USA > Ohio > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families > Part 25
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The first number of a paper called the Farmers' Herald was issued by Truesdell & Mckibben In December, 1832, but it seems that only three numbers were ever taken from the press
THE WESTERN WHIG.
The first issue of the Western Whig appeared in October. 1838, but who its found- ers were is a disputed question. Some claim that It was started by John O. Truesdell and Stephen P. Drake, and that Robert Barclay Harlan later took an Interest and became the editor of the paper, which was continued under that name for only a year. Others claim that it was started by Harlan himself. However, It Is certainly known that R. R. Lindsey soon became proprietor and from the time of his ownership there is no doubt as to Its successive owners, Lindsey took charge of the paper between September 18 and December 13. 1599, and changed Its name to the Clinton Republican. It was a stanch Whig sheet and supported "Tippecanoe and Tyler too" with all the enthusiasm at its command .. In 1846 Lindsey sold the paper to David Fisher, and from that time down to the present-a period of nearly seventy years-some member of the Fisher family has been connected with the paper or Its successors.
The father of David Fisher, Adams Fisher, came from Pennsylvania to what is now Clermont county, Ohio, in 1799. The elder Fisher had taken a prominent part in the Revolutionary War and had seen hard service in many of the bloodiest battles of the struggle for independence. His son David had all the energy and ability which char- acterized his worthy father and it was not many years after the family located in Ohio that young David became known as an eloquent speaker in politienl campaigns in the Whig cause. He was elected to the General Assembly from Clermont county in 1842 and after serving for a couple of terms removed to Clinton county and purchased the Clinton Republican as above mentioned. He was a success as a newspaper man from the start and in the fall of the same year he located In Wilmington he was chosen to represent this congressional district in the congress of the United States as a Whig.
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Upon taking his seat in Congress, David Fisher called on his son, William Byrne, to take charge of the paper in his absence. The son bad just fairly gotten started as a lawyer at Batavia, Ohio, but, at the request of his father, he forsook his practice and came to Wilmington to assume the management of the paper. William B. Fisher bad intended to remain in the newspaper business only until his father was again able to take up the work, but he took a strong liking to the business and in 1850 bought the paper from his father. David Fisher then moved to Cincinnati, where be died a third of a century later at the advanced age of ninety-three years.
William B. Fisher was connected with the paper as proprietor and editor for twenty years. From 1850 to 1852 be bad Franklin Corwin as a partner; in the latter year Dr. A. P. Russell, recently deceased, purchased Corwin's half interest, and remained a partner of Mr. Fisher until 1860. In that year he sold his interest to Fisher and went to Columbus to assume the duties of the office of secretary of state, to which he had been elected. Mr. Fisher then conducted the business alone until 1866, when he sold a half interest to Capt. D. L. Way, now residing at Jacksonville, Florida. In 1870 the health of Mr. Fisher failed and on November 10, of that year, he disposed of his interest to Frank Browning, the firm becoming Browning & Way. On November 18, 1875, the Browning Brothers became the proprietors of the paper, the new frm being also inter- ested in the publishing business at Batavia. Ohio. Frank Browning died suddenly in August, 1878, and his brother, C. N. Browning, at that time a clerk in the employ of the United States government at Washington, D. C., at once returned to Wilmington to assume charge of the paper. The Clinton Republican continued in the hands of the Browning family, with C. N. Browning as editor, until January 1. 1909. The members of the Browning family connected with the Clinton Ropublican for thirty-five years were Carrie, sister of the Browning brothers, Emma M. and Allen E., daughter and son of the late Frank Browning, and Grace Browning Ballard and Kent Browning, daughter and son of C. N. Browning. C. N. Browning is living In Wilmington and is bale and hearty despite his eighty-four years. He was the editor of the Clinton Republican for thirty-five years, a longer period in the editorial chair than any other man in the county. In 1909 Dr. O. J. Thatcher bought the Republican and continued as sole owner and editor until the fall of 1910, when he organized a stock company, incorporated as the Clinton Republican Company. Doctor Thatcher became president and treasurer of the new company and continued as editor. On September 1, 1911, Doctor Thatcher sold bis Interest in the company to Thurman Miller and others. Mr. Miller becoming managing editor. This arrangement continued until January 1. 1913. when the Wilmington Journal and Clinton Republican were consolidated under the name of the Wilmington Journal- Republican.
At this point it is necessary to tell of the founding of the paper which was to be the forerunner of the Wilmington Journal. About 1864 the Garvin Brothers began the issuance of a paper called the Fronklin College Monthly, a paper devoted to the interests of Christianity and education. The history of this paper is very obscure and it has been Impossible to trace its career with any degree of certainty. How long it lasted or what became of it is one of the unsolved mysteries. However, It is known that in February. 1865. the Garvin Brothers appeared on the scene of action with another mouthly sheet bearing the illuminating title of Journal of Information. This paper was the direct progenitor of the Wilmington Journal, which appeared for the first time under this title in the latter part of 1868 with the Garvin Brothers as editors and proprietors. On May 5. 1869. Garvin & Lowery appeared as its owners, and on May 11, 1870. the firm name of A. H. MeVey & Company appeared at its head. W. H. P. Denny assumed charge of the paper on October 20. 1871, and continued as proprietor and editor until April 12. 1877, when John Tudor became proprietor and James M. Vernon. editor. Early in 1880 Vernon bought a half interest and before the end of the same year became the sole pro-
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prietor. In 1884 William B. Fisher's sons, William G. and Charles R., bought the paper. At the time the former was with the Cincinnati Commercial and the latter was finishing the last of a six years' term as deputy clerk of the courts of Clinton county. Under the firm name of W. G. & C. R. Fisher, the brothers assumed charge of the Journal in April, 1884, and continued it under this title until January 1, 1913.
On this date the Wilmington Journal and the Clinton Republican were consolidated under the name of the Wilmington Journal-Republican, a company being organized to take over the two properties. Charles R. Fisher became manager of the company and bis brother, William G., became one of the directors, the brothers being the former publishers of the Journal. Thurman Miller, the former editor of the Clinton Republican, became the editor of the consolidated paper and also secretary-treasurer of the new company. The new paper is published in the office of the former Journal at the corner of Main and Mulberry streets. The Journal-Republican has a circulation of over four thousand, a circulation which exceeds that of all the other papers of the county put together. An unusual feature of this large circulation lies in the fact that it is composed of sub- seribers who have paid in advance. The paper is Republican in politics, but handles all political questions in a calm and dignified manner which Insures political opponents courteous treatment. The paper, which is issued each week on Wednesday, contains from ten to sixteen pages to the issue. The paper is ranked among the best weekly newspapers in the state; its columns are well edited. free from all slang, devoid of sensationalism and diguified iu all that it has to say. It makes no pretense to take the place of the city daily, preferring rather to devote its columns to local news.
SHORT-LIVED VENTURES.
In 1844, J. & T. Mckibbin established in Wilmington a enmpaign sheet, known as the Democratic Star, advocating the election of James K. Polk. It was discontinued at the end of the year.
R. R. Lindsey, formerly of the Clinton Republican, began in May, 1847, to issue the People's Press; it was independent in religion and politics, but soon died.
The Wilmington Banner was started in August, 1848, by John W. Kees, with W. Fuller and J. W. Kees as editors. Information concerning it is extremely meager, but it seems that, on March 1, 1849, W. Fuller and W. Tillinghast were the editors. It ran for only about a year and supported the candidacy of Lewis Cass for President In 1848.
Previous to this, perhaps several years before. Tillinghast had published a paper called the Rercille (or Revilice), but little is known of it. On January 2, 1850, he began the publication of a radically Democratic, but anti-slavery, paper. the Empyrcan. It was discontinued on September 13, 1851.
The Herald of Freedom made Its appearance on October 31, 1851, from the press of J. W. Chaffin. J. Gibson and J. B. Dunn became its editors on August 5. 1853. On February 24. 1854. Gibson sold out his interest to Dunn, who ran it alone until January 26. 1855, when it stopped publication only to appear on February 9. as the Wilmington Independent with J. W. Chaffin as publisher. Its existence stopped on November 16. 1955.
John Terry. for a short time In 1852, published the Democratic Advocate.
Considerable flurry was caused by the appearance of the Independent Citizen on December 14, 1855, with J. D. Thurston as publisher. It is thought that the first number was all that was ever Issued.
The publication of the Wilmington Watchman was begun January 26, 1856, by Bay- bam & Brodness. This paper saw a rather checkered career in its brief life. On Febru- ary 20. 1857. it was in the hands of Isaac 8. Wright ; June 5. 1857, it belonged to Tilling- hast : October 16, 1857. to R. E. & A. W. Doan ; March 12, 1858, to J. D. Hines and A. W. Doan; May 7, 1SS, to H. S. Doan and I. S. Whivery ; Angust 27. 1858, to HI. S. Doan;
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April 23, 1859, it was in the hands of W. H. Foos; January 5. 1800, of C. B. Lindsey ; October 14, 1860, of H. S. Doan; January 2. 1862, of W. P. Reld, and on May 1. 1862, it passed to James D. Thurston, who published it until the last issue appeared. September 24, 1863.
Twenty-four numbers of the Clinton Democrat were issued. the last under the date of April 1, 1864, by B. F. Raleigh.
A Republican paper. Aid to Progress, was started In 1868, by A. D. Rhonemus, and continued for about three years. Another Republican paper was started about the same time, the Tanner and Typo, and issued for a short time by Melville Hayes.
On October 6. 1870. A. E. Routh frened the first number of the Wilmington Weekly Gazette. This paper. on May 25, 1871, passed to William C. and James T. Gould. It was discontinued about a year later because of lack of support.
CLINTON COUNTY DEMOCRAT.
The Clinton County Democrat first appeared in Wilmington on May 14, 1880, with Thomas M. Procter as publisher and editor. Mr. Procter continued the paper until September 6, 1881, when his wife. Mrs. Mary V. Procter, became its editor and publisher. James K. Newcomer became the owner and editor on January 1, 1883, and J. S. Hummel. the present editor and publisher, bought the paper of Mr. Newcomer on January 1, 1884.
Thirty-one years of continuous operation under one management bespeaks the que- cess which has been made in the publication of this Democratic organ in Clinton county. where the preponderance of the Republican vote has always before made the life of n Democratie paper very uncertain.
This paper bas always upheld the principles of Democracy and has been a stanch bellever in and supporter of the Democratic party, aggressively sustaining the party's cause at all times and under all circumstances. In all matters of local concern the Demoerat has taken the same netive interest and it has ever been a leader in the pronto- tion of progress and good government In Clinton county. The constancy and vigor with which the Democrat has served its party and Its community have been rewarded by a liberal support and a substantial growth.
The Democrat is a weekly paper and is jasued every Thursday. A Job printing department is also conducted in connection with the paper.
CLINTON REVIEW.
The Clinton Rerici, a pretentions magazine. the first issue of which contained one hundred and ten pages, appeared in December. 1914. According to the title page, It was to be published monthly by the Clinton Printing Company. with Robert R. Doan as editor. The magazine contained a certain amount of local features, a review of the world's events and a carefully selected Action department. Unfortunately, the magazine was not able to finance itself and but six Issues came off the press. It was then discon- finued and the plant later became the home of the first daily newspaper in Clinton county.
THE WILMINGTON DAILY HERALD.
The Wilmington Daily Herald. the first dally paper In Clinton county, issued Its first number on Thursday, July 20, 1915. The newspaper plant is owned by the Clinton Publishing Company, capitalized at ten thousand dollars. Robert R. Doan is the manag- Ing editor. The paper has correspondents and agents in all the towns of the county.
Two issues appear daily-a morning edition. for delivery on the nine rural routes radiating from Wilmington. and an evening edition, which is delivered by carriers in Wilmington and other towns in the county. The paper is Republican in politics.
The Herald has excellent service and is thereby able to keep Its readers in touch with the world's events from day to day. The paper is a seven-column double folio in size. The plant is well equipped for the publication of such a paper and, in addition, can
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do all kinds of job printing on short notice. A linotype machine was installed when the paper was started and since that time many other improvements have been added. It is delivered by carriers at ten cents a week ; three dollars per year is charged for mailed coples.
BLANCHESTER STAR-REPUBLICAN.
The Blanchester Star-Republican Is a remote descendant of the Blanchester Herald. a paper which made its first appearance on March 24, 1870, under the management of S. R. Nickerson. For a year and a half Nickerson struggled with the sheet and then disposed of It to James S. Turk, who, thinking to better its fortunes, shortly after changed its name to the Marion Independent. The change of name did not seem to have the desired result, since the wavering sheet passed into oblivion about the first of October, 1872.
When the next newspaper appeared in Blanchester is not known, but it must have been many years afterwards. The fire of October 18, 1805, destroyed all evidence which might help to establish the newspaper history of the town up to that time. The data nhove given is recorded In the county history published In 1882. The present editor (S. C. Eldridge) of the Star-Republican says, in speaking of his paper, "S. H. Pye was my predecessor and published the paper for the four years prior to May 1, 1913, since which time I have been publisher, owner and proprietor." The hyphenated name of the paper would seem to indlente that there were once two papers here, the Star and Repub- lican, respectively, but of their origin, history or the time of their consolidation, there is no information. The present paper is Republican in politics, Is issued weekly and has a circulation of sventeen hundred. It is a six-column double folio, twenty-two by thirty inches in size. The equipment of the paper includes a two-revolution press, two jobberg, electric stapler and perforater-a new five-thousand-dollar equipment.
BLANCHESTER NEWS.
The Blanchester News issued Its first number on July 22, 1915, with C. M. Dionne. publisher, and Dr. I. O. Bennett as editor. It was a five-column follo. independent in polities, and was to appear weekly. The editor was a former minister of the Blanchester Christian church. and, Inter, a chiropractor. On July 31. 1915, the Blanchester Neurs was sold by Its owner, C. M. Dionne, to the Clinton Publishing Company of Wilmington for five hundred dollars and thus ended the career of a paper which had been established the previous week.
SABINA NEWS-RECORD.
The Sabina News-Record dates from the consolidation of the Subino Noirs and the Sabina Record in July, 1803. The Sabina Neirs was the successor of the Nubina Tele- gram. started November 6, 1874, by S. R. Nickerson. On April 8, 1876. Nickerson sold the Telegram to F. L. Mann and on March 29, 1877. Its successor was established by Ely & Sanders: the Subing Record was started in January, 1800, by James F. Gaskins. The Neira was later edited by W. H. Sanders, and still later by Z. R. Sanders and John Man- love. In May, 1855, the News passed Into the hands of Griffith & Gaskins. Gaskins with- drew from the firm to start the Record and, as above stated, consolidated the two papers three years later. Mr. Gaskins became identified with the News on April 15, 1855, and has therefore been in the newspaper business in Sabina for thirty years. The News- Record is independent in politics. It is a six-column double folio in size and is issued every Thursday morning. The circulation is one thousand and fifty. The equipment Includes a pony cylinder, ten by fifteen-inch Gordon jobber. Junior linotype. folding machine, gasoline engine and full assortment of modern type and material. The paper has been in a brick building of its own since January, 1898.
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SABINA TRIBUNE.
The Sabina Tribune issued its first number on April 11, 1894. It was established by M. D., J. H., Howard and George C. Barns-four brothers-with J. H. Barns as editor. The latter died in October, 1896, and two of the other brothers later sold out to Howard, who has been sole editor and proprietor since 1904. The paper is independent in politica. It is a six-column double folio, with a weekly circulation of six hundred and fifty. It is issued on Tuesday of each week. The plant is equipped with a Campbell cylinder press and all the necessary type and material for doing all kinds of first-class job printing.
CLARKSVILLE HERALD.
The Clarkarille Herald has been published in the town of that name for several years under various names and by diverse owners. It is a single sheet, weekly, and is devoted solely to local news and advertising. It has been impossible to get a history of this paper and the copy which was sent the historian had neither volume nor number indi- cated, so that it was impossible to tell the age of the present sheet. It is published by the Herald Printing Company.
NEW VIENNA REPORTER.
The first newspaper was established in New Vienna about 1870 by James D. MeClin- tock and was known as the Weekly Register. This paper was sold in 1875 to J. M. Hussey and Daniel HIIII and the name changed to the Neic Vienna Record. J. M. Hussey later became the sole owner and publisher. He afterward sold to a man by the name of Williams, who, after publishing the paper here for some time, removed the plant to some point in Illinois.
The New Vienna Reporter was established about 1850 by H. M. Meintire, who moved his plant here from Albany, Ohlo. The plant bas since been owned successively by J. J. Pittser, Edward Priest, D. W. Callahan. I. A. Shanton and Eugene C. Lewis, the present owner.
The paper Is now a seven-column, twelve-page paper, which circulates in both Clin- ton and Highland counties. It has one of the most up-to-date plants in southern Ohio and one of the two linotype machines in this section of the country. Eugene C. Lewis la owner and publisher and Austin W. Boden has been editor and In charge of the advertis- ing since May 1, 1915.
The paper has in connection a first-class job office. Austin B. Greene is the foreman of the composing room and In charge of job office.
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CHAPTER XII. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
Diseases were more prevalent in eurly times than they are at the present day owing to the swamps and lowlands which had not been drained; and also because the conditions, as far as living is concerned, were not as sanitary. Such diseases as were caused by malarial poison-fevers, ague, etc., were very common. The early physicians did not prosper as in the present day. Their duties were laborious and they were exposed to all kinds of hardships and privations in making their calls, The home remedies were more often used than those of the local physician and every household had its stock of roots and herbs, which were supposed to cure every ache and pain.
The honor which is due the first physician to locate In Clinton county can justly be awarded to Lonmmi Rigdon. Doctor Ridgon, a native of the state of Pennsylvania, where his elementary and medical education had been received, located and began the practice of medicine in the fall of 1812. He came to Wilmington and stayed at the hotel of Warren Sabin. The ensuing summer, taking as his guide that passage from the Bible which says, "It is not good for man to live alone," he was united in marriage with Miss Dunlevy. of Lebanon, and ererted his log cabin on South street. He was a noble specimen of man, being moral, upright, industrious, and courteous to all. He was a worthy and earnest member of the Baptist church, and possessed the good will and friendship of all who knew him. He was engaged for many years in a most laborious practice in the county, and received a very poor compensation for his services rendered. Doctor Rigdon, In the science of medicine and the art of surgery, equalled, if not sur- passed, any of that profession who have since been local practitioners in the county. After following his profession in Wilmington for thirteen years, without realizing a fair compensation for his Inbor, Doctor Rigdon moved to the town of Hamilton, and there began the practice of medicine, and, from a large and voluntary patronage, he amnased quite a fortune. He followed his chosen profession for a number of years in this locality and died at a ripe age, happy in the conviction that be had done all in his power to relieve suffering humanity.
Two years after Dortor Rigdon came here (1814) another. and, probably, the second physician in the county, located in Wilmington and began the practice of medi- cine. James McGee, on his arrival in the village, made his home and had his office in Sabin's hotel. The following year he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Judge George MeManis, Sr. To this union was born one child. Doctor McGee built his rest- dence or cabin on South street, adjoining the residence of Doctor Rigdon, He was a well-educated and thoroughly competent physician. but he had no love nor admiration for his profession and did not engage in general practice. Shortly after his marriage be was appointed to fill the office of postmaster In the village, and also to the county recorder's office. He performed the duties of these offices for only a short time, ill health causing him to retire from all active duties. In a few years after his marriage, and while yet in early manhood. he was called to his final rest. He was a modest and unassuming man, with a kind word for everyone. He had no enemies and lived at peace with his neighbors.
Dr. Uriah Farquhar, son of Benjamin Farquhar, who was one of the earliest settlers on Todd's fork, then in Warren county, was educated for the medical profession and
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placed in the office of Doctor Lathrop, of Waynesville, with whom he remained until the close of the War of 1812-15, when he had completed his studies. A short time after this, probably about 1816, he located in Wilmington and took up the practice of medicine. In improving the rich and fertile soil of Clinton county and In draining the swamps, the atmosphere was filled with malaria poison, and diseases in this locality in the fall and summer seasons were very prevalent, in consequence of which the early physician had much to do. Doctor Farquhar devoted himself with unabated energy to relleving the people from their malarial complaints. He was possessed of a strong, nervous and sanguine temperament, was very credulous and easily imposed upon. He labored for twenty years or more in Clinton county and then removed to Logansport, Indiana, where he remained, still pursuing his chosen profession, until he had completed his four score years. The fullness of time had then arrived when he had to part with his much- beloved work and his many friends and admirers and go to that final resting place beyond. He was ever ready to give his services to all who needed it regardless of the financial conditions. He was for many years a member of the Christian church. With a kind heart and a generous nature, it was hard to amass wealth, and equally hard to retatu it; hence, when he left Wilmington he had only the bare necessities of life and was not overburdened with property.
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