USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of Trenton, New Jersey : the record of its early settlement and corporate progress. > Part 33
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
Within the past few years the temperance movement in Trenton has grown slowly, but none the less surely. Those interested in the work have taken up other philanthropic lines, and these, in connection with the temperance cause per se, have now the sympathy of the liberal portion of the community.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE PRESS OF THE CITY OF TRENTON.
THE PIONEERS-THE LATER PAPERS AND THEIR EDITORS-THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL PRESS-THE NEWSPAPERS OF TO-DAY.
PON the fourth of March, 1778, the first newspaper published in the State, Isaac Collins' "New Jersey Gazette," was removed to Trenton. The journal had been established in Burlington City during the previous December. The printing office was located on the corner of State and Broad streets-the Park Row of this city- and whilst there located the "Gazette " enjoyed official patronage, and was in fact the mouthpiece of William Livingston, the patriot Governor of the Revolution. Owing to insufficient patronage the paper was discontinued in November, 1786.
Early in the summer of 1787, the "Federal Post or the Trenton Weekly Mercury " was first issued on Warren street, nearly opposite Saint Michael's Church. In consequence of a scarcity of paper in October, 1788, its size was reduced, and it was issued semi-weekly. It later became a weekly, and soon thereafter its career was terminated.
From the contributions of the late John O. Raum, the following outline has been abridged :
The "True American" began its career in March, 1801, being issued by Matthias Day and Jacob Mann. Upon the entrance into the partnership of ex-Senator James J. Wilson, Mr. Day retired, and in 1803 Mr. Mann also dissolved his connection with the firm, and until 1811 the paper was published by Wilson & Blackwell. Mr. Wilson then continued the paper until his death. After other changes in ownership the "True American " was purchased by George Sherman, of the "State Gazette, " and was discontinued. Within a short time the paper was again issued, and after various changes passed into the hands of Morris R. Hamilton, now State Librarian. In 1852, the "True American" became the property of ex-Judge David Naar, with Franklin S. Mills as associate editor. In 1866, it was purchased by Moses D. Naar, Joshua S. Day and Joseph L. Naar, who issued it from the corner of State and Broad streets. Mr. Joseph L. Naar subsequently became the owner, and under his editorship the journal has been issued from the corner of State and Broad streets, in the Lincoln Building, and from its present thoroughly-equipped office on North Warren street. Under Mr. Naar the paper has become metropolitan in its features.
An attempt was made in 1821, by ex-Justice of the Supreme Court Stacy G. Potts and Joseph Justice, State Printer, to publish a religious and literary paper. This was the "Emporium." Its publication office was on North Warren street, opposite West Hanover. It was continued as a literary paper until 1827, when it took sides with the administration, and came out as a Jackson sheet.
Mr. Potts continued to edit the paper until 1830, when, being appointed, by the Joint Meeting, Clerk in Chancery, his connection with the paper was dissolved, after which time Mr. Justice was the publisher and proprietor, and Joseph C. Potts editor. On the twenty-eighth of August, 1838, a tri-weekly paper was commenced by Joseph Justice, Jr., and Franklin S. Mills, for electioneering
240
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
purposes. Its publication was continued until the eighth of October of the same year, when, having fulfilled its mission, it was discontinued.
The "Trenton Daily" lived for five months in the winter of 1839-40. This was the first attempt to found a daily organ in this eity. In 1843, a campaign sheet, the "Democrat Union," was essayed. In the latter year the " Emporium " passed into the hands of Joseph A. Yard, and later it was consolidated with the "Newark Morning Post."
From 1843 to 1845, Franklin S. Mills conducted the "Sheet Anchor," which was purchased by Robert Gossman, and the title changed to the "Trenton Journal."
Another attempt to establish a daily paper was made in 1846, when the " News " was issued from the "Journal" office. The " News " was soon merged into the "Emporium."
In 1845, the opposition to monopolies, and particularly to the Joint Companies, led Joseph C. Potts and John C. Webster to commence the publication of the "Plain Dealer," an anti-monopoly paper. This, too, was merged into the "Emporium."
Peter Lott and B. F. Vancleve published, in 1835 and 1836, " The Argus," a Democratie paper. The temperance movement of the early forties, one of the manifestations of that remarkable period, led to the publication, in 1843, of the " New Jersey Temperance Herald." Its life was short.
In 1844, Charles W. Jay published the "Clay Banner," which paper, as its name imports, was started to advance the interests of Henry Clay for the Presidency of the United States, in opposition to James K. Polk.
In 1848, Charles W. Jay, Franklin S. Mills, and Joseph Justice, Jr., commenced the publica- tion of a paper called the "Trentonian," which was issued from the Lincoln Building, at State and Broad streets. It is worthy of remark that for nearly three-fourths of a century this corner has been used as a literary depot. Here, in 1808, Isaac Collins issued his memorable edition of the Bible, one of the most correct editions ever published. The "Trentonian " ceased to exist in 1851.
James S. Yard, in 1846, launched the " Weekly Visitor and New Jersey Temperance Sentinel." It was conducted by various members of the family for five years.
Henry B. Howell, the most distinguished of Trenton's advocates of temperance, in 1852 com- menced the monthly " Reformer and New Jersey Temperance Advocate."
During the campaign of 1852, Charles W. Jay published the "Republican Privateer," but, after the election of Mr. Pierce to the Presidency, the paper was discontinued.
In 1854, James S. Drake, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, commenced the publication of the " Mercer Standard " as a weekly paper.
In 1855, Enoch R. Borden issued a weekly paper called the "Free Press." It was published at No. 21 East State street, fourth story, over the " Reformer" office.
In February, 1864, Dorsey Gardner commenced the publication of the "Monitor." Its pub- lication was continued about one year and a half, when it was suspended.
In 1865, Charles W. Jay started the " Volunteer, " which was printed at the "Monitor " office. This was a campaign paper, and after having accomplished its mission it became defunct.
In 1866, Charles W. Jay initiated the weekly "Union Sentinel," which became the "Daily Sentinel" in 1870. This latter organ passed into the hands of Jacob R. Freese.
Ex-Mayor John Briest started the " Emporium" in 1867, which has successively been issued from the corner of Hanover and Warren streets, from East State street next to the Shreve Building, and within the past two years, under other management, from West State street, opposite the Trust Company's building. To this period belongs the "Public Opinion," a leading paper of its day.
" Beecher's Magazine" was commenced in 1870, and was, while it lasted, an influential publi- cation. It was devoted to literary and scientific matters.
The "New Jersey Staats Journal " was and is a weekly paper published by Colonel Ernest C. Stahl. For a time the " Weekly Sentinel," a journal devoted to the interests of the negro race, was edited by R. Henri Herbert. In 1878 William P. Flower's "Family Magazine" was a venture which later became unprofitable. In 1882 the "Trenton Times," a bright and attractive daily, was issued and, after various ownerships, is now the only afternoon paper of the city. Within the past ten years the daily and Sunday " Press " and "Express " were newcomers in the field of journalism. The only Sunday paper in the city is the "Advertiser," now issued from 33 West State street. Its owners, who have made it a metropolitan paper, are Thomas F. Fitzgerald, John J. Cleary and
241
THE CITY OF TRENTON.
Charles H. Levy. "The Signal," the organ of the State Schools, was instituted in October, 1885, and has since had a continuous existence.
In 1873 the demands of the people of Chambersburg led to the establishment of the "Mercer County News," which also issued an edition in Allentown, New Jersey, called the "Times." The papers were consolidated. Its editor on the occasion of its first issue was John W. Moody. The "News " is now managed by Elliott G. Moody.
Trenton has had a representative in the field of social journalism. "Town Topics" was cstab- lished by Harry Donnelly, in 1891. It was succeeded by "Town Talk," which was successively owned by George Holcombe and Charles Barcalow.
Within the past few years numerous church and other organizations have issued fugitive papers, none of which have become of a permanent character.
The Labor interests of the city are represented by the weekly "Potters' Journal ; " this sheet and the Paterson "Standard " are the only distinctive labor papers in the State.
The following is a list of the papers published in Trenton during the present year :
"State Gazette"-Daily and weekly. Weekly on Thursday. Republican. The John L. Murphy Publishing Co., proprictors. Thomas Holmes, editor.
"True American "-Daily and weekly. Weekly on Friday. Democratic. Joseph L. Naar, editor and proprietor.
"The Trenton Evening Times "-Afternoon and weekly. Weekly on Thursday. Democratic. The "Times " Association, publisher. Charles W. Smith, editor.
"The New Jersey Staats Journal" (German)-Semi-weekly. Democratic. Ernest C. Stahl, editor and proprietor.
"Sunday Advertiser"-Weekly, on Sunday. Independent. Advertiser Publishing Co.
" Mercer County News "-Weekly, on Wednesday. Independent. E. G. Moody, editor and publisher.
"American Potters' Journal "-Weekly, on Saturday. In the interest of organized labor. John D. McCormick, editor and publisher.
"The Signal"-Monthly. The official organ of the State Normal and Model Schools. Edited by the students.
"The Silent Worker," edited by the students of the State Deaf-Mute School.
"The Mcreer Review "-Weekly. Cor. Broad and Front streets.
"Trenton Freie Zeitung"-Wednesday and Saturday. Benedict Prieth, proprietor ; Charles Weidel, manager.
F*
CHAPTER XXX.
"STATE GAZETTE," TRENTON, N. J.
A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE SECOND OLDEST NEWSPAPER IN NEW JERSEY.
IIEN a newspaper lives more than a century, and during that time increases in vigor, it is worthy of mention. Such instances of journalistie longevity are rare, but the STATE GAZETTE is one hundred and three years old, and stands to-day independent and prosperous on its merit as a newspaper.
The story of the foundation and development of this newspaper is a bit of chronology that Trentonians and those New Jersey citizens under whose eyes these lines may fall, will find interesting, and, in a degree, instructive.
New Jersey boasted in early times of three "Gazettes." The first was established by Isaac Collins, in Burlington, in 1777, and removed to Trenton in the following spring. In those days leaders were not in fashion ; nearly all the reading matter was furnished by voluntary contributors. Isaac Collins, the founder of that "Gazette," was an admirable printer, and his paper occupied high rank among the journals of the day, many well-known men contributing to its columns. Some ten years later, Frederick C. Quecquelle and George M. Wilson established a paper, which was published, as appears by the title, in Front street, opposite the English Church. No record of this paper exists. All that is known is, that it was succeeded by the GAZETTE, which still lives, and has been published without intermission since the fourth of September, 1792. Mr. Matthias Day, who issued the first number of the STATE GAZETTE AND NEW JERSEY ADVERTISER, was a practical printer, and turned out a very neat, super-royal sheet in brevier and minion type, which contained a fair proportion of reading matter, consisting of news from Europe, where nearly all the powers were then waging war against France. In 1799, George Sherman and John Mershon bought the GAZETTE and changed its name to the NEW JERSEY STATE GAZETTE, while Mr. Day, after a brief experience in a paper called the "True American," was appointed Postmaster at Newark, and later in life established himself in business as a publisher in New York. George Sherman was a member of the family to which Roger Sherman and other prominent public men in Connecticut belonged, and, after a fair, common-school education, served his time as an apprentice in New Haven with Thomas Green, on the "Connecticut Journal," Green being a member of the celebrated family which had produced master printers for Massachusetts and Connecticut for five successive generations. George Sherman was a member of the Society of Friends, a careful editor, never putting forth any statement of the truth of which he was not convinced. He wrote articles more notable for weight, decided opinions and fixed principles than for their length. Having opinions and principles, as the GAZETTE of to-day, he defended them with foree, and sometimes asperity, that made him always an unpleasant, though not a dangerous, opponent. His partner, John Mershon, was a practical printer and a man of some ability, and continued a member of the firm until 1802, and died in 1806. The disin- elination of the conductor of the GAZETTE to enter into bitter partisanship disappointed the radical Federalists of the day, a day of great partisan strife-a strife fiercer than we have known sinee until our Rebellion-and prominent members of the party determined to establish a new paper "opposite J. Milnor's store."
Rem-Feriey State azette.
TRENTON-PRINTED BY SHERMAN & MERSHON, AT THE OFFICE FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY M. DAY.
VOLUME I.]
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1799.
[NUMBER 2.
TO THE PUBLIC.
ADDRESS
Ungrateful Americans-prefer a Prefident to
From the ANCHOR CLUB:
THE STATE. GAZETTE, Uc. of Lant Tuefday (No. 338) completed fix years and fix months from its fir& publication by the fubferi. ber, during which time he endeavored to make it " CLARUM AT VIMARABILA HOMEM," an ufeful vehicle of information ; and if the very liberal fupport and extenfive circulation which il RESPECTED AUDIENCE, obtained will be allowed as proof of its being TO unrivalled merit and incomparable vir- tue, we pay the voluntary tribute of admira- tion and applaufe. The contemplation of a perfect character ;- of a character, in whofe compofition are combined all that is great and fuch, he fuecceded -- more being circulated week. ly tban of any other paper in the flate. He ha. ving now relinquifhed the publication of it in fa- vor of Meffrs. Sberman & Merfbon, begs leave to. secommend them to his friends and former euf- tomers, as perfocu well calculated to conduct the good-the beft and noble principles of human butinefs-both being regular beed printers. nature in their pure and uncorrupted fate of excellence, affords themoft important inftruc- tion and the richeft delight. While we ren-
administration of justice, to the fummary pro-\ If que command our wealth we fall be rich and ceedingi of a departmental commiffioner, and the rapid execution of the guillotine! Why free : if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed .- Too great a fenfe of the value of a Subordinate intereft may be the very fource of its danger,'as well as the certain ruin of interests of a superior order. BURKE's Lat. on Regicide Frase. not believe the profeffions and proteftations of France ? Is the like a mercenary harlot who tempts to her embrace, when in that embrace is death ? Has the a dagger concealed, that we thus approach her with caution and love PARSIMONY and extravagance are both her beft at a diffance ? Is hers the Syren's voice that allures to deftruction with its me- fhighly injurious to a ftate ; but the former lody ? So foft, fo fweet, how unmanly to is a more dangerous vice than the latter. By drown its dulcet notes with the rattling of refufing to snake provifion for a threatened arms & the found of the trumpet ! Americans be not deceived- your fafety, under Goil,con- fifts in your fpitit-your nacional pride and unalloyed Federalifm. Peace is a bleffing- evil, on motives of an overftrained economy, thoufands may be furrendered to the dread of expenfe, and, what is above all price, Honor and Independence may fall a facrifice to cal- culations on cents and farthings. With this mitchievous difpofition America has to con-
In taking lease of his patrons, duty, as well as inclination, prompt him to acknowledge the ma- ny favors he has received, and to afure them that der our homage, let us endeavour to imitate- they fhall ever base a grateful remembrance in his and though we may be unable to equal the ex- ample, exert all our abilities to refemble, in
bread. As he will leave Trenton the tit of April, the fome elevated degree, the Hero and Statefman
neceffity of a fettlement of his books is obvious. .... Sage and Patriot, whofe nativity we are He, therefore, cells on all perions who are in- affembled to celebrate.
On this aufpicious anniverfary, we cannot avoid a recurrence to the feelings & principles which produced, progreffed and compleated, the Independence, of America .- Not alone to
of artifice, lends its fpecious countenance to cover treachery, and combined with pufila- nimity, has even induced fome to prefer tri- bute, degrading tribute; to the expenfes of a
The accounts of thole fubleribers whofe papers go by Polt or the Mail, will be forwarded to the packet matters, with whom they are requested to fefive mirth and Joyous congratulation, but to leave the monty. grateful afcription and folemn reflection, be con- " Perfons with whom fobicription peperallecrated the day. " Let us iluly eftimate the mony and happiness of Heaven. It was re- for the octovo edition of the Laws of New-Jer- blefings with which we are favoured, by re- fey have been lodger', are requefted' to return the collecting with what labors and toils they were ers and properties, which had previously been Hefteemed oppofite and hoftile in their natures names of the fubleribers by the first of April, as gained. The far fpreading branches and " cloud it is expected the work will be put to prefs fome capped" funnit of the tree of our liberty were and effects -to prove that virtue can exit leffons of experience ; while the aufterity of time in that month.
MATTHIAS DAY. nurtured and made luxurient with the bloodof amid the temptations and diffipations of antrepublican manners, the fweets of paftoral re- flaughtered thoufands. By the fanguinary army-religion (mile' benignly in' the atdent, ftreams which enriched the foil on which it bofom of a foldier-wildom to devife and ener- THE Subscribers respectfully inform the grew-fwear to protect it, or at its facred foca gy to perform, aftonich in the fame perfon, and
Trenton, March 4, 1799. tpofe, and the favagenefs of voluntary power, fare made more the objects of our purfuit, T czhibit the dauntlefs courage of a HERO Public, that they have purchafed of Mr. TO DIE! Let us confider with temperance & MATTHIAS DAY, his right to the New. Jurfey reflue with firmnefs -- fo fhall we. be enabled tempered with the mercy and benevolence of an ANGEL. It is, and ever will remain prob- State Cassette, and propofe to continue the publi. to act with dignity and execute with triumph. than the urbanity, dignity and refinement of pobfhed life ; and while this model of nation- al character' is admired' by the multitude, though drawn by the feverith imagination of Hematical, whether General or. President those who, having been led by founder minds artion oo the' ufval Conditions. The various branelles of Printing. will allo be executed with It is not too late to wafte a moment in U- WASHINGTON were. the greater or fur. into a new and dangerous path with fuccefs, fidelity and difpatch, and being regularly educat- ropion Speculation, or in attending to the vague pricing man. One thing is certain-that his gruppofe all is flowery and fair, with neither ed. jo the Art, they hope, by industry and atten- fand unitable theories of that falfely term'a mo- patriotifm in both offices was only equalied by gis nor pit-fall. This rage for frugality muft tion, to merit fome there of the public patronage. dern philosophy, which tends to revolution in this irreproachable conduct-unimpeachable allo, continue to crobarrafs every meafure Arguments to enforce the utility of News.pa- fteid of reform. Revolution-may our coun- integrity -- his immoveable firmnefs-his rare whereby we may hope to rife : it will bang try never be diftracted with another -Reformaabilities and Invincible valor. Under his mil- like a mill-ftone round the neck of our coun- -none but an ambitious' demagogue wouldjeaty command, the United States became a
pers, when conducted on jaff and honorable prin- ciples, are certainly unoceeffary at the prefent
try, and deliver us bound hand and foot iotdi Jay-The very Contitution under which we live, dare fuggeft the necefity of one, in our une-nation-efablified their Independence-at- the clutches of our foes. It is however but frongly imprelles the idea; for it is impossible qualled Constitution of Government-a Con-(chetued the most brilliant victories and clofed fair to acknowledge, that there things are to fler the blellings fecured to us by that Charter fitation, founded on principles perfect as re- their glorious career with triumph, whole foreign to the Spirit and feelings of our in- and be ignorant, that in proportion as political knowledge in difinfed among the people, the Go vernment will find fupport and the Citizen be happy. As it refpects the General Government, the people who compofe the United States, are Executive and Legiflative Authorities, that
leftial intelligence, and eternal as truth. The plendor was unparalleled in the annals of duftrious yeomanry, and the more fober and freedom and happiness of the citizens are fo.in-ftime. During his Civil Administration, the hrefpectable claffes of our citizens. They be- volved with the powers and prerogatives of our American name encreafed in refpectability- come daily more and more convinced that America, learnt to form a treaty with her for- their advocates are men determined to amhufe differently fitnated from thole of moff, ofher the injury or deftruction of EITHER would mer foe, and claim the now friendly power themfelves, though with the deftruction of countries -- Here each individual forme a part of inevitably caufe the Annihilation of BOTH .- as her moft natural ally :- Dared perform an four beft interefts. Men who calumniate, con- the generat whole .- The Government was the From the ruin, defpotifin, or fill more accutf- act of national fovereignty-though Franteidemn and fhackle the administration, unre- refult of his free choice, and through him it wasled onareby, would proceed :- Then free- born frowned with refentment, and faction mutter-litrained by refponfibility. Men, whofe little called into existence, he is therefore bound by the Americans would be feen woefully lament-fed vain threats and eyed the important com-talents mult be displayed, whofe little refent; trongalt.ties of duty, and of interest, to Supporting the proftration of order and of Law- pact with difpleafure. . Our Navy,, which now meots muft be gratified, whofe inveterate pre- the institution-hence refulte the glorious fyltem individual peace & Security facriticcd-religi- rides majestic on the ocean, commenced an judices are not to be reigned : Who are in- of Rights and Datier.
It is itlust for printers of News-papera, in their firit publica:ione, to fay fomething of the manner inwhich they are to be conducted, and the prin ciples which will characterize thent ; but declara tlons of this mature; froin fome eaufe or other, Gem of lare to have loft much of that refpect which they ought to have maintained, and more
than the promise-" By their deeds ball ye know
thanh ;" Bne although we muft ultimately depend furrounded by dangers amid a horde . of jaco- ngon the publie patronage for the existence of bins ;- or, like Cato at Urica, releafe his ar- our publication, yet, perhaps, at this crifis, it may dent foul to foar where banifhed Freedom not be improper to flate, that the Politics of the (miles in her native Heaven, among the Im- Need- Jerfey State Gazette, Shall be truly FEDanAt mortal Gods ?
vidual reputation. From the wife arrange-influence, and in expofing its inconfiftency : ments made by . WASHINGTON during his but by refolving to hazard all in defence of Prefident/bip, we now realize the bleffings and all, we fhall nearly accomplith ies defeat. We privileges for which he laboured in the field thall do more , wo fhall add vigor to our end of war .- Purfuing the fame fyftem, our pre; deavors, encreafe to our fields, and refpecta -.
bility to our name.
Commesce is the fource which fupplies the Jeireulating principle of life, and while it is kept free and unobftructed, induftry is en- couraged, arts, manufactures and agriculture continue to flourith, and every part of the
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.