History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 53

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

negotiations were opened between the two papers which re- sulted in Mr. Brown purchasing the subscription lists of the Telegraph and transferring them to the Courier. The former paper then ceased publication, but the material in the office remained intact. It was then used as a job office until 1861, when the Telegraph was revived. Mr. Brown continued editor and sole proprietor of the Courier until January 1st, 1860, when he transferred it to B. J. F. Hanna and S. V. Crossman.

Of Mr. Brown it may be said that he was the ablest news- paper man in the history of the journalism of Madison county. He was not only a talented writer but was a su- perior manager, and had he chosen to give all his time and attention to the business, would have achieved fame and reputation as a journalist. Contemporaries and present jour- nalists of the county, accord to him the first place among the newspaper managers, editorial and political writers of the county. He was a warm-hearted, generous gentleman, and had a host of admirers and friends. He was subsequently appointed sergeant at arms of the United States senate, a position he held for a number of years, and died in Washing- ton in 186 -. The following we quote from the Gazetteer of Madison county : "From its very beginning, the Courier occupied a prominent position in the front rank of journal- ism, and soon came to be regarded as the leading paper in Southern Illinois. Politically, it was always a success. Financially, it was ultimately a failure, though for some years it was a prosperous and money-making enterprise. The causes which involved and finally led to its suspension, are well known to those conversant with the history of Alton from the years 1856 to 1866. The Courier always pro- fessed to be Democratie in principle and spirit, even after it had ceased to be the organ of the Democratic party. In 1854 it supported the Anti-Nebraska ticket; in 1856 it ad- vocated the election of Gen. Fremont to the presidency, and ever afterward was a firm, consistent and uncompromising Republican journal.

A history of the Courier would be incomplete without some mention of the building from which it was issued during the latter years of its existence. In 1856 Mr. Brown, finding the premises then occupied by him much too small for his growing business, erected at a very large expense, a magnificent four story building, with a basement, for his usc. This he fitted up in the most perfeet and thorough manner, making it in all respects a model printing establish- ment,-the finest in the state, and almost without a rival in the West. The Republican office, in St. Louis, was the only one that could compare with it, and even that was inferior in many particulars. This building was subsequently oceu- pied by the Ilton Telegraph, which was revived upon the suspension of the Courier, and still stands, an ornament to the city, and a monument to the enterprise and public spirit of its builder, George T. Brown. The firm of Hanna & ('ross- man continued the publication of the Courier until May, 1860, when they associated with them Benjamin Teasdale and B. F. Webster. The firm name was then changed to Hanna, Crossman & Co. They conducted the paper through the campaign of 1860. In December of the same year Mr.

Webster severed his connection with the Courier, and it was continued by the remaining members of the firm until Jan- uary 20, 1861, when its publication was suspended, and it sauk to rise no more.

THE ALTON NATIONAL DEMOCRAT

was established in 1854. The causes that led to its estab- lishment were briefly the agitation of the " Nebraska Bill," which was made the test of party fealty, and the desire of the friends of the bill to have an organ that would quote them correctly and defend the measures of the dominant wing of the Democratic party. The Courier had failed to stand the test, aud gave unmistakable evidences of going over to the enemy, The Demoerat was started by George M. Thomson, Esq., as publisher and proprietor, and John Fitch, lately of the ('ourier, as editor. At first it was a five-column folio, but its support was hearty and generous, and it soon grew to a double medium, and commeneed a daily edition Mr. Thompson, after a few months, retired from the pro- prietorship, and the paper fell into the hands of its editor, Mr. Fitch. Under his management new presses and steam- power were purchased, and the Democrat soon became one of the notable institutions of the city.

John Fitch associated with him T. S. Fitch, his brother, and together they edited and managed the paper until March, 1859, when the latter withdrew from the firm, and the publication was continued by John Fitch. He erected a new building to accommodate the growing business, and into it removed the presses, type and material, and precisely one week from that time, June 6, 1860, the building, presses, type, steam-fixtures and all, were totally demolished and swept away by a tornado. That catastrophe so disheartened Mr. Fitch that he announced his intention to abandon the printing business. There was a lapse in the publication of seven weeks, then Robert P'. Tansey purebased a new outfit of presses and types, and resumed the publication. A few months later the eoneern passed into the hands of William T. Brock, and from him to W. T. Dowdall (at present editor and proprietor of the National Democrat, Peoria, Illinois). During the latter's administration Thomas Dimmoek, now on the editorial staff of the Missouri R publican, was the editor. Mr. Dowdall sold out the Democrat to John C. Dobelbower of Jerseyville, Illinois. The latter took possession Decem- ber 1, 1864. Mr. Dimmoek continued editor of the paper after the change of proprietors. On the 8th and 9th of February, 1866, the presses, type and fixtures of the office were destroyed by fire. With commendable energy and enterprise the publication of the Demoerat was resumed by its owner on the 17th of March following. It was enlarged, and many improvements were made. Its publication con- tinued until 1860, when it was removed to Lafayette, Indiana.

In 1853 was commenced the

MADISON COUNTY ENQUIRER.

The date of the first issue was at Edwardsville, March 26, 1853. Theodore Terry was the editor. He was not a very able writer; his habits were none of the best, and he lost

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

caste among the good people of Edwardsville and vicinity. His paper suspended in 1856, and from its ruins sprang

THE WEEKLY MADISON PRESS,

which was started by Theodore Terry and James R. Brown, at Edwardsville, August 17, 1858, and was Democratic in politics. The partnership of Terry & Brown continued until December 15, 1858, when it was dissolved, Brown retiring, and Terry continued the Press.

THE MADISON COUNTY ADVERTISER,

whose founder was James R. Brown, made its first issue June 26, 1856. Mr. Brown issued four numbers, when the office passed into the possession of O. C. Dake, Esq. Subse- quently Joseph L. Krafft assumed control, and from him it was transferred to William G. Pinchard, Jr. In 1860 the latter sold it to Col. Frank Springer, and he in turn transferred it to Thompson & Dunnegan. They published the Advertiser for eight months, then Thompson got entire control of the office, and he continued the publication until the latter part of the summer of 1865, when it passed into the posses- sion of Messrs. Whitman & Crabb. They changed the name from the Press to the

MADISON COUNTY COURIER,

The first number of which was issued at Edwardsville, October 12th, 1865. Crabb soon retired from the partner- ship, and Whitman continued the publication until October 5th, 1869, when he sold the material to S. V. Crossman, editor and proprietor of the Republican. All of the above papers were the continuations of the Madison Advertiser, and were Whig and Republican in politics.

THE SUCKER LIFE BOAT

Was the name of a small comic paper published in Alton, the first number of which was issued in January, 1855. John T. Beem, Martin Brooks and Willbur T. Ware were the editors and publishers. It suspended in July of the same year.

THE VORWARTS,

The first German newspaper printed in Madison county, was established in Alton, in 1852, by P. Stibolt and V. Walter. It was in form a five column folio, well printed and ably edited. It was Democratic in politics, and supported the measures advocated by the then rising statesman, Stephen A Douglas. In 1854 the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Stibolt removed the press and material to Galena, Ills. Subse. gently he removed to Peoria, Illinois, and was there one of the editors of the Deutsche Zeitung.

TIIE ILLINOIS BEOBACHTER,

Was the name of a German weekly newspaper started in Alton in June, 1856, by John Reis. It was the exponent of the principles and German organ of the Douglas wing of the Democratic party. Its founder continued its publica- tion until March, 1863, when he died. V. Walter then

became the editor and proprietor. He carried the paper over to the Republicans, defending Lincoln's administra- tion, and giving a hearty support to the war measures for the suppression of the rebellion. In the presidential cam- pain of 1864, it gave Lincoln a warm and cordial support. It had much to do at that time in educating and sustaining the union sentiment among the German portion of the com- munity. In October, 1864, Mr. Walter sold the paper to G. H. Weigler, who continued the Beobachter until Febru- ary 8th, 1866, when the office, with its contents, was totally destroyed by fire.

In the summer of 1858, Dr. Canesius and Christian Schneider established in Alton a German weekly paper, which bore the name of the

FREIE PRESSE.

With the" second issue the paper was transferred to Schneider, who continued the publication for one year, when it was discontinued.

THE MISSOURI CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN

Was removed from St. Louis, to Alton, in March, 1855, and there published until the following June. The subscription lists were then sold and transferred to the Watchman and Evangelist at Louisville, Kentucky. It was edited by Dr. J. B. Logan, a distinguished minister of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. The paper was originally started in April, 1852, at Lexington, Missouri, where it was published for one year. In April, 1853, it was removed to St. Louis, and on the 15th of March, 1855, removed to Alton.

THIE LADIES' PEARL

Was a monthly publication, issued at Alton, and published in the interest and under the auspices of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dr. J. B. Logan and Rev. W. W. Brown were the Editors. It was started in the summer of 1857, and continued until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when it suspended.

THE GOOD TEMPLAR

Was established in Alton in 1865, and continued for three years. It was edited by B. H. Mills. It had been formerly published in St. Louis, Mr. Mills was an able writer, and was the author of a work on Temperance.

THE ALTON BANNER

Is the name of a German newspaper started in Alton in May, 1866. It was established by the Pfeffer Bros. In October of the same year, John Mold, a practical printer, purchased the paper, and continued the publication until October 1st, 1868. Then the leaders of the Republican party in Alton bought the Banner, and put Mr. V. Walter in charge of it as editor. He continued one year, when it was sold to Messrs. Meyer & Voss. In 1870, Meyer pur- chased Voss' interest, and continued the publication until January 6th, 1877, when he sold the Banner to R. Boelitz. The latter continued editor and proprietor until July 1st,

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

1881, then sold to Messrs. Zechmeister & Henzel, and they continued to April 26th, 1882, when Messrs. Kleinwot & Henzel became the editors and publishers. The Banner is independent in politics. Mr. Zechmeister is editor. He was formerly connected with the St. Charles Democrat, Mo. The Banner has a good circulation, and is the most inde- pendent German newspaper published in the county.

WESTERN CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN,

No. 1, of Vol. 1, was issued June, 1862, at Alton. It was intended to supply a demand occasioned by the sale and re- moval of the St. Louis Observer to the east, leaving all the northwest part of the church without an organ to properly represent them. It was devoted to religion, morality, church information, and religious news generally. It was founded and edited by Rev. J. B. Logan. In 1866, he sold the sub- scription lists to T. II. Perrin, but remained editor of the paper until 1868, at which time Rev. J. R. Brown, D. D., bought a half interest in the paper. Dr. Logan then pur- chased the subscription lists of the Cumberland Presbyterian, and united with Dr. Brown. The word "Western" was dropped, and the united paper called

THIE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN.

The publication was continued until October, 1874, when the paper was sold and removed to Nashville, Tennessee.

OUR FAITH.

A religious paper bearing the above title was started in Alton in September, 1875. T. H. Perrin and Dr. J. B. Logan were the proprietors. It was published monthly, and was designed as the mouthpiece of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church. It was continued one year and seven months, when it was sold to the St. Louis Observer Co., of which paper Messrs. Perrin & Smith are the proprietors, and Rev. Benton Farr, D. D., editor, and Rev. W. C. Logan assistant editor. As will be seen by the foregoing, Dr. J. B. Logan had an extensive connection with the religious journals of Madison county. He was a native of Huntsville, Alabama, and was born Dec. 18th, 1820. He was regularly ordained, and entered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church while yet a young man. Ile came to the southwest part of Missouri on missionary service, and soon after set- tled in Lexington, and from there went to St. Louis, and then to Alton, where he organized the Cumberland Presby- terian Church, and was its pastor for nineteen years. Dur- ing that period he was president of the Board of Missions, and was moderator of the General Assembly, which is the highest office in the Cumberland Presbyterian organization. He removed from Alton to Taylorville, Illinois, and there died September 14th, 1878. Dr. Logan was a voluminous and extensive writer. Besides the great amount of writing he did for religious journals. he was the author of a number of published works, which had for their object the enlighten- ment of the masses upon the principles and tenets of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Notably among his works are : " Alice McDonald," " Carrie Holmes," "Tract on Happiness," aud others. Dr. Logan did not possess a col-

legiate education, but he was a great student and read ex- tensively. He was blessed with a naturally strong and vigorous mind and an exceedingly retentive memory. As a writer as well as a speaker, he was plain though forcible. Productions of his pen read well. There is no attempt at profuse elaboration, but the point aimed at is plainly dis- ceruible. That and their literary merit, make them very readable books.

The degree of D. D. was conferred on him by the Lincoln University at Lincoln, Illinois.

The first newspaper established in the village of High- land was the

ERZAEIILER.

It was founded and the first copy printed March 26th, 1859. The editors and proprietors were Rudolph Stadtmann and John Harlen. It was printed in the German language. It was in form a five column folio. On the 7th of May of the same year its name was changed to the

HIGHLAND BOTE.

On the 25th of June following, the office and fixtures passed into the possession of Messrs. Volege and Weis, who continued the publication until April 1863, when Tim- othy Gruaz became editor and proprietor. The latter gen- tleman at once refurnished the office, putting in new type, presses, etc., and when completed it was well equiped in all its appointments. He also gave the Bote a reputation as an outspoken, fearless Democratic newspaper. Believing that the principles as presented and advocated by that political organization, if adopted would redound to the advantage of the whole country, he did not hesitate to avow and proclaim them, notwithstanding they met with fierce opposition from a large number of people. During Mr. Gruaz' proprietorship of the Bote it was the organ of the National Rifle Club, and Sharp Shooters' Society. He continued the publication of the Bote until June, 1868, when he sold out to Messrs. B. E. Hoffman and Maurice Huggy, who continued as a firm in the publication until November, 1869, when Hoff- man purchased Huggy's interest, and moved the press and material to Edwardsville. At the latter place the name of the paper was changed to the

MADISON COUNTY BOTE.

Mr. Hoffman edited and published the paper until 1870, then sold it to E. G. Wolf and Frank Haag. They contin- ued until 1873 when they failed, and the publication was suspended. The presses and material reverted to Mr. Hoffman in consequence of default of payment on the part of Messrs. Wolf and Haag, and he sold it to Capt. Anthony Neusteadt of Collinsville in this county. In our judgment, had Mr. Hoffman chosen to continue in journalism he would have achieved success and journalistic fame, but from his version and statement of his experience, it was a succession of mishaps, perplexities and financial loss, and in addition he has no kind of doubt but that it was a source of great an- noyance to the public. We at the present writing, have not ascertained the opinion of the latter.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

THE INTELLIGENCER

was founded by James R. Brown, at Edwardsville, October 24th, 1862. It started as a Democratic paper and has so re- mained, notwithstanding the vicissitudes through which papers of that political complexion have passed. Mr. Brown conducted the Intelligencer until his death, which event oc- curred April 30, 1882. He was a native of England. He came to America while yet a youth, settled in Edwardsville in 1853, and here learned the printer's trade. He was quick, active and industrious, and soon became an adept in artistic printing. As a manager of a newspaper he was considera- bly above the average. He made his paper the organ and spokesman for his party under his own dictation. He was a man of positive views, and exceedingly strong will power that would brook no control, and which could not be dominated by others. His positive views and their too free expression led him into difficulties sometimes, but all admitted his hon- esty while deploring his want of tact. Articles from his pen were short, on the paragraphic style, and partook some- what of the nature of the writer. They were spicy, pun- gent, vigorous, sarcastic and not always well-timed.

THE UNION

Is the name of a German newspaper published at Highlaud in Madison county. It was established and the first number issued October 24th, 1863. Its founders and originators were some of the leading representative men of Highland and vicinity, who were in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war then in progress. They desired to have a journal in their midst that would uphold the Union cause and cul- tivate Union sentiment among the citizens of Highland. They subscribed liberally. A company was formed, the presses and material purchased and the Union started. Charles Seybt was chosen editor, and continued in charge until January 28th, 1865, when he was succceded by Dr. G. Rutz. When the paper was started it was a five column folio. With number eight, of volume one, it was enlarged to a seven column, same form but in volume second, it was reduced to six columns, and with number one of volume four it was enlarged to a seven column folio.

On the 23th of December, 1866, Dr. Rutz aud John S. Hoerner purchased the office and material of the stock com- pany. On the 22d of October, 1868, the name of the paper was changed to the Highland Union, which name it still re- tains. On the same date it was enlarged to an eight column folio.

The firm of Rutz & Hoerner continued the publication of the Union until March 18th, 1874, when Mr. Hoerner purchased his partner's share in the paper, and from that time to the present has continued sole proprietor and editor. On the 20th of April, 1877, the form of the paper was cn- larged to a seven column quarto.

The Union from its first issue has been Republican in politics. It took high ground in time of the war, and ably advocated the war measures of that time. In later years it has become more liberal-that is to say it might now be

classed with the liberal Republican newspapers of the day.

In 1875 Mr. Hoerner purchased and placed in the office a Fairhaven power press. Iu 1879 he erected a large two- story brick building expressły to accommodate the printing business, and fitted it up with steam power, new presses, type, etc., and it is now, in all its appointments and conveni- ences for business, second to no other office in the county.

Mr. Hoerner is a practical printer, and has served twenty- five years at the case and in the sanctum. He learned the trade in the printing offices of Edwardsville, and afterward worked in the offices of the St. Louis papers. In 1866 he removed to Highland and became half owner in the Union, and subsequently sole proprietor, as above stated.

THE EDWARDSVILLE REPUBLICAN

Was established, by S. V. Crossman a practical printer. He was an Englishman by birth, and came to America, and learned the trade in Cincinnati. In 1854 he came to Alton, and there was connected with the publication of different papers. He was the foreman and superintendcut of the mechanical department of the Courier office for a number of years. He came to Edwardsville in 1869, and brought with him a job office. With that material he commenced the publication of the Republican.

The first issue was made July Ist, 1869. About the Ist of October of the same year, he purchased the material of the Courier, a paper published in Edwardsville which had sus- pended. He continued editor and proprietor until his death, which occurred in June, 1875. The publication of the paper was continued by the " S. V. Crossman Printing Company," afterwards R. B. Crossman, then O. S. Reed & Co. The latter firm continued until July 1st, 1879, when T. M. and W. R. Crossman formed a partnership under the firm name of Crossman Brothers, which still continues. The Repub- lican in form is an eight column folio. Politically, it has from its first issue been straight Republican. The office is well supplied with power and job presses, and fully equipped with the modern improvements of a country newspaper office. The Crossman Brothers are practical printers. The paper, under their control and management, has become one of the influential organs of the Republican party in this congress- ional district.

While the Republican was run under the management of Robert B, Crossman, a daily paper was issued. It was kept up for a few weeks, then discontinued from lack of patronage.

THE COLLINSVILLE ARGUS

Was established in Collinsville, August 12, 1871. The Union Publishing Company were the proprietors, and A. W. Angier editor. At the end of the first volume, Angier was succeeded by L. D. Caulk as editor. The paper was then owned by the Collinsville Publishing Company, an organiza- tion of the leading business men of the village. Caulk was succeeded by Anton Neustadt, who became both editor and proprictor, having purchased the stock of the company. He beld control until August, 1878, when Connolly & John-

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

son became proprietors of the Argus. Connolly retired from the partnership in January, 1879, and A. W. Johnson con- tinued the paper until August of the same year, when its publication was suspended. The press and type were sokl and shipped to Stauntou in Macoupin county. The Argus was a seven column folio. After Mr. Augier retired from the editorship of the _Irgus, it became Republican in toue and so continued until 1879, when until its suspension, it was run as an Independent paper. After the Argus passed from the control of A. W. Augier, he commenced the pub- lication of a paper in Collinsville called the

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT.

The first number was issued October 10th, 1872. It was an eight column paper, Democratie in polities. The presses and type of the office were removed to Edwardsville in 1878, and on the 2d of October of that year, was started

OUR TIMES,

A. W. & J. S. Angier, editors and publishers. It was con- tinned until the latter part of March, 1881, when it was sold to Messrs. Priec & Simcox. On the 28th of May 1, 1881, the name of the paper was changed to the

EDWARDSVILLE TIMES.

Price withdrew from the firm June 18, 1881, and Mr. John L. Simeox continued the publication until July 16, when he took in as a partner, E. W. Anderson. The latter retired October 8, 1881. Mr. Simcox remained sole proprietor until December 1st, 1881, then sold a half interest to Joseph S. Umberger. The latter firm still continued until May 27, 1882, when A. L. Brown purchased the paper and changed the name to the Edwardsville Democrat, and changed the form from a seven column folio to a six columu quarto with the sheets cut and pasted. He has refitted the office with new type and presses and now has a neat printing office. He is a young man of ability and seems to be imbued with energy and a desire to excel, and we have no doubt but that in time the Democrat will become one of the able journals of this section of the country.

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History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 53

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co. Number of Pages: 698

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698