USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > History of the newspapers of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 11
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VIEW OF BRIGHTON DAM.
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NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS.
In 1815 a plan of lots was laid out on tract No. 94, which led to the name of the town. By an Act of Assembly of March 20, 1810, a company was incorporated under the name, style and title of "The President, Managers and Company for erecting a bridge over Big Beaver creek opposite the town of Brighton," where the overhead bridge now stands. If erected where laid out it would not be opposite Brighton (now Beaver Falls) but in a township, and in order to conform to the charter, the name of East Brighton was given to the plan of lots surveyed on tract No. 94, and thus the eastern end of the bridge was built opposite (East) Brighton, which in time was changed and incorporated in 1838 as New Brighton.
SCENE ON OLD CANAL.
In 1828 the flouring mill known as the Quaker Mill, was erected some distance below the bridge, and in the year 1836 began the building of factories below it, which increased rapidly from that time on, and other tracts on which the town is located were laid out in lots. In 1831 work was begun on the canal through the town and gave an impetus to trade and commerce, and later a branch of the United States bank, was established, which provided plenty of funds, as long as they lasted, for pushing busi- ness, and there was a boom in trade, but New Brighton was dependent on Fallston for its newspapers, as it was for a postoffice.
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The Quaker element was the dominant one in the town, and gave it that stability, conservatism, and love of liberty which has characterized it ever since. Here was the underground railway, with its true and trusted agents who helped runaway slaves on their way to freedom; temperance society, the Beaver County Institute for the promotion of science and literature, female seminaries, and other institutions.
U. S. BANK BUILDING.
The want of a newspaper was severely felt after the inauguration of the industrial period. The Fallston papers had done their work and passed away, and there was not a paper in any part of the valley outside of Beaver, after 1841, for a period of about thirteen years, when one was started in New Brighton.
In all the towns from the mouth of the Beaver to Beaver Falls, New Brighton was the last one in which a paper was started, all the others preceding it by a dozen years and more, but unlike the other towns, except Beaver, when the first paper was given the people, the succession was continued in some form and under some name, with but little break, until the present time.
H. PALMER T. C. DEITRICH
H. A. SUTHERLAND)
C. R. FRANK J. H. TAYLOR OPERA BLOCK AFTER FIRE
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NEW BRIGHTON PAPERS.
NEW BRIGHTON RECORD.
In May 1854, Dr. D. H. B. Brower and W. T. Purviance, began the publication of the "New Brighton Record." Dr. Brower was a well known gentleman of his day, and is yet remembered by many of the older residents of our valley. Mr. Purviance was a daguerre- otype artist, having a studio in Bridgewater, where he advertised in the "Argus" as early as October 1, 1851. But little is known of the paper, but few copies being in existence, and none now being available.'
The paper passed from active life April 23, 1856, when John Cuthbertson Esq. assignee, published the following notice in the "Argus:" "Take notice that William T. Purviance of the borough of New Brighton, has made an assignment of a certain printing press, book accounts and the material used in publishing the 'New Brighton Record' etc." In another notice in the same paper, the assignee announces that the presses, type, etc., would be sold at the "Record" office May 10, 1856. Nothing further is known of the paper.
THE YOUNG. AMERICAN.
In the "Argus" of February 7, 1855, the following notice appeared: "The 'Young American' is the name of a newspaper under control of Dr. D. H. B. Brower, late of the 'New Brighton Record.' It is published simultaneously at New Brighton and Pittsburg, and devoted to the advocacy of the principles of the new
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American party." From this it is evident that Dr. Brower had retired from the "Record" long before its death. Nothing further is known of the "Young American."
NEW BRIGHTON TIMES.
W. H. Johnston of Butler, Pa., started the "New Brighton Times" October 21, 1857. It was a very neat and attractive paper, but was short lived, suspending publication in the latter part of the same year, or early in January 1858.
It was revived by William B. Lemmon of Butler, Pa. He had an interest in the "Butler American," which he sold to his partner Mr. Haslett in January 1858, and on the 21st of the same month began the publication of the "Times," retaining the same name.
William B. Lemmon was born in Lancaster county, Pa., December 9, 1809, and died June 25, 1879. He moved to Butler in early life, where he was educated, and taught school in that county. Later he went to Allegheny and learned the tinning trade, and went back to Butler county. At one time he worked in the old Car building of New Brighton, operating a hydraulic press. After the suspension of his paper he worked for some time in Merrick's foundry.
The "Times" was published in the old Shuster build- ing, now the location of the Beaver County Trust build- ing. In the "Argus" of March 10, 1865, a notice states that W. S. Morlan Esq. had opened an office under the
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"Times" office. The paper was discontinued probably in this year. It was a strong supporter of the Govern- ment in the Civil War, and did its share of faithful work in that cause.
In the issue of the "Times" Oct. 9, 1862, the following notice is found: "Died, on the battlefield of Antietam the 17th of September 1862, Robert W. Lemmon of Company H, Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, in the 28th year of his age. The subject of this notice was a printer, and in the spring of 1861 editor of the 'New Brighton Times,' being the son of its pro- prietor, W. B. Lemmon. He was born near Butler, Pa., on the 10th day of November 1834. * *
* W. M. Lemmon a younger brother of deceased, formerly, but not then in the office, enlisted at the same time, and is now in the Army of the West, making five printers from the 'Times' office in the army. In consequence of the whole force leaving, the paper was suspended for nine months."
One of the apprentices on the paper for eighteen months, was Harry Palmer, who became one of the best newspaper men in this section. He was born at Mount Zion, Clearfield county, Pa., December 22, 1843. He was a son of Rev. Henry Palmer, a Methodist minister, his father and mother were pioneers in Northern Penn- sylvania. He enlisted in Company H, Ninth Penn- sylvania Reserves in the month of April 1861; enlisted for "three years or during the war" in the month of May 1861, at "Camp Wright," up the Allegheny river; reached Washington City just after the first battle of Bull Run; took part in the battle of Drainesville, the first victory won by the Army of the Potomac; shot through the body at the battle of Gaines' Mill, front of Richmond; prisoner of war 45 days, confined in Crew's tobacco ware- house and on Belle Island; paroled with "desperately wounded"; off duty 10 months; rejoined regiment night
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before the first Fredericksburg fight; captured by Gen. White's guerillas on Meade's Mine Run advance; served almost a year in Andersonville, Savannah, Charleston jail yard and other Southern prisons, and gained liberty by assuming the name of a dead sailor, Wm. Morrison, as a special parole of sailors had been agreed upon between the Federal and Confederate Secretaries of the Navy. His regiment had been discharged several months before his release, and he reached home as one risen from the dead. Served in the Civil War 3 years and 7 months. He served in the Spanish-American War as Color Bearer of the Tenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, U. S. Infantry; took part in the battle of Malate, below Manila, on the night of July 31, 1898, and morning of August 1, 1898; also in the engagement on the 13th of August 1898, when the U. S. forces captured Manila ; had charge of the sharpshooters of the Tenth Pennsylvania Regiment on the morning of the 1st of August, at Malate, and was commended by Colonel A. L. Hawkins for the good work of his men. Discharge papers, signed by his Colonel, read as follows: "Character excellent, and a model soldier." He was over 12 years in the service of the "Pittsburg Chronicle" as printer and solicitor; nine years with "The Beaver Valley News" as advertising solicitor; one year as manager of the "Daily Herald" Mckeesport, Pa., nine years as owner and manager of "The East Liverpool News Review;" now located at Long Beach, Los Angeles county, Cal., with The Pacific Real Estate Company, Palmer, Cate & Co.
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BEAVER FALLS NEW ERA
February 28, 1866, O. P. Wharton printed a paper in Allegheny, Pa., and dated it at New Brighton, called the "Beaver Falls New Era." Mr. Wharton was afterward with the "Local" at Beaver. In starting this venture he said: "In commencing the publication of the "Beaver Falls New Era," the publisher can make no promises, save the fact that it will endeavor to ascertain and tell the truth on every subject of which it may treat-and it will be continued so long as it pays expenses and no longer." The last notice of it was March 21, 1866, and evidently it was of short life, and doubtless full of sorrow.
NEW BRIGHTON HERALD
The "New Brighton Herald" was established July 14, 1869, by Capt. G. S. McKee of Alliance, O., and Dr. N. M. Wilson of Lancaster, Pa. It was neutral in politics and was well filled with local and other reading matter. Capt. McKee was interested in the "Democrat" at Alliance, and retired from the "Herald" October 20, 1869, to devote all his time to the paper there. Upon his re- tirement, Thomas J. Morgan, a young man of some experience in newspaper work, became foreman. He was from Carrolton, O., and remained foreman until
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his death January 8, 1871. The "Herald" put on a new dress January 19, 1870, and the name was changed to the "Beaver Valley Herald."
Dr. Wilson sold his interest in the paper to Major J. B. Hays of Meadville, Pa., November 1870, and afterward moved to Philadelphia, Pa., where he was engaged in practicing medicine until his death.
W. E. Burton, brother of Thomp. Burton, was a compositor on the paper. While here he married Miss Lida Oldham, one of the public school teachers, and he was in later years publisher and manager of the mechanical department of "Brick Pomeroy's Democrat" of New York City, in which Thomp. Burton was a partner for a while.
J. F. McCaughtry was an apprentice and worked on job work. He was born September 1857, and at the age of 13, entered the office of the "Beaver Local" as an apprentice, where he remained one year and was then employed by McKee & Wilson of the "Herald," staying there a short time and then accepted a position in the "Courier" office at Youngstown, O. He worked there for a year and returned to New Brighton and was in the office of the "Beaver County Press," Major J. B. Hays proprietor. His next move was again to Youngs- town, where he had charge of the job department of the "Tribune," and later took charge of the job department of the "Vindicator" that place, under the management of N. L. Brown, now of the New York "News," where he remained until 1887. He then accepted a position as traveling salesman for the Cleveland Paper Co., and was in their employ for about five years, when he associated himself with twelve large paper mills as their general representative, and sold all kinds of paper for these mills to June 28, 1897, when he was made division manager of the Pittsburg division, for the International
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Paper Co., going with the company when it was formed, and has continued in that capacity ever since. He now enjoys a very large trade, and has the name of selling one of the largest volumes of business, of any one other paper salesman of this country. He has made a close study of the paper business, and has been very successful, having the reputation when in the printing business, of being one of the best experts in Ohio, and received many a compliment on the work he turned out. Mr. McCaughtry was educated in the old Mckinley school house in Chippewa township, Beaver county, Pa., and there earned the first money he ever received, by building fires, and keeping the school house clean, at the salary of four dollars for the term, or one dollar a month. When he entered the employ of the Beaver "Local," he received $50 a year and his boarding. By his own efforts, his untiring industry, and his complete knowledge of his business, he has reached a position where his yearly earnings will amount to more than the value of the entire plant of the old "Local." Mr. McCaughtry is one of the most popular salesmen that has ever been in the trade in this section, and when he used to make his regular rounds among the printing offices, he was always a welcome visitor, and his reliability in his sales gave him a standing that has made his trade a sure one. He holds contracts for supplying paper, to every one of the daily papers of Pittsburg.
Another apprentice who has attained a prominent place among New Brighton business men, is Harry L. Schweppe, the enterprising and reliable pharmacist, who has been located for many years in the "News" building. Dr. Wilson proprietor of the "Herald" while in New Brighton, boarded with Patterson Mitchell, Mr. Schweppe's grandfather.
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
BEAVER COUNTY PRESS.
The "Herald" office was then in the Mclaughlin build- ing where the O. H. Couch building now stands on Third avenue. The office was destroyed by fire February 13, 1871, the fire taking place about 11 o'clock at night. Christopher O'Rourke a prominent contractor of the town, raised some money among his friends to start the paper again, which with the insurance money received, enabled Major Hays to resume publication March 24, 1871, under the name of the "Beaver County Press."
He had a splendid outfit, probably the best ever in the county to that time, consisting of a Cottrell & Babcock power cylinder press, a large job press, a large quantity of body and display type, sufficient and to spare to run a large paper and do a great amount of job work.
His foreman in the new office was Samuel K. Alexander, with W. P. Dorsey compositor and J. F. Mc- Caughtry apprentice, pressman and job printer. I. N. Jones was a compositor on the paper, William Hamilton of Beaver Falls, later a druggist, was an apprentice, and D. F. Daniels was the last apprentice on the paper. The new office was in what is called the Park building, 811 Third avenue, in the second story of the building.
The "Press" was a good local paper for that day, equal to the best, and the office had a large amount of job printing. The paper went along with varying fortunes until January 14, 1874, when it was discontinued. After- ward the material was sold by the Sheriff, and was bought in by J. C. Hays of Meadville, father of Major Hays, the latter going to New York City where he wrote for some of the papers.
J. F. MCCAUGHTRY
٠٠١
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BEAVER VALLEY NEWS.
The "Beaver Valley News" was established May 22, 1874, by Major David Critchlow and Francis S. Reader, who bought the material of the "Beaver County Press." The outfit consisted of a Cottrell .& Babcock cylinder press, a large job press and a large quantity of type, sufficient for any possible use.
Major Critchlow was business manager of the paper. He was very popular with his old army comrades and the people generally, and he soon built up a good circulation, the paper paying expenses from the start. He was Major of the 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, known as the Roundheads, and had a specially good military record. After the Civil War was over he en- gaged in business as a member of the firm of Miner & Co., who were in business as lumber dealers and saw mill and planing mill operators. He was also a teacher of vocal music, possessing a rarely beautiful voice, and was in demand as a singer in the churches and at social meetings, as well as in political meetings, where his voice was inspiring in rendering patriotic songs. He married Caroline, daughter of Mr. John Miner, one of the most prominent business men and citizens of the valley. After retiring from the "News," the Major engaged in the lumber business in West Virginia, where he died. He was a candidate for Congress in 1874, and carried his own county, but failed in the District nomination.
F. S. Reader was editor of the paper from the be- ginning. Having a taste for writing, he found this opportunity of gratifying it, and entered ardently on the work. He was then Chief Deputy Collector of Internal
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Revenue of the District, and used his unemployed time in gathering news and writing, combining the work of editor and reporter, then the only writer on the paper.
The new paper was in size eight columns and four pages, and found its first home in the two story frame building 1010 Third avenue, the press and engine in the cellar, the office and job room in the first story and the composing room in the second story. The large press was operated by hand for a while, a strong colored man furnishing the motive power, but later an upright steam engine was introduced.
The editor's first article of any length, was the edi- torial salutatory, which was as follows: "The line of policy we have marked out, and the work we have in view, embrace first a good, reliable and energetic local paper for the valley; not for New Brighton alone but for the entire Beaver valley. We propose to devote just as much time and attention to Beaver Falls, Rochester and the other towns of the valley, as we shall to the town in which the paper is published. Second, to present in every way possible, the facilities of the valley for manu- facturing purposes, and to urge our claims upon all who may be seeking a safe place for the investment of their means in industries that will develop and make use of our resources and advantages. Third, To do our utmost in making a paper that will be fit to enter the families of our people, and if it does not instruct will not corrupt. Nothing base or low in its tone will be permitted to enter its columns. In regard to our position on the local and public questions of the day, so far as we may deem it our duty to discuss them, we have only to say that our columns will reflect the opinions of the signers hereto. We cannot be neutral on any question, but will be in- dependent on all. In politics we are Republican. But in saying this we wish it distinctly understood, that we will be the organ of no clique or ring. We shall be in
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the fullest and freest sense of the term, independent Republican in principle. If we do not like the actions of our own party, we claim, and will exercise, the right of saying so."
Francis Smith Reader was born in Coal Centre, Wash- ington county, Pa., November 17, 1842, and was the descendant of a prominent line of pioneers in that county. Of his maternal ancestors, Hugh Scott came from the North of Ireland to the eastern part of Penn- sylvania in 1670; the Agnews came the same time, who traced their lineage to the Norman invaders of England, through residents of Scotland and north of Ireland, and intermarried with the Scotts. Rev. John Smith, who married Annie Agnew great grand-daughter of Hugh Scott, was sent as a missionary to Pennsylvania in 1771 by the Associate Presbytery of Stirling Scotland, and was pastor of the Associate Church in Canonsburg, Washington county, Pa., in 1795. The Wallaces came from Renfrewshire Scotland to Somerset county, Md., about 1685, descendants of Sir Malcolm Wallace the Knight of Elderslie; and William Wallace of the fourth generation of this family in this country, came from Maryland to Somerset township, Washington county, Pa., with his bride in 1779. He was a Revolutionary soldier, serving in the Flying Camp of Maryland in 1776-7, and in the Rangers of the Frontiers in Washington county, Pa., after settling there. Martha, daughter of William Wallace, and James Agnew son of Rev. John Smith, were united in marriage, and their daughter, Eleanor Bentley Smith, was married to Francis Reader, whose parents came from Honily, near Stratford-on-Avon, in Warwick- shire England, to Washington county, Pa., in 1805, and they were the parents of the editor. He was a Union soldier in the Civil War, enlisting April 27, 1861; was mustered in as a member of Company I, Second Virginia Infantry, which was changed in name to the Fifth West
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Virginia Cavalry in July 1863, and he was mustered out of service August 8, 1864; he was captured June 20, 1864, put in prison at Lynchburg, Va., and while on the way to Andersonville, with three comrades jumped from the train about twenty miles south of Burkesville Junction July 19, and after ten days and nights of suffering and hunger, walking in the night, and hiding during the day, reached General Meade's headquarters at Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864, passing through the right wing of General Robert E. Lee's grand Confederate army. He entered the Civil Service July 1865, where he served ten years; was educated in the common schools and Mount Union College Ohio; entered the ministry of the M. E. Church March 1868, but was compelled to abandon it on account of failure of voice; was a member of the M. E. Church nearly thirty-nine years; official member thirty-five years, Sunday School superintendent twenty- seven years, and united with the Presbyterian Church October 1904; is president of the American Porcelain Company New Brighton, Pa .; served in the school board and council of the borough, and as member and secretary of the Republican County Committee; he is a member of the American Historical Association, the Historical Society of Washington county, Pa., the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the American Revolution, both of his sons being members of the latter. He prepared and had presented to the Legislature, a bill governing the primary elections of the Republican party of Beaver county, which was enacted into a law in 1881, the first primary law
in the State. In 1872, he wrote a series of twenty-five articles on the Beaver Valley for the Pitts- burg "Gazette," and a history of the Harmony Society at Economy, Pa., for the Pittsburg "Christian Advocate;" for his paper a history of his escape from Confederate prison and other articles on the Civil War;
1
DONALD
F. S. READER W. S. READER
ROBERT
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in 1876 he wrote a life of Moody and Sankey the noted Evangelists, being a close friend and associate of Mr. Sankey; in 1890 a history of his regiment, the Fifth West Virginia Cavalry; in 1899 a souvenir history of New Brighton, Pa .; in 1902 a family history entitled "Some Pioneers of Washington County, Pa." He was united in marriage December 24, 1867, to Miss Merran Darling, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Darling New Brighton, both of New England ancestry, the former of Revolutionary ancestors, and they have two sons, Frank E. Reader attorney at law New Brighton, and Willard S. Reader associate editor of the "News."
The relation of partners existed between Major Critchlow and Mr. Reader until January 1, 1877. The paper had been enlarged to nine columns, was recognized by the Republican party, and was one of the official organs of the county.
In number 35 Vol. 3, January 1877, Major Critchlow announced his retirement from the paper in the following article: "With the present issue of the 'News' my con- nection with it terminates, as I have sold my entire interest to Mr. Reader. In parting I wish to con- gratulate the friends and readers of the 'News' on its assured success. It is just and proper to say, however, that to Mr. F. S. Reader who now assumes entire control, belongs the credit of whatever excellence there has been in the management of the columns. I wish to state here that the enterprise was begun with the view of Mr. Reader taking the whole pecuniary as well as literary management, as soon as circumstances would permit. That time having arrived, I ask all my personal friends to give Mr. Reader a cordial and hearty support pecuniarily, as well as to extend to him that sympathy to which he is entitled by his many excellent social and intellectual qualities. We are free to say that whoever
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comes to know him as I know him, will find him just what I have always found him, a true man, and one that can be relied upon under all circumstances to do what is right. In such hands I predict for the 'News' and its editor a bright future."
In the same issue, Mr. Reader had the following edi- torial: "In assuming sole proprietorship of the 'News,' I shall not change it in its principles and general management. I desire to publish a paper that families will trustfully put upon their tables, and when boys and girls read its pages, will not have reason to fear con- tamination from it. Our experience proves that there is a place for the 'News.' It has been well patronized for the times, and I desire and ask a continuance of the same in the future. As in the past the paper will continue to advocate the claims of our county, and endeavor to advance its interests in every respect. Thanking my friends, and brethren of the press, for the kind treatment accorded me so far, I take my place with them, to aid in the development of our resources and advantages, and add my part in doing a little good as the years roll by."
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