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 36

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 36

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regarded as the organ of young Douglas. Under the nom de plume of an "Old Settler," a well known citizen of Springfield contributed to a local paper of the city, in 1871, the following interesting reminiscence of the Republican, and Stephen A. Douglas' connection with it:

"A law providing for the removal of the seat of government from Vandalia to Springfield had passed the legislature of 1835-36, and three. commissioners appointed to superintend the building of a new State House at the latter place. Dr. Henry was the acting commissioner. He was an able political writer, and contributed largely to the columns of the Sangamo Journal, both editorially and otherwise; hence, the news- paper fights of that day between the Journal and Republican, were mainly between Douglas and Dr. Henry, as the champion writers of their respective parties.

" Douglas, in several anonymous communica- tions, attacked Dr. Henry as acting State House Commissioner, denouncing him, with much bit- terness, as being unqualified for the position, and burlesquing many of his official acts, advis- ing the Governor to remove him for incompe- tency, and to appoint a practical builder-a mechanic or architect, as doctors and lawyers knew but little about building State houses. Dr. Henry and many of his friends, believing Douglas to be the author of the offensive arti- cles, determined to demand the name of the author by calling on the editor. A committee was appointed for that purpose, which, armed with cane and pistols, waited upon the editor (until then supposed to be a meek man), and made the demand. Douglas happened to be in the printing office when the committee arrived. The demand was made with threats and a flour- ish of the cane, when the meek man of the press planted his fist in the face of the chairman of the committee, informing him that he was re- sponsible for everything that appeared in his paper. The committee was thus dispersed. Douglas being an eye-witness of the disastrous defeat of the committee, gave a highly colored description of what had occurred in the next paper, which, when the paper appeared, resulted in a determination of certain aggrieved parties to destroy the printing establishment of the Illi- nois Republican.

"On the evening of June 27, 1837, while the editor and hands were at supper, a mob appeared before the office door which was locked. The leader, being the Sheriff of the county on a 'spree,' picked up a stick of cord wood and burst open the door, and ordering his men to

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throw the printing materials into the street, promising to pay all damages. By this time the Weber brothers -three in number - Douglas, Dr. Early (afterwards assassinated), and a few others, rushed into the office, and kicked and flung the mobocrats from the building. Several other personal conflicts ensued. The next day the mob rallied and made another attack, in which the leader of the mob, the Sheriff, was stabbed, and fainting fell, covered with blood, he was carried home. Thus ended the mob. These things gave notoriety to the paper. The spicy and able articles of Douglas, like pure and good Democratic seed sown in good ground, resulted in his nomination for Congress by the Democratic party of the Third Congressional District."

George R. Weber was born in Baltimore, Maryland, May 29, 1808. He was taken, when an infant, to Shepherdstown, Virginia, by his parents, and remained there until after he reached his majority. In 1832, he was married to Miss Susan Shepherd, and soon after moved to New York City, where his wife soon died. Mr. Weber then returned to Shepherdstown, and from there came to Springfield, Illinois, arriving here April 15, 1835. He was married in Spring- field to Catherine Welch, by whom he had eight children. Mr. Weber learned the trade of a printer before coming to Springfield, and has worked at the case off and on for a period of nearly sixty years. In 1839, he suspended the Republican, and shortly after became a part- ner in the Register, retaining his connection therewith until 1846, when he sold out to Mr. Walters, and enlisted in Company A, 4th Illi- nois Infantry, under Colonel E. D. Baker. While encamped on the Rio Grande, in Mexico, news of Mr. Walter's death reached there, and Mr. Weber, being interested in the State printing, it became necessary that he should return. Accordingly he was detailed to return home with those soldiers who were unfit for duty, and was never recalled. After the time expired for which he was elected Public Printer, he severed his connection with the office, and moved to his farm.

Mr. Weber served six months as State Com- missary, in our late civil war, and was subse- quently appointed as Commissary at Camp But- ler, which position he retained until the close of the rebellion.

ILLINOIS STATE REGISTER.

The Illinois State Register was started in Vandalia, February, 1836, under the name of the 26-

Illinois State Register and Vandalia Republi- can, by William Walters. Mr. Walters was a native of Delaware, and for some years was a journeyman printer in Washington City, and foreman in the office of the old National Intel- ligencer. While occupying this position he contributed a number of articles to the Press of that day, and thus attracted the notice of the Democratic or Jackson members of Congress from this State. Desiring a strong newspaper advocate of the Jacksonian school at the capital of the State, Mr. Walters was induced to make the venture. He arrived in Vandalia in Jan- uary, 1836, and on the 10th of February, the first number of the new paper appeared. At this time Judge John York Sawyer was publishing the Illinois Advocate at Vandalia, and was State Printer. Judge Sawyer died during this year, and the Advocate suspended publication.

The legislature, at its session of 1836-37, elected Mr. Walters State Printer, and made the Register the official paper of the State. During this session the vote was taken on the removal of the State capital to Springfield, and carried.

In 1839, the offices of the State Government were removed to Springfield, and were followed a few weeks later by the State Register, Mr. Walters removing the office to this city. Here the paper assumed the double name of Illinois State Register and People's Advocate, with William Walters and George R. Weber as edi- tors and publishers. The name of the Advocate was quietly dropped out some months after- wards, and the name of Illinois State Register alone appeared as the name of the paper. The first number of the Register printed in Spring- field, dated August 10, 1839, made the following announcement:

"TO OUR PATRONS :- We have the pleasure to address the patrons of the State Register from Springfield, the new seat of Government of the State of Illinois. The most of our readers are aware that, until within a few weeks past, the Illinois Republican (the leading and spirited Democratic paper) has been published in this place for several successive years .. The removal of the seat of Government to Springfield made it the duty of the publie printer to remove with it; and hence, as there was not a probable demand for two Democratic papers in the same place, Mr. Weber, the editor of the Republican, discontinued that journal, and purchased an in- terest in this paper. The change will, no doubt, be advantageous to our subscribers. To the subscribers of the Illinois Republican, this

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paper will henceforth be sent, unless otherwise instructed by them."

In 1845, Mr. Weber sold his interest in the Register to his partner, Mr. Walters, who con- tinued it until 1846, when the war with Mexico broke out, when he leased the office to Charles H. Lanphier, and enlisted as a private soldier in the Second Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. Mr. Walters confidently expected the position of Major of the regiment, but it was given to an- other. His friends in Washington, learning this fact, secured a commission as Commissary for him, and mailed it to him at St. Louis. Mr. Walters never lived to reach the front, but died in St. Louis before the departure of the regi- ment.

Mr. Walters was a very able political writer, and was very popular with the people; and his loss was deeply felt.

On the death of Mr. Walters, Charles H. Lan- phier became proprietor of the office, and con- tinued the publication of the paper one year, when he associated with himself George Walker, and the Register was published from 1846 to January 1, 1858, by Lanphier & Walker, when Walker withdrew, as appears from the follow- ing:

DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP .- Notice is hereby given that the partnership under the style of Lanphier & Walker, in the printing business and publication of the Illinois State Register, is this day dissolved, by mutual consent. *

Jan. 1, 1858.

CITAS. H. LANPIIIER, GEO. WALKER.

George Walker was born in Vermont, in 1821, and in 1836 came with his parents to Belvidere, Illinois, His father was the original proprietor of that town. Mr. Walker came to Springfield at an early day ; studied law with Ebenezer Peck, and was admitted to the bar. Subsequently, he was appointed deputy by Mr. Peck, who received the appointment of Clerk of the Supreme Court. He acted as Deputy Clerk until 1847, when he became connected with the Register, as editor and publisher.

Mr. Walker was a fine scholar and a brilliant writer. While he wrote or spoke in a manner not to be misunderstood, he was choice of his words, and every sentence showed the scholarly man. After retiring from the Register, he en- gaged in no active business, and died at the house of Mr. Lanphier, in 1864.

On the breaking out of the war, in 1861, the following article appeared in the Register, from the pen of Charles H. Lanphier, on the duty of the hour:

"The fratricidal blow has been struck! Civil war is upon us. The rebels have opened their batteries upon Fort Sumter, and the prospect of a long and bloody strife is before us. It has come as the consequence of causes so often and emphatically deprecated by Democrats and other conservative men-as the consequence of sec- tional agitation by Northern and Southern ex- tremists. But it is useless and unprofitable now to discuss the causes which have placed the country in its present unhappy condition. The Government has been resisted in the perform- ance of its legal functions. Rebels to the Na- tional authorities have fired upon the flag of the country, and assaulted one of its garrisons, when an effort was being made to re-inforce and pro- vision the noble Anderson and his gallant little band. Most gallantly have they resisted; bravely have they defended their country's flag and their country's rights. But they have been overcome by the superior force that has surrounded them.

"The news has been productive of the most intense feeling and excitement here, as it will be throughout the land, but whatever may be men's opinions as to the causes which have brought war upon us, there is but one feeling, and that is in behalf of the Government and the flag of the Union. This is as it should be. With the true patriot, whatever may be his opinions of the causes of war with his country's enemies, he is for his country and his country's flag; and his hearty support, morally, and physi- cally if necessary, should be rendered to the country's cause."

In an article on "The National Trouble," the editor says:

"We are proud to record that Douglas and his counsels, now that blows have ensued, are with the Government. Ever faithful, ever true, the champion of popular rights is for the cause of his country-of the Constitution and law. Whatever may be our party leanings, our party principles, our likes or dislikes, when the con- test opens between the country, between the Union, and its foes, and blows are struck, the patriot's duty is plain-take sides with the stars and stripes! As Illinoisans, let us rally to one standard. There is but one standard for good men and true. Let us be there. Through good and through evil report, let us be there - first, last, and all the time."

Upon the retirement of Mr. Walker, Edward Conner was associated with Mr. Lanphier in the publication of the Register until June 10, 1859, when the following announcement was made:

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

DISSOLUTION OF CO-PARTNERSHIP .- Notice is hereby given that the partnership in the publication of the Illi- nois State Register, heretofore existing under the name of Lanphier & Conner is dissolved by mutual consent. The business will hereafter be conducted by Chas. H. Lanphier. CHIAS. H. LANPIHIER,

June 10, 1859. EDWARD CONNER.

Mr. Lanphier alone, continued the publication of the Register until 1864, when he sold out to certain parties and the "Illinois State Register Printing Company " was organized, with George Judd, Esq., business manager, and I. N. Higgins editor. (Mr. I. N. Higgins is now editor of the Morning Call, San Francisco.)

Charles H. Lanphier was born in Alexandria, Virginia, April 14, 1820. His father, Robert Goin Lanphier, was a native of the same place. His grandfather, Goin Lanphier, was one of the first settlers of that ancient town. He was of Irish birth, coming to Virginia an infant, with his father, Thomas Lanphier, in the year 1732, from County Cork, Ireland, where the family (French Hugenots) had emigrated in 1650. At the age of four years, the parents of Charles H. Lanphier removed to Washington City, where Mr. Lanphier received a plain, English educa- tion, in the primary schools of the day. In May, 1836, just turning his sixteenth year, Mr. Lanphier came to Illinois with his brother-in- law, William Walters, who, in January of that year, had established the Illinois State Register at Vandalia, then the seat of government of the State. Mr. Lanphier entered that establishment as an apprentice to the printing trade, and when the paper was moved to Springfield, he came with it. Completing his apprenticeship, he con- tinned in the concern as printer, clerk or re- porter, until 1846. On the breaking out of the Mexican war, Mr. Walters entered the vol- unteer army, leaving Mr. Lanphier in charge of the paper as editor and manager. Mr. Wal- ters died at St. Louis, soon after his regiment reached there, en route for Mexico. Mr. Lan- phier then attained the proprietorship of the paper. At the next session of the legislature (1846-7) he was elected Public Printer. being the last person to fill that office, which was there- after abolished by constitutional provision. In 1847 he took into partnership, in the publication of the Register, Mr. George Walker, one of the most accomplished scholars and journalists of his day. This partnership continued until Jan- uary, 1858, when Mr. Walker withdrew, and Mr. Lanphier continued the publication of the paper, until the fall of 1863, when he sold out the establishment, after a connection with it of nearly twenty-eight years. In 1860, on the

breaking out of the Southern rebellion, Mr. Lanphier was appointed by Governor Yates a member of the "Board of Army Auditors," in connection with Judge William Thomas, of Jacksonville, and Hon. James H. Woodworth, of Chicago. In 1864, Mr. Lanphier was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, of Sangamon county, and in 1868, was re-elected. Before the expira- tion of his last term, in 1872, Mr. Lanphier was nominated as the Democratic candidate for State Treasurer, but with his whole party, was defeated.

In February, 1846, Mr. Lanphier was mar- ried to Margaret T. Crenshaw, daughter of John Hart Crenshaw, of Gallatin county, Illi- nois, one of the early pioneers of the State, set- tling with his parents and family in that county in the year 1812, from North Carolina. After the adoption of the present city charter, Mr. Lanphier was chosen a member of the City Council for three terms, and as Chairman of the Ordinance and School Committees, was largely instrumental in shaping the city laws under the new charter, and in organizing the present sys- tem of city schools. During the ascendancy of the Democratic party in the State, as the editor of its leading exponent at the Capital, Mr. Lan- phier bore a conspicuous part, and through the Register, was influential in shaping the policics of the State. Contemporary and intimate friend of Judge Douglas during his whole pub- lic career, he was an earnest champion in nearly all his public efforts, sharing his confidence and possessing his highest respect and esteem. As editor of the Register, while it was controlled by him, he was bold and fearless in giving ex- pression to his views of men and principles. His quick perception enabled him to judge al- most unerringly of the motives of the former, and while respectfnl to his opponents, if he thought them sincere, he was unsparing in his criticism of those he believed unprincipled and corrupt. His integrity was unquestioned and in these days, when venality so far pervades the Press, however lamentable the contemplation, it would not be time illy spent, to compare the course of the Register under his management with the latter day political journalism. As a writer, Mr. Lanphier was terse and pointed in style. He never indulged in fanciful phrases at the expense of clear, lucid expression. When he meant to say a thing he said it, and there could be no misunderstanding his meaning. In short, his entire editorial career was as able and consistent as his private life has been upright and honorable.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

In December, 1864, J. W. Merritt & Sons pur- chased the Register, and by them it was con- tinued something less than two years, when J. W. Merritt retired, and the paper was then run by E. L. Merritt & Bro., as publishers, with J. WV. Merritt, editor, and E. L. Merritt, associate editor. In 1873, on account of advanced age, J. W. Merritt resigned editorial charge, and E. L. Merritt became editor-in-chief.

In June, 1877, E. L. Merritt & Bro., disposed of their interest to a stock company composed of John M. Palmer, E. L. Merritt, J. M. Higgins and John Mayo Palmer, forming the State Reg- ister Printing Company.

John W. Merritt was born in New York City July 4, 1806, and died November 16, 1878, The Register, with which he was so long connected as editor, thus speaks of the man:

"John W. Merritt was born in New York City in 1806, and had the benefit of a common school education. Before arriving at manhood he evinced a decided literary taste, and his contribu- tions to the magazine and newspapers of the time were greatly admired. He studied law and built up a very lucrative practice in connection with Hon. James T. Brady, the profits of which were invested in real estate. He made himself independent at a comparatively early period in life, and was in a fair way to become wealthy when the financial revulsion of 1837, in a short time destroyed the value of his earnings and in- vestments. That he must have been greatly disheartened by his misfortunes seems certain, but it is true that none of his most intimate friends ever heard him repine. With his wife and a young dependent family he removed with the remnant of his goods to St. Clair county, in this State, in 1841. His culture and energy soon gained him friends, and he purchased the Belle- ville Advocate, which paper he conducted with considerable success from 1848 to 1851. He also carried on a farm, and wrote letters for New York papers and contributed to eastern maga- zines. During this period, also, he wrote and published a novel called Shubel Darton. The style of this work now seems antiquated, and its construction more complicated than pleases modern taste, but the plan of the story shows considerable skill, and the composition is remark- able for power in many passages. About this time he formed a strong personal friendship for Judge Breese, which continued to the close of Breese's life.

"Some years later, Mr. Merritt moved to Salem and established the Advocate, which paper he conducted for many years, and where he had his

sons instructed in the art and mystery of print- ing. In 1861, he was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, and in 1862, a mem- ber of the legislature. In 1864, the State Regis- ter, as the organ of the Democracy of the State, suffered the fate of the party it had so long represented. The efforts of powerful political opponents, and the treachery of pretended ad- herents, had reduced the party to what seemed a hopeless minority, and upon the State Register fell the stigma of copperheadism and disloyalty. Mr. Merritt resolved to attempt the task of re- establishing the paper, and supported by his son, took editorial charge January 1, 1865. The en- terprise was not a prudent one, but it was gal- lantly undertaken, and, like most bold projects, succeeded. By hard work, and by the aid of business skill and editorial talent, the paper was set upon its feet again.

"For some years Mr. Merritt conducted the editorial columns of the Register with great ability; and although it may be said that he was not always temperate in his expressions, the fault will be pardoned by those who know how high the tide of political and personal feeling swelled after the war was closed. For some years, in addition to editorial duty on the Regis- ter, Mr. Merritt supplied the St. Louis Republi- can with its Springfield correspondence. But years of great labor began at last to tell against the veteran, and in 1873, he retired from active duty, and since then has spent his time in well earned and honorable repose. His children are Hon. Thomas E., who for several terms has rep- resented his district in the House of Represent- atives, and who was at the late election chosen a State Senator; General Wesley, who gradnated at West Point in 1861, and who rose to distinc- tion in the Union army, and who is Colonel of the Fifth United States Cavalry; John H., who at one time was editor of a Democratic paper at Carlinville, and who is now one of the editors of the Marion County Herald; Charles W., who, in 1873, was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Ninth United States Cavalry; Edward L., of this city; Joseph D., clerk of the Southern Peniten- tiary; and William W., conductor on the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, and two daughters.

"In politics, Mr. Merritt was a sound, uncom- promising Democrat of the old school, and his faith he never hesitated to declare or defend. He lived his allotted period in the fear of God, and always acted with due regard to the rights of man. He commanded the respect of his fellow-men by adherence to principle, and he won many friends through life. He was a de-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

voted member of the Episcopal Church, and he died in its full communion, and in an abundant faith in its doctrines. The world is better for his life and actions, and those who survive him, though not able to surpass him in ability, may emulate his virtues, respect his integrity, and learn an example by his industry. The State Register casts its sprig of rne and myrtle on the bier of one of its most able and brave of the long succession of its editors."

The Salem Advocate, in its obituary notice of Mr. Merritt, says: "John W. Merritt is dead, but his amiable character and kind acts will long be cherished and remain green in the memory of those who knew him best. He had hosts of friends, whose hearts are saddened because he has been called from the busy seenes of earth. But all should rejoice that he has entered upon a life beyond death's dark river, in the ever- green shades of Heaven's rich domain. Ile was pleasant, courteous and genial in manners, and his friendship extended to men in all the walks and stations of life."

Edward L. Merritt was born June 25, 1836, in New York City, and came with his parents to this State in 1841. He received but few advantages in the way of an education in the public or private schools, the whole time of his attendance probably not exceeding twelve months. But at a very early age he was placed in the " Poor Man's College," a printing office, to learn the trade of a printer. His first work at the case was when about eleven years of age, in the office of the Belleville Advocate. When his father removed to Salem and commenced the publication of the Salem Advocate he took a position in that office, and soon became a thorough, practical printer. Subsequently and previous to 1858, he served about four years as Civil Engineer on the Ohio & Mississippi Rail- road. In 1858, in connection with one of his brothers, he became the proprietor of the Salem Advocate, his father, J. W. Merritt resuming editorial charge. In 1861, E. L. Merritt became sole proprietor of the paper, continuing its pub- lication until he became connected with the pub- lication of the State Register. As already stated, as editor and publisher Mr. Merritt was identi- fied with the Register for many years, and as such became known not only throughout the State but throughout the Union, the Register always being the recognized organ of the party of the State.

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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 36

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