Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 25

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374

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1896. ALBERT HUSTED ROGERS, A. B., M. D. Born at Albany, N. Y., July 4, 1867. Was graduated in arts in 1890 from Hamilton College; in medicine in 1896 from the Albany Medical College. Received the ap- pointment in May, 1896, to the position of resident physician to the Albany Homoeopathic Hospital, which position (in 1897) he still holds.

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CHAPTER XIV.

JOURNALISM IN ALBANY COUNTY.

The historical record of Albany county must be followed for many years before it appears that its inhabitants were blessed with a local news- paper. Even when that appeared in 1771 it was one of the very few then printed in this State. In 1811 there were only thirty-four in the whole State, and within two years thereafter a paper was founded in Albany that is still in existence. The city of Albany boasts of a long list of eminent journalists, as they are termed in these modern years; indeed, it is doubt- ful if any other city in the Union of similar size has been the home and field of newspaper work of so many who were among the leaders in this. profession. The antiquity of the city, its position as the political cen- ter and capital of the Empire State, and other less definite causes, have doubtless contributed to bring within its gates so many men who en- joyed high repute as makers of newspapers.

The first number of the first Albany newspaper, the Albany Gazette, appeared in November, 1771; it lived less than a year. Those were turbulent times, and the publishers, Alexander and James Robertson, were loyal to Great Britain. This may have been the cause of the early suspension of the Gazette. In any event, when the revolutionary up- rising came the brothers left for Nova Scotia. The following quaint apology appeared in their issue of January 13, 1772 :

The printers of the Gazette, from motives of gratitude and duty, are obliged to apologize to the public for the omission of one week's publication; and hope the irregularity of the mail from New York since the first great fall of snow, and the severe cold preceding Christmas, which froze the paper prepared for the press so as to put a stop to its operation, will sufficiently account for it.

To old-time printers this extract will convey vivid impressions of a pile of dampened paper left over night in a room warmed with a wood fire which often died out during the night and left the sheets of paper to freeze together in a solid mass. The omission of a number of one of the very early papers was not an infrequent occurrence.

Before continuing the long mortuary list of Albany newspapers, we 30

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shall first describe those that are still in existence and potent forces in the community, with their direct ancestors. The Albany Argus, the first number of which appeared January 26, 1813, is the oldest news- paper in Albany county, and among the oldest in the State. Its founder was Jesse Buel, whose name must forever be prominently and honor- ably associated with local journalism. He was born in Coventry, Conn., January 4, 1778, learned the printing trade and in June, 1797, began the publication of the Troy Budget in association with Robert Moffitt. He left that paper in 1804, having meanwhile published the Guardian in Poughkeepsie in 1801, and the Political Banner, both of which lived but a short time. Late in 1802 he established the Plebeian in Kings- ton, which he published with success until the close of 1813, when he settled in Albany and founded the Argus. In December, 1820, he sold the latter establishment 1 to Moses I. Cantine and I. Q. Leake. The former became editor-in-chief, and in the following year the Argus was made the State paper, which aided in rapidly increasing its influence. Mr. Cantine was a native of Catskill, received a classical education and was admitted to the bar in 1798. His natural talent for writing led him into the editorial profession. He died suddenly in January, 1823, necessitating a change in the Argus management. Edwin Croswell had been one of the editors of the Catskill Recorder, and possessed ex- cellent ability as a political writer. Attending Mr. Cantine's funeral, he there met Martin Van Buren, Benjamin F. Butler, and Judge Will- iam Duer, then leading Democrats in the State and deeply interested in the prosperity of the Argus. They strongly urged him to take the position of assistant editor with Mr. Leake, which he soon did. In 1825 the daily edition of the Argus was established. In 1831 Sherman Croswell, cousin of Edwin, became an associate in the editorial conduct of the Argus. He was a native of New Haven, Conn., studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1826. In 1833 he became Assembly re- porter for the Argus, retaining the position for twenty-five years, with the sole exception of one year (1854). At the time of his retirement in 1857 he had no superior in the country in his chosen field of work. He became proprietor of the Argus establishment July 26, 1834, and

1 After Mr. Buel sold the Argus he took up farming in this county, in which he was very suc- cessful. In March, 1834, he founded the Cultivator under auspices of the State Agricultural Soci- ety. So successful was this paper that in March, 1838, it had a subscription list of 23,000. Mr. Buel was long the soul of this successful journal, which is perpetuated through consolidation with the Country Gentleman, noticed further on. Outside of his newspaper and agricultural prominence, Mr. Buel held numerous offices and positions of responsibility and honor. He died October 4, 1839.

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so continued until January, 1855. In the previous year Edwin Cros- well retired from the Argus and was succeeded by Gideon J. Tucker, who was chosen secretary of state in 1857. In 1855 Sherman Croswell and Mr. Tucker sold out to James I. Johnson, who associated with himself Calvert Comstock as editor.

In 1841 the firm of Vance & Wendell started the publication of the Daily Albany Atlas, as the organ of the Barnburners, between which and the so-called Hunker faction of the Democratic party a determined and bitter strife was waged, the Argus taking the side of the Hunkers. In the spring of 1843 William Cassidy became associated with Henry H. Van Dyke in the editorial control of the Atlas. Mr. Cassidy was born in Albany August 12, 1815, received his education in Union Col- lege, and studied law. At the age of twenty five years he entered the field of journalism as a writer on the Plaindealer and Rough Hewer, then being published in Albany. From 1841 to 1843 he was State librarian. Mr. Cassidy, as the friend of Silas Wright and a Free Soiler and Barnburner, wielded his vigorous pen in their interest and made his antagonists feel his power. The contest continued unabated until the birth of the Republican party in 1856 wrought momentous political changes. The Atlas and the Argus now saw that their interests were mutual and a consolidation was effected. Mr. Cassidy's power as a writer led to his selection as editor of the Atlas and Argus, which soon demonstrated his ability and fitness for the position in largely increased influence and patronage. In 1865 the Argus Company was formed, as a joint stock organization, of which Mr. Cassidy was made president, and the weekly edition was established. He continued to edit the paper almost up to the time of his death, which took place January 23, 1873. At this time Daniel Manning (who had for some time acted as assist- ant to Calvert Comstock), partner with Mr. Cassidy in the Argus, took full charge of the establishment and was made president of the company. Mr. Manning was born in Albany August 16, 1831, and at eleven years of age began work in the Atlas establishment, where, by his native ability, his unflagging industry, and his fealty to his employers, he rose to the lofty position that he finally attained. He was born for a leader in whatever field of endeavor he might enter. It has been written of him that "No public man of either party in State service at Albany for years past, has failed to feel the governing strength of Mr. Man- ning's mind on the higher and larger interests of politics." He never sought political office, but was long a leader in committees and con-

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ventions, where his influence was paramount. He served efficiently and honorably in many positions of responsibility in his native city, and was appointed secretary of the treasury in President Cleveland's cabinet in 1885; he resigned in 1887, and died December 24, 1887. Stephen C. Hutchins was editor of the paper from 1873 to 1878, and St. Clair McKel- way from 1878 to 1887. A change was made in the summer of 1893 under which William H. Johnson became president of the Argus Company; William R. Cassidy vice-president, and William McMurtie Speer, treas- urer and manager. In the fall of 1894 Mr. Cassidy retired from the company, and Edward Murphy, 2d, was elected vice-president, and Amasa J. Parker, jr., secretary. In the spring of 1896 Mr. Speer re- tired from the management of the Argus and James C. Farrell suc- ceeded him as treasurer and general manager. At the same time T. C. Callicott was made editor of the paper.

The first number of the Albany Evening Journal was issued March 22, 1830, by D. B. Packard & Co., with Thurlow Weed editor. This is not the place to speak at length of the long and honorable career of Thurlow Weed; nor is it necessary, for his life has been well writ- ten and is found in most libraries. He was born in the town of Cairo, Greene county, N. Y., November 15, 1797, was given only limited opportunity to obtain an education, and in 1808 went with his parents to Cincinnatus, Cortland county, to aid in building a log house and clearing land. In the following year the family removed to Onondaga Hollow, near Syracuse, and there he learned the printing trade with Lewis H. Redfield, the pioneer journalist of that locality. He was next found about 1812 publishing the Tocsin in the town of Scipio, Cayuga county. Next he was working at his trade with Seward & Will- iams in Utica, whence he left for the frontier with the army in 1813. Returning he found employment with Webster & Skinner in Albany. From that time until 1815 he worked in various offices, and then again located in Albany, where he learned his first lessons in politics by lis- tening to debates in the Legislature. He worked in the Argus office in 1816, and in the following year was given the foremanship of the Albany Register. There he began his first efforts at editorial writing, giving early indication of his future powers. Between 1818, in which year he purchased an office and established the Agriculturist in Che- nango county, and 1830, Mr. Weed was employed in the Albany Argus office, and the Rochester Telegraph office, and from Rochester he was elected to the Assembly in 1825 and again in 1830. During this interven-

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ing period he had made the acquaintance of many of the leading politi- cians of the State. It was while Mr. Weed was in the Assembly in 1830 that the project of founding the Albany Evening Journal was discussed and finally consummated, and he was chosen its editor, He held that position more than thirty years, attaining a position in the political field and as a writer that has been reached by few. He retired in 1869, and was succeeded by George Dawson as editor. Mr. Weed died in New York November 22, 1882.

George Dawson was a native of Scotland where he was born March 13, 1813. His father came to America in 1816 and two years later brought over his wife and three young children. The son was given very limited opportunity to obtain education, and when eleven years old began learning the printing trade in the office of the Niagara Glean- er, the family at that time being residents of that locality. In 1826 the family removed to Rochester where Thurlow Weed was then editing the Anti-Masonic Inquirer. There Dawson found employment and began the acquaintance and friendship with the man with whom he was eventually to be so intimately associated. When Mr. Weed came to Albany and was given the editor's chair on the Evening Journal, he was followed by Mr. Dawson, who was made foreman of the office He soon began contributing to the editorial columns of the Journal and his articles were influential in extending the patronage of the paper. In the legislative session of 1831 he began reporting the proceedings, showing marked ability in that line of work, which he continued until 1836, when he was called to the editorship of the Rochester Democrat. There he was remarkably successful and gained a reputation that led to his being requested to accept a similar position on the Detroit Adver- tiser, in August, 1839. Very soon after assuming this position he was appointed State printer for Michigan, and held that office until 1842, in which year the Advertiser office was burned. He then returned to the editorial chair of the Rochester Democrat and there remained until August, 1846, when, at the urgent and prolonged solicitation of Mr. Weed, he accepted the post of associate editor of the Albany Evening Journal. During all of Mr. Weed's career the Journal was almost om- nipotent with the Whig and Republican parties, and Mr. Dawson shared almost equally its care and prosperity. In 1862 Mr. Weed retired from the editorship of the paper and Mr. Dawson succeeded him as senior editor and proprietor. He ably filled this station until 1877, when George W. Demers was given the editorial chair, and in the same year

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Mr. Dawson sold his interest in the establishment to Charles E. Smith, afterwards editor of the Philadelphia Press. Mr. Dawson did some desultory editorial work for the Journal until 1880, when, for a time, he again took the managing helm, on account of the retirement of Mr. Smith, who had endorsed Governor Cornell's nomination of John F. Smyth as superintendent of the Insurance Department, which was dis- approved of by the controlling partners. Mr. Dawson finally retired in September, 1882, and was succceded by Harold Frederick, who has since obtained high recognition as London correspondent of New York papers. Mr. Dawson was appointed, without personal solicitation, post- master of Albany in 1861 and held the office six years. Outside of journalism Mr. Dawson was gifted as a writer. He was possessed of a poetic temperament, loved nature in all her moods, and was an enthu- siastic angler, for the benefit it was to him and the opportunity it gave him to study the works of the Creator. He was author of the very pleasing work, "Pleasures of Angling." He died in Albany February 17, 1883.

In March, 1884, the Albany Journal Company was formed, with W. J. Arkell, president; J. W. Drexel, secretary ; James Arkell, treasurer, the editorial chair being given to John A. Sleicher. The Albany Morning Express was started September 13, 1847, and after passing through the control of different publishers, among whom were Munsell & Co., in 1854, its name was changed to the Daily Statesman in 1857. It continued as such a few years and suspended. The Albany Morning Express was revived by Stone & Henly, who were the original propri- etors, on May 4, 1857, with J. C. Cuyler, editor. The Albany Weekly Express was first issued August 4, 1881, and a Sunday edition March 4, 1883. These were published by the Albany Express Company, com- posed of Edward Henly, J. C. Cuyler, Addison A. Keyes, and Nathan D. Wendell. In 1888 the Express establishment was purchased by William Barnes, jr., and became part of the Journal Company in 1889. The officers of the Journal Company are William Barnes, jr., president ; J. H. Lindsay, secretary and manager; John M. Davis, treasurer. The managing editor of the Journal is John Hastings, while Arthur Lucas occupies this position on the Express. Mr. Barnes is editor-in- chief of both papers.

The Albany Knickerbocker was founded and its first number issued September 4, 1843, by Hugh J. Hastings. Mr. Hastings was a native of Ireland and came to this country with his parents when eight years

WILLIAM BARNES, JR.

Luther Jucker.

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old. Though his opportunities were not the best for obtaining an educa- tion, he was a great reader and gradually acquired a large store of general information. He mingled in politics, made the acquaintance of influential men, and soon made his paper popular and successful. The Weekly Knickerbocker was first published June 8, 1857. Mr. Hastings sold his establishment in 1867 and purchased a controlling interest in the New York Commercial Advertiser, his conduct of which added to his high reputation as a journalist. He died in September, 1883. The first number of the Sunday Press was issued May 13, 1870, and of the Daily Press on February 26, 1877. On August 10 of the last named year these journals were consolidated and published under the title, Press and Knickerbocker, by the Press Company, then composed of John H. Farrell, Myron H. Rooker, and James McFarlane. The officers of the company at the present time are: President and treas- urer, Myron H. Rooker; secretary, John W. Walsh.

The Albany Times-Union is composed of two separate newspapers. The Albany Morning Times (later the Evening Times) was started April 21, 1856, by Barnes & Godfrey; it was afterwards published by Alfred Stone, by David M. Barnes, Edward H. Boyd, and later by Samuel Wilbor. On the 1st of March, 1861, the Times was con- solidated with the Evening Courier (started in August, 1858). The Albany Weekly Times was first issued July 16, 1872. The paper passed through the usual vicissitudes under various changes in man- agement and editorship. In May, 1881, Theophilus C. Callicot, now editor of the Argus, took the editorial chair. The Albany Evening Union was first issued by the Union Printing and Publishing Company on May 29, 1882. On July 15, 1883, John J. Parr became editor and proprietor, and a little later Fred W. White was made president of the company and editor of the paper. Mr. White was succeeded by Ira L. Wales, an editoral writer on the Albany Argus, and a man of indom- itable perseverance, great natural ability, and a wide acquaintance among public men. Mr. Wales assumed entire control of the Union, and had succeeded in making it a paying property when death inter- vened and wrote an untimely "30" to a rising and brilliant career. In November, 1891, John H. Farrell bought both papers and consolidated them under the present title. Mr. Callicott acted as editor until the summer of 1896, when he took his present position on the Argus.

The Cultivator was a monthly agricultural journal established, as be- fore stated, by Jesse Buel in March, 1834. Others who were early

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connected with the paper were J. P. Beekman and J. D. Wasson. It was subsequently published by W. Gaylord and L. Tucker, and later by L. Tucker & Son. Luther Tucker's name is prominent among those of Albany journalists. He was born in Brandon, Vt., May ?, 1802. He early learned the printing trade, at which he worked a num- ber of years as a journeyman, and in 1825 joined with Henry C. Sleight in the publication at Jamaica, L. I., of works for New York firms. In 1826 he went to Rochester, where he had formerly worked, and on October 27 issued the first number of the Rochester Daily Ad- vertiser-the first daily newspaper west of Albany. The new paper was a success, and on January 1, 1831, while still conducting it, he issued the initial number of the Genesee Farmer. This was one of the earliest of the long list of agricultural newspapers, and its name soon became familiar throught the country. Having finally acquired sufficient means to carry out his wish, he purchased a farm near Roch- ester and sold his daily paper, which still exists as the Rochester Union and Advertiser. Before a year had passed Jesse Buel died, leaving his agricultural paper, the Cultivator, without a head and a proposition was made to Mr. Tucker to consolidate the two. This arrangement was effected and the new journal was removed to Albany where the number for January, 1840, was issued. This journal was continued as the Cultivator and in January, 1853, Mr. Tucker, associated with John T. Thomas, started the Country Gentleman, another very successful paper, the character of which is happily set forth in its name. The two journals were consolidated and issued as a weekly January 4, 1866, which soon ranked high, as it does to day, among the leading agricul- tural papers of the country. Mr. Tucker died January 26, 1873, hav- ing previously associated in his business his sons, Luther H. and Gil- bert M. Tucker. On the 1st of December, 1893, L. H. Tucker, jr., was admitted to the firm. Luther H. Tucker died February 23, 1897.

The first number of the Albany Telegram (weekly) was issued March 14, 1888, by James Hill, in association with Messrs. Hazard & Brooks, publishers of the Elmira Telegram, and as a part of that enterprise. A dissolution was effected in January, 1893, Mr. Hill taking the Albany edition and his partners the Elmira paper. The Telegram has a large circulation both in Albany and the surrounding country.

The German population of Albany county has for many years been represented by excellent papers printed in their own language. Of these the oldest is the Freie Blaetter, which was started by August

LUTHER H. TUCKER.

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Miggael and Henry Bender in 1852; the former has for many years been sole proprietor, with Julius Kaestner editor. The paper is Dem- ocratic in politics,

The Albany Daily Herold (German) was started in 1868, by Jacob Heinmiller. Upon his death it was conducted by his widow until 1895, when she sold to the present proprietors, L. Munchausen and W. Ves- perman, the latter being the editor. The Herold is Republican in politics.

The Albany Sonntag Journal was started in 1884 by the German Publishing and Printing Company, of which Max Kurth is president and manager; Michael Schrodt, vice-president; John Gutman, secre- tary and treasurer. This company publishes, also, the Freie Deutsche Presse in Troy.

The Farmers' Union League Advocate was started March 31, 1892, by L. D. Collins, jr., who is still publisher and editor. It is an agricultural journal and the organ of the Farmers' League of this State.

There are a number of small religious, family and temperance papers issued in Albany, but which do not possess local importance. Seven of this character are published by the Leonard Publishing Com- pany, as follows: Everybody's Paper, started January 1, 1875; Tem- perance Truths, started January 1, 1875; Bright Jewels, started January 1, 1875; Everybody's Magazine, started January 1, 1885; Little Folks' Paper, started January 1, 1885; Buds of Promise, started January 1, 1885; The Sunday Hour, started January 1, 1894.

The existing newspapers published in Albany county outside of the city are few in number and are properly noticed in the histories of the towns in this volume.

The list of newspapers that have been published in Albany for lon- ger or shorter periods and suspended is a long one. They can be but briefly mentioned here. One of the earliest printers in Albany was Solomon Balentine, and he was connected with the publication of the second journal issued in the city. In 1782 Charles R. Webster settled in Albany and joined with Mr. Balentine in the publication of the New York Gazette and Northern Intelligencer, the first number of which was issued June 2. Webster was a practical printer. In 1783 he left the partnership and went to New York where he began publishing the New York Gazette. This was not a permanent enterprise and in 1784 he returned to Albany (Mr. Balentine having meanwhile left) and on

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May 28 issued the first number of the Albany Gazette. This paper had Federal proclivities, though its columns were held open to some extent to both parties. Its editorial management was on a high plane and the paper wielded a powerful influence in the early years. On the 25th of May, 1789, the publication of a semi-weekly edition was begun, and in March, 1817, it was consolidated with the Albany Advertiser. This latter paper was started September 25, 1815, by John Walker, prin- ter, and Theodore Dwight, editor, as a daily. At the time of the consolidation it was published by William L Stone. Mr. Webster soon associated with himself his brother, George Webster, and the firm of C. R. & G. Webster became widely known. On January 26, 1788, they began the publication of a semi-weekly with the long title, The Albany Journal, or Montgomery, Washington and Columbia Intelligencer; this paper was issued in connection with the Gazette, and was discon- tinued May 25, 1789. The Webster firm was dissolved in 1821 by the death of George. The survivor purchased his brother's half of the property at the Elm Tree corner for $13,000, and the firm of E. W. Skinner & Co. was formed, which purchased one-half of the stock of the establishment. The firm of Webster & Skinner then continued until the death of Mr. Webster, July 18, 1834. The original publica- tion continued in existence until April 14, 1845.

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Landmarks of Albany County, New York, Part 25

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed Publication date: 1897 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason Number of Pages: 1374

Author: Parker, Amasa Junius, 1843-1938, ed
Publication date: 1897
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason
Number of Pages: 1374