USA > Ohio > Lorain County > History of Lorain County, Ohio > Part 15
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THE PRESS IN OBERLIN.
THE OBERLIN EVANGELIST.
Soon after the organization of the collegiate insti- tule at. Oberlin, on the plan of furnishing a liberal Christian education to both sexes, regardless of color or caste, there began to be felt a necessity for some medium through which the eminent reformers who composed its faculty could reach the public car. Nothing was done. however, toward supplying the want until November 1, 1838, five years after the institution was founded, when the first number of the Oberlin Erangelist was issued. It was a quarto of eight pages, 9x 12 inches, and was published every two weeks, at $1.00 a year. After tive years, its size was increased to 10 x 14 inches. It was at first edited by an association of the college professors. and was published by R. E. Gillett. In 1844, Prof. Henry Cowles became its editor, and continued in charge until it was discontinued, December 17, 1862. At about the same time, James M. Fitch became its publisher, and remained such until December, 1858. He was sneceeded by Shankland & Harmon, and in April. 1861. V. A. Shankland took sole charge as publisher, and continued until the end.
The Eraugelist was always an able paper, candidly and earnestly disenssing the reforms sought to be secured through the aid of Christian effort, and for many years each number contained a sermon by Professor, afterwards President, Finney, reported in short-hand by Prof. Cowles. Its twenty-four vol- umes form a portion of the college library, and in after years will become of great value.
Prof. Cowles, in addition to his duties as instructor in the college. has published several volumes on the prophetical books of the Bible, besides other works of lesser note, and still resides in Oberlin, venerable in years, and beloved by all.
R. E. Gillett, its first publisher, removed west many years ago, where he died. but at what time has not been ascertained.
lames M Fitch conducted the book and periodical printing for the college for many years, with ability and credit. and died in Oberlin Aune 4, 1867. widely esteemed and deeply lamented by all who knew him.
THE PEACEMAKER.
This was the title of a small paper conducted by Rev. Israel Mattison, and devoted to the advocacy of peace principles, as held by Elihu Burritt. His
residence was in "New Oberlin," a mile from the village, where he edited the paper and put it in type, and it was printed on the Erangelist press, by Mr. (illett. It was first issued about the beginning of the year 1839, and was discontinued in 1840, when its publisher removed to Illinois.
THE PEOPLE'S PRESS.
Soon after James M. Fitch became publisher of the Erangelist. in 1844. he issued a small folio, 18 x 24 inches, with the above title. It was published at irregular intervals, but not receiving sufficient sup- port to warrant its continuance, it was suspended after about one year.
THE OBERLIN QUARTERLY REVIEW.
This was an octavo of one hundred and forty pages, published by James M. Fitch from 1845 to 1849, making four volumes. It was devoted to the discus- sion of theological questions, and was ably conducted, the first year by President Mahan and Rev. William Cochran, and afterwards by Mahan and Prof. Finney.
THE VILLAGE ITEM.
This was a small, spicy little sheet that was issued from the press of the Evangelist. in May, 1852. But a few numbers were printed. Soon after it was dis- continued, Mr. Fitch, publisher of the Eraugelist, made the first practical effort to establish a secular newspaper in Oberlin, and issued
THE OBERLIN WEEKLY TIMES.
This was a six-column folio, very neatly printed. and tilled with well selected articles and ably prepared original matter. It struggled through its first year at. quite an expense to its publisher, who, in June. 1853, announced that. " The Oberlin Weekly Times will not be issued again until we have further encouragement," which he failed to receive.
THE STUDENT'S MONTHLY.
This was an octavo of thirty-two pages, issued in 1858 by the publisher of the Erangelis/. and. as its title indicates, was devoted to the interests of the college, being edited and sustained mainly by the students. It was discontinued after nearly three years, at the breaking out of the war, in 1861.
THE LORAIN COUNTY NEWS.
The first weekly paper in Oberlin that proved to be of a permanent character, was The Lorain County News, the first number of which was issued on the 4th of March, 1860, by V. A. Shankland and J. F. Harmon, at that time publishers of the Oberlin Evangelist. It was a six column folio, price $1.00 per annum. During the first year of its existence the News was edited by A. B. Nettleton, who laid down the pen to assume the sword in defense of the union. lle was succeeded by J. B. T. Marsh, then a college student. At the commencement of the war, in 1861,
65
HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.
Mr. Harmon sold his interest in the publishing busi- ness to his partner, and enlisted in the army where he served three years. Mr. Shankland continued to publish the paper alone until March 5, 1862, (the close of the second year). when Prof. H. E. Peck purchased an interest therein, and the business was continned by V. A. Shankland & Co., with Prof. Peck and Mr. Marsh as editors. In the summer of 1863 both the editors withdrew from the News, Mr. Marsh enlisting in the army. In July. 1863, William Kineaid, then a senior in college, assumed the position of editor. and served in that capacity for one year. lle was succeeded by L. L. Rice, who edited the paper until October, 1865. In July, 1864, Mr. Harmon returned from the army and again became joint owner of the paper, and in November of the same year he purchased Mr. Shankland's interest and became sole proprietor. In October, 1865, he sold the entire establishment to J. B. T. Marsh, who conducted the Paper as editor and proprietor until July 31, 186%. when he sold it to Elbert. W. Clark, who employed Prof. C. Il. Churchill as editor. Under this manage- ment the News was published for about two years, when Mr. Clark sold the office to E. P. Brown, at that time publisher of the Bellevue Gazelle, who conducted the paper as editor and publisher until February, 1820, when he sold it to Richard Butler, who on Feb- rmary 9, 1821. sold the establishment to Justus N. Brown. a graduate of the Oberlin theological semi- nary. After conducting the paper about three months as sole proprietor, Mr. Brown sold an interest in the oflice to A. R. Wildman, who for some time previous had been foreman in the office of the Standard of the ('ross, and who took charge of the mechanical depart- ment in February, 1822. Mr. Brown still occupying the post of editor. In May, 1873, Mr. Wildman sold his interest to .1. Il. Lang, but continued to retain the position of foreman. About the first of December. 18;3. Brown & Lang sold the office to George B. Pratt and .l. H. Battle. Mr. Pratt being one of the propri- etors of the Oberlin Times, formerly the New Era, and at that date the Times and Nors were consoli- dated, retaining the name of the latter, which was changed to the The Oberlin Weekly News, the title it. now bears. The new paper started ont with a large list of subscribers; a large addition to its stock of type and machinery was purchased, and the offee was put in complete order, at great cost to its proprietors, who anticipated a sufficient revenue to meet the liabilities tims incurred. Their anticipations were not realized, and on January 27, 1875, Mr. Pratt disposed of his interest and retired from the office. The paper was then conducted by J. H. Battle, in company with his father, William Battle, until July, 1876, when Mal- thias Day, Ir., formerly editor and proprietor of the Mansfield Herald, became the editor and proprietor. The paper at this time was deeply involved in debt, and Mr. Day reduced its size and otherwise diminished the cost of its publication. hoping to be able to sus- tain it. Finding it impossible to meet its liabilities, in
December, 1876, he sold the office to Iral A. Webster and Edwin Regal, who retained Mr. Day as editor. In May, 1877, Mr. Regal retired, and Messrs. W. L. & M. G. Mains purchased an interest, the new firm being Webster, Mains & Co., Mr. Fred. Webster serv- ing as local editor. This arrangement continued until December 1. 1827, when William II. Pearce, previ- ously editor of the Grindstone City Advertiser in Berea, purchased the interest of the Messrs. Mains, and became its editor and business manager, the firm being Webster & Pearce. On the Ist of January, 1819, Mr. Webster sold his interest and retired. The News is now published by W. II. Pearce, who may well congratulate himself on seeing it established on a paying basis.
The News was originally a six column folio, price $1.00 per year. For the first few years a line in the heading road, "Published at Oberlin and Wellington." one page being edited for a time by parties in Welling- ton. In 1863 it was enlarged to an eight column folio and the price advaneed to $1.50, and soon after to $2.00 a year. In January, 1866, it was again enlarged and made a nine column folio. During a part of the year 1867 il. was an eight column paper, but was again restored to the nine column, and so remained until December 10, 1844, when Messrs. Pratt & Battle changed it to a six column quarto. Two years later. under the management of Mr. Day, it again became an eight column folio, which size it still retains. At. the same time the price was reduced to $1.50, as at present. The News has always been republican in poli- ties, and its editors have generally taken an advanced position on all moral and educational movements.
By the foregoing it will be seen that the News has been owned, in part or in whole, by nineteen different. persons since its establishment, a little less than nine- teen years ago, all of whom, with one exception, are still living, and several have acquired some prom- inence in their respective fields of labor. The limits of this history will only admit a brief notice of those most prominently connected with the paper during the time.
V. A. Shankland now resides in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he is engaged in the culture of fruit.
J. F. Harmon served as postmaster in Oberlin for nine years, and is now engaged in the drug business (Harmon & Beecher) in that village.
A. B. Nettleton wou a general's commission in the army. subsequently edited the Sandusky Register and the Chicago Advance, and now resides in Phila- delphia.
J. B. T. Marsh was subsequently one of the editors of the Chicago Advance for eight years, and now resides in Oberlin, holding the position of treasurer of the college and mayor of the village.
Prof. I. E. Peck was appointed minister to Hayti. by President Johnson, and died on that island in 1861.
William Kincaid has been for several years, and is now, the beloved pastor of the Second Congregational Church, in Oberlin.
9
HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OIIIO.
L. L. Rice was a veteran editor of forty-two years' experience when he edited the News, had been private secretary of Governor Chase, and was since for twelve years superintendent of public printing in Columbus. lle now resides in Oberlin, venerable in years, and respected by all who know him.
Elbert W. Clark resides in Painesville, and is the publisher of the Painesville Advertiser.
Prof. C. Il. Churchill still occupies a chair in Ober- lin College, where he is regarded as an able educator.
E. P. Brown is now manager of the "Aiken News- paper Union," in Cincinnati.
Richard Butler is publisher of the Clinton (Illinois) Public.
Justus N. Brown is pastor of the Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan.
J. 11. Lang is an attorney at law, residing at Oberlin.
Geo. B. Pratt for a time published the Huron County Chronicle, and is now publisher of the Gazelle. in Menasha, Wisconsin.
Most of the remaining proprietors of the News reside in Oberlin, engaged in various pursuits.
The News was first printed upon an Adams book- press, which was purchased by J. M. Fitch, in 1848, and was used for printing the Erangelist and other papers, also, several books, including the first edition of " President Finney's Theology." In 1863, a Campbell cylinder press, the first cylinder press in the county, was purchased, and run by hand up to 1821, when a steam engine, also the first in the county used for printing purposes, was attached by J. N. Brown. In January, 1874, Pratt & Battle dis- posed of the Campbell press, and proenred a large and expensive Potter press, which, in February, 1878, was sold by Webster & Pearce, and a country Potter cylinder press procured, which is now in use in the News office.
THE STANDARD OF THE CROSS.
This was a small sized quarto, published weekly, the first number of which was issued in Oberlin, in August, 1868. Rev. W. C. French. D. D., was its editor and publisher. It was the successor of the Gumbier Obserrer, (afterwards called the Western Episcopalian, ) which was established in Gambier, Ohio, in 1830, as the representative of the Protestant Episcopal church in Ohio. Its editor was rector of the greater portion of the time, in rooms in the the church in Oberlin, and the paper was printed, rear of the church edifice. In 1873, the office was removed to Cleveland, where it is still published by Dr. French, through whose ability and industry the paper has secured a general circulation in Ohio, and continues to be the recognized exponent of that. church in this State.
THE OBERLIN NEW ERA.
In April, 1822. Dr. H. W. Libbey, of Cleveland, established a newspaper in Oberlin called The Oberlin
New Era. He was a specialist in his practice, and in consequence of the News declining to publish his advertisements, he started this as an opposition paper, and by furnishing it at a low price, and canvassing, at. considerable cost, for subscribers, succeeded in securing a good circulation. It was an eight colunm folio; price, $1 a year. Rev. H. O. Sheldon, J. F. (". Hayes, and others, were employed as writers, and II. P. Whitney was its business manager. It did not realize the object of its publisher, and in the fall of 1873, he sold it to C. A. Sherman and George B. Pratt, and the name was changed to The Oberlin Times. After the issue of a few numbers, it was consolidated with the News, by Messrs. Pratt & Battle.
THE OBERLIN REVIEW.
This is a sixteen page semi-monthly paper, now published in Oberlin, and devoted to the interests of the college. It is owned and conducted by the students. The first number, containing twelve pages, was issued April 1, 1844. with C. N. Jones, as man- aging editor. It was printed in the News office, at $1.50 a year. On the 16th of September, 1874, it passed into the hands of the Union literary associa- tion, of Oberlin college, a corporate body composed of the Phi Kappa Pi, Phi Delta, Alpha Zeta, Ladies' Lit- erary, Aelioian and Beth Nun Aleph societies, which has continued it publication to the present time. Its editor-in-chief, together with a board of associate editors, is elected annually by the association. The following persons have successfully served as editors- in-chief: J. A. Winters, E. J. Malle, Arch Hadden, E. A. Tuttle, 1. W. Metcalf, W. W. Beacom, and II. C. King. With its second volume, the paper was enlarged to sixteen pages, and its subscription in- creased to $1.75 per year. For the past two years, it has been self-sustaining, having a cirenlation of nearly six hundred copies.
THE OBERLIN GAZETTE.
The first number of The Oberlin Gazelle was issued December 2. 1846, by A. R. Wildman and E. M. Brice. It was a seven column folio, all home print, for the first seven months, and its forms were $1 per annum. On the 19th of July, 1826, Mr. Wildman purchased Mr. Brice's interest, procured his paper with outside pages ready printed, in Cleveland, and continued its publication until June 6, 1828, when he sold it to W. W. Woodruff, under whose direction it is still published on the co-operative plan.
Both A. R. Willham and E. M. Brice are practical printers, of much experience, and an honor to the craft. The latter is now editor and proprietor of the Blue Rapids ( Kansas) Times. Mr. Woodruff is a novice in the art of printing. The Gazelle is con- sidered independent in politics, though with strong republican proclivities. During the campaign of 1878, its editor mainly supported the prohibition ticket.
67
IHISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.
THE PRESS IN WELLINGTON.
THE WELLINGTON JOURNAL.
The first newspaper printed in Wellington was issued March 11, 1852, and called The Wellington Journal. George Brewster was its editor and L. S. Griswold, associate editor. Its first proprietorship cannot be ascertained, but on the 25th of the same month Jonathan D. Baker purchased an interest in the office and became its printer. April 22d of the same year George Brewster withdrew from the paper, taking the position of corresponding editor. On the 29th of April the title of the paper was changed to Journal and Free Democrat, but on the 22d of July its original title was restored. At this date J. S. Reed and E. Boice became its proprietors and George Brewster its editor. Mr. Brewster retained his con- nection with the paper for about one year, and for a time L. S. Griswold edited it. Henry T. Culver, J. W. Ilill. C. F. Brewster and T. Burns respectively succeeded each other as printer. The paper failed to sustain the cost of its publication, and was discon- tinued after about two years, but the precise date can- not be ascertained.
TILE WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE.
In the summer of 1865, James A. Guthrie of Dela- ware, Ohio, removed to Wellington and commenced the publication of The Wellington Enterprise. The first. issue was dated September 25, 1865. It was a folio, printed on a sheet 253x38 inches, and its terms were $2.00 a year. On March 1, 1866, Mr. Guthrie soll the paper to JJohn C. Artz. who reduced the size to seven columns, and the price to $1.50. On the 18th of September, 1862, the paper was enlarged, and its outside pages were furnished on the co-operative plan. Mr. Artz remained its editor and proprietor until October 1, 1826, when he sold the office to Dr. J. W. Houghton and D. A. Smith. Dr. Houghton and his wife, Mary H., became its editors, and Mr. Smith, being a practical printer, took charge of the mechanical department. The size of the paper was increased to a sheet 26x40 inches, with co-operative outside pages, but its price remains at $1.50. On the 15th of December. 1877, Mr. Houghton purchased his partner's interest, and is now its sole proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton were novices in newspaper work when they assumed the charge of the Enterprise, but their industry and painstaking have placed it on a substantial basis. It has always supported the repub- lican party, and its column reflect the well-known characteristics of its editors-fairness in discussing disputed questions, and progress in all the reforms of the day.
THE PRESS IN LORAIN.
BLACK RIVER COMMERCIAL.
The first number of this paper was issued May 8, 18:3, by I. A. Fisher, at Black River, now Lorain.
It was a live-column quarto; terms, $1.50 a year. On the 3d of July, 1873, its form was changed to an eight-column folio; and on the 18th of September, it was reduced in size to six columns. On the Sth of January, 1844, it was restored to an eight-column folio, with patent outside pages, and on the 9th of the following May, its size was increased to nine col- nmns, and thus remained until it was discontinued, September 12, 1824, for want of adequate support. At that date, the material was removed to Elyria by Mr. Fisher, who commenced the publication of a new paper, called the Elyria Republican.
THE LORAIN MONITOR.
A small five-column folio, called the Lorain Moni- for, has recently been issued in Lorain by Lawler & Brady, with patent outside pages. Its history is yet to be written.
THE PRESS IN AMHERST.
THE AMHERST FREE PRESS.
This paper was issued July 31, 1825, in North AAmherst, by F. M. Lewis, editor and proprietor. It. was a six-column folio, patent outside pages, inde- pendent in politics, and its terms were $1.50 a year. After three weeks, Mr. J. K. Lewis became associated with his brother in its publication, and continued until July 22, 1826, when he withdrew, and C. H. Lewis took his place in the firm. On the 18th of August, 1877, F. M. Lewis again took sole charge of the paper. On the 24th of November, following, its price was reduced to $1.25 a year, and its size was increased to seven columns. It is chielly devoted to local interests, and its publication is continued by Mr. Lewis as editor and proprietor.
In concluding the history of the press in Lorain county, the writer acknowledges the obligations he is under to various persons who have aided him in ob- taining the desired information, and especially to President J. H. Fairchild, and W. Il. Pearce, editor of the News, who have kindly furnished most of the data relating to the twelve different publications in Oberlin.
SUMMARY.
From the foregoing, it will be seen that there have been thirty-three different publications issued in this county during the past fifty years, viz: Sixteen in Elyria, twelve in Oberlin, two in Wellington, two in Lorain, and one in Amherst. At this time, there are seven weekly papers and one semi-monthly published in the county, viz: Two in Elyria, two weeklies and one semi-monthly in Oberlin, one in Wellington, and one in Lorain.
68
HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.
CHAPTER XIV.
LORAIN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY .*
The present " Lorain County Agricultural Society " was organized in the year 1846. Previous to this time shows for stock, etc., had been held in Elyria and Oberlin. As early as 1833 a stock show was held east. of the Beche Honse, on the site of Ely park. At this show sixty dollars was awarded as premium upon cat- tle, horses and articles of various kinds. How many of these exhibitions were held previous to the organi- zation of the present society, the writer cannot ascer- fain. There must have been several. In October. 1845, a show was hell in Oberlin, and it appears by President Kinney's report, that there had been pre- vious meetings of a like nature. This organization seems to have been carried on by the citizens of Ober- lin and its vicinity, and Mr. Kinney's report refers to the assistance given by the president and professors of Oberlin college. At this meeting a plowing match was held, cattle and other stock competing for pre- miums. The chairman of committee on plowing was Prof. Cowles. The names of the other committees are before me, but no report of their awards. The report was to appear the following week-so save The People's Press, October 1. 1845. In the evening af half-past six o'clock a meeting was held in the chapel, and short speeches were delivered by several gentle- men, among them Dr. Townshend. President Mahan. Prof. Fairchild (now president). and Prof. Cowles. Songs had been prepared by Tutor Hodge, and the musie was pronounced excellent.
Whatever had been done by Elyria or Oberlin pre- vious to 1846, no doubt partially paved the way for the organization formed under the act of the legisla- ture for the encouragement of agriculture, February 27. 1846. Dr. N. S. Townshend, then of Elyria, now professor of agriculture, etc., in " The Ohio State University." probably did more to get farmers and others together and organize a meeting which eventu- ally resulted in the formation of the present society, than any other individual. The proceedings of the agricultural meeting held at Elyria, Lorain county, Ohio, on Wednesday, April 29, 1846, are reported as follows:
On motion of Dr. E. W. Hubbard, the Hon. JI Harris was called to the chair, aud N. S. Townshend appointed secretary.
On motion of A. H. Redington, and after remarks by Hon. D. T. Baldwin, Dr. Hubbard and others, it was resolved to proceed immedi- ately to the organization of a county society, in accordance with the rules and regulations recommended by the State board of agriculture. On motion of Joel Tiffany, Esq., an enrollment was made, to ascertain if a sufficient number of persons desirous of associating themselves as a county agricultural society were present, and if a sufficient sum could be raised to meet the provision of the act. Whereupon fifty-eight names were enrolled, and eighty dollars subscribed. Agreeable to the recommendation of the nominating committee, the following gentlemen were unanimously elected, and now constitute the board of directors: Joseph Swift, president; Daniel B. Kinney, vice-president; Artemas Berbe, treasurer; A. H. Redington, secretary; Henry Tracy, George Sibley, Edwin Byington, D. T. Baldwin, T. W. Osborn, managers.
On motion, it was resolved that committees be appointed, consisting of two individuals in each township, to solicit subscriptions, with the names of persons wishing to become members of the society.
The following gentlemen were chosen: Amherst-H. Brownell and J. C. Bryant; Avon-Uriah Thompson, Elah Park : Black River-C. Read, Samuel Stocking; Brighton - Hosea Dunbar. P. S. Goss: Brownhelm (. L. Perry, John Curtis: Camden -- Hiram Allen, Gideon Waugh ; Carlisle R. Gibbs, 6. Prindle; Columbia S. Reed. B. B. Adams; Eaton -James Firlas. G. Sperry ; Elyria-D. Nesbitt, Festus Cooley, Jr. ; Graf- ton-A. S. Root, Thos, Inglesoll; Henrietta- Hervey Leonard, Levi Vincent: Huntington-Henry Traery, H. P. Sage; La Grange-N. P. Johnson, IL. Hubbard; Penfield -Win. Andrews, Lewis Starr: Pittsfield -P. McRoberts, E. Mitchem; Ridgeville-Otis Boggs, I. Berbe: Ruches ter-John Conant, M. L. Blair; Russia-B. C. Taylor, Dr. Dascomb; Sheffield Wm. Day, Wm. II. Root; Wellington-Harvey Grant, J. Wadsworth.
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