USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > History of the newspapers of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 2
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Its life was a brief one, less than two years until its successor was begun, but it was in the midst of the dis- eussions, and excitement, attending the beginning of the War of 1812 with Great Britain, and had full opportunity to show its mettle. It was published during the last two years of President Madison's first administration, when events were rapidly occurring that resulted in the second victory over the Mother Country, and established beyond doubt the fact that the United States was one of the strong nations of the civilized world.
Mr. White was a member of Beaver council in 1808, and was a man of strength intellectually and in energy of character.
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THE EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER.
THE CRISIS.
The "Crisis" was started May 22, 1813, by J. & A. Logan. It was on a sheet the same size as the "Minerva," and same general style. Displayed in its columns was this: "Printed every Saturday morning at their printing office Centre avenue, adjoining the Court House." The last number of this paper that the writer has seen, was dated April 30, 1814, without the name of the publisher. It contained the receipts and expendi- tures of the county for 1813, amounting to $4,877.38. Among the other items of expense was one of $30, paid to Joseph W. White for publishing the receipts and ex- penditures, doubtless for 1812, showing that the "West- ern Cabinet" was in existence as late as February or March 1813. The "Crisis" was still published December 25, 1813, by J. & A. Logan, a copy of that date being in existence. November 10, 1815, Beaver council passed an ordinance, "Authorizing borough notes in the aggregate of five hundred dollars, in denominations of 6 1-4, 12 1-2, 25 and 50 cents each, to be signed by the treasurer and placed in the hands of the burgess to be placed on the market. The treasurer to procure paper and have the notes struck by the editor of the 'Beaver Crisis.'" The name of the editor is not given, but the transaction shows that a paper by the name of the "Crisis" existed at that date.
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
THE BEAVER GAZETTE.
The "Beaver Gazette" was started June 8, 1813, being the same size as the "Crisis," and in appearance much the same. It was issued every Saturday at two dollars per year. Its motto was: "Free but not Licentious." It seems to have been the immediate predecessor of the "Western Argus."
A copy of the paper is in existence dated Saturday April 4, 1818, of which the publisher was A. Logan, with the same motto. In this issue Mr. Logan has the fol- lowing: "Reports are in circulation that we will not give space in our paper to the communications of the party in opposition. This report is unfounded and we wish to let our readers hear all the arguments that can be brought forward on both sides of the great political question, which has not only rendered us politieal enemies, but even destroyed the blessings of social life." It is evident that politics were at fever heat then, though the country was in the era of peace and quiet under the adminis- tration of President Monroe.
Mr. Logan was a prominent man in the county, and was elerk of Beaver council in 1816. He was appointed postmaster of Beaver April 24, 1832, and served until 1838, when he moved to Iowa where he died.
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THE EARLY PAPERS OF BEAVER.
THE CRISIS AND BEAVER GAZETTE.
The "Crisis and Beaver Gazette" was started June 10, 1813. It has been elaimed by some that this paper was a consolidation of the "Crisis" and the "Beaver Gazette," but the fact that both of these papers were being pub- lished two or more years later than this time, seems to render that theory untenable. All three papers were published by one or both of the Logan brothers, and it is possible that the names were applied variously at differ- ent times, as it suited them, without regard to continuity of name. Three copies of the "Crisis and Beaver Gazette" are known to be in existence, one dated Septem- ber 30, 1815, Volume 3 No. 17, and the last one April 18, 1816, Volume 3 No. 45, all bearing the name of A. Logan as publisher. The last one had the same motto as the "Beaver Gazette," "Free but not Licentious."
When James Logan on September 1, 1818, began the publication of the "Western Argus," the successor of these three papers, he announced in his salutatory that he "sent on the first number (of the 'Western Argus') to the patrons of the 'Beaver Gazette,'" giving as a reason that he had not had time to prepare a new list for the new paper. This would show that the "Beaver Gazette" was the paper then in existence, and the im- mediate predecessor of the "Western Argus," and not the "Crisis and Beaver Gazette." The last issue of the latter known to be in existence is dated April 18, 1816, while the last issue of the "Beaver Gazette" yet in existence, was dated April 4, 1818.
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HISTORY OF BEAYER, COUNTY PAPERS.
James Logan was one of the prominent and assertive men of his day, and was a foeman worthy the steel of any of his militant editorial contemporaries. He was a member of Beaver council from 1815 for twelve years at various times, the last year in 1833, and was clerk of council two years. He was Justice of the Peace of dis- trict No. 3, December 15, 1814; Clerk of Courts of the county 1824-25; Prothonotary 1830-36; and trustee of Beaver Academy, and secretary of the board, for 1833-35- 43-45.
These three papers came into existence during the last administration of President Madison and extended into the first administration of President Monroe, thus being published when the dominant political sentiment was Republican, the Federalist party having largely dis- appeared. In the same period was fought to a success- ful conclusion the second war with Great Britain. The time was propitious for a journal of stability, the county having made considerable advancement in population, manufactures, commercial enterprises, and in agricul- ture, and the foundations of such a journal were laid by James Logan when on Tuesday September 1, 1818, he brought into existence the "Western Argus."
CHAPTER II.
EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
The journalistic ventures that led from the "Minerva" in 1807 to the "Western Argus" of 1818, when a perma- nent name, paper and policy were established, were similarly followed in the establishing of a Democratic journal. From the "Republican" of the Logans in 1826, came eventually the "Western Star" of 1843, which be- came measureably permanent in name, and certainly so in politics. It was a long and hard struggle, blasting the hopes of many good men, and depleting the purses of all who had anything to do with them in a practical way. Some of the brightest men of the county took part in this evolution of a Democratic paper, but all came to grief, and eveu in the "Western Star" many long years elapsed before permanency was in view, and then only after many strong men and able writers had failed in their efforts. There were some bright minds in the roll of the editors of these papers, whose editorials were as merciless as they were able and brilliant. It would be very interest- ing, as well as of historic value, to know more of the life work and characteristics of all these Democratic editors, but we will have to content ourselves with what is given in these pages, as it is all that could be obtained after the most careful inquiry and search.
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
The first of these papers, the "Republican," came into existence in the period when Andrew Jackson was one of the most prominent figures in the country, and when the words Democratic and Republican were getting in opposition as names of two separate and widely distinct political parties, the former name to last through the century and beyond, and the latter to become the Whig party in 1836, to be replaced in 1856 by the Republican party, thus restoring the names that existed soon after the Logan brothers started their new newspaper venture. In State politics, in the same early period, the contest for Governor was between the Democratic and the Anti- Masons, the Federal party dropping out of the race after the defeat of the Federalist candidate for Governor in 1826.
These were hot political times, and the contests were as vigorous and unrelenting, as the rival political papers were ablaze with fiery rhetoric, and denunciation of each other. Plain words were used to express the thoughts of the editor, and they never failed to hit the mark with their heavy editorial artillery, or throw confusion into the ranks of the enemy by their pungent and telling ridicule. The way was open for a long campaign of editorial combat, and the Logans entered the field well equipped for the fray. The Henrys on the other side, were as vigilant and as well prepared as their opponents, and the weekly broadsides were looked for eagerly by the readers of the papers, and there was no quarter shown or asked, but the fight was to the finish.
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
BEAVER REPUBLICAN.
The "Beaver Republican" seems to have been the first Democratic paper published in the county, and began its existence in June 1826. It was printed in the second story of the McCreery & Mitchell brick building on Main street, by Logan & English, and was a four page five column sheet. The earliest number now known to be in existence is dated June 19, 1828. The publishers then were A. & J. Logan. The latter transferred the "West- ern Argus" to Thomas Henry, and a spirited controversy occurred between the "Argus" and the "Republican," the former charging the latter with having promised to keep out of the newspaper business when James Logan sold the "Argus" to Mr. Henry in 1825.
The "Republican" in the issue of June 19, had the fol- lowing editorial in part: "A system of oppugnance and hostility to the establishment of the 'Beaver Republican' has been manifested by a certain combination ever since its commencement. It was intended to crush the estab- lishment by destroying the character of its editors. Ac- cordingly it was widely circulated that 'no faith, no confidence' ought to be attached to those obnoxious editors, as the senior had 'bound himself in an obligation never to be concerned in any printing establishment in the county of Beaver, and the junior was beneath notice,'" consequently they were unworthy of support. The "Republican" reviewed the controversy on the obli- gation referred to, in a two column editorial, conclud- ing with this, written evidently by James Logan: "But why commence a public attack on my character in the
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
'Argus?' Why this anxiety to destroy me? Since my talents are not of that superior order as to excite envy, much less excite such a combination of talent against me. Yet a little while and all these petty quarrels of puny mortals shall be silenced forever, and although Beaver county in the estimation of Mr. Henry is too contracted a space for us both to breathe in, yet less room will serve us in that 'land of cessation,' where 'the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.' The editor of the 'Argus' has causelessly provoked this quarrel. He is welcome now to do his worst. 'Lay on M'Duff,' and if we do not apply the lex talionis, it will be our own fault."
In the issue of February 26, 1829, the publishers are given as James Logan and James Sharp, and May 5, 1831, A. Logan is named as editor and proprietor. The paper
carried the name of Andrew Jackson as the Democratic- Republican candidate for President. Joseph Conrad and Andrew Logan were applicants for postmaster at Beaver, and the "Argus" referring to the applicants for the office, in its issue of April 27, 1832, had this scathing editorial: "All parties have confidence in the integrity and uprightness of intention of the former-in the latter there are but few of any party that have that confidence. But he is a Jackson printer who stops at nothing, and will no doubt receive his reward." When Mr. Logan received the appointment of postmaster the "Argus" gave him an editorial warming up, characteristic of the times in newspaper writing. In the same issue the "Argus" refers to Mr. Phillips, one of the editors of the "Pitts- burg Manufacturer," as connected at one time with A. Logan in printing the "Republican."
In the issue of the "Republican" of March 12, 1834, the following article appeared, which showed the lack of friendly feeling between the two Democratic papers : "To our patrons-On Friday evening last we lent our subscription book to Dr. Barker, who promised faithfully
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
to return it early next morning, since which we have been unable to obtain it-he refusing to deliver it up. The subject will shortly undergo a legal investigation." The reply of Dr. Barker was that having bought the "Repub- lican" from Mr. Logan, he was entitled to the sub- scription list, which he would hold until the transfer was made. Inasmuch as Mr. Logan failed to complete his contract, the status of the disputed subscription list was not settled as far as papers at hand show.
June 20, 1834, Andrew Logan retired as editor of the "Republican," and was succeeded by his brother James Logan. The former declared himself still a hearty supporter of the administration, and advised the readers of the paper that the public would lose nothing by the change of editors.
After the transfer, the "Beaver River Gazette" in its issue of July 10, had this to say: "The 'Republican' it is said has been transferred by the postmaster to James Logan, Esq. Now we wish to know whether the post- master does not issue that paper from the postoffice every week, and if he does, whether he charges the postage required by law? If the postmaster delivers papers without charging postage, he defrauds the office." The amenities of journalism were rather hazy it would seem from the statements and insinuations of the "Argus" and the "Gazette," made about this member of the Logan family.
The incumbency of James Logan was brief but stormy, he retiring in September 1834, and Andrew Logan again became editor. The former was a candi- date for Assembly on the Van Buren ticket, in addition to his other political offices, and was defeated. The editorship was soon changed again, and about the first of November J. & E. Beeson, strangers to the place, new comers from Ohio, became the editors, who were severely handled by the "Argus."
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HISTORY BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
The "Republican" suspended May 6, 1835. The "Argus" in its issue of May 16, had the following to say about it: "The 'Republican' has ceased to exist. Notice was given in that paper on Wednesday last, that that number closed its brilliant career, and it is now classed with the things that were. One of the editors has out a prospectus for a new paper to be established on the ruins of the 'Republican,' to be called the 'Democratic Watchman,' but we understand the prospect of success is not flattering. The editors complain that they are not adequately supported, whilst the party think they have the worst of the bargain."
BEAVER RIVER GAZETTE.
Amid the discouragements and uncertainties of the Democratic journals, one appeared on the scene of news- paper activity in 1834, that had decided promise of long life, but it was almost as short lived as it was brilliant. Dr. R. B. Barker and Reece C. Fleeson, started the "Beaver River Gazette" February 11, 1834, Vol. I. No. 1.
The following motto appeared at the head of the paper: "In proportion as the structure of a Government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."
The card at the head of the first column was as fol- lows: "The 'Beaver River Gazette' is printed and pub- lished on Main street, Beaver, by R. B. Barker and R. C. Fleeson, on a superimperial sheet, every Thursday at $2 per annum, if paid within the year; or $2.50 if payment
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
be longer delayed. Arrearages must be paid before the paper is discontinued. * * * Advertisements inserted at $1 per square for three insertions, and 25 cents for each subsequent one. Yearly advertisements inserted on reasonable terms. Communications must be post- paid."
The following editorial appeared in the first issue: "In assuming the control of a newpaper press, we are deeply sensible of the responsibility of the duties we en- gage to perform; and it shall be our constant solicitude to repay the public confidence and favor, so liberally bestowed, by a free and diligent discharge of those duties. That we may err at times, both from weakness of judg- ment and sensibility of temper, we have little doubt; but as we bring to our undertaking, a willingness of cor- rection and an ardent love of our country and its institu- tions, we hope they will make amends in some degree, for the errors we may occasionally commit. Whilst then we pledge ourselves to a temperate and independent dis- charge of duty, we rely with confidence on the continued support and indulgence of our numerous friends."
The design of the new paper and the object in start- ing it, were given in the following prospectus : "The rapidly increasing business and importance of our flourishing county in the view of many of our en- lightened citizens, seem to call for an extension of the means by which the resources and business of the county are brought into public notice. Within the last ten years the population has increased at the rate of fifty per cent; and during the same period great quantities of our fertile soil have been settled and improved into rich and productive farms, whilst our enterprising manufacturers availing themselves of the unlimited water power of our great streams, have added to our character as an agri- cultural, that of a manufacturing community also. Such increase evidently demands new sources of information.
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
New interests will be created, and the vast resources of the county unfolded by the operation of fresh enterprise, and new skill will speedily elevate it to that point of wealth and importance to which it is undoubtedly destined to attain. These considerations have induced us to establish a weekly newspaper, to be called the 'Beaver River Gazette.' Devoted as we shall be to the general interests of the county, more than to party strife, it will be our aim to render our paper useful to all classes of the community. The immense agricultural interests of the county shall be faithfully attended to; and every information connected with the business of the farmer shall be carefully sought and laid before him. , The manufacturer may rely upon our fervent support; and we will endeavor by all means in our power, to foster our manufacturing establishments and promote their growth. To the merchant and man of business, our paper shall impart all the information that can facilitate commerce, or increase the intercourse of trade, and we shall hope to become an acceptable visitor in the family circle, by our selections in morality and light literature. A depart- ment of our paper shall be allotted to the promulgation of the improvements in the arts and discoveries of science, as it is by their adoption and application that the mechanical arts can alone advance to greater per- fection.
"Although our design, as we have stated, is not the establishment of an exclusively political paper, yet our course in politics shall be decidedly Democratic; and we will fearlessly applaud and sustain the patriotic exertions of the administrations of the State and General Govern- ments, in the maintenance of republican order and liberty, and for the promotion of those great interests committed by the people to their charge. On all the great and leading topics that shall engage political dis- cussion, our readers may expect us to lay before them,
-
X
DR. R. B. BARKER
JESSE J. BARKER ABNER BARKER
RALPH E. BARKER PIERCE BARKER
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
impartially, the principal argument of our adversaries, whilst, at the same time, we will maintain our own views with becoming zeal and earnestness. But in so doing we will endeavor to avoid that rancor and personal in- vective so justly offensive to decency and good sense.
"We respectfully solicit the public support, R. B. BARKER, R. C. FLEESON."
The Pittsburg, Pa., "Mercury," under date of Febru- ary 28, 1834, contained the following notice of the paper: " 'Beaver River Gazette.' We have received the three first numbers of a new paper of the above title, estab- lished at Beaver by Dr. R. B. Barker and Mr. R. C. Fleeson. It is a political and literary paper, and is con- ducted with great spirit and ability. A native of Pitts- burg, Dr. Barker is well known to our citizens as a chaste writer. His exertions, in conjunction with the con- tributions of his highly talented lady, will render the 'Gazette' interesting as a literary paper of no ordinary character. The friends of the administration will also find in it an able advocate of their principles."
The reference to Mrs. Barker was not only a graceful act, but it was as well a merited tribute to a very fine writer in both verse and prose. The columns of the "Gazette" were enriched weekly by her contributions, and were doubtless as popular and eagerly looked for, as the bright and telling editorials of her husband. As showing the high esteem in which this gentle writer was held. whose history is a part of the newspaper history of the county, we quote the following from the Philadelphia "Telegraph" of March 16. 1889:
"One by one death parts the ties which bind us to a generation now rapidly passing away, and which has charmed us by its bright examples. Of the select few whom we recall as illumining the recent past, none stand
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
more hallowed in loving memory than Mrs. Eliza Hunter Barker, who died March 12. Born nearly eighty years ago in Ireland, she refers to that spot in one of her poems as follows :--
"Land of my birth, dear distant spot, Still memory turns to you; The gibe of those who know you not, The pride of those who do.
"She was the daughter of an officer of the British Navy, and received from private tutors the best in- struction, both in the more serious studies and the lighter accomplishments of life. By inheritance possessed of a grace and beauty remarkable among her kinsfolk, she was endowed with a brilliancy of intellect which was enriched by her careful mental culture. *
* * Endowed with a rare poetic talent, it is not strange that kindred qualities in others should have blossomed from contact with her. Among her pupils here was the late Stephen C. Foster, whose sweet melodies and pathetic verses have since stirred the hearts of millions, and who received at this fount the first draughts of his poetic inspiration. Herself a poet of rare and pure type, she cultivated as- siduously her talent, and wrote many beautiful things, among which we recall her 'Marguerite,' 'Diana,' 'An Ode to Masonry,' and that gem written in the full sympathy of a loving heart after the battle of Shiloh- 'Just as if No Christ Had Died'-coming back in memory like the sweet tones of a departed . mother's lullaby.
"She married in 1826 Dr. Richard Butler Barker, of Pittsburg, a near relative of and named for Major- General Richard Butler, of Revolutionary fame. * *
"After the death of her husband in 1860 Mrs. Barker devoted much of her time to writing and other literary pursuits, and was active in this line until within a recent
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
period, and even of late frequently replying in verse to some of her correspondents, so natural was the gift to her. Much of her writing is still unpublished, but will doubtless soon be given to the world. She spent the later years of her life in Philadelphia, residing with her son Jesse J. Barker, Esq, her advancing years and fail- ing strength rendering a careful and retired manner of life necessary, although her mental powers seemed un- impaired by age. *
* * She retained to a high de- gree that brilliancy of mind, that glow of intellect, and that graceful flame of poesy which lighted all her patlı from girlhood, and shed a halo of calm, pure, and loving light around her latest hours. With a pure heart and a lively faith in the Redeemer's love, she passed peace- fully to the higher life, leaving in the hearts of her sor- rowing family and numerous friends the sweet aroma of a blessed memory and a long life well spent.
"In her own words-
"'Our human lives, like streams that seek the sea, Grow calmer as they near Eternity;
Then, resting for a time in quiet sleep,
The stars of heaven are mirrored in the deep.'"
The political atmosphere was sultry hot within a few weeks after the new paper was started, and the contro- versies with brother editors and sundry other writers, made the articles in the "Gazette" very interesting. The newspaper war that broke out between the "Gazette" and the "Republican," was lively, and severe. The following editorial from the "Gazette" March 13, 1834, shows that the new editor cherished the hope of becoming the Democratic organ of the county: It read as follows: "On the 5th inst. Mr. Logan entered into a contract with Barker and Fleeson for the sale of the 'Republican' es- tablishment, which he had for some time previous been anxious to dispose of. * * * Why he withdrew from his contract we cannot guess, unless it be that some of
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