USA > Ohio > Clark County > The history of Clark County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, V. 2 > Part 3
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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 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
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The year 1820 marks an important point in the history of Springfield - that of the establishment of a newspaper. The first press in the city was owned by George Smith, who commenced the publication during the year of a paper called The Farmer, which advocated the principles of the Madison administra- tion. In size it was a little larger than a foolscap sheet, printed on dark coarse paper. During the "jumble of parties," through the quiet administration of Monroe, its successors kept along, in the even tonor of their way, coming out at the end of Mr. Monroe's term, with the Whig party and Mr. J. Q. Adams, and against the Democratic party and Gen. Jackson. Smith had his office in a small log honse, which stood on the southeast corner of the lot, on which the First Presbyterian Church now stands. There was also a religious paper started during this year, by Rev. Saul Henkle, called the Gospel Trumpet, and was issued monthly in pamphlet form. It was, however, soon removed to Dayton, Ohio, where its publication was continued a short time. Smith did not continue the printing business more than a year. He sold the press to Henry - Rogers, who changed the name of the paper to the Farmers' Advocate. He had his office in a small. one-story frame, built in the place of Smith's log cabin. After Heury Rogers it fell in the hands of his brother, Benjamin H. Rogers. who continued the paper with the same name, and in the same office, a year or two, and then changed the name to the Western Pioneer. On December 18, 1824. B. H. Rogers' interest ceased in the Pioneer by his death. The paper was published by Simeon Rogers after the death of his brother Benjamin. No name,
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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
however, appeared in the paper, as editor or proprietor, until April, 1825, when the name of George W. Jewett, Esq., was announced as publisher.
He (Mr. J.) removed the office to a new building on the public square a short time afterward.
July 25, 1828, Messrs. Benjamin and Moses M. Henkle assumed the publi- cation of the Western Pioneer. This partnership was continued until December 20. 1828, when Moses M. Henkle became its sole proprietor. He removed the office from the public square to a large frame house on the southwest corner of Market and Columbia streets. On the 30th of May, 1829, Col. William A. Camron purchased the interest of M. M. Henkle in the Pioneer. Although the Colonel was publisher, yet it was edited principally by William V. H. Cushing, whose name, however, did not appear in print.
On the 10th of April, 1831, Edward H. Cumming became the editor of the Western Pioneer, the press and materials being owned by Jeremiah Warder. On the 14th of May following. Francis and John M. Gallagher assumed its publication, Mr. Cumming still editor. On the 24th of September of the same year, it was printed and published. by Edward H. Cumining and John M. Gal- lagher, and, on the 17th of November, 1832, F. and J. M. Gallagher again ยท became sole editor and managers of the press.
The first literary paper in Springfield, called the Farmers' Chronicle. made its appearance on Tuesday, January 1, 1833. It was edited by M. M. Henkle and William V. H. Cushing, and published weekly by the firin of Stacey, Nich- ols & Stacey. The partnership existing between Stacey, Nichols & Stacey was dissolved on the 224 of June following, and the subscription list added to that of the Western Pioneer. When the union of these papers was effected, the name of the Pioneer was changed to Pioneer and Chronich. On the 27th of July fol- lowing, John M. Gallagher became sole proprietor of this publication. On the 31st of August of the same year, the paper underwent another change, and it appeared as the Springfield (Ohio) Pioncer and Clark County Advertiser, under the firm of J. M. Gallagher and Francis Harris. They had their office on the southeast corner of Market and High streets. On the 14th of June, 1834, J. M. Gallagher again became sole proprietor of the Springfield Pioner.
On the 20th of April, 1836, James P. Williamson purchased one-half of the Pioneer and Chronicle office, and becaine a partner in the firm of Gallagher & Co. The office again met with another change in naine. the latter part of the former name being dropped, and the heading Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer being adopted.
During the Presidential campaign of 1936, a paper called the Columart and War Club. favorable to the election to Gen. William H. Harrison to the Presi- dency, was published by J. D. Nichols, and edited by the Whig Central Com- mittee, which consisted of the following persons: William V. H. Cushing. William A. Rogers and James S. Halsey. It was published the last three months of the campaign. at 20 cents a copy to chibs of five. The number of subscribers was about two thousand five hundred.
On the 24th of February, 1837, the name of Thomas Harrison was added to the firm of Gallagher & Williamson, in the publication of the Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer. This partnership existed nutil the 12th of May following. when it was dissolved by Mr. Gallagher's removal to Columbus, Ohio. The business was, however, continued by T. Harrison and J. P. Williamson-James S. Halsey acting as editor. This last-named firm was changed May 18, 1938, to Thomas Harrison and William Williamson.
As near as we can ascertain the first paper in Springfield, advocating the principles of the Democratic party, was issued during the year 1839, under the title of Mad River Democrat. It was continued a few weeks over a year, when
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CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.
its publication ceased, on account of embarrassment by debt of its editor and propietor, J. H. Nichols, who absconded in the winter of 1839-40. During a part of the year 1839, W. A. Rogers, Esq., edited the Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer.
In August, 1849, Jobn M. Gallagher, having associated himself with J. B. Halsey, again became connected with the press in this place. They changed the name of Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer to that of the Republic, the present name. and this was the first paper of that name in the United States. They removed their office to Linn's Building, on Main street, on the evening of February 21, 1840. This building was destroyed by fire, with nearly all the printing mate- rials of the Republic office. As a consequence the publication of the paper was suspended four weeks.
During the Presidential campaign of this year, the publication of the Calumet and War Club was renewed by Jacob and John A. Crain. It advocated the election of Harrison and Tyler, and was edited by the Whig Central Committee as before, with an increased circulation-the number of subscribers amounting to about four thousand. John D. Nichols was the agent.
A new and religious journal, entitled the Presbyterian of the West, made its appearance in the town on the 22d of September, 1841. It was published and edited by Rev. J. A. Dunlap aud Rev. W. D. Smith. It was printed at the Republic office, and was issued every other Wednesday, at $1 per annum in advance.
During the fall of 1843, they purchased a press and fitted up an office of their own in "Linn's new building," where they continned the publication until the fall of 1845, when they removed their establishment to Cincinnati. There they continued its publication a few months over a year, when they disposed of it to Mr. H. C. McGrew and Rev. W. L. Rice, the latter being its principal editor.
The Gospel Herald, a semi-monthly journal in pamphlet form, was published at New Carlisle, in this county, October, 1843, under the direction of the Ohio Christian Book Association -- edited by Isaac N. Walter --- and printed by a man named Edwards. In the summer of 1815, R. R. Pope purchased this press and removed it to Springfield, where the publication of this paper was continued. In the spring of 1847, Elders James Williamson and James W. Marvin became editors of the Gospel Herald. The press and materials having been sold to John M. West, an arrangement was made this year 'or printing the paper in the Republic office. A year from this last date it was changed from a pamphlet form to that of a folio. In the year 1849, the Ohio Christian Book Association bought material and fitted up a printing office, in Rinehart's building, on Main street, where the Herald was afterward printed. This paper circulated through- out the different States of the Union.
J. B. Halsey disposed of his interest in the Republic to John A. Crain, August 29, 1845, and the business was conducted under the firm of Gallagher & Crain.
A paper advocating the claims of the Democratic party made its appear- ance in May, 1846, bearing the title of Union Democrat, edited by John M. West, and was printed at the office of R. B. Pope. In December following, Mr. West purchased this office of Mr. Pope, and changed the name to that of Clark County Democrat.
In June, 1848, Edwin P. Stephenson became connected with Mr. West in the publication of this paper. In May of the following year (1849), they sold. their press and material to Messrs. William Mosgrove and E. G. Dial, who removed the same to Urbana, Ohio, where the Expositor of the Fourth Congres- sional District, appeared in the place of the Democrat.
This paper returned to Springfield again in the fall of 1852, where its publication was continued by E. P. Stophenson & Co., until May, 1853, when
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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
it came under the control of William F. Boggs, an able Democratic writer, who was called by the Whig press "Parson Boggs." This paper afterward passed through the hands of W. D. Hill, Oldham & Lemon, Charles Gould, George F. Stayman, McGaffey & Elifritz, Elifritz & Balentine, Elifritz & Winters, and finally to Transcript Printing Company. The name of the paper bad been changed by Elifritz & Balentine to the Springfield Transcript. D. C. Balen- tine is now the editor of this paper, which is the Democratic organ of the county, and of great influence in that party.
A neatly printed paper advocating the cause of temperance was commenced on the 12th of March, 1847, bearing the title of the Moss Covered Bucket. It was published and edited by Augustus C. Lawrence and William D. Runyau. It was printed at the Democrat office, but was discontinued, after the publication. of six numbers, in May following.
On August 27, 1847, D. W. Halsey, having purchased the interest of J. A. Crain in the Republic, became connected with that paper. Soon after Mr. Hal- sey became one of the proprietors, Mr. John M. Gallagher, its principal editor, was seized with that fatal disease, consumption, which terminated his life November 23, 1847. In the Republic of November 25 following, an appropriate notice of his death appeared from the pen of its junior editor, Mr. H., from which we make the following extract: "Mr. J. M. Gallagher has been identi- hled with the press of this county for seventeen years, within which time he has represented the county in the lower branch of the Ohio Legislature two ses- sions, during both of which he filled the Speaker's Chair, and gained an envi- able reputation from political friends and foes by the impartiality with which he discharged his duties." These words were nearly bis last: "This world must excuse me-let us meet in a better." The Lyceum, of which he was an active member and one of its founders, met on the day of his death, and passed reso- lutions showing their regard for his talents and usefulness.
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On February 19, 1848. George D. Emerson purchased the interest of the late Mr. Gallagher in the Republic office, and the business was conducted under the firm of Halsey & Emerson, the former of whom was principal editor. On the 6th of May following, they commenced the publication of the Tri- Weekly Republic.
In May, of the same year, there was a press brought to this place, on which a paper was printed bearing the title of the Present Age. It was under the control of Rev. Mr. Turner, and bad for its motto, "Independent in all things; neutral in nothing." There were but two numbers of this paper issued.
George D. Emerson sold his interest in the Republic to Robert Coulter, and the firm became Halsey & Coulter, which continued until May 24, 1850, at which time Richard MeNemar purchased Mr. Halsey's interest in the Repub- lic and became its editor. In December, 1850, MeNemar & Co. placed in their office the first power press, an Adams, which had for its motor a colored man at the wheel. It was a great improvement on the old hand press. Theodore A. Wick succeeded Mr. Coulter as a partner of Mr. McNemar in August, 1851, Mr. Coulter having previously conveyed his interest to Mr. MeNemar, and the firm became McNemar & Wick. In 1853. the Republic was purchased by Wick, Frey & Mayn. George H. Frey was the editor. The following year George H. Frey purchased his partners' interest and became the sole owner.
George W. Hastings and J. J. Green, in the summer of 1853, commenced the publication of a newspaper called the Noupor.il. The interest of M. Green was sold at Sheriff's sale in 1854, and was purchased by his partner, Mr. Hastings, who sold the same to C. M. Nichols. The name of the paper then under the management of Hastings & Nichols was changed to the Mad River Valley News and Clark County Journal.
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CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.
In 1853, Isaiah Thomas published the Mad River Valley Gazette. He was a man of some prominence. He received the appointment as Minister to Al- giers, but while he was on his voyage there, the ship on which he with his beautiful daughter and a promising son had taken passage foundered and went down with all on board.
The American Ruralist, a family quarto, was a paper devoted to education, agriculture, the fine arts, published by J. R. Dodge. The first number was issued on April 3, 1858, and presented a handsome appearance. It suspended publication after a vigorous existence for two years.
When the Methodist Protestant Church had been in existence for about ten years, she sorely felt the need of an organ in the Northern and Western States. During the fall of 1838, the subject was thoroughly canvassed, and, in July, 1839, the first number of the paper was issued, edited and published by Rev. Cornelius Springer-office located on Meadow Farm, six miles south- west of Zanesville, Ohio. Mr. Springer conducted the paper for six years at his homestead. Health failing him, the paper was issued one year on the " farm" by Rev. A. H. Bassett, Rev. Springer, associate.
In 1846, the Western Recorder was purchased from Rev. C. Springer, by Rev. A. H. Bassett, and by him the office of the publication was removed from Meadow Farm to the town of Putnam-now the Ninth Ward of the city of Zanesville, Ohio. Mr. Bassett edited and published the paper as an individual enterprise till September, 1855, when, by act of a convention composed of Ministerial and Lay representatives of the Methodist Protestant Church, two Commissioners were appointed, Rev. J. M. Flood and Rev. George Clancy, to negotiate with Mr. Bassett for the purchase of the paper. The purchase was made, the office of publication ordered removed from Putnam, Ohio, to Spring- field, Ohio, and the name of the paper changed from that of Western Recorder to that of Western Methodist Protestant. The removal took place in September, 1855. Mr. Bassett was elected editor and publisher by the convention. It was first issued at Springfield, October, 1855. Mr. Bassett was continued editor and publisher, by the church, till 1860.
At the General Convention of the Methodist Protestant Church, of 1860. Rev. George Brown, D. D., of Pennsylvania, was elected editor for two years, and Rev. Bassett continued publisher and book agent. In November, 1862, Rev. D. B. Dorsey, of West Virginia, was elected editor for two years. Rev. Bassett continued as publisher and book agent till November, 1864, when he resigned the office. At this time the Board of Publication assembled in Spring- field, Ohio, and elected Rev. John Scott, D. D., of Pennsylvania, editor, and Rev. J. S. Throp, of Ohio, publisher and book agent, each to serve for the term of two years. The General Conference of 1856 re-elected Dr. John Scott. editor, and again re-elected Rev. A. H. Bassett, publisher and book agent. At the same time the name of the paper was changed from that of Western Meth- odist Protestant to that of the Methodist Recorder.
In September, 1870, Dr. Scott resigned editorial control of the paper, and the Board of Publication elected Rev. Alexander Clark, D. D., editor, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. Scott. The General Cenference of 1871, re-elected Dr. Clark editor, and again re-elected Rev. A. H. Bassett publisher and book agent. In November, 1871, by act of General Conference, the office of publication was removed from Springfield, Ohio, to Pittsburgh. Penn. In July, 1872, Rev. Bassett resigned the position as publisher and book agent, to get clear of petty annoyances, and open the way to official position for parties who could not ascend while he stood in the way. James Robison succeeded Rev. Bassett as publisher in 1872. In 1875, the General Conference re-elected Rev. Alexander Clark. D. D., editor, and James Robison publisher and book agent.
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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
Rev. Dr. Clark died July 6, 1879, at Atlanta, Ga., while visiting his friend, Gov. Colquitt, of that State. Rev. John Scott, D. D., was elected to fill the vacancy by the Board of Publication. Iu May, ISSO, the General Conference re-elected Dr. Scott editor, and James Robison publisher and book agent.
The Sunday School, a paper for children, was first issued at Springfield. Ohio, in 1873. It has ever been a very popular paper among the children of the Methodist Protestant Church. The Methodist Recorder, since its first issue, has been an influential journal in the religious world. Rev. George Brown, D. D .. was widely known as an educator, author, editor and an able theologian. He resided at Springfield from December, 1860, till his death, October 25, 1871. His remains lie in Fern Cliff Cemetery, Springfield. Ohio.
Rev. Alexander Clark, D. D., lived in Springfield about two years. Dur- ing his residence here, although editor of a Methodist Protestant journal. he served the members of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield as their Pastor some six months. Dr. Clark was widely known as a thorough educator, fascinating author, an eloquent minister, and accomplished editor. His remains rest in peace at Wellsville, Ohio. Rev. Dr. Scott. present editor of the Method- ist Recorder; resided in Springfield, Ohio, for several years. Dr. Scott is a profound theologian, a popular author, and ranks with the able religious edit- ors of our country.
Rev. A. H. Bassett served the Methodist Protestant Church of Springfield as Pastor in 1837 and 1838. He came to Springfield, with the press, from Zanesville, in 1855, and has had his home in said city until the present time- though transient the past year or two. Rev. Bassett has filled all the offices within the gift of the Methodist Protestant Church -- a successful editor and publisher, author of church history, a thorough student, an entertaining preacher, and a true Christian gentleman.
William R. Calhoon, a resident of Springfield, Ohio, and from whom we gather the above facts, was an active participant in all the changes pertaining to the Recorder, from 1845 till 1878. He remained with the concern until, through long-continued application to business, his eyesight failed him.
The Springfield Daily Evening Telegram was established January 21, 1861, by Henry C. Craft, a practical printer of considerable experience, its office of publication being in the old Methodist Protestant building on South Limestone street, on the site now occupied by Bookwalter's Opera House. The editors of the Telegram were J. R. Dodge, afterward statistician of the Agricultural Bureau at Washington, and D. Brainerd Lathrop, a young man of brilliant talent, who was killed a year or two later while in the telegraph service with Gen. Mc- Clellan's army. Mr. Dodge had another journal under his charge called the American Ruralist, and the two papers were under one management to some extent. The Daily Telegram was subsequently sold to F. R. Gard, and by him to Dr. J. Kost. Dr. Kost had been in possession of the paper but a short time when he disposed of it to Messrs. Hastings & Nichols, by whom it was consoli- dated with their own paper, the Springfield Daily News.
In 1861, the Republic was sold to W. F. Coggswell, who, in 1864, sold the same to George W. Hastings and C. M. Nichols. The Republic and Mad River News were consolidated and published as the Republic.
The Weekly Advertiser was started in 1867 by A. D. Hook, who sold it in 1869 to Jesse O. Thomas and others, who published it under the firm name of Advertiser Printing Company, and isssued a morning daily. This paper became a strong rival to the Daily Republic in influence and patronage. W. W. Beach was the superintendent of the publishing department, and Oscar T. Martin was the editor. It failed to support itself, and, in the summer of 1872, was sold to J. J. Snyder and William Williamson, who, a few months thereafter, sold it to the Republic Printing Company.
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CITY OF SPRINGFIELD.
The Springfield Daily Leader was a small daily, published during the excitement of the woman's crusade, by D. C. Balentine and others. Its short-lived mission was to restrain the zeal aud enthusiasm of the crusaders. It was published but a few months.
The Republic is as we have seen the oldest as well as the largest and most influential paper in the county. Through various changes of name and proprie- torship its ancestry goes back almost to the time when the memory of man run- neth not to the contrary. It was incorporated in 1867, with a capital stock of $50,000, which, in 1872, was increased to $125,000. George W. Hastings is now as he was at the beginning the manager of the institution. Under his prudent guide and it has attained an influential position. C. M. Nichols occupies the edit- orial chair. He is vigorous in his advocacy of all improvements which will advance the interests of the city, and his labors have always been earnest and unceasing. Springfield has received great benefit from his fluent pen. C. E. Folger has been his associate for many years and has contributed much to the success of the paper. 1634130
The Champion Reaper and Mower Companies publish and distribute gratui- tously from 150,000 to 175,000 a month copies of a paper called the Illustrated Champion, which represents the Champion interests, and is creditable in typo- graphy and editorial arrangement. It was started in 1870. Charles Rowley is the editor.
Rinehart, Ballard & Co. also publish the Illustrated Springfield Thresher, which is devoted to the enlightenment of the public upon the qualities of the threshers, separators and powers manufactured by that firm.
The Daily and Weekly Times was inaugurated as a newspaper experiment in November, 1879, by Wells S. Trader as editor. It did not continue through the first volume, although its proprietor spared no expense to make it profitable.
The Sunday News, a lively local paper, and circulated only on Sunday, commenced its career in June, 1979. It was the successor of the Daily Morning News, which had been started a few months before. The Sunday News is owned by the West Brothers, with D. Thornton West as editor. Its publication has been attended with the greatest success. T. E. Harwood, on May 15, 1873, commenced the publication on a small scale of the Commercial Gazette, which he afterward changed and enlarged to the Springfield Gazette. It is a small but sturdy paper, with daily and weekly forms, and deserves to succeed. R. T. Nelson is the editor, who has made the paper a newsy sheet.
In March, 1871, the first number was issued of the Lepid Mechanical News, published by James Leffel & Co., Springfield, Ohio-a journal which has since become widely known throughout the United States, and, indeed, in all parts of the world, as one of the leading periodicals of its class, having in fact hardly any rival in its special field. Its projector and controlling manager was Jolin W. Bookwalter, then a partner in the house, and now sole proprietor both of the immense manufacturing concern conducted under the name of James Leffel & Co., and of the Mechanical News. The firm having acquired an extensive reputation through the sale of the celebrated Leffel Double Turbine Water Wheel, and having a very large acquaintance through their business corre- spondents and otherwise with the manufacturing and milling public, Mr. Book- walter was convinced of the feasibility of establishing, by means of these facil- ities, a journal which should deserve and thereby achieve a permanent success. The result proved his belief to be well founded. The Mechanical Nacs, from its first issue in 1871, was a complete success in circulation, in influence, and in the public favor attending it. For the first ten years of its existence it was published monthly, the subscription price being 50 cents a year, and its circu- lation ranging from ten thousand to thirty-five thousand copies per month. [' In
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