USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > History of the newspapers of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 3
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
his advisers thought the 'Republican' would not suit them in other hands." The fiereeness of the party spirit is well shown in an editorial of the paper in its issue of April 24, 1834, here given in full :
"We did not, we could not expect to escape the assaults of party abuse, but we did not imagine these assaults would have been as virulent as they have been. We have expressed our sentiments fearlessly, and for this we are denounced by the leaders of a party that does not tolerate independence. They have threatened to prostrate our press. They may do so. We cannot pre- tend to have means sufficient to withstand the combi- nation of any set of men. We may go down, but if we do we have the satisfaction of knowing that the dynasty they maintain is also near its end, and that we fall not in such company. We have comfort in this feeling, but we trust we have friends among the lovers of the Con- stitution and the laws who will not suffer the trampling power of an arrogant and domineering faction to succeed in overthrowing every press that dares to breathe its political heresy. Is it not enough to awaken the people to a sense of the danger that threatens their liberties, when office holders and the partisans of what ought to have been a Republican administration, not only applaud the abuse of power in the Executive head, but also mark as the victims of their vengeance, all who have the in- dependence to raise their voices against it. We will hold on however, on our course, and though the breakers of party may now and then bulge in a board, yet we will repair as we can, the damage we may sustain, and our barque shall not founder for want of a hand to guide. Are our antagonists, displeased with their name? Let them change their principles. Let them learn to reverence the Constitution whch divides the powers of the government and denies to any branch a supreme authority over the whole-and we will gladly accord to
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
them the name and prize. But while one man is sup- ported in measures, 'whether right or wrong,' and no law but his will be the rule of their consciences, while the powers lodged by the Constitution in other branches of the government are usurped from them, one by one, and the lawful authority of the Senate of their representa- tion is contemned,-to men who advocate such principles, we say-You are Tories, and though you may disclaim it, it is still your title.
"The people will not be long deceived. They will look from the window before they admit the wolves to their confidence, and notwithstanding you call yourselves lambs, it will require but a glance to perceive the im- position.
"Fellow Citizens-read-examine-suffer not your- selves to be lead and duped by an array of office-holders and office-seekers-who regard nothing but the patronage of the government, and have the audacity to avow it. Divest yourselves of the delusions of party, and let the intelligence of American citizens astonish, and their virtue contemn their deceivers."
There is no record showing how long the "Gazette" was published. The failure to secure the "Republican" was doubtless a great disappointment to the "Gazette," and the presence of both in the same political field, hastened their death and both fell by the way about the same time. The last reference to the "Gazette" in the "Argus" was May 3, 1834, and it is probable it died in the latter part of 1834, or early in 1835.
The "Argus" in its issue of May 6, 1835, in comment- ing on the death of the "Republican," said: "We have now the whole field to ourselves; and as long as this is the case, we are willing to extend to our Jackson friends liberties and acts of courtesy, that under other circum- stances could not be asked. Calls for meetings, together
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HISTORY BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
with proceedings, shall willingly find a place in our columns, whether for Wolf or Muhlenberg." Evidently the "Gazette" died first, followed by the death of the "Republican."
Reece C. Fleeson was a prominent man in newspaper circles. He went to Pittsburg after the failure of the "Gazette." In the "Argus" of June 21, 1843, it is stated that "Reece C. Fleeson Esq., editor of the 'Washington Banner,' has been removed from the postoffice at Alle- gheny, and is succeeded by William Karns a rabid, noisy Loco Foco." Mr. Fleeson was editor of the "Daily Evening News," and the weekly "Spirit of Liberty," pub- lished in Pittsburg, devoted to the Liberty party, which failed in December 1846. Later he was one of the editors of the "Pittsburg Dispatch," and died Monday March 16, 1863.
Abner Barker was born near Stanton, Delaware, July 31, 1760, and died at Pittsburg, Pa., June 8, 1829. He was a son of Samuel Barker born 1723, died 1803,-who was a grandson of Samuel Barker from Shropshire, Eng- land, who settled in Delaware in 1685. Abner Barker came to Pittsburg in the early seventeen nineties,-be- came a leading merchant there and married in 1800 Miss Eleanor Butler Scandrett, a niece of the General Richard Butler of Revolutionary fame. Abner Barker took a leading interest in educational matters, and was one of the founders of the Western University of Pennsylvania, and was a member, and a warden of Old Trinity Church, Pittsburg, Pa., in the church yard of which he was buried. His grandfather was Joseph, son of the Colonial Settler Samuel Barker.
Dr. Richard Butler Barker son of Abner Barker, was born at Pittsburg, Pa., November 23, 1803. He died in Beaver, Pa., August 4, 1860. He was a fine scholar, and first studied law with Judge Walker of Pittsburg, and was admitted to the Pittsburg Bar, but not liking the
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
profession of law, afterwards studied medicine under Dr. James Agnew, father of the late Hon. Daniel Agnew. After graduating in medicine from the Medical College in Baltimore, Md., he removed to Beaver, Pa., in 1829, entering into partnership there with Dr. Milo Adams and practiced medicine there until his last illness, with the exception of a few years during which he devoted his time to editorial work in connection with the "Beaver River Gazette," and the "Western Star," both published at Beaver, Pa. He was a skilful, and one of the leading physicians and surgeons of the county, and his repu- tation as such caused him to be summoned in important cases at a considerable distance. His family and widow in 1862 removed to Pittsburg, Pa., and from thence in 1864 to Philadelphia. His son Jesse J. Barker, now actuary of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, finished his education at Philadelphia, graduating from the Philadelphia High School, then studied law and was admitted to the Philadelphia Bar in 1879, and is a mem- ber of the Actuarial Society of America. Jesse J. Barker has two sons, Ralph Emerson Barker and Pierce Barker. The eldest son Ralph, is an electrical engineer, connected with the General Electric Co. at Lynn, Mass .; the younger son Pierce, is attending the course of mining engineering at the Colorado School of Mines at Golden, Colorado, and expects to make that his life work. They are both well educated and able young men.
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
DEMOCRATIC WATCHMAN.
The first number of the "Democratic Watchman," the successor of the "Beaver Republican," appeared on Friday June 19, 1835, published by J. Beeson. It was supposed to be backed by the same men who owned and controlled the "Republican." It was the organ of the Wolf faction of the Democratic party, the Governor of the State for two terms and who was a candidate for a third term in 1835, as an Independent Democrat. Opposed to him were Joseph Ritner, Anti-Mason candi- date and Henry A. Muhlenberg Democrat, resulting in the election of Ritner. As the campaign advanced, the passages between the "Watchman" and the "Argus" be- came lively and personal. In the issue of July 22, the "Watchman" observed that "the last 'Argus' confesses that it wilfully made a false quotation from a corre- spondent in the 'Watchman.'" The ""Argus" copied the paragraph and added to it-"this is a wilful and bare- faced lie."
The liveliest tilts however were between the "Watch- man" and the "Fallston and Brighton Gazette," a paper started August 5, 1835, in Fallston by Dr. E. K. Chamber- lain of New Brighton, and N. P. Fetterman Esq., of Beaver, representing the Muhlenberg wing of the party. The history of this paper appears among the Fallston papers. It was ably conducted and was a thorn in the side of the "Watchman." The enmity between the factions resulted in the defeat of both of them, and after the election the "Democratic Watchman" sue- cumbed to the inevitable, and was laid to rest in the second week of December. The "Gazette" lasted until the next year, when it came into competition with the "Aurora."
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
THE AURORA
Alex. R. Niblo of Brighton township, started the "Aurora" as the successor of the "Democratic Watch- man," in March 1836. The first mention of the paper by its contemporaries, was in the "Argus" of May 25, 1836, which referred to the report of a Young Men's political meeting published in the "Aurora." There is no record of how long Mr. Niblo remained editor, but probably until the suspension of the paper in the fall of 1838. Mr. Niblo and his brother John R. Niblo, were both printers, and the latter helped in the mechanical work on the "Aurora." They were the sons of John R. Niblo who came from Ireland and settled in Brighton township as a farmer. John R. Niblo, Jr., died in 1842. Alex. R. Niblo went west and in September 1857, was appointed postmaster at Newark, Ill., and was killed in a railroad accident near Alliance, O., June 24, 1858.
The "Aurora" was revived early in December 1838, with J. W. White of Massillon, O., as editor. The paper was enlarged and improved in appearance, and the new editor promised such improvements as would "revo- lutionize Beaver county." This expression did not tend to amity among the newspaper brethren, and the rivals of the "Aurora" were on the alert to trip up the new and audacious editor. The "Fallston Gazette" was now dead so that the "Aurora" was supreme journalistically in its party. The "Fallston Union," the Whig successor of the "Gazette," and the "Argus," were its competitors.
The "Fallston Union" in referring to the new manage- ment said: "The Beaver 'Aurora' has again risen under new auspices. The editor and publisher is J. Washing-
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
ton White, and proprietors J. W. White and David Porter. The typographical appearance of the paper is much improved, and the leading editorial though not indicating the experience of a veteran writer, in spirit is. liberal and cautious. We welcome the new editor to the editorial ranks and congratulate our political opponents that a purer and more elevated tone is to pervade the columns of the new 'Aurora.' "
The "Argus" in its issue of January 9, 1839, com- mented severely on the failure of Mr. White to keep his promises, and declares "that he is a more contemptible catspaw than any of the half score who have preceded him in that concern." The "Aurora" was discontinued March 1, 1839.
The "Argus" expressed regret at the failure, for the sake of the Whig cause, and said, "we have some notion of issuing proposals for publishing a history of the rise and fall of Loco Foco editors in Beaver county. It might perhaps be made quite interesting; at all events there would be variety in it.
This ended the career of the Democratic papers in the town of Beaver, until the launching of the "Western Star" on the sea of journalism in 1843; but it did not end the career of Democratic papers in the county.
BEAVER FALLS CHRONICLE.
The "Beaver Falls Chronicle" was started in Roches- ter October 12, 1839, as the Democratic successor of the "Aurora," with J. W. White as editor, which hauled down the Van Buren flag in June 1840, and hoisted that of General Harrison, and in July was removed to Brighton. The history of the "Chronicle" will be found among the Beaver Falls papers.
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EARLY DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.
BEAVER COUNTY PATRIOT.
In June 1841, Jonas B. Shurtleff brought from the east a complete newspaper outfit, and started a Demo- cratic paper in Bridgewater, which he named the "Beaver County Patriot." It was an ably edited and attractive paper, and contained the following in the salutation to the Democratic hosts: "We shall study to promote the interests of the county, in a business point of view, with- holding no credit from any individual, to whatever political party he may attach himself, for any aid he may afford in facilitating the growing improvements con- nected with the prosperity of the county. And amid all the political strifes that have attended our career, we have never lost sight of that respect due to those who have differed with us in political opinions, for whenever men suffer the exchange of little neighborly kindnesses to be sacrificed to gratify political ambition, not only do those immediately at variance suffer, but a precedent is established which, if generally carried out, would mar the peace, quietude and confidence which are the binding cords of social happiness."
The "Western Argus" gave the new paper a welcome, saying-"We are willing to meet the new editor in the spirit of courtesy and toleration. There's room sufficient for him amongst us; and if we should differ in regard to measures and men, we trust it will be in an honorable spirit, and free from the low personalities which too often disgrace the profession."
And they certainly differed, and the political dis- cussions between the two papers became at times very warm and personal. They had a long and heated dis-
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
cussion about the county printing, in which the "Patriot" charged that the "Argus" received too high rates, but Mr. Henry held his own and showed the charge to be in- correct.
The paper was the Democratic successor of the "Beaver Falls Chronicle," but it was not successful and reached its end in 1843.
The following notice appeared in the "Western Argus" January 11, 1843, of B. B. Chamberlain Esq., assignee, who announced the sale at his office in New Brighton January 21, 1843, of "all the right, title and interest of Jonas B. Shurtleff, decreed a bankrupt, in and to the subscription and advertising books of the "Beaver County Patriot," published at Bridgewater up to the 30th day of December 1842." Though the foregoing named effects were sold, the paper was not discontinued.
It was stated by the "Argus" that a number of politicians bought the material, including presses, and retained the editor. In its issue of August 30, 1843, the "Argus" mercilessly scored the "Patriot," whose editor in bankruptcy, tried to collect a subscription of five dollars from Governor Porter while in the county. This led to a bitter controversy and much feeling. The climax came in October 1843, when the "Argus" in a half column editorial told of the troubles of the editor of the "Patriot" with the party bosses, who took the type and presses from the editor and set him adrift, sending for a young man to take his place. £ There is no record that this young man remained if he ever came, as the paper does not seem to have appeared after October, but was succeeded by the "Western Star" December 15, 1843.
CHAPTER III.
FALLSTON PAPERS.
Among the early papers of the county, were those in operation at the falls of the Beaver, in the period from 1835 to 1841. They were started shortly before the panic that prostrated this whole section, but managed to keep in existence in some form through the worst of it. One of these papers, the "Chronicle" of Rochester, re- moved in 1839 to Beaver Falls, was the only one outside of Fallston, and with its death, a long period elapsed be- fore any one had the courage to start another paper at the falls.
The Fallston papers were edited and controlled by four of the best known and ablest men of the county, two lawyers, one physician and one clergyman; and they all covered themselves with journalistic honor, but with an entire absence of financial success.
This section was then forging to the front in in- dustrial development, and the time seemed ripe for a newspaper to be successful, but all attempts ended in failure, despite the ability and reputation of the gentle- men who had charge of the successive ventures.
On March 18, 1796, John McKee of Mckeesport, exe- cuted an article of agreement with one Levi B. Stuart,
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
that he would give Stuart "a part of his plantation that lies on the west side of Big Beaver creek, opposite the blockhouse at the lower falls of said creek," for living and clearing on his part what the law requires, etc. January 26, 1798, Stuart assigned his rights to Joseph Wells, who in turn assigned all his rights to David Town- send January 26, 1799. Soon after this one hundred acres of this property came into the possession of a company composed of David Townsend, Benj. Townsend and Benj. Sharpless, who sold about one third of the tract to Evan and John Pugh December 13, 1802.
In 1800 David Townsend started a saw mill and in 1804 the Messrs. Pugh set up a flouring mill, and thus began Fallston, which became for many years the most flourishing manufacturing town in the valley.
Prosperity was in the air, and then the newspaper man appeared on the scene. The only papers in the county were in Beaver, and it was perhaps partly on account of failure to maintain a third paper in that town, that the effort was made in Fallston. There was the most intense war between the Wolf and Muhlenberg fac- tions of the Democratic party in the State. Both these leaders were Democratic candidates for Governor and their respective adherents were full of fight and anxious for newspaper organs. The "Democratic Watchman" of Beaver, was the Wolf organ in the county, busy in meeting the attacks of the "Argus," the able champion of Joseph Ritner who was elected Governor by the division of the Democrats. In this condition of political turmoil, The "Fallston and Brighton Gazette," the first paper at the falls of the Beaver, came into being.
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FALLSTON PAPERS.
THE FALLSTON AND BRIGHTON GAZETTE.
This paper was started at Fallston August 5, 1835, by Dr. E. K. Chamberlain of New Brighton, and N. P. Fetterman Esq., of Beaver. It was a Muhlenberg paper, in opposition to the "Beaver Watchman" a Wolf paper, the respective heads of the Democratic factions. The "Argus" had the following notice of the new paper: "The gentlemen named are capable of publishing a spirited paper, worthy of the patronage of the party to which they belong." The "Gazette" was printed on a large imperial sheet, and was devoted to the support of Van Buren, Johnson and Muhlenberg.
Dr. Ephraim Kirby Chamberlain was a prominent man in the life of the community, was interested in some business enterprises, and was a valuable member of busi- ness and social circles. He was born in Colebrook, Conn., April 24, 1805. In 1815 his parents moved to Elbridge, N. Y., where he was educated. He studied medicine with Dr. Elijah Kendrick who married his sister Minerva, and was graduated from the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, New York, January 1828. In early manhood he moved to New Brighton, where he entered into partnership with his brother Dr. W. H. H. Chamberlain in 1834. March 29, 1836, he married Susan Pennock Clark of Chester county, Pa. They began housekeeping in the old red brick house in Fallston, south of the Fallston bridge. The Doctor was six feet two inches tall, a fine looking gentleman, and very popular on account of his excellent and humane traits of character. In 1841 he moved with his family to Cincinnati, O., where
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
he was very successful in his profession. His wife died in 1846. During the Mexican War he was surgeon of the First regiment of Ohio troops in General Taylor's command. He was popular as an army surgeon, and was known as "Old Medicine" among the troops, who held him in high and loving esteem. After peace was estab- lished, he was appointed surgeon on a committee named by the President, to establish boundaries between Mexico and the United States. The committee went to Cali- fornia, and while there the Doctor became interested in the gold mines. When California was erected into a State, he was elected to the State Senate and was made the first president of that body. He contracted fever on the isthmus of Panama in 1852, and died December 25, 1852.
N. P. Fetterman Esq., was born in Northwestern Pennsylvania February 4, 1804. He studied law in the office of his brother W. W. Fetterman Esq., Beaver, Pa., and was admitted to the Bar August 14, 1825. He re- moved to Bedford, Pa., where he was elected to the legis- lature for three successive terms. In 1830 he returned to Beaver, where he lived until 1849, when he removed to Pittsburg, establishing a partnership with his nephew, G. L. B. Fetterman Esq. Prior to the Civil War Mr. Fet- terman was a strong member of the Democratic party, and took a prominent part in its campaigns, but during the war he became a strong supporter of the Union cause, and gave two sons as members of the 101st Pa. Volunteers. He was married December 28, 1828, to Miss Anna M. Dillon of Bedford, Pa., and had eight children. He died in 1877.
The paper was an able one, far beyond. the ability of the community to support it, and the defeat of the Demo- cratic party, made the task of publishing a difficult, and eventually a hopeless, one. Accepting the inevitable, the
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FALLSTON PAPERS.
paper was discontinued by these gentlemen in November 1836.
The "Argus" made the following reference to its demise: "While the 'Fallston Gazette' was in possession of life and strength, it seemed to be the dread and terror of the 'Aurora,'-that paper scarcely ever making an allusion to it. Since the death of the 'Gazette,' how- ever, our neighbors have ventured upon an attack, think- ing, perhaps, they may do so with impunity. This looks too much like the 'ass kicking at the dead lion.'"
The paper was revived in December 1836, under the proprietorship of Dr. John Winter, who conducted it as a Whig paper. It was a strong journal for that day, and Dr. Winter made a good impression for ability and honesty of purpose. The issue of Saturday June 17, 1837, was an interesting local one, containing an article on the great sale of real estate at the Falls. Thirty shares of water power were sold at $248 per share, the stone mill went for $5,150, one hundred town lots were sold at prices ranging from $110 to $600, and the article concludes with the statement that better prices were re- ceived than "in any other place in the Union at the present time." In November 1837, Dr. Winter retired from the "Gazette."
John Winter was born in Wellington, England, July 1794. His thoughts and purpose were early turned towards the ministry of the Baptist church, and he en- tered the Theological School at Bradford, where he was graduated in 1820, preaching meanwhile as opportunities offered.
The following copy of his State license may be of interest :
West Riding of Yorkshire,
I, John Sturges Esq., One of his Majesty's justices of peace in and for the said riding, do hereby certify
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
that John Winter of Horton, in the said riding, did this day appear before me, and did make and take, and sub- scribe the several oaths and declarations specified in an act made in the fifty-second year of King George the third, entitled an act to repeal certain acts and amend other acts relating to religious worship and assemblies, and persons preaching or teaching therein.
Witness my hand this 10th day of June, one thousand and eight hundred and seventeen.
JOHN STURGES.
His first pastoral charge was in South Shields, where he was regularly ordained in 1822. He came to America and settled in Pittsburg, bringing his wife, Eliza Wilson, whom he had married in 1819, and one child. He preached and taught school in Pittsburg, and for many years preached in various places in Allegheny and Beaver counties. He was also busy with his pen writing for the religious and secular periodicals. He wrote the life of "Massie Harbison," who had been captured by the Indians and escaped from them, taking the narrative from her lips and giving it literary form. He also wrote a controversial volume, "What is Baptism?" He was an able preacher and his services were much sought. He filled pastorates in several states, and was instru- mental in building a large number of church edifices. In later life, when pastor in New Brighton, he built the first Baptist church in that place. He had five children, his wife dying November 7, 1866. He married a second time, Ann Snively, who died September 24, 1899. Dr. Winter died at Sharon, Pa., November 5, 1878.
John B. Early succeeded Dr. Winter in the "Gazette," and it was published by him until January 6, 1838, as a Whig paper, when it passed into the hands of B. B. Chamberlain Esq., as editor, and it is believed Mr. Early remained as publisher of the paper under the new
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