History of Kent County, Michigan, 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 41

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434

USA > Michigan > Kent County > History of Kent County, Michigan, 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 41

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THE GRAND RIVER TIMES.

The pioneer journal of Kent county was inaugurated under the editorial management of Geo. W. Pattison, assisted by Noble H. Finney, April 18, 1837, when the first number issued from the press. The first impression was taken on a sheet of cotton, and presented to Louis Campan, in presence of many citizens. The succeeding issue of the journal was not struck off until April 29, of the same year. The press on which this paper was printed was drawn up the river from Grand Haven, on the ice, by a team of dogs. It was purchased the winter previous at Buffalo by Judge Almy. At Detroit it was shipped for Grand Haven on the steamer "Don Quixote," which was wrecked off Thunder Bay. After many delays, the precious traveler was placed on board a schooner, taken around the lakes in the fall of 1836, landed at Grand Haven, and thence sent to Grand Rapids. On lifting it from the sleigh it fell through the ice to the bottom of the river. On fishing it out some days later, it was cleaned and dried by Jacob Barnes, then a settler here.

The Times subsequently became the property of James H. Morse, who managed it in such a peculiar manner as to insure for it the reputation of thorough neutrality. The political columns were equally at the disposal of Democrats and Whigs. Charles H. Taylor, C. I. Walker, Simeon M. Johnson and S. Granger were the principal " old party" contributors; while Whig princi- ples were ably expounded by Geo. Martin, E. B. Bostwick, Wm. G. Henry, T. W. Higginson and others. In 1841 Simeon M. John- son became editor, and with this change in the editorial manage- ment the title of the pioneer journal was changed to Grand Rapids Enquirer. From 1841 to 1843 the journal progressed favorably : during this year E. D. Burr purchased an interest, abolished its in- dependent features, and espoused the cause of John C. Calhoun's Democracy. A year later it adopted for its motto: "James K. Polk and the Union." From this to 1856, when it was resolved into the Daily Enquirer and Herald, it was published by Ja- cob Barnes and edited by Thomas B. Church. Charles H. Taylor purchased an interest in 1855 with Jacob Barnes, and started the Daily Enquirer, with John P. Thompson as editor. The propri- etors disposed of their interests to A. E. Gordon, who inaugurated the first daily paper at Grand Rapids, and henceforth the names of both papers formed the title of Enquirer and Herald, with A. E. Gordon and John P. Thompson publisher and editor respectively.

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

This journal continued in the hands of Mr. Gordon until the prop- erty was sold under a mortgage, in the hands of Harvey P. Yale. Subsequently N. D. Titus revived it under its old name, and car- ried on the old journal successfully, until in Mr. Fordham's time it adopted a new dress and a new name, The Democrat.

Jacob Barnes, born at Stowe, Vt., April 22, 1825, arrived at Grand Rapids, with his father, in 1836. He, it may be remem- bered, dried the John Almy printing press after its bath in Grand river, and in after years worked at this very press in the printing office, then controlled by James M. Morse. Mr. Morse died in 1845, when Barnes took charge of the office as an employe of the widow. In 1846 he purchased her interests in the journal, and became publisher of the Enquirer. He married Marilla C. Ste- vens, of Syracuse, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1847. In 1850 he purchased a one-third interest in the Detroit Free Press, which he sold in 1854 to W. F. Storey, and the same year re-entered the office of the Enquirer. In 1856 he was appointed Registrar of the United States Land Office at Duncan, again at Michilimackinac, and lastly at Traverse City. In 1861 he purchased an interest in the Detroit Free Press, with which paper he was connected until 1866, when he retired to his farm near Grand Rapids. Eleven years ago he bought an interest in the Carey Mill, and thus made the round of printer, journalist, politician, farmer and manufacturer.

YOUNG HICKORY

was simply a campaign sheet published in 1844, and issued from the office of the Enquirer. As a campaign paper it was compara- tively respectable, and being so, had a share in exerting a benefi- cent influence on the Democratic teachings and teachers of the period.

THE GRAND RAPIDS EAGLE.

Originally, the name of this paper was Grand River Eagle; it was changed by substituting "Rapids" for "River" about 1852. It was started as a weekly journal by Aaron B. Turner, Dec. 25, 1844, its first number containing the returns of the election in November previous, when James K. Polk was elected President. In politics it was a supporter of the Whig party. For the first 10 years it had a precarious existence, the country being new and the subscription list small as compared with the present day, and the credit system, with much barter and little cash, was then in vogue. With small means at command the proprietor found it difficult to procure even the print paper for the publication, and suspensions of a few weeks were not infrequent. In 1848 it supported earn- estly and vigorously the Taylor Presidential ticket; and in 1852 the Scott ticket, though in the latter campaign it could not heartily endorse the position taken by the Whig party, in its plat-

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

form in reference to the agitation of the slavery question. Shortly after the election of 1852, and the signal defeat of the Whig party thereat, the Eagle made a " new departure," appearing with the legend, "An Independent Democratic Journal," at its head, and urging that the time had come when there must be a new alignment of parties, when the anti-slavery Whigs inust seek other affiliations, and the Democratic party must he opposed by a new organization. When in 1854 the Republican party was organized "under the oaks" at Jackson, Mich., a consummation which it had labored for, the Eagle immediately came to its support and that of its ticket in the State, and had the satisfaction of rejoicing in their suc- cess at the fall election. Grand Rapids about this time began to feel a new impulse in growth of population and business. There was a call for daily papers, two of which were started in 1855, and the Eagle was pressed to respond to the demand, though to pro- cure the necessary capital and outfit was no small undertaking for the proprietor.

THE DAILY EAGLE.

The publication of the Daily Eagle was commenced May 26, 1856, as a morning paper. At that time there was neither rail- road nor telegraph running into Grand Rapids. But it was the year of the Fremont campaign, and arrangements were made by which duplicates of telegraphic dispatches were brought by mail- stage from Kalamazoo every evening and printed the next morning. Some time afterward the Eagle was changed to and has since been an evening journal. It has been a successful paper from the start, . though for the first few years working against many discourage- ments, keeping pace with the times, and the developments of this part of Michigan, as a disseminator of news, an advocate of the principles of the Republican party, and of law and order, and doing its full share in promoting the progress and the best interests of the country, local and general.

From the beginning the Eagle has remained under the control, as principal proprietor, of its founder, Aaron B. Turner, though associated with him, from time to time have been many others: In business: 1848, James Scribner; in 1849, A. H. Proctor; in 1851-'2, Isaac Turner; and since 1865 (most of the time) Eli F. Harrington; also for a short time Frank Godfrey. On the edito- rial staff (weekly), between 1845 and 1848, George Martin and Haley F. Barstow. In 1855 Albert Baxter entered the office, and after the establishment of the daily paper acted as assistant editor and busi- ness manager till the summer of 1860. In the latter year Lewis J. Bates became political editor, remaining until 1865, when Mr. Baxter returned and took the position of political writer and manager of editorial staff, which he has occupied ever since. About 1857 C. C. Sexton took the place of local or city editor, which he filled till 1865. Following him successively were Robert Wilson,

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

G. Wickwire Smith (a brilliant young man who fell a victim to consumption), J. D. Dillenback, Frank Godfrey and Ernest B. Fisher. Mr. Fisher at this writing still fills the post of city editor; Jonathan P. Thompson for some years prior to 1872 assisted in the department of news and miscellany. He was succeeded by Alpha Child, who remained with the paper till June, 1881, when he re- signed his post and was succeeded by Homer Horsford.

It may with truth be said that the Eagle has been ably conducted, and has been and is an important factor in the education, the mold- ing of sentiment, and the building up the material interests of this portion of Michigan. The real value of the earnest, enterpris- ing, dignified newspaper press is scarcely half appreciated; so resistless, so constant and continuous, are its workings and influences, it is a power in the land as potent as it is persistent and unremitting. Among the agencies of modern progress and development, the family newspaper holds a chief place, and the Eagle has weil earned its position in the front rank of the interior press of Michigan.

Aaron B. Turner, born at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. Y., Aug. 27, 1822, arrived at Grand Rapids in April, 1836, with his father, Isaac Turner, brother of Eliphalet Turner, the latter a pioneer of 1833. Mr. Turner entered the office of the Grand Rapids Times, in the winter of 1837-'8, and served at the case in that office until 1844. He married Miss Sibley, daughter of Capt. W. Sibley, an old settler of the village, in 1843. The year following he severed his connection with the Times, purchased a hand press and type, with the intention of inaugurating a Whig journal. This material arrived in time to enable him to strike off election tickets for the Clay campaign of that year. The first number of the Eagle was issued Dec. 25, 1844, under the title, Grand River Eagle. He subsequently changed the word River to Rapids, and thus the Eagle has been brought down to the present time under his pro- prietorship. Mr. Turner was the first to place the claims of Zach- ary Taylor for the presidency before the people. On the defeat of the Whig ticket in the Scott-Pierce campaign of 1852, he de- clared the Eagle " an independent Democratic journal." On the formation of the Republican party at Jackson in 1854, he endorsed the platform as adopted, and was among the first and ablest sup- porters of Kinsley S. Bingham for Governor. In May, 1856, the prosperity of the office justified him in issuing the first number of the Daily Eagle, which has been printed continuously, save for a few days succeeding the burning of the office in 1863.

This veteran journalist and old settler filled the position of City Clerk in 1850-'1; Journal Clerk of the State Legislature in 1855; Official Reporter for the Senate in 1857, and Secretary of the Sen- ate for the two terms of 1859-'61. He was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the 4th Michigan District in 1862, which ser- vice he organized in this section of the State. Owing to his expressed disapproval of Andrew Johnson's reconstruction scheme,

J. K. Johnson M. TO

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

he was removed from that office in 1866. In 1869 the Grant administration gave him the postmastership at Grand Rapids, and again in 1873 President Grant reappointed him to that important position. He is associated in proprietorship of the Eagle with Mr. Harrington, but at present does not take an active part in the labor of managing that journal, though exercising over it his constant supervision and control. Beginning his career as publisher in establishing the Eagle, he has controlled and managed the paper which he founded, continuously, since 1844; he may well con- gratulate himself, with pardonable pride, upon being the only pub- lisher in the State enjoying such a distinction, entitling him to the. designation of "the veteran editor of Michigan."

Eli F. Harrington, son of Rufus and Mary ( Forbes ) Harring- ton, was born at East Bradfield, Mass., January, 1839. In 1856 he first entered on newspaper work, and has since that period been closely identified with journalism. Emigrating westward in 1858, he arrived at Grand Rapids the same year. In 1865 Mr. Harring- ton purchased an interest in the Eagle, and has continued the duties of active partnership from that year to the present time.

Albert Baxter was born at Moretown, Vt., Aug. 3, 1823. His youth was spent upon a Green Mountain farm, when labor was no play-spell. His education was such as could be gained in the rural district school of those days, supplemented by two terms at a village academy. He had a little experience at school-teaching, including " boarding round," first in Vermont, afterward in Wis- consin Territory, whither he went in 1845. In 1846 he came to Grand Rapids, read law for a year, and relinquished it on account of poor health. From 1847 to 1854 was engaged in carriage-mak- ing and painting. Feb. 22, 1849, married Elvira E., daughter of Joel Guild, a pioneer settler at Grand Rapids. One daughter, who died young, was the fruit of this union. In 1854 threw up business and went East with his wife, who died in Vermont, June: 5, 1855, when he returned to Grand Rapids much broken in health and discouraged pecuniarily, Mr. Baxter had from boy- hood taken much interest in politics, and early joined the Abo- litionist or Liberty party, as it was then called, with which he cast his first vote. He took an active part in the efforts of that party and devoted to keeping up the organization when it assumed the name of "Free Democracy," from 1848 onward, as much as he could spare of his time and his limited means. In 1854, Feb. 22, he was a delegate to the Free Democratic State Convention at Jackson, which nominated Kinsley S. Bingham for Governor, and worked ardently and actively in the movement to bring about the great mass convention "under the oaks," which organized the Republican party. That year was the first in which he had the felicity of sharing in a political victory in accordance with his prin- ciples. In 1855 he began writing occasionally for the press, and entered the office of the Grand Rapids Eagle, assisting in the edit- orship of that paper till the summer of 1860. Leaving that he

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went to Detroit, working for a short time on the Tribune staff. Los ing his health, he was obliged to abandon the editorial profession, and for two years was on the invalid list. Gradually regaining strength, he engaged in out-door life, and spent about two years thus, part of the time in the lumber woods. In 1865 he again en- tered the Eagle office as political and managing editor, which position he has since filled, with such measure of ability as is shown in the columns of that journal, and by its success and influ- ence during the past 16 years.

Ernest B. Fisher was born at Binghamton, N. Y., Dec. 5. 1847. From 1850 to 1861 lived at or near Oshkosh, Wis. From 1861 to 1868 at Binghamton again, living with his grandfather on a farm, and working with his father at the carpenter's trade. Education, that of the common school which he attended part of each year. In 1868-'71, he taught school winters in Oakland and Kent coun- ties, and worked at his trade the rest of the year. In June, 1871, he entered the office of the Daily Eagle in the local department, and has since retained that position, with credit to himself and all concerned.

Alpha Child was born in Boston, Mass., in 1836. Family moved to Wisconsin when he was 12 years old. In 1854 went to New York, shipped before the mast and sailed about two years. Then went upon the stage in the old Broadway Theater, playing there at the Bowery for about eight months. Then went to sea again as store- keeper on the steamship " Baltic," of the Collins line. Went back to Wisconsin about 1868, and began soon after work on the Milwaukee Sentinel. In 1861 went into the volunteer navy and served on a gunboat, about two and one half years, first as yeoman. then as Mas- ter's mate; was afterward reporter on the N. Y. Times. In 1866 went to California on mining business for New York parties. In 1869, as special agent of the Postoffice Department visited all the treaty ports of China and Japan. Returned to the Milwaukee Sentinel in 1869, and in the two following years was on the city staff of the Milwaukee Wisconsin; came to Grand Rapids in April, 1872, and took the news department on the Eagle editorial staff, which he retained, with two brief vacations, till June, 1881, leaving it to take the office of clerk of the Grand Rapids Board of Police and Fire Commis- sioners. Being offered an advantageous business connection at East, in the latter part of August, 1881, he moved to Boston, Mass.

THE DEMOCRAT.

is the successor of the first daily paper published in the city, be- ing the offspring of the Daily Enquirer and the Daily Herald. It is descended from the Weekly Enquirer, which was first published in 1840 by J. H. Morse & Co. Mr. Morse died Saturday, April 19, 1845, and its publication was continued by Mrs. M. E. Morse & Co., Jacob Barnes being the printer. In November the Enquirer was purchased by D. C. Lawrence & Co., who were its proprietors until June, 1846, when the establishment was purchased by Jacob Barnes and C. H. Taylor, and its publication was con-

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HISTORY OF KENT COUNTY.

tinued by the above gentlemen under the firm name of Jacob Barnes & Co., who commenced the publication of the Daily Enquirer Nov. 19, 1853. In May, 1857, the Daily Enquirer was merged with the Daily Herald and published by Gordon & Thompson under the title of the Enquirer and Herald. By these gentlemen, either in partnership or by A. E. Gordon alone, it was continued until April, 1860.

From April, 1860, to September, 1865, the paper was owned by several parties, among whom were E. D. Burr, N. D. Titus, Ford- ham & Co. In September, 1865, M. A. Clark & Co. became the owners of the material, and its name was changed to The Democrat. From this time till July 29, 1877, Mr. Clark, either alone or in connection with partners, owned and published it. The following gentlemen were associated with Mr. Clark at various times, in the ownership of the paper: Richard Burt, C. C. Sexton, Robert Wil- son, J. N. Davis, H. P. Churchill, C. B. Smith, John L. E. Kelly and A. A. Stevens. On July 29, 1877, Col. I. E. Messmore and Gen. Ambrose A. Stevens purchased the establishment and con- tinued the publication of The Democrat until May 26, 1881, when Col. Messmore purchased the interest of Gen. Stevens and became its sole proprietor.

The present staff employed on The Democrat comprises Col. I. E. Messmore, editor and proprietor; Wm. M. Hathaway, assistant editor; Wm. S. Hull, city editor; Wmn. R. Maze, telegraph and news editor; James N. Davis, superintendent of composing and press departments; Charles L. Messmore and William H. Reynolds conduct the business departments; George S. Foote, foreman of news room. In the following pages the sketches of the principal men connected with this journal are given.

Merrils H. Clark, one of the founders of the Democrat, was born in North Almond, Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1826. In 1835 he removed with his father's family to Lagrange, Ind., where he remained until he was 13 years old. when he went to White Pigeon, Mich., for the purpose of attending school at the branch of the Michigan University located there. He remained there three years pursuing his studies, at the expiration of which time he entered the office of the White Pigeon Republican for the purpose of learning the printing business. At the end of his apprentice- ship there he went to Ann Arbor, intending to complete his studies at the University, but changing his mind he entered a printing office for the purpose of perfecting his knowledge of the art of printing, laboring for eight years. An opportunity offering for establishing a paper at Owosso, Shiawassee Co., Mr. Clark seized it, bought a press and material and started the Owosso Argus. The county seat of Shiawassee county being established at Corunna, soon afterward Mr. Clark removed his paper to that place, where he remained until 1857, when he sold out his paper and removed to Omaha, Nebraska Territory, and began and continued the pub- lication of the Daily and Weekly Nebraskian. During his seven

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years' residence in Nebraska Mr. Clark was elected Representative . to the State Legislature for Douglas county, which office he held two terms. In1864 he returned to Michigan, and after a short time pros- pecting, he settled in Grand Rapids, purchased the establishment of the Enquirer and Herald, and in connection with N. D. Titus began the publication of the Daily Democrat, which he continued with various partners until 1877. He is now editor and publisher of the Barry Co. Democrat.

Mr. Clark is a veteran journalist and has labored continuously at the printing business since 16 years of age, and in all probability will die in the harness.

Richard Burt, a practical printer, was connected with The Democrat but a short time. Preferring a residence in the West, he sold his interest in the paper and returned to Omaha, Neb. (his former residence), where he now lives.

John' L. E. Kelly was a business man, and purchased The Democrat as a business investment; but his health failing, he re- moved in 1872 to San Jose, Cal., and is now engaged in mining.

N. D. Titus, who in connection with M. H. Clark established The Democrat on the ruins of the Enquirer and Herald, becoming impatient at the slow progress of the revivification of the newspaper, sold his interest in The Democrat, removed to Detroit and accepted a position on the Free Press, which he now holds.

Clark C. Sexton's first newspaper experience was as business man on the Grand Rapids Eagle, which situation he held for a num- ber of years. As local editor of that and other papers he was noted for his success in finding news items, no matter how great the dearth of " accidents by flood and field." He purchased an interest in the The Democrat and held it until he founded the Daily Times of Grand Rapids. He has seen his bantling grow until it has be- come one of the institutions of the city.

Frank Godfrey is a practical printer, excelling in the book and job business, and during his administration the job department of The Democrat first assumed its present fine shape. He is now part owner of one of the best job offices in Detroit.

Robert Wilson was a native of the " land o' cakes," but moved to Michigan in his early years, locating at Newaygo. He removed to this city about 1860. taking a position on the Daily Eagle. He filled the position of " local" on both Democrat and Eagle, was an erratic, humorous writer, and could see nothing but the humorous side of even a suicide or murder. He enlisted as a private in the 21st Mich. Inf. in 1862, and served till the close of the war, getting his discharge as First Lieutenant. He died in 1879.

Dr. Charles B. Smith became one of the owners of The Demo- crat in 1869 and continued five years. He graduated at Yale College in 1837, and entered the ministry, attaching himself to the Baptist Church. The degree of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by the College at Wabash, Ind .. in 1859. Until 1858 he was a strong Republican in politics, and no member of his party

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was more bitter in his denunciation of the opposition. He is a man of strong convictions, and if not radical he is nothing.

He went to Florida with an invalid son, and being stricken down himself he barely escaped with his life, but so enfeebled that it was found neccessary to retire from the active work of the min- istry. At the same time his political views were changed ; but being so constituted that he must have something to occupy his mind, he purchased an interest in The Democrat and assumed editorial control of the political department of the paper. In this position his peculiarity manifested itself, and in a short time the vials of wrath were poured upon his devoted head by his for- mer political associates. This was life to the Doctor, and he was in his element when repelling an attack upon his political position, and particularly so when he could retaliate and " carry the war in- to Africa," which his knowledge of the weak points of the attack- ing forces enabled him to do. During his ownership of the paper its subscription largely increased, owing largely to the vigor and ability with which his department was conducted. He is a close observer of political events, and a departure from what he consid- ers the principles of good government is sure to receive a scathing rebuke from his trenchant pen.

Gen. Ambrose A. Stevens became one of the proprietors of the Democrat in July, 1877, and retained his interest until May, 1881. He is a genial gentleman, and has hosts of strong personal friends wherever he has resided. He was Lieutenant-Colonel of the Third Michigan Infantry at the breaking out of the rebellion, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. He was a stranger to fear, and could be counted on to take any position, however great the danger. He was wounded during the war, and on his recovery, was promoted to the Colonelcy of the 21st Mich. Inf., at its . for- mation in 1862. He participated in many of the terrific battles of · that trying time, holding his command until, owing to ill health, he was compelled to resign. He now holds the rank of Brevet Brigadier-General, in testimony of his services upon the field.

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History of Kent County, Michigan, 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 41

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co. Number of Pages: 1434

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Chapman, Charles C., & Co. (Chicago)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago : C.C. Chapman & Co.
Number of Pages: 1434