History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 20

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440

USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois > Part 20

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The next newspaper published in the county was the

FREE DEMOCRAT.

It was founded September 6, 1856, by William C. Phillips, a practical printer. Mr. Phillips in his salutatory to the public announces that he is a Republican, and would support John C. Fremont for the Presidency. In the same paragraph he also announces that he will "hoist the 'Peoples' Ticket nominated by the Bloomington Convention, at the head of which stands the name of the favorite son of Illinois, the brave soldier, the true patriot, the enlightened statesman, William H. Bissell, and will do all in our power to insure its success." In another column he gives notice of a Fremont and Dayton Mass meeting to be held at Springfield, "which will

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

be addressed by Hon. Lyman Trumbull, Col. Bissell, Governor Koener, and Messrs. Hoffman, Lincoln, and Lane of Indiana." The first issue started off on its journey of usefulness with a good share of advertising patronage, and it gave ample evidence of its intention and determination to win a name and fame in the field of journalistic enterprise. Mr. Phillips continued sole proprietor until December 4, 1856, when Henry M. Kimball purchased a half interest in the office. The firm-name was Phillips & Kimball. The partnership continued until February 10th, 1859, when Mr. Kimball purchased Mr. Phillips' interest, and became sole proprietor and so remained until 1867, a period of eight years. Mr. Phillips was a good newspaper man, and well adapted for the business of establishing a paper in the pioneer era of newspapers in the county. He was active, and had the necessary force of character to make his journal a necessity to his con- stituency. When Mr. Kimball assumed sole proprietorship on the date above mentioned, John M. Palmer took charge of the editorial department as political editor, and remained so engaged until October 6th, 1859, when he received the nomination for Congress. From October 6th, 1859, to March 1st, 1867, Mr. Kimball was editor and proprietor of the Free Demo- crat. At the latter date a partnership was entered into with Mr. A. W. Edwards, of the Union and Gazette of Bunker Hill. The partnership of Kimball & Edwards however continued only until the ninth of the same month, when a joint stock company was formed and named

THE MACOUPIN PRINTING COMPANY.

This company was organized and legalized by a special act of the legisla- ture March 5th, 1867. The organizers and incorporators were H. M. Kim- ball, A. W. Edwards, George H. Hamilton. The capital stock was limited to $25,000. At the time the company was formed and the first issue made under the new arrangement, the word "Free" for the sake of brevity and typographical neatness was dropped out, and since then it is known as the

DEMOCRAT.

The first officers of the company were George H. Hamilton, President; H. M. Kimball, Treasurer; and A. W. Edwards, Secretary. At this time was also commenced its semi-weekly, in connection with the weekly issue, which has continued to the present time. Both Messrs. Edwards and Kimball assumed the management and editorial control, and under their vigorous administration the Democrat prospered and grew in importance, and soon took the position of one of the leading country journals of Illinois. Their views and theories upon the political problems of the day were adopted and widely copied by journals of less note throughout southern and central Illinois. Mr. Edwards continued his connection with the Democrat until June, 1872, when he was appointed Warden of the Penitentiary at Joliet, by Governor Palmer. After the expiration of his term of office he removed to Chicago and became prominently connected with Life Insurance. At present he is in the newspaper business in Fargo, Dacotah territory.

Mr. Edwards is a fine descriptive writer and an excellent paragraphist. There was also a rippling of mirth that abounded in all his articles that gave zest to them, and enabled his readers to get an insight into the cha- racter of the man, and learn from them what a genial, whole-souled, free- hearted gentleman he was. Since his retirement the management and editorial burden have fallen upon Mr. Kimball. As a newspaper manager and writer of political articles Mr. Kimball undoubtedly stands at the head of the profession in Macoupin county. He is a ready writer, is master of a clear, polished diction, and his articles show a thorough knowledge of the issues of the day.

He is a warm-hearted gentleman with a host of friends and admirers who cheerfully give him the first rank among the county's journalists, notwith- standing his waiving the honor, to have it bestowed upon Mr. Meginness.

The next paper that claimed the attention of the citizens of Macoupin county was

THE STAUNTON BANNER.

The first number appeared March 8th, 1858, and was owned and edited by a practical printer by the name of Parsons Percy. He brought the office from Monroe county. The Banner was democratic in politics. He contin- ued the publication through many trials and tribulations, until the winter of '60-'61, when it was purchased and removed to Gillespie.

Mr. Percy was a man of more than ordinary ability, and had his lot been cast in a more favorable place, he might have won for himself both name and riches. He was given somewhat to writing poetry, and perhaps is remem-

bered by the old settlers more on account of his poetic effusions than from anything else. The press and type as before stated were purchased by A W. Edwards, and in November of 1860 the first number of the Gillespie

UNION AND GAZETTE

made its appearance. The paper continued under Mr. Edwards' control until 1863, when he enlisted in the union army, where he remained until the close of the war. The publication was, however, continued for some time afterwards by Alonzo James; but he too enlisted, and the publication was then suspended. The Union and Gazette was extremely democratic in tone.

BUNKER HILL JOURNAL

was the name of the first paper published in Bunker Hill. E. J. Bronson was editor and proprietor. It was a five-column folio, and was neutral in politics. The first number was issued December 8th, 1859, and the last in May, 1860.

In 1865, after the return of Mr. Edwards, he removed the printing office from Gillespie to Bunker Hill, and resumed the publication of the

UNION AND GAZETTE.

The first number was issued January 19th, 1866. He continued the pub- lication until January 31st, 1867, when he sold out to Dr. A. R. Sawyer and F. Y. Hedley. The paper was then republican in politics. When Messrs. Sawyer & Hedley assumed control, they changed the tone and made it inde- pendent, and it so remained until Dr. Sawyer's death, which event occurred in May, 1868. After that date it again became republican in politics, and has remained the organ of the republican party of Bunker Hill to the pre- sent time. In 1871 the name of the paper was changed. The word "union" was dropped out, and from that date to the present it is known as the .

BUNKER HILL GAZETTE.

Mr. Hedley continued editor and proprietor until January 1st, 1878, when Mr. W. S. Silence became the publisher, Mr. Hedley still acting as editor. This arrangement continued until January 24th, 1879, when both Hedley and Silence retired, and the office was leased to Messrs. Said & Poorman, of Charleston, Illinois, who published the paper until July, 1879.

The circulation of the Gazette is about 750. It is a neat, sprightly paper, and enjoys the confidence of its constituency. Mr. Hedley, who may be regarded as the father of journalism of Bunker Hill, has retired from the active participation of the business, but not without first demonstrating his entire capability to run a newspaper successfully. He is a practical printer, and the Gazette, under his management, was a model of typographical neat- ness. He is a good writer. He is now postmaster of his beautiful little city, and as a man and officer is respected by all who know him. Mr. Hedley resumed editorial charge of the Gazette about the 10th of July, 1879.

THE GIRARD ENTERPRISE

was started November 1st, 1857, by Dr. Critchfield, of Lincoln, Illinois, who was a practical printer. The object in starting the Enterprise was to have a medium through which the town of Girard might be advertised, and its advantages be made known. It was therefore neutral in politics. The busi- ness men gave it encouragement; but from some cause, the doctor became satisfied that there was no " royal road " to wealth in the newspaper business in Girard, and after one year's trial, he sold out to W. A. Solomon, who changed the name to the

GIRARD GUIDE.

He, after one year's trial, with a similar experience of Critchfield's, sold the Guide to Mr. McChesney. He changed the name to the

GIRARD NEWS.

About the same time, a man by the name of Canfield became associated with him in the business. They continued the publication for nearly one year, when it suspended entirely. In 1865 Mr. McChesney and William E. Milton commenced the publication of the

GIRARD ENTERPRISE.

The first issue was in April of the year above-named. The firm of Mc- Chesney & Milton continued until the 1st of October, 1865, when MeChes-

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

ney retired, and Milton continued the paper six months longer, when the citizens purchased the press and material, and gave the office in charge to H. H. Keebler, with William Shook as local editor. This arrangement con- tinued for eight months, when Thomas Organ became manager for the citi- zen-owners. Prior to Organ's management, the Enterprise was neutral in politics; but he gave it a decided republican tone, at which there was the customary harsh objection on the part of those differing with him in politics, which finally resulted in the office being sold. It was removed to Pontiac, Livingstone county, Illinois. In 1872 William E. Milton brought a press and type from Greenfield, Illinois, and commenced the publication of the

REVIEW.

He also at the same time published in the same office the

NILWOOD REVIEW,

and sent it by mail to Nilwood. Mr. Milton continued the Review until August, 1874, when he leased the office to Charles E. Fish, who changed the name to the

DEMOCRATIC CHIEF.

Four months later the publication was suspended. About three months later William Crenshaw and J. H. Powers got control of the office, and the publication was revived. Powers afterward changed the name back to the Review. The paper, under the management of Crenshaw & Powers, was inclined to favor the greenback cause and fiat theories. They held control for some time, and then the office seemed to become common property. There were numerous lessees, conspicuous among whom were Frank Everts, Henry E. Everts and S. M. Connor, who continued until November, 1878, when the press and type were sold at public auction, and the purchaser thereof removed it out of town.

THE GIRARD GAZETTE.

The first issue of the Gazette was on January 18th, 1879, Messrs. Tipton & Stuve, proprietors; William Stuve, editor. It is a six column folio. Cir- culation 300 copies. Neutral in politics. The Guzette suspended publication April 24th, 1879; cause, lack of patronage. Since writing the above, the parties have, after a few weeks' suspension, again resuscitated the Gazette, and at present it promises to remain in active life, and the organ of Girard and vicinity.

THE VIRDEN RECORD

Was established in August, 1866, by Reynolds & Milton, both of whom were skilled adepts in the art preservative. It was neutral in politics. The object in starting the Record was to give the people of Virden an opportunity to hold converse with the outside world, and inform them of the advantages and beauties that lie hidden within the domain of that beautiful city, and at the same time put shekels in the pockets of the proprietors, for be it un- derstood that it was an individual enterprise. The latter object was a failure, as we should judge from the fact that the publication was frequently sus- pended for lack of funds to purchase paper. About six months after the first issue, they sold out to a man by the name of Johnson. On the 17th of October, 1867, Johnson sold a half interest to W. T. Thompson. The firm continued until November 21st, 1867, when E. L. Rich purchased Johnson's interest, and the firm became Thompson & Rich. They continued until March 7th, 1870, when Thompson purchased Rich's share, and became sole proprietor, and has so continued up to the present time.

The Record, under the management of Mr. Thompson, has been a success, both as a financial venture and a newspaper. It is a five column quarto, and has a circulation of 650 copies. It is neutral in politics.

VIRDEN NEWS.

In April, 1872, R. H. Ballinger and John Frank commenced the pub- lication of a Republican paper, bearing the above title. One year later the office was sold, and removed to Waverly. A. M. Barker, a practical prin- ter, and then, as now, foreman in the Democrat office of Carlinville, made arrangements to continue the publication of the News. The paper was printed in the Democrat office, and forwarded to Virden by mail, until such time as the press and printing material could be obtained in St. Louis, and shipped to Virden. The first issue of the News under Barker's management, was April 11th, 1872. He continued the publication until. August 24th,

1874, when the office was sold and removed to Auburn, Sangamon county, Illinois.

CONSERVATIVE.

The above-named paper was issued by George H. Holliday, editor and proprietor, and the Macoupin Printing Company, publishers. The first number appeared March 24th, 1868, and the last June 2d, of the same year. It was Democratie in politics. What the object was in starting the Con- serratire, and the reasons for its early demise, were never exactly known or understood. But we have no doubt that its mission was a good one, and when accomplished, its eccentric proprietor had no desire that it should outlive its usefulness.

SHIPMAN PROGRESS

Was brought into life through the united aid and liberality of the citizens of Shipman, and W. E. Milton was editor and manager. The first number of vol. 1 made its appearance December 12th, 1868. It was soon demon- strated that there was not sufficient business in Shipman to support a news- paper, notwithstanding the liberality of the citizens and their efforts to main- tain it upon a paying basis, therefore the Progress suspended September 2d, 1869. There was no further effort made to establish a paper in Shipman until 1874, when on the 10th of September of that year, the

TRUE FLAG

Was flung to the journalistic breeze. Messrs. Parker & Waldron were the editors and proprietors. The partnership continued for six months, when Waldron withdrew, and Parker continued the publication into October 21st, 1875, when he removed the office to Brighton, and consolidated it with the Advance. After the removal of the office from Shipman, the True Flag was printed in Brighton, and sent out by mail. This arrangement, however, continued for a short time only, when it was discontinued. The True Flug was independent in politics.

BRIGHTON ADVANCE.

The first number of the Advance was printed April 7th, 1871, by A. G. Meacham, who was editor and proprietor. He continued the publication until October 21st, 1875, when Mr. A. M. Parker removed the True Flag office from Shipman, and both papers were consolidated. The firm of Mea- cham & Parker was then formed, and continued until about two weeks before the death of Meacham, which occurred six months after the consoli- dation, when he (Meacham) leased his interest in the office to R. D. Sud- deth. The firm of Parker & Suddeth continued up to August 23d, 1877, when the interests of Meacham were leased to L. H. Chapin. Parker pur- chased Meacham's share in the office June 20th, 1878, and since that time has continued the publication of the Advance up to the present. Mr. Parker is a practical printer. He has demonstrated his ability to give the people of Brighton and vicinity a paper of which they may well be proud, and to whose support they can graciously contribute. Since the death of Meacham it has been Republican in politics. Prior to that time it was neutral. Its circulation numbers about 350.

THE VOLKSBLATT

was the name of a German newspaper printed at the office of the Carlin- ville Democrat. The first number was issued May 21st, 1870. It was in- tended by the projectors of the Volksblatt to continue the publication provided it should prove remunerative. The experiment proved otherwise, therefore, after doing duty as a campaign organ, it was discontinued. The material was sold and removed to Decatur, Illinois. Theodore Fisher was editor, and the officers of the Macoupin Printing Company managers.

BLACKBURN GAZETTE

was a monthly quarto sheet edited and published at the Blackburn Univer- sity. The first issue was October 18th, 1871. Its publication continued about two years.

MEDORA ENTERPRISE

was published by Messrs. Parker and Suddeth of the Brighton Advance. The first issue was August 1st, 1876, and the last January 1st, 1878. At the latter date the subscription lists were sold to the Carlinville Democrat, and the publication discontinued. J. H. Williams was the resident local editor.

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS

MEDORA ENSIGN.

No. 1, vol. 1, appeared September 12th, A. D., 1878, Herbert Lawson Durr editor. It was printed at the office of the Brighton Advance. It lived but a short time, and only published No. 1 of vol. 1.

STAUNTON WEEKLY TIMES.

There was no effort made to re-establish a newspaper in the town of Staunton after the demise of the Banner in 1860-61, until August 19th. 1878, when Messrs. Showman and Lamb commenced the publication of the Times. They continued the issue until October 19th of the same year, when they sold out to W. F. Bentley, who at the present is both editor and proprietor. He is a practical printer, and learned the business at the office of the Gazette, at Bunker Hill. The Times is an eight page paper, quarto in form, twelve by eighteen inches in size. Circulation, three hundred.

THE MACOUPIN COUNTY HERALD.

The Herald is the latest aspirant for journalistic honors in Macoupin county The press and type, to which large additions have been made, were formerly in the office of the Journal, at Farmer City, Illinois. It was re- moved to Carlinville in the winter of 1878-9. The first number was issued March 1st, 1879. Mr. L. C. Glessner, former proprietor of the Jour- nal above named, is the publisher, and associated with him in the editorial management, is E. A. Saively, formerly manager and editor of the Marou- pin Enquirer, but now Clerk of the Supreme Court, Central Grand Division. The Herald is Democratic in politics, and gives no uncertain utterances upon the issues of the day. It is growing in influence, and is already recognized as one of the prominent journals in the seventeenth district. Both gentlemen are experienced newspaper men, at either the case or in the sanctum. Their efforts to please their friends and the advocates of the en- terprise have reacted in the form of a liberal advertising patronage and the building up of an extensive subscription list. As managers of a newspaper they have the necessary requisites for success, viz .; experience, ability, and a thorough knowledge of the wants of the people of Macoupin County. We predict for the Herald a brilliant and successful career.

CONCLUSION.

The history of the press of Macoupin county has been briefly traced. There have been some trials and obstacles, and it has witnessed a few fail- ures, but it is fairly representative of the business history of the county. The influence and character of the press have grown with the material wealth and intellectual growth of those they have represented. No industry or business can show a better record or less failures or number more enthu- siastic and patient workers. The number of newspaper enterprises organized and supported in the county shows well for the liberality of its citizens, and it further shows the appreciation of the power of printer's ink and editor's pen when used for the advancement of the intellectual growth of the people, and the material wealth of the country. With this educating force and its popular Blackburn University in its midst, the rapid intellectual strides of the people of Macoupin county cease to be a wonder. We say it, and say it truthfully and boldly, that to the press, more than to any other indus- try, belongs the honor of building up and making known to the outside world the wealth of soil, the advantages of agriculture, the excellent schools, the business growth, the moral tone of the people, and, in short, all that has made Macoupin county famous among the counties in the state of Illinois.

CHAPTER XII. COMMON SCHOOLS OF MACOUPIN COUNTY.

BY F. W. CROUCH, COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT.

ORIGIN OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM-FIRST SCHOOL TAUGHT IN THE COUNTY- FIRST SCHOOL-HOUSE-TEACHERS' INSTITUTE-COUNTY NORMAL SUPERINTEND- ENTS-TOWNSHIP TREASURERS.

HE present system of " free schools" may properly be said to have been inaugurated and entered upon in 1855. That date proved to be the turning point in the history of Illinois. It is a truth that every person is a factor in the state or society in which he or she lives. Our state, early recognizing this fact, sought to provide liberal means and facilities for the proper education of those into whose hands the affairs

1866

CITYFREESCHOOL

PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, CARLINVILLE.

of state would soon pass. The influences growing out of the system of pub- lic education inaugurated at that time are worthy of the attention and critical study of the historian and philosopher. They have affected, not the average intelligence alone, but the character of every calling, and have developed advantages previously unrealized.

The work of 1855 was not the beginning. The germ of the free school system had been planted long anterior to this date, and by proper cultiva- tion it had grown up to be a prolific system. The idea of making knowledge common reaches far back beyond the existence of Illinois as a separate terri- tory. Article third of the celebrated ordinance of 1787 declared that " knowledge is necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind," and enjoined that "schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."

Paper manifestoes are not often dreaded; the edicts of potentates seldom survive the age in which they are decreed, and proclamations rarely have existence longer than that of the paper on which they may be written. They lose their efficiency or become inoperative with the vicissitudes of time. This ordinance seems to be an exception. It became the nucleus of the grand system of education, the benign influence of which is felt and recog- nized in every home and sphere of business in our state; and in 1887 those of the "mankind " of Illinois, who will not be reaping benefits from the influences of its declarations and injunctions, will be the exception, will be a blank in society, and but little above the menial serf.

Some of the encouragement meant in this document came in a material form in 1818. The convention which framed the constitution under which the state was admitted, accepted in August of that year a proposition made by Congress, in the " Enabling Act" for this state, and made April 18th, appropriating section 16 in each township to the state for the use of the inhabitants of said township, for school purposes; also three-sixths of five per cent. of the proceeds of public lands within the state sold by Congress after January 1st, 1819, should be appropriated by the legislature for the encouragement of learning. One-sixth of this amount was to be applied to a college or university, and thirty-six sections, or one entire township, with one previously reserved for that purpose, should be reserved for the use of a seminary of learning. These funds may be thus classified : the state school fund from the sales of public lands, less one-sixth, which is the uni- versity fund ; the seminary fund, derived from the sale of the seminary lands; the township fund, resulting from the sale of the sixteenth section. The state school fund in 1876 amounted to $613,362 96. The seminary fund in the same year was 859,838.72. The college fund in 1876 was $156,613.52. The proceeds of the three per cent. fund were blended in 1835, and were increased by the addition of the surplus county fund in the hands of county commissioners. In 1836 was added to this, by act of Congress, the surplus revenue fund then in the treasury, and the whole distributed among the states and loaned at six per cent. per annum interest. This fund to this state alone amounted to $335,592.32. The interest from these funds was to be distributed annually to the counties for school purposes. These funds under the control of the state, exclusive of the county fund, amount to 81,165,407.52.

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History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 20

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co. Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Number of Pages: 440

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440