History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 34

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 34

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The first issue of the paper was creditable to the proprietors. The types were good, the mis- cellany well selected, the editorial vigorous and to the point. The pledge modestly implied in their salutatory was more than fulfilled, as the early history of the paper proved. This paper, thus founded in a new country, had many serious obstacles to overcome; but its twenty-four col- umns of reading matter went out among the people every week, and by their excellence won the favor of all readers. These men, who had made Springfield their home, and had embarked in this enterprise, were determined to succeed, and they did. Their office was in a two-story brick building, on the southwest corner of Wash- ington and Fifth streets. Here they put up their cases, fixed their primitive press, issued their paper, and waited for the verdict of the people. That verdict was not favorable at first, but the decision was speedily reversed. It must be remembered that the Sangamon county of that time was not the Sangamon county of to- day. It included the present counties of Logan, Mason, Menard and Cass, with portions of Mor- gan, Christian, McLean and Marshall. The in- habitants were few and scattered, the population of Springfield being only about six hundred. Mail facilities were of the poorest description. There were no railroads, and no telegraphs. The wagon roads were unimproved, and con- stantly liable to the damaging effects of wind and water. The mails were brought in stages- sometimes on horseback-from Vandalia, then the capital of the State, and from Edwardsville, Carrollton and Terre Haute. The people were without news, and, from habit, were willing to remain so. A newspaper was not a necessity then, as now, and the new paper especially was not acceptable. The inhabitants of Central Illinois at that time were chiefly from the South- ern States. The new paper was edited by Con- necticut "Yankees." That was enough. Even in those days a Yankee was distasteful to people from South of the Ohio. Certain persons at

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· once raised a cry against the paper, and went so far as to say there some people in the county who would not give the Francis brothers a place to be buried in, if it was known where they came from. Prejudice was thus fed, and the hundred and fifty names on their subscription book did not receive speedy increase. But the curiosity of the people was at last excited by the reports about the paper and its proprietors, and many new subscribers came in, who " wanted to take the thing just to see what it was." The result was natural. Each person for his two dollars and a half received fifty-two papers filled with good reading. They were pleased, sub- scribed again, and told their friends to do like- wise. The storm was thus weathered, and the prosperous future of the Journal established.

It has already been stated, the first number of the Journal was issued November 10, 1831. The paper was full of news. The very latest from Washington and New York was from two to three weeks old; from St. Louis four days, and the last from England was dated September 9. The clippings were from papers published weeks before, and just at hand, while the letters of correspondents had been longer on the way from different parts of the country than a letter now is in going from New York to Omaha. Yet it was news, the latest news, and relished as much by the readers as the Washington, London or St. Petersburg telegrams in our morning papers of events happening the evening before.

In principles the Journal was from its com- mencement the opposer of the Democratic party. It was Whig throughout during the existence of the party. In 1832 it mainly supported Henry Clay for the Presidency, foughtits battle to the best of its ability, and submitted to defeat with the expression, "The Presidential game is up and the day is not ours." It opposed the spirit of nullification with its might. It advocated all needed reforms, supported all measures of public improvement, and sought to promote the inter- ests of all classes of society.

The partnership between S. & J. Francis con- tinned until February 21, 1835, when J. Francis. retired. Simeon Francis continued as sole propri- etor until April 28, 1838, when Allen and J. New- ton Francis were admitted to the firm, which took the name of S. Francis & Co. The young men learned the printing trade in the Journal office, and were therefore not strangers, at least to the local patrons of the paper.

The manner of conducting a newspaper at that early day was not such as it is at the present time. The patronage of the office was neces-

sarily limited, and it became necessary at times for the proprietor to be editor, compositor, devil, and man-of-all-work generally. Under the head of "Editorial Comforts," Mr. Francis thus nar- rates his experience for one day: "Editor at the case. Enters A. 'I wish to get a handbill printed immediately. I intend to give them scoundrels their dues.' 'It is impossible, sir, we have as much as we can do until Monday.' 'Confounded strange if I ain't allowed to defend myself. Will you do it then?' 'Yes, and sooner if in our power.' Goes out in a huff. Click, click, click, goes the type. A pause of ten min- utes. Enters a lad. 'Pa wants the last hand- bill printed to-day. [It was during a political campaign, and candidates were setting forth their claims by means of handbills.] 'We have printed no handbills to-day-we are sorry we can't supply your father with a new handbill.' Click, goes the type, and after a free breathing of an hour, B. comes in in great flurtation. 'Sir, I want you to keep my manuscript out of sight, and not give a copy of my bill to any human being until you deliver the same to myself.' 'Very well, sir.' Exit last visitor. Again the operation of setting type is resumed. 'Mr. F.' says another visitor, 'have you any news of the cholera?' ' None in particular. We believe the atmosphere is choleric.' 'Have you any hand- bills that I havn't seen?' 'We don't know; all we have are on the line. Help yourself.' 'Good morning,' as C enters the office. 'I have pre- pared a communication for your columns, at the request of several friends, and which I think is perfectly unexceptionable, It reads:'-(Reads part of the communication.) The writer then states that the remainder of his article is made up of an argument founded on divers considera- tions, designed to show that ' Old Mac' should be made Governor. We regretted to state to our friend that we could not possibly publish his communication-our columns were then filled, corrected and ready for the press. 'Well, sir, it will create a rumpus among Mac's friends.' ' We do not see how we can avoid it.' 'Have you done my bill?' ' No, sir.' 'There are six men waiting for it. Can you have it done in two hours?' 'It cannot be done before ten o'clock at night.' Leaves grumbling. 'Well, you must be making your fortunes.' 'Making our for- tunes! Do you suppose that money is any con- sideration for the mental torture we are com- pelled to suffer?' ' Mr. F., I want to have added a little to your account against me. I suppose you would as lief print for me as anybody. I want to have you get my bill done so I can start for

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Athens early in the morning. Only two short certificates, with a few remarks. 'We can't possibly do your work until Monday.' 'Can't you do it?' 'It is impossible.' 'Well, then I must wait until Monday.' Enters M. in great haste. 'If there should be a handbill printed against me I want you to give me a chance to make an immediate reply.' 'You must wait your turn.' 'What ! do you intend to deny me the use of your press?' 'No, sir; we only intend to give every man his regular chance.' Such is the epitome of our editorial history for one day. We retire at ten o'clock-to sleep on a 'bed of roses' which Guatemozin would have hardly en- vied-but supported by the consideration that amid all the conflicting views and passions of the parties by which we are surrounded, we have aimed to do right."

On the twenty-fourth day of October, 1835, the Journal was enlarged to a seven column folio and otherwise improved. No further change was made in the paper until the death of J. New- ton Francis, which occurred on the tenth day of November, 1843. Mr. Francis had started out on a business tour in the eastern part of the State, and had taken his rifle with him to be- guile the hours of his journey. While near Monticello, he saw some game, and springing out of the vehicle in which he was riding, he drew the rifle toward him by the barrel, when it ac- cidentally exploded, carrying the charge into the neck, causing instant death. Simeon Francis, the elder brother, had this to say of the deceased: " We know it might well be left to another hand to record his virtues. They are written in our heart. Yet why should we not give expression to thoughts common to all who knew him? He was manly and generous and just; in his friend- ship, firm; in his duties, constant; in his man- ners, frank ; in his feelings, kind. No man was more free from selfishness, and falsehood was utterly foreign to his nature. He died young, but he has left a void in society, which will not be easily filled ; and in the circle of his friends and kindred there is a grief which words cannot describe. We have seen him grow from youth to manhood and take his place in the business and conflict of life. Together we have struggled with misfortune, and rejoiced in prosperity. To- gether we have formed plans for the future, which death has dashed in pieces; and now, whatever of trial or disaster is in store for us, must be sustained without the aid of his counsel, or the consolations of his sympathy. But all these words are vain. He is dead ! Already the mould rests upon his bosom, and to-night the

wind sighs mournfully over his grave. When . the bitterness of grief is past, his friends will feel a mournful pleasure in speaking of his blameless life and upright character; and to hearts that are quivering with anguish now, it will be a consolation to feel that-

' The ashes of the just Smell sweet, and blossom in the dust.'

The name of the firm as publishers of the Journal remained unchanged, it being continued by S. and A. Francis, under the firm name of S. Francis & Co. In September, 1847, the name of the paper was changed from Sangomo to Illinois Journal, and Albert T. Bledsoe became asso- ciated with Simeon Francis as editor. This re- lation was continued for some time.

In 1835, the Francis brothers erected a two- story frame building, forty-four by twenty feet, on the lot at the northeast corner of Washington and Sixth streets. This was the first Journal building, and was occupied for about eighteen years, until the completion of a new and better building erected on North Sixth, between Wash- ington and Jefferson, and used until November, 1879.

On the twenty-third day of September, 1847, the name of the paper was changed to the Illinois Journal, and on the thirteenth of August, 1855, to the Illinois State Jounal, its present name.

Simeon Francis was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, May 14, 1796. At an early age he entered a printing office in New Haven, Con- necticut, and served a regular apprenticeship; after which, in company with Mr. Clapp, he published a paper in New London, in the same State. After his marriage in New London, he sold his interest in the newspaper, and moved to Buffalo, New York, where he formed a part- nership under the firm name of Lazevell & Francis, and published the Buffalo Emporium, until it was forced to suspend in 1828, in conse- quence of the excitement in reference to the ab- duction of Morgan, charged against the Masonic fraternity, of which Mr. Francis was a member. In 1831, he came to Springfield, and soon after engaged in the publication of the Journal. On retiring from the Journal, Mr. Francis started the Illinois Farmer, which he continued as pub- lisher and then editor for some three years. In 1859, he closed his business in Springfield, and moved to Portland, Oregon. Here he engaged in the publication of the Oregon Farmer, and was President of the Oregon State Agricultural Society. In 1861, President Lincoln appointed him Paymaster of the United States Army, with

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residence at Fort Vancouver, Washington Ter- ritory. This position he held until 1870, when he was retired on half pay. He then returned to Portland, Oregon, where he died October 25, 1872.

Josiah Francis was born January 17, 1804, at Weathersfield, Connecticut. After severing his connection with the Journal, he was married to Margaret Constant, near Athens, Illinois, and in 1836 engaged in mercantile pursuits in Athens. While there, he represented Sangamon county in the State Legislature, in 1840. A few years later, he returned to Springfield, and was elected Sheriff of Sangamon county, and still later Mayor of Springfield. He died in 1867.

Allen Francis, brother of Simeon, and asso- ciate in the publication of the Journal, was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, April 12, 1815, and came to Springfield in 1834, and sub- sequently entered into partnership with his brothers. He remained in connection with the office until its disposal to Baker & Bailhache. He was married December 25, 1838, in Spring- field, to Cecilia B. Duncan, by whom he had six children. Mr. Francis was for several years a member of the City Council of Springfield, from the first ward. He erected the old Journal buildings on Sixth street, north of the square. In 1861, President Lincoln appointed him Consul at Victoria, Vancouver's Island. He left for that point February, 1862, and remained in official connection until 1871, when he resigned, and with his two sons engaged in the fur trade with the Indians, on the Pacific coast.

In July, 1855, Messrs. Francis sold the estab- lishment to Bailhache & Baker, who had formerly been publishers of the Alton Telegraph. In their valedictory the publishers say: "On an occasion like this-on leaving a business and an establishment in which we have been engaged the best years of our lives-we might say much. We indeed feel that it is our privilege to do so; but we will only now say that we have labored for what we conceived the best interests of our town, our State and our common country, and for the success of Whig principles, which we be- lieved were connected with those interests. Our work, our labors, are before the public. We will not say that we have not erred, and that often. We would not be mortals if we had not. If we have injured, we ask to be forgiven. If, on the whole, we have merited favor, we ask that our labors be kindly considered."

On assuming control of the Journal the new publishers said: " While we are well aware that there are few callings or professions so thank- 25 --

less, so little appreciated or so little understood, as that of the conductor of the public Press, we believe there is no newspaper in the State which has since its establishment sustained itself so uniformly, 'borne its faculties so meekly,' as the Illinois Journal, and the simple fact that it has been in profitable existence for fully twenty- four years, under the retiring proprietors, speaks for them a volume of commendation. In taking upon ourselves the ownership and management of the Illinois Journal, we dare promise but little. Our own experience tells us that it will be diffi- cult, if not impossible, to please or meet the views of all; for in these days of political free- dom, every man thinks independently and acts for himself. We shall, however, give our undi- vided attention to making the Journal an inter- esting newspaper, which will not be exclusively devoted to mere politics, but which will likewise advocate and sustain all the great interests of society, and lend its aid to the cause of virtue, morality and education. In its politics, the Journal will continue to wear much the same general features which have distinguished it in the past, but in its strictures upon the present administration, or upon the tendency of the measures of opposing parties, it will be found occupying national conservative ground, in every emergency upholding the Constitution and the Union, and opposed to fanaticism and extreme views, wherever they may be found. The most casual observer cannot fail to perceive that the political cauldron is at the present time in a state of violent commotion. Into what distinc- tive forms the elements will eventually be re- solved, cannot now be determined; but in every event we shall do battle fearlessly and independ- ently for the right, exposing error and falsehood wherever they niay show their heads, and ap- proving and encouraging what is good and true in all political organizations."

As stated in their salutatory, the political ele- ments at this time were in a state of violent commotion. The Whig party was in process of disintegration; the American or Know-Nothing party, which had been formed some years pre- vious, was gaining strength, especially in the South; the newly organized Republican or Anti- Nebraska party was absorbing all the anti- slavery elements in the Whig and Democratic parties, and much ill-feeling was engendered in consequence of the repeal of the Missouri Com- promise. The Journal, under its new manage- ment, was rather cautious in the expression of its views. Its sympathies were doubtless with the American party, and on the nomination of

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Millard Fillmore for the Presidency by that party, it advocated his endorsement by all the elements opposed to the Democracy. As the canvass proceeded, the anti-slavery views of the editors were strengthened, and when John C. Fremont was nominated by the Republicans, it instantly hoisted his name, and became an earn- est and enthusiastic advocate of his election. From that time to the present, the Journal has never wavered in its advocacy of Republican principles.

Baker & Bailhache continued in partnership as publishers of the Journal until December, 1862, when Mr. Bailhache received a Govern- ment appointment, and sold his interest to D. L. Phillips, who continued its publication under the firm name of Baker and Phillips.

W. H. Bailhache was born in Chilicothe, Ohio, in 1825, and was brought by his parents to Alton, Illinois, when quite a small boy. lle received a thorough English education in Shurtleff College, at Alton, and when about eighteen years old entered his father's office to learn the trade of printer. Subsequently he became associated with his father in the publication of the Alton Telegraph. As already stated. he came to Springfield in 1855, and purchased an interest in the Journal. He served in the army as Assist- ant Quartermaster, with rank of Captain, and was with the Army of the Tennessee. After his retirement from the Journal, he went to Quincy, and engaged in the newspaper business for a time, and finally received an appointment in the Quartermaster's Department, and is now at Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was mar- ried in 1859, to a daughter of General M. Bray- man.

Edward L. Baker was born in Kaskaskia, Illi- nois, June 3, 1829. He was educated at Shurt- leff College, Upper Alton, and graduated in 1847. After graduating, he read law two years with his father, David J. Baker, after which he attended Harvard Law School, graduated there- from, and was admitted to the Bar in 1855, at Springfield. After leaving he returned to Al- ton, which had been his home for some years, and in connection with W. H. Bailhache, he published the Alton Telegraph for some five years. In 1857, as already stated, he became part owner and editor of the Illinois State Jour- nal. In 1869 he was appointed United States Assessor for the Eighth District of Illinois, re- maining in that office until it was abolished. In December, 1873, he was appointed United States Consul at Buenos Ayres, Argentine Re- public, S. A., which office he still retains.

When Mr. Phillips became connected with the Journal, it was at a time when our army had suffered several defeats and treason was ram- pant. In his salutatory, he said:

"I am a cordial supporter of the present ad- ministration - as I would be of any other in its hour of trial and peril-and in favor of em- ploying all the means known to the Constitu- tion and laws to suppress effectually and forever, the existing rebellion against the Government. In the prosecution of the war I recognize no distinction between Democrats and Republicans in arms against the assassins who are attempt- ing to destroy the heritage bequeathed to us by our fathers, and seal up in endless night all hopes of human progress and human liberty. The meed of praise will be alike given to men of all parties who peril their lives for the pres- ervation of that government which we hold as a common trust for posterity. I am a Repub- lican, yet I pledge myself to no stereotyped line of politics. The future is too dark and uncer- tain to define with any degree of certainty, a political course to be pursued by any true lover of his country, other than so far as I have al- ready indicated. My best efforts will be em- ployed in giving the public a paper free from the tamt of treason, corruption and immorality, and nnalterably devoted to the interests of our brave Illinoisans who are shedding imperishable lustre upon our arms in all parts of the Repub- lic, cursed with the views of secession and re- bellion."

On the 28th of August, 1865, W. II. Bail- hache, having retired from the army, purchased a share in the Journal, and again became identi- fied with the paper. Previous to this, however, the legislature of 1863 passed an act incorpor- ating the Journal Company, and in February of that year the company was organized and some twenty thousand dollars in stock issued. Baker and Phillips retained by far the larger portion of this, and the paper as before was published in their name, the entire management of the concern being in their hands.

On the 7th of March, 1866, Mr. Phillips retired from the Journal, disposing of his stock to Mr. Bailhache. In his valedictory he said: "While I have been connected with the Journal, we have passed through a great civil war-a war for the Union made by our fathers-a war in defense of humanity, law, and order, and against disunion, barbarism, and universal disorder. The Journal in the darkest hour of the past four years has never faltered in its stern, unflagging support of the Government, the vigorous prose-

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cution of the war, and words of cheer to the brave men who saved the Nation. It will be my proud recollection that in those long, dreary years of blood and carnage, not one disloyal sentence ever found utterance in the columns of the Journal, nor one discouraging word to the heroic men who fought the great battles of the Union."

Baker and Bailhache, as principal stock- holders, continued the publication of the Jour- nal until February, 1873, when Mr. Bailhache retired, and the stock was purchased by Edward L. Baker, D. L. Phillips, Charles Edwards, and J. D. Roper. Mr. Phillips was elected Presi- dent, Mr. Baker Secretary, and Mr. Roper Treas- urer. No further change was made in the man- agement until September, 1878, when the stock of the company was purchased by Paul Selby, M. F. Simmons, and II. Chapin.

David L. Phillips, who so long held the posi- tion of managing editor of the Journal, was of Welsh descent, his parents emigrating from that country prior to the Revolutionary war. David L. was born October 28, 1823, near the present town of Marion, Illinois. In common with the mass of young men of that time, he had only those opportunities of education afforded by the common schools of the period, which were none of the best; but, gifted with an active mind and a strong thirst for knowledge, he made such good use of them by study during the winter, while laboring on the farm during the summer, that by the time he had attained to manhood, he was fitted to teach, and acquitted himself with credit in that profession for several years. About that time the learned and able Dr. John M. Peck, the distinguished pioneer teacher and preacher of the Baptist denomination, was in the very prime of his manhood and usefulness, and from the seminary which he founded at Rock Spring was exerting a vast influence upon the young men of the State, and even in other States. It was no doubt due to the direct influ- ence of this able and gifted man, that at the age of eighteen years young Phillips was received into the Baptist Church, and some two years later entered the ministry of that denomination with all the zeal and fervor peculiar to his youth and sanguine temperament. He remained in this profession probably eight years, teaching and preaching at intervals in St. Clair, Wash- ington, Union, and perhaps other counties in Southern Illinois. In the early part of his career as a minister, he was married to Miss Charlotte Tate, of St. Clair county, who still survives him, and the young couple began life

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History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 34

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company Number of Pages: 1084

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084