873, by Judson Graves, of Kirkwood. It ran as a semi-weekly for three months, and at the end of two years its name was changed to The Plaindealer. It is a weekly; is independent Republican in politics, and has two pages of excellent miscellaneous reading in each number. Mr. Graves is now passing the meridian of life, and has been in the printing and newspaper business ever since he was fourteen years of age.
Galesburg Review .- In the fall of 1877 the Colville Brothers com- menced the issue of the Galesburg Review, a weekly, Republican in politics and of high literary taste in its miscellany. In the spring of 1878 it was changed to a monthly, and is now purely a literary peri- odical.
Knoxiana .- The students of Knox College have published small literary periodicals. The Knoxiana was commenced in 1850, and for five years was published by the "Knoxiana Publication Com- pany," and after that by the Adelphi society. The Oak Leaf was commenced in 1856, by the Gnothautii association. Both these pub- lications were discontinued.
The Hemlandet, a Swedish Lutheran paper, first appeared in Feb- ruary, 1855, edited by Rev. T. N. Hasselquist. At that time it was the only Swedish newspaper in the United States. After a time it was removed to Chicago, where now, at 85 Jackson street, it is pub- lished by Enander & Bohman.
The Republican-Register .- This, the recognized leading journal of the county, is a six-column quarto sheet, published both daily and weekly. The Republican-Register is the result of the consolidation of the Register and the Republican, both Galesburg papers. The former was established in 1866, the latter in 1870. The union was consummated in December of 1872. A company had been formed
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styled the Galesburg Printing Company, for the especial purpose of becoming the owner of the above named papers. Geo. V. Dieterick is president and S. W. Grubb secretary and treasurer of this com- pany. The editorial management of the paper is under the control of Z. Beatty, and its business interests managed by S. W. Grubb, both of whom are practical printers of many years experience. The paper is uncompromisingly Republican in politics. In its management is displayed considerable enterprise, tact, energy and superior business ability. The local columns of the paper are generally full, well ar- ranged and embrace all the happenings of the city and indeed of the entire county. Its list of regular correspondents in various parts of the county contribute well prepared articles of the news of their dis- tricts each week. It has the largest circulation of any publication in the county.
KNOXVILLE PAPERS.
The Knoxville Journal-The first number of this excellent paper appeared October 5, 1849. It was a six column folio, and was edited and published by John S. Winter, the present efficient County Clerk, and David Collins, under the firm name of Winter & Collins. The first page was devoted [to poetry and stories; the second page to editorials, sandwiched with local and foreign news; the third page to advertisements; and the fourth to miscellany. There were no columns especially devoted to "Locals." Indeed, the local news recorded, occupied but a small portion of the paper. One feature worthy of mention was its telegraphic dispatches, which appeared each week. Mr. Winter had telegrams sent to Peoria and brought from there by mail, which gave his readers news of a later date than they could get from the Chicago papers. He published these tele- grams when no paper in Peoria had any telegraphic news. At that time, magazines, periodicals and general literary publications were not so numerous as at present, nor were there many that found their way into the homes of the citizens of Knox county. This paper, therefore, supplied this want, and did it well; for we find the stories and general literary articles of a superior class. They would add merit and give increased interest to any of the publications now issned. The journal was neutral on both politics and religion. In referring to this, in their introductory, they say: "We do not wish it ~ to be understood that we are without either political or religious sen- timents. Far from it. One of us professes the Democratic creed, and the other, with equal ardor, embraces Whig doctrines and Whig principles. A house divided against itself, must stand on neutral
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grounds." From the first, the paper flourished. It had on its list, as original subscribers, 210 names. So prosperous was it, that in nine months their list increased to 1,200. The advertising patronage had also kept pace with their growing subscription list, thus necessitating an enlargement, which was made July 9th, 1850. It then appeared as a seven column paper. Prosperity still attended it, and again, May 6, 1851, another column was added to each page. Collins retired from the firm, January 13, 1852, leaving Winter sole editor and pro- prietor. The Journal was a financial success. It has no parallel in the rapidity of its growth, in this county, save in that of the Knox Republican. It ran up its subscription list to 1,800, at one time, and hundreds of dollars of advertisements were turned away. The for- eign advertising patronage was large, mostly of patent medicines. Contrary to the present custom, Mr. Winter received double price for such notices. There are many quaint advertisements in this pioneer sheet. The following poetical notice from a postmaster, of an absconding subscriber, was received by the editor in November, 1853:
FRENCH GROVE, ILL., Nov. 22.
JOHN S. WINTER, Dear Sir: Orin Hotchkiss, a subscriber to your paper Has cut a caper, And has become Homo Libur. In plain parlance, he has gone away, And nothing left his debts to pay ; Not e'en a pig or chick to pay his hostage; So you have lost the paper, and I the postage.
AMOS WHETTMORE. 1
There was a feature of the Journal that especially deserves com- mendation. This is the earnestness and ability with which it advo- cated the building of a Railroad. Commencing with the first num- ber, it ceased only when the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad was conll- pleted and trains regularly running. We have seen but few journals which advocated any measure with the force, persistency and ability that the Journal did the building of a railroad.
Owing to ill health, Mr. Winter sold the Journal to John Regan, the present publisher of the Maquon Times and the Elmwood Mes- senger. This sale was made March 2, 1855. The paper remained neutral but a short time after the transfer, when it espoused the Democratic cause, and after a short and less prosperous career, its publication was discontinued.
The Knox Republican .- The Knox Republican is another enter- prise inaugurated and conducted by John S. Winter; and in his introductory, he gives the following reasons for starting the paper. We quote:
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
" Seven years ago, we commenced the publication of the Knoxville Journal, then until very recently, a neutral paper. Our object then . was to present to the citizens of Knox county a medium for obtaining the latest news, a medium of home communication, a paper peculiarly devoted to the dissemination of home intelligence, and one upon which men of all parties could rely for facts, as uninfluenced by party motives or party power. How far we succeeded, we leave to the judgment of the public, feeling satisfied with the success of our enter- prise, as it was conceded that we had a larger subscription list than any paper in the State, outside of Chicago and Alton. On account of ill health, we disposed of the Journal, and hoped that our connection with the press had ceased forever. But a change has come over the spirit of our dreams. The outrages committed in Kansas, and the long train of evils which have arisen from the passage of the Kansas- Nebraska Act, and the repeal of the Missouri Compromise-that ruth- less act of a sacrilegious Senator, the prominent feature of the present corrupt Administration,-have rendered the publication of a Repub- lican paper in our town a matter of importance, and the change recently made in the character of the Knoxville Journal, from neu- trality to open hostility to all that we hold dear in political principles, its open advocacy of the policy of the present Administration, even to the sanction of the policy pursued in Kansas, excusing the acts of the Border Ruffians, called for the immediate establishment of an opposi- tion paper; and having been chosen to conduct it until a suitable per- son could be obtained to take charge of it, we take pleasure in pre- senting the first number of the KNOX REPUBLICAN to the public."
The first number appeared on Wednesday, October 8, 1856. It was a seven-column folio, neatly printed and ably conducted. Mr. Winter wielded an able pen, and soon made his paper one of great influence in this section of the State. The paper having been started as a cam- paign sheet, two weeks prior to the Presidential election of 1856, but having been successful, two weeks after the election it was found to have 1,200 paying subscribers, it passed into the hands of Jolin S. Winter, John Winter and R. M. Winans. The enterprise ever dis- played in the management of this paper is illustrated in the following circumstance connected with its history. During its first year, and before everything had got to running smoothly, it was found on one occasion, they had not sufficient paper on which to print their large edition. Mr. Winter hitched up a horse, after breakfast, drove to Peoria, procured the paper and drove back to Knoxville, in time for supper that evening.
On April 7th, 1858, John S. Winter & Co. retired from the manage- 30
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
ment of the Republican, and Beatty & Robinson became the editors and publishers. It is claimed that this paper was the first to bring out the name of Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency in 1860. It was ably conducted and exerted a powerful influence in electing the Republican ticket that year. Mr. Beatty retired from the firm, leav- ing W. T. Robinson publisher and sole proprietor, who, after a time sold out to F. A. Lanstrum in 1875. Shortly afterwards it fell into the hands of its present editor and publisher, O. L. Campbell. At that time it was an eight-column folio, but it has since been enlarged and donned in a new dress and now appears as a six-column quarto, and one of the neatest sheets issued in this part of the State. It is favored with the largest advertising patronage of any paper in the county, or perhaps with one exception. Mr. Campbell was raised in the Republican office and although young has had long experience in journalism, and extended dealings with the reading public of Knox- ville and vicinity and apparently knows the kind of a paper they de- mand.
The Diocese .- This is a religious monthly, published in the inter- est of the Episcopal church. It is the diocesan journal of the Dio- cese of Illinois, and is edited by Charles W. Leffingwell, A. M., B. D., D. D., Rector of St. Mary's School, Knoxville, and is printed by the Galesburg Printing Company. Typographically this is one of the neatest and most tasty publications issued from any establishment in this part of the State. Indeed, it compares favorably with any journal, religious or secular, produced by the press of this country. Its editorials are carefully and ably prepared, and its columns are scholarly and dogmatical, numbering among its contributors many of the most noted Episcopal writers of the State.
Zion's Banner is a Swedish Lutheran journal, published semi- monthly at Knoxville, Ill., and is, as its name indicates, a denomina- tional paper. Its size is twenty-two by thirty-one inches, six columns, folio form. It was first published in Galesburg, July 12, 1871. It now has a circulation of 1,340 copies, and is edited by Rev. C. Ander- son.
ABINGDON PAPERS.
Abingdon Messenger .- This paper was published by Chambers & . White and edited by O. White. It was established about 1856 and run about two years. This was the first paper published in Abing- don.
The Nonpariel .- The Nonpareil was published by D. H. Elliot .and lived only about a year.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
The Reporter .- The next paper that appeared in Abingdon was The Reporter, conducted by C. C. Button. This paper bore date of 1861-2.
The Educational Magazine .- This was a monthly of 32 pages, published in pamphlet form during the year 1864-5. It was pub- lished at Abingdon in the interest of Abingdon College, by J. W. Butler.
The Gazette .- This publication was an enterprise of E. E. Ches- ney.
The Knox County Democrat .- This paper had a longer run than any other publication issued at Abingdon. W. H. Heaton started it in 1869 or 1870 and run it for six years, when it was sold and merged into The Knoxonian.
Abingdon Leader .- This was an ably conducted paper. It was originally established in Monmouth by T. S. Clarke, as The Mon- mouth Leader. After his death it was conducted by S. J. Clarke, and in 1874 moved by him to Abingdon where he, with J. S. Badger, established the Abingdon Leader. It lived but about a year.
The Knoxonian .- This was the out-growth of the Knox County Democrat. It was conducted by Henry C. Allen till the summer of the present year, when he moved the office to Augusta, Ill., where he conducts The Augusta Herald.
The Abingdon Express .- Abingdon has had many newspapers during the last two decades. An initiatory sheet would make its ap- pearance with almost startling announcements of what its future course should be, but alas! ere time had unfolded itself into any con- siderable period, the pretentious paper had neither present nor future. With the Abingdon Express a different course was pursued, and naturally a diverse result has followed. Its first number was published some time during the year 1875, and was sınall in size; but by being ably and judiciously managed it has grown to the creditable propor- tions of 24 by 36 inches. It is Democratic in politics, and some able political articles appear in its columns. It is all printed in the office at Abingdon, and its typography is neat and clear. The office is well supplied with new presses, good material and competent workmen. The Express is edited by Frank L. Ritchey, and published weekly.
Abingdon Register .- This journal is the out-growth of the smallest paper ever published in the United States, and it has probably ex- perienced a greater degree of development in size than any other paper issued from the press of this country. In 1874, Charles K. Bassett, then a lad only sixteen years of age, started an amateur paper of a very diminutive size. We give a reprint of this paper that our readers
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
may judge of its size and contents. The following is a perfect copy of the News and contains every word it did in its first number. It was printed only on one side.
AMATEUR NEWS.
VOL 1 JANUARY, 12, 1874. NOI.
This, the first number of our AMATEUR NEWS, we hope you will appreciate and that you will look at it as an AMATEUR paper. This paper is edited and printed by a couple of enterprising boys. Our terms are easy, for it is a small paper and we sell it for the small sum of 1 cent. We will try and publish it every fortnight. We do not take subscrip- tions. but you will find it for sale in several stores.
WARNING TO GENTLEMEN On last Sunday night while a young couple were return ing home from church the young gentleman was stun ned by having another gen_ tleman, (who we will call W. H.) come up behind the couple and give the girl a kiss. As soon as W. H. kissed the girl he being near home, like a dog crept in. " And it came to pass that " gents must take warning.
Verily, this was a tiny bit of paper to be called a newspaper. But Charlie was ambitious to become an editor; and there laid down a cardinal business principle in the very foundation of his life work, mamely, that of not undertaking to do more than he could do well. His miniature journal lived a year and grew in size so that at the ex- piration of one year, when he ceased its publication, it had attained the dimensions of seven by ten inches, In March, 1877, Mr. Bassett published the first number of the Register. Adhering to his former motto, he sent out the first number as a four column folio. It has been enlarged from time to time until it is now a large eight-column sheet, 26 by 40 inches in size. It is well printed, and has a good circula- tion. It is a political paper, adhering to and advocating the principles of the National Greenback party, and is the only Greenback journal pub- lished in this county. Its local columns are especially noticeable for their variety, spice and freshness, many of the local squibs rivaling the sharp sayings of the Burlington Hawkeye. The paper seems to be upon a paying basis, and if encouraged as it deserves, will prove a paying enterprise to the publisher and a credit to the county. Its editor is still in his 'teens, and is the youngest member of the Illinois Press Association. He possesses much native talent both as an editor and publisher and bids fair to shine as a star 'ot no little magnitude in the journalistic firmament.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
ONEIDA PAPERS.
The Oneida News is published at Oneida, every Friday. It was first started in November, 1876, by the present proprietor, as an amateur sheet, he being only eigliteen years of age, and entirely inex- perienced both in the printing business and editorial profession. It was first issued as a four-column quarto, but was enlarged and changed in form to a seven-column folio, its present style, in October, 1877. The News is a very creditable local journal, and is receiving a liberal support, and has already become a permanent and prominent literary fixture of Knox county. The rare ability that Mr. H. W. Ladd, its . founder and present editor and proprietor, has displayed in the man- agement of the News strongly evidences that he is a born journalist. He was born in Ontario township, Knox county, in 1858; and should the citizens of the northern part of the county lend him that moral support and financial aid he deserves and they themselves are capable of doing, Mr. Ladd will give them a journal which they can point to with pride and read with interest.
Oneida Journal .- This paper appeared but few times when it was merged into the Galesburg Register, at which office it was printed.
MAQUON PAPERS.
Maquon Times .- This is a neatly and well printed sheet of good size, and is well conducted. It is edited and published by John Regan, proprietor of the Elmwood Messenger, Elmwood, Peoria county, at which office the Times is printed.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXIV.
EDUCATION.
Though struggling under the pressure of poverty and privation, the early settlers planted among them the school-house at the earliest practicable period. So important an object as the education of their children they did not defer until they could build more comely and convenient houses. They were for a time content witli such as cor- responded with their rnde dwellings, but soon better buildings and accommodations were provided. As may readily be supposed, the accommodations of the earliest schools were not good. Sometimes school was taught in small log houses erected for the purpose. Stoves and such heating apparatus as are now in use were unknown. A mud- and-stick chimney in one end of the building, with earthen hearth and fire-place wide and deep enough to take in a four-foot back-log, and smaller wood to match, served for warming purposes in winter and a kind of conservatory in summer. For windows, part of a log was cut out in either side, and may be a few lights of eight-by-ten glass set in, or just as likely as not the aperture would be covered over with greased paper. Writing benches' were made of wide planks, or likely puncheons, resting on pins or arnis, driven into two-inch auger-holes, bored into the logs beneath the windows. Seats were made out of puncheons, and flooring of the same material. Everything was rude and plain; but many of America's greatest men have gone out from just such school-liouses to grapple with the world and make names for themselves, and liave come to be an honor to their country. Among these we can name Abraham Lincoln, our martyred President, one of the noblest men ever known to the world's history.
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