History of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Part 56

Author: Chapman, Chas. C., & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 986

USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > History of St. Joseph County, Indiana > Part 56

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In the spring of 1851, Mr. Colfax was nominated for Congress and retired temporarily from the editorial management of the paper, James Davis assuming editorial control. Unfortunately lie was not elected, so at the close of the campaign he again took the editorial chair.

As an evidence of prosperity, the Register in July, 1853, placed in its office a Northrup power press, by which it was enabled to work the paper at a rate of 800 to 1,000 per hour. Few power presses were then in the country, and this was a great novelty.

In 1854 Mr. Colfax was again honored with a nomination for Congress, and while canvassing his district, Alfred Wheeler was placed in charge of the editorial department of the paper. Mr. Wheeler discharged his duties in a satisfactory manner, and did much to assist in the election of Mr. Colfax.

Just before the completion of the eighth volume the Register was enlarged to an eight-column folio, 26x40. In speaking of this enlargement the editor says: "Eight years ago this month we issued the first number of the St. Joseph Valley Register. . The years since then have sped rapidly by, and to-day we issue the largest paper published in the State of Indiana; each page is twice the size of those to be found in the first and second volumes of the Register. This forward step has been an expensive one. No country paper in Indiana has ever risked as large an amount as we do now in the present enlargement. But we have coolly calculated the cost, and resolved upon the hazard; and the first fruits of the determination is now before our readers. The first year that we published the Register, we will not conceal the fact, it did not pay expenses. The second year it materially improved and left us a surplus. We resolved then, after considerable reflection, to enlarge its size, and in September, 1847, it first appeared as a seven-column paper, being the only one of that size in this section of the State, north of the Wabash counties. Many of our friends, and one or two of our cotemporaries, doubted whether a paper of the size of the Indiana State Journal would pay in this less populous and less profitable locality. The first year of that experience was as gloomy as the unprofitable volume of two years before; but the tide of patronage gradually swelled; the next year was better, and at last the margin was on the right side. To-day we invest the earnings of all our eight years of labor in the enlarged Register, and we shall labor

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during the coming year to make its receipts, if possible, equal to its largely increased expenditures. That much achieved, we shall hopefully rely upon the past being a sure augury of our prospects in the future."

In April, 1857, Alfred Wheeler was admitted as a partner in the publication of the paper, the firm name being Colfax & Wheeler, both gentlemen occupying the position of editor as well as publisher. In April, 1859, a further enlargement was made from an eight- column folio to a nine-column folio. A new power press had been added a short time previous, which, together withi much other material, made the office the most complete in Northern Indiana. Subsequently Mr. Wheeler became sole owner, afterward taking as a partner Mr. Hall. In November, 1865, Archibald Beal became the owner of the office, associating with him in the publication of the paper C. E. Fuller. This partnership continued for two years, when Mr. Fuller retired and A. B. Miller and E. Crockett became associated with Mr. Beal, under the firm name of Beal, Miller & Co. In January, 1872, Miller and Crockett disposed of their interest to Mr. Beal, who remained as sole editor and proprietor for another year, when Daniel S. Marsh was installed as associate editor. In February, 1874, D. J. Benner purchased one-half interest in the office, and became associated in the editorial labors, Mr. Marsh reinaining but one month longer in an editorial capacity. In Au- gust, 1875, a joint-stock company was organized for the publication of the paper as well as general job printing, composed of Archibald Beal, President; E. W. Henricks, Secretary; N. F. Van Winkle Treasurer; O. H. Palmer, George H. Alward and A. N. Thomas. The name adopted by the company was the Register Company. On the 13th of October, 1878, the Register Printing Company was organized, composed of the following named stockholders: Daniel S. Marsh, President; Charles N. Fassett, Secretary; Herbert S. Fassett, Treasurer; E. M. Kerr and F. A. Marsh-the entire stock of the Register Company passing into their hands. Subsequently the stock of D. S. and F. A. Marsh was purchased by the company which is at present composed of Herbert S. Fassett, President; Charles N. Fassett, Secretary; E. M. Kerr, Treasurer. Charles N. Fassett is the editor of the paper, and Willis E. Beal, reporter.

In the various changes that have been made in the publication of the paper, no backward step has been taken, it keeping in the front rank in its general and political and in its local departments.

On Saturday, Sept. 18, 1875, the publication of the Daily Reg- ister was commenced. It is a seven-column folio, well edited in its varions departments, and a credit to the place.

The Mishawaka Tocsin was established in 1841, by Wilbur F. Storey, the present editor of the Chicago Times. Subsequently George Merrifield became the publisher. In 1845 Thomas Jerne- gan became the owner and the office was removed from Mishawaka to South Bend, and the name of the paper changed to the Indiana Tocsin. The support in South Bend was not sufficient to warrant

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

its continuance, and the paper was suspended here and the office removed to La Porte.

The Free Democrat was started in 1848 by E. W. H. Ellis, to support the Free-Soil movement and in support of the candidacy of Martin Van Buren, who was the nominee of that party for President. It survived but a few months.

In 1853 A. E. Drapier & Son commenced the publication of the St. Joseph County Forum. The Forum was Democratic in politics and edited with more than ordinary ability. The senior proprietor was a man of great force of character, a elose observer, and deep thinker, while the junior was a " chip off the old block." For several years Charles E. Drapier was the responsible editor, especially during the sessions of the Legislature, each of the pro- prietors being engaged as short-hand reporters in the legislative bodies. The experiment of a semi-weekly was tried in 1858, but abandoned after a few months' trial as being unprofitable. In 1863 the Forum was suspended by order of Brigadier-General Hascall, for what was regarded as disloyal utterances. After a suspension of a short time its publication was resumed. The proprietors subsequently sold the establishment to Edward Malloy, who changed the name to the National Union and again to the South Bend Weekly Union. In December, 1874, it passed into the hands of C. L. Murray, who placed his son, C. T. Murray in charge. About this time the latter formed a joint stock company known as the " Herald Printing and Publishing Company." The company started a morning daily which was continued one year. The Herald has at other times issued a daily, but only for political campaign purposes. On the 22d of May, 1876, the stoek of the company was transferred to C. L. Murray, who came to South Bend and assumed control and management of the paper. It is now recognized as one of the leading Democratic papers of the State, and is edited with zeal and ability by Mr. Murray.

The Mishawaka Bee was started in 1846 by S. P. Hart, and dis- continued after the expiration of two years.

The next venture was that of the Free Press, the publication of which was begun in 1853, by D. C. Ireland, and continued by him for two years, when he sold to L. A. Elliott who changed its name to Mishawaka Enterprise, and subsequently sold it to Archibald Beal. In 1865 the Enterprise passed into the hands of N. V. Brower, and in 1872 it was purchased by E. A. Jernegan, who enlarged and otherwise improved it, until it now is one of the largest pa; ers in the county and fully up to the times in every particular. The office was destroyed by fire in 1872, but by increased patronage and faithful work it soon recovered from the calamity, and the Enterprise was made a complete success.

The Investigator was the name of a religious paper published by P. T. Russell for a short time. It advocated the doctrines of the Christian Church.

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

The South Bend Weekly Tribune was established in 1872, the first number bearing date March 9, of that year. The Tribune was published by the Tribune Printing Company, composed of Alfred B. Miller, Elmer Crockett, E. W. Hoover and J. H. Banning. Alfred B. Miller was placed in editorial charge and has remained in that connection to the present time. The paper has always fear- lessly and consistently advocated the principles of the Republican party. In his salutatory the editor said: " As to the policy of the Tribune we have only a word to say. Our aim will be to make it the best family journal possible; a wide awake and reliable news- paper; earnestly devoted to the great principles upon which the Republican party was founded, but independent in utterance and impartial in criticismn. As an exponent of public opinion, it will aim at candid. impartial and enlightened discussion of every ques- tion of public interest. It will be in sympathy with every liberal tendency, progressive movement and live thought, which shall give promise of securing the prosperity and elevation of the people. Its best energies, however, will be employed to advance the interests of our city and county, and no effort will be spared to make it worthy of the generous patronage and hearty support we respect- fully solicit." That the paper has been what is set forth in the foregoing statements an examination of its files will attest. When the paper was established, a book bindery was started in connection, and one year after a stock of books and stationery was added. The present officers of the company are Alfred B. Miller, President; Elmer Crockett, Vice President; John M. Diffenbaugh, Secretary; Alfred Wheeler, Treasurer.

In 1873, the company started the Daily Tribune, which at once met with public favor, and in a very short time was placed upon a paying basis.

Industrial Era, a seven-column folio sheet, established late in the fall of 1879, by Ralph E. Hoyt. The Era was an advocate of the principles of the National Greenback party. It only survived about three months.

South Bend Era .- The first number of the Era appeared March 27, 1880, with B. F. Shively, editor and proprietor. Like the Industrial Era it is a strong advocate of the National Greenback party, and strikes telling blows in advocacy of the right as under- stood by that party, and against what it conceives to be wrong. It is a seven-column folio, and is meeting with fair success.

St. Joseph County Republican .- The Republican was ushered into existence in the summer of 1879, at Walkerton, and is edited by James F. & W. A. Endley, father and son. As its name indi- cates, it is a consistent advocate of Republican principles, and labors faithfully and intelligently in behalf of the doctrines of that party. It is a six-column folio, printed all at home, and is meeting with enconraging success.

Walkerton Visitor .- This paper is published weekly at Walker- ton, Indiana, and is a seven-column folio. It is edited and pub- lished by H. S. Mintle, and is now in its sixth volume. The

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

Visitor is a staunch advocate of Greenback principles, and being published in a region where it can draw on two or more counties for support, it has a large and increasing circulation.

South Bend Courier .- This paper was established in 1873 under the name of the Indiana Courier, by the publisher of the Herald. It was shortly afterward purchased by G. Fickentscher, who has since been both editor and publisher. When started it was folio in form, 28x40 in size. When the name was changed to the South Bend Courier its form was also changed to a six-column folio. The paper has a large circulation in St. Joseph and neighboring counties. In politics, the Courier has always been a strong advocate of the principles of the Democratic party.

Turner's South Bend Annual .- The Annual was started Janu- ary, 1869, by T. G. Turner, and has since annually appeared about the first of January. It gives a complete and reliable review of the business of the city during the preceding year, and is a very valu- able publication.

The New Carlisle Gazette was founded Feb. 6, 1880, by George H. Alward, of South Bend, and G. M. Fountain, of Mishawaka, under the firm nameof Alward & Fountain. Under the manage- ment of these parties the paper was continued six months indepen- dent in politics; but finding it unprofitable to publish successfully a paper without pronounced political views, G. M. Fountain pur- chased the interest of his partner and brought out the paper as an advocate of the Republican party. The paper was first published as a six-column folio; in three months it was enlarged to a seven- column folio, and when purchased by the present proprietor it was made an eight-column paper, making it the largest paper in the State for $1 per year.

Notre Dame Scholastic .- In the good old days of Notre Dame, the students of the college had a semi-monthly magazine called the Progress, which rarely passed beyond the manuscript edition. Its origin was due to John Collins, J. H. Fleming, B. B. Barron, and F. C. Bigelow. The first paper was called the Notre Dame Liter- ary Gazette, and was passed around among the students. The very first number was destroyed in a summary manner, and this destruc- tion inspired John Collins to start the Progress, and have it read publicly for all the students. Mr. Collins edited the first number, in the year 1858. Other numbers were edited by T. E. Howard, General Robert Healy, James B. Runnion. A. J. Stace, Philip Car- roll, D. M. M. Collins, M. O'Reilly, J. M. Howard, L. G. Tong and others. All articles were copied for the paper by a committee of publishers, the most famous of whom were Chamberlain, Fleming, and Horatio Calvin. As these young men wrote similar hands, the " get up" of the Progress was very tasty, while the form of publication gave great satisfaction to all. The reading of the Prog- ress was looked forward to as a sort of celebration, and everybody flocked to the large study hall to hear it read. Although the editors of the Progress were students, the paper was to a great extent

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

under the direction of the late Rev. N. H. Gillespie, and many of the editors of '61 and '62 remember with pleasure the kind assist- ance given them by him. Editors and contributors of those years still recall the social times they enjoyed over oysters and the like abont once a month. When Father Gillespie went to France in 1863, the paper was suspended, after having lasted some four or five years, and the college literary talent found no other vent than in such surreptitious publications as the Weekly Bee, and others of like character. On Father Gillespie's return from France he found a printing office established at Notre Dame for the publication of the well known Catholic periodical, the Ave Maria. Ever zealous for the literary welfare of the students, he easily found means of pro- euring the issue of another paper from the same office, devoted to their interests, and to which the title of Scholastic Ycar was, after mature deliberation, given. It was founded in 1867, under Father Gillespie's direction, and was issued semi-monthly. During the year, an editorial corps, composed of students, was formed, under whose charge the paper was conducted until the end of the second terin. Experience, however, showed that the editors of one week could not be made responsible for the editors of the previous one- that the Scholastic Year, to preserve its unity and identity must be under one responsible editor, and the director of studies (an office then filled by Rev. Angustus Lemonnier), the following year assumed the editorship ex officio, assisted by a numerous corps of contributors. It was found, however, that the director of studies was too much occupied with the duties of his office to attend to the duties of editor, and in 1869 Rev. N. H. Gillespie again took charge of the paper, and the name was changed to the Notre Dame Scholastic. In 1871 it was issued weekly, instead of semi-monthly, and as such has been continued. In 1872 Rev. M. B. Brown, then director of studies, assumed charge of the paper, changing the name to the Scholastic. Before the end of the year, however, Father Brown found that his time was taken up by the duties of his office, and the paper was again placed in the hands of Rev. N. H. Gillespie, the editor of the Ave Maria. Father Gillespie remained in charge of the Scholastic until his death, which took place in 1874. In 1875 the old name of Notre Dame Scholastic was restored.

Ave Maria .- This is the name of a Catholic journal devoted to the honor of the Blessed Virgin, published every Saturday at Notre Dame. It contains essays on subjects referring to the Blessed Virgin, articles on the different festivals, edifying tales, historical and biographical sketches, choice poetry, items of Catholic news, a weekly letter from Rome, etc .; also a regular bulletin of the Asso- ciation of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, with a record of some of the most remarkable eures effected by the miraculous waters ot Lourdes. There is also a children's department, which is made as entertaining as possible for younger readers.

The Ave Maria was begun in May, 1865, by Very Rev. E. Sorin, who, with assistants, acted as editor for about a year and a half

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

and was succeeded in 1867 by Rev. N. H. Gillespie, who remained editor until his death, in 1874. On the death of Father Gillespie a committee of four was appointed to condnet the paper. The magazine has a general circulation of about fifteen thousand copies, and some of the best Catholic writers at home and abroad con- tribute to its pages.

CHAPTER XV.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY. - ST. JOSEPH COUNTY TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY. - WHAT A PINT OF WHISKY COST. - THE TEMPERANCE CRUSADE .- RED RIBBON MOVEMENT.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.

Pursuant to notice a large number of the friends of the Bible canse met at the Methodist Episcopal Church to take into con- sideration the organization of a County Bible Society which should be auxiliary to the American Bible Society. After some discus- sion it was resolved to organize, and the following named officers were elected: William H. Patterson, President; J. H. Orr, G. W. Matthews and Almond Bugbee, Vice Presidents; R. B. Curtis, Secretary; J. L. Jernegan, Treasurer; John Brownfield, Reuben Burroughs and Jeremiah Banning, Executive Committee.

A constitution was adopted which has since been somewhat amended. The society during its existence shows a clean record, and has accomplished much good in the furtherance of the object for which it was organized. It has endeavored at all times to be free from debt to the parent society, and always to have a surplus on hand. At times this surplus has amounted to $1,200. It has now in store books amounting to $363. The Tribune bookstore is the Depository. F. R. Tutt is the present President; J. E. Lewis, Secretary; Elmer Crockett, Treasurer.

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY.

The temperance workers of St. Joseph county very early began the work of advocating the cause of temperance, and in the fifty years of the organized existence of the county have not ceased to labor in behalf of those who have been addicted to the use of strong drink, as well as to prevent the young from forming habits that might eventually lead them to a drunkard's grave.

In 1841, when the Washingtonian movement began to be agi- tated throughout the land, the men and women in St. Joseph county who believed in the doctrines of total abstinence, at once formed themselves into a society under the name of "St. Joseph County Total Abstinence Society." Annual meetings were held on the 22d of February at South Bend, and reports were received from the auxiliary societies formed throughout the county. The society had pledges of total abstinence circulated extensively, and all had an opportunity of enrolling themselves upon the side of

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

temperance. It must not be thought their work was carried on without opposition. In that early day men loved their toddy as well as those of a later day, and as at present, those who advocated · the doctrine of total abstinence were said to be fanatical upon the subject of temperance. "License" or " no license" was advocated by their respective champions, and the total abstinence societies were for many years successful in preventing the legalizing of the traffic in ardent spirits.

The sixth annual meeting was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South Bend, Feb. 22, 1847, Samuel C. Sample in the chair. Judge Sample delivered an address urging all to secure a "no license" vote in their respective townships. A. Delano was elected President for the year; S. C. Sample, A. A. Whitlock, I. De Camp, Vice Presidents; Schuyler Colfax, Recording Secretary; Charles M. Heaton, Corresponding Secretary; E. B. Crocker, John Ruddock, Charles N. Ryan, President Whitten and John Brownfield, Executive Committee. Reports of a cheering character were made by auxiliary societies of South Bend, Misha- waka, Sumption's Prairie, Clay township, Kankakee, Terre Coupee and Warren township. The total number of pledged total absti- nence persons according to the reports made were 2,019.

The seventh anniversary was held at the Presbyterian church in South Bend, Feb. 22, 1848. John H. Orr was elected President; Jonathan Hubbard, Jackson Green and Eliakim Green, Vice-Presi- dents; George Pierson, Recording Secretary; Jolin Brownfield, Corresponding Secretary.

A resolution was offered and carried by a close vote, asking the Legislature to pass an act changing the law as relating to this county, so that voters who wished to vote for license should have it expressed on their tickets, instead of counting all those who do not vote " no license," as being in favor of license.

Feb. 22 the annual meeting was again held in South Bend, and flattering reports were made, there being an addition of several hundred names added to the names of those taking the total absti- nence pledge. James Davis was elected President; M. Stover, A. Wilson and G. Holloway, Vice-Presidents; John Brownfield, Recording Secretary; M. L. McClelland, Corresponding Secretary.

Feb. 21, 1852, James Davis was elected President; P. Whitten, A. Hudson and G. Holloway, Vice-Presidents; John Brownfield, Recording Secretary; M. L. McClelland, Corresponding Secretary.

The sixteenth annual meeting was held in South Bend, Feb. 22, 1856. George C. Merrifield was elected President; President Whit- ten, Richmond Tuttle, George Holloway, Vice-Presidents; John Brownfield, Secretary; Picketson Burroughs, Corresponding Secre- tary. A resolution was passed in which the society deprecated any effort to identify the temperance movement, or the question of pro- hibition, with either of the political parties of the State, with a view of arraigning the other party against it. The society also expressed itself in favor of the prohibitory law, and against

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the elevation to the Supreme Bench of a man who was opposed to it.

The eighteenth annual meeting was held Feb. 22, 1859. R. Clark was called to the chair. Reports were received from several auxiliary societies of a not very encouraging character. Richmond Tuttle was elected President; H. E. Hurlbut, Ira Corwin and Matthias Stover, Vice-Presidents; A. Bugbee, Corresponding Secre- tary; John Brownfield, Recording Secretary.

The Presidential campaign of 1860 coming on, followed by the war in 1861, interest in the canse died out, and the society soon ceased to exist, though efforts did not cease in other directions to advance the temperance canse.

WHAT A PINT OF WHISKY COST.

The St. Joseph Valley Register, under date Jan. 3, 1867, has this to say under the caption as given :

"Some 31 years ago Jonathan Beckwith, a young lawyer of decided promise, bought a pint of whisky, and, getting drunk, wandered ont on Terre Coupee Prairie on a cold winter night, and was so badly frozen that he lost his reason and the use of his limbs, and has been ever since, until his death two weeks ago, an ininate of the county poor house, an insane cripple, and his keeping has cost the county no less than $8,000!

THE TEMPERANCE CRUSADE.

In the winter of 1873, a movement was begun in Ohio, which was denominated the "Woman's Temperance Crusade," from the fact that a few noble women, despairing of success for the cause of temperance as advocated and enforced by the professed temper- ance people, proceeded to try the efficacy of prayer. Bands of pray- ing women visited the various saloons in their neighborhood, and by songs and prayer forced the rumsellers to close their shops. Their very earnestness had its effect upon all classes of society, and men and women who were lukewarm in the cause became aroused and renewed their fight against the enemy. The citizens of St. Joseph county were not to be outdone by communities else- where. In South Bend, Monday, March 16, 1874, there was a great gathering of the friends of temperance. A meeting was an- nounced for three o'clock in the afternoon, but long before that hour the sidewalks were lined with people, and in the streets were the carriages of those who had come from a distance to take part in the fexercises. At a quarter before three the opera house was packed to the very limit. The stage was filled with speakers, a choir of singers, and representatives of the press, the auditorium was crowded, every aisle had its ranks of persons standing, the gallery was packed, and many went away not obtaining even a glance of the inside. There was that in the eyes and mien of

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History of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Part 56

Author: Chapman, Chas. C., & co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & co. Number of Pages: 986

Author: Chapman, Chas. C., & co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 986