USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > History of the newspapers of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 4
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4.3
FALLSTON PAPERS
management for some time at least. Mr. Early was born February 22, 1816, at Chambersburg, Pa., and re- ceived a common school education. He learned the printing business in 1831 in an office at New Lisbon, O., with a man named Watt. He worked on the "Aurora" between 1835 and 1838, on the "Argus" for some years, run a job office in New Brighton in 1840, was editor of the "Beaver County Palladium" 1841, and after that went to New Castle the same year where he was foreman of a paper. He returned to Beaver December 28, 1842, and was foreman on the "Argus" for years. Later he held cases on the Pittsburg "Dispatch" for a number of years and returned to Beaver in 1860, where he worked on the "Star." Mr. Early was married to Miss Mary Taylor of New Brighton, September 1, 1836. They had ten chil- dren, of whom three are living, Henry. William and Mar- garet. His ancestors came from Germany, while his wife's were Scotch-Irish, both their parents being born in America. Mr. Early died March 16, 1862, while his wife is still living at the age of 84 years.
Mr. Early was one of the best printers ever in the county. It is said of him that he would set in type a page of his paper, take a proof on the hand press, and it would be free of errors in many cases, and very seldom were any corrections needed. He was an expert fisher- man and generous with his friends in the big catches he made.
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
BEAVER FALLS UNION.
The "Beaver Falls Union and Beaver County Advo- eate," published weekly by the Beaver Falls Press As- sociation, the successor of the "Fallston and Brighton Gazette," was started January 6, 1838, with B. B. Chamberlain Esq., editor. It was a six column paper, subscription price $2.00 per year, and contained a large amount of reading matter, mostly general news, political and miscellany reading, but not so much attention was given to the local news and gossip of the neighborhood. It was the only paper then in the county outside of Beaver, and depended mainly on the people at the Falls of the Beaver, Fallston, New Brighton and vicinity for support. The following prospectus was published :
"The 'Beaver Falls Union and Beaver County Advo- cate,' will be more especially devoted to the paramount object of imparting correct information abroad, in re- lation to the general advantages and resources of Beaver county, and the great manufacturing facilities and com- mercial claims of Beaver Falls and its vicinity.
"For various commercial conveniences-undeveloped mineral wealth-unimproved water power, and manu- facturing capacities-for the mild salubrity of its elimate, and for the romantic beauty and sublimity of its scenery, Beaver county is not surpassed by any of the rival and thriving sections of the south and west. To present fairly our claims to public consideration-to point out the many inducements here presented to capital and enterprise, to exert their influence and efforts, in building up as nature has designed and contemplated a
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FALLSTON PAPERS.
great manufacturing and commercial town, will be the primary duty of the 'Union and Advocate.'
"In accordance with public sentiment and expecta- tions, the' Union' unfurls the banner of the 'Supremacy of the constitution and laws, and Integrity of the Union.' It will yield its undeviating support to the cardinal measures and principles of the Whig party-comprising as they do, those elements of political policy and action, that have essentially contributed to lay the broad foun- dations of our constitutional liberties, and as a people, given us station and rank among the nations of the earth. It will zealously contribute its aid in exposing the ruinous measures of the national administration, which with mad violence and desperation, has been piece- meal tearing away the supports-sapping the strength and marring the symmetry of the noblest edifice of con- stitutional government, ever devised by human wisdom, reared and adorned by human toils and virtues.
"Conservative action and united resolution-com- promising forbearance and enlightened patriotism, are indispensable to effect immediate political reform, and insure the wonted prosperity of the nation, and the permanent security of its free institutions.
"The miscellaneous department of the paper will be carefully supervised. It will be the aim of the 'Union' to spread before its patrons a variety of entertaining and instructive information, such as to measureably satisfy the tastes and wishes of its readers. The rich fruits of science and the attractive flowers of literature, will be so presented and displayed as to enlarge the understanding -enliven the imagination and mend the heart. January 3, 1838."
During this time Dr. E. K. Chamberlain was post- master at Fallston, and James Patterson at Brighton, who published regularly in this paper, their lists of letters not called for. New Brighton then had no postoffice.
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
The issue of January 20, contained the names of the officers of the newly organized Beaver County Institute at New Brighton, for the "promotion of science and literature, but more especially of natural history." James Patterson was president, and among the other officers were Dr. E. K. Chamberlain, Dr. John Winter, and B. B. Chamberlain Esq., who were editors between 1834 and 1838.
In the same issue was a report of the organization of the Beaver Falls Colonization Society at New Brighton. In other issues were reports and notices of a Temperance Society, Anti-slavery, and other movements that were de- manding the attention of the people. In all that the editor believed to be for the good of the people, he gave a hearing and support.
In the issue of January 27, there is a full report of several columns, of a meeting held at Pittsburg January 10, to take action on the construction of a railroad be- tween Pittsburg and Beaver. The convention was or- ganized by calling James Patterson of Brighton, to the chair. Among the delegates from Beaver county were William Henry and Dr. E. K. Chamberlain, editors of the county. In the issue of February 10, a report is given of a meeting called to take action on the freedom of speech and the press, on account of certain proceedings in Congress, the meeting being held in the Fallston Academy, with Robert Townsend chairman and John Collins secretary. The chairman appointed a committee on resolutions composed of Dr. E. K. Chamberlain, Dr. John Winter, B. B. Chamberlain Esq., Joseph Hice and H. Mendenhall, the first three newspaper editors. It is needless to say that the resolutions were full of ginger and easily understood.
In all the public movements of the day, these Fallston editors were among the most active and forceful, men of high character, courage and intellectual ability.
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FALLSTON PAPERS.
The industries of the two towns were given in the issue of February 10. Fallston had two saw mills, two oil mills, one sash factory, two bucket factories, one wire mill, three woolen factories, two flour mills, one paper mill, and a population of 800. New Brighton had four grist mills, two carpet factories, one felt factory, one carpet and woolen factory, two saw mills, and population 900. These industries were all operated by the water power from two of the dams on the falls of the Beaver.
The annual statement of the Receipts and Expendi- tures of the county for 1837, was published in the issue of February 17, showing receipts for the year of $10,- 330.91 1-4, and expenditures of $11,563.23 3-4.
The papers of the day were given much to politics, and in its issue of March 3, the editor asks the in- dulgence of his patrons for several weeks to come, for giving place to so much political matter. After this period he promised other matter of greater quantity. This issue had about 13 columns of political matter out of 24, and seven of the remainder were advertisements. During the summer of 1838 the political contest for Governor was fierce, and the "Union" in battling for Gov. Ritner against Porter, had some strong editorials.
B. B. Chamberlain Esq., retired from the paper after one year's work, an editorial in the issue of January 12, 1839, giving his reasons. It filled precisely one column of space and was a dignified statement, covering the political conditions, and giving reasons from a business point of view why the local press should be sustained, for the good of the community and for the best interests of business men.
As to the need of a paper he wrote :- "The press is not contemplated to conform on all occasions to the views of its supporters and readers. It is impracticable. It is as idle to expect it as that individual members of
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
society should always harmonize in religious dogmas and social customs. When its main efforts are faithfully exerted, however, to uphold the pillars of our social edifice-to scatter broadcast the seeds of knowledge and virtue-and with liberal zeal to promote the growth and prosperity of the place of its location, over whose interests it should bestow a watchful guardianship, no matter what may be the peculiar views of public duty, a newspaper is entitled to the united support of every intelligent and business man. Every consideration, that can actuate good citizens-the fruitful lessons of the age-the various schemes of novel enterprise-a laudable ambition for moral and social usefulness-the pride of local pre- eminence-a desire for rapid advancement-all that can confer dignity at home and command respect abroad- charms of the present and the aspirations for the future -all combine to inspire a determination in reflecting minds of supporting a local press in all emergencies and vicissitudes." During his work on the paper, the editor had his office in New Brighton in his law office, while the newspaper was located in Fallston, a considerable dis- tance away.
Brown B. Chamberlain Esq., was born in Frelighs- burg, Canada East, May 22, 1810. His parents Dr. John B. and Mercy Chamberlain, were natives of Richmond, Mass. At the breaking out of the War of 1812, his parents left the British Dominions and went to Auburn, N. Y., where they remained for some time. Brown's schooling was received at Graham, Lewiston and Buffalo, N. Y. He began the study of law with Hon. Bates Crohe and H. S. Stone and finished in the office of Fil- more & Hall, Buffalo, 1833-34, the former of whom Millard Fillmore, became President of the United States. Mr. Chamberlain was admitted to the Supreme Court (U. S.) at Albany in 1835. In 1836 he came to Beaver county and was admitted to practice June 5, 1837. In
N. P. FETTERMAN
DR. E. K. CHAMBERLAIN DR. JOHN WINTER
B. B. CHAMBERLAIN
DR. N. M. WILSON
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FALLSTON PAPERS.
1853-4-5, he represented Beaver county in the legislature. In 1866 he was appointed Judge of the 27th Judicial dis- trict, Washington and Beaver counties, but failed of election in the autumn of 1866. Through his influence with President Fillmore, he was appointed postmaster at New Brighton November 12, 1849. Until that time the town had been dependent on Fallston for its postal facilities. He continued practicing his profession in New Brighton until 1887 when he retired. Judge Chamberlain was never married. He died March 23, 1891.
The paper continued in operation until March 2, 1839, being No. 5, Volume 2, when the following editorial ap- peared: "Our paper will from necessity be obliged to suspend, until new arrangements are effected to renew the publication. It is to be hoped for the reputation of our community, the paper will reappear in a few weeks, and that no further interruptions will occur. Unless our subscribers pay more promptly for arrearages, and also according to our terms, pay at least a portion in advance, it will be impossible to prosecute the publi- cation."
No name is given as a successor to Mr. Chamberlain, and no record anywhere shows such a successor to have been appointed, and the paper then ceased to exist.
CHAPTER IV.
THE WESTERN ARGUS.
The "Western Argus" was started by James Logan September 1, 1818. In the first issue, of that date, Mr. Logan had the following editorial: "As we have been disappointed in getting our press in operation, and the public manifesting a great desire for the commencement of the publication of the paper, we have not been able as yet to issue proposals for a subscription to the 'Argus;' we have therefore sent on the first number to the patrons of the 'Beaver Gazette,' and if any feel a disposition to withdraw their patronage, they can signify the same by a line sent to the editor, otherwise we expect they will consider themselves subscribers."
Thus was started on its career of usefulness, the oldest paper in Beaver county, which for over 86 years has retained the name of "Argus" in some form, and has never lost its distinctive character. In all that time the paper has advocated the cause of the Whig party since its formation in 1832, and its successor the Republican party. The ablest writers ever in the county have been among its editors, and the most astute politicians of the county at some time have held an interest in it. Mr. Logan had full control of the paper until 1825, when he
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THE WESTERN ARGUS.
sold it in January of that year to one of the most prominent men in the county, Hon. Thomas Henry, who had just closed his term as Sheriff of the county.
Mr. Henry was born in Ireland May 16, 1781. His father Wm. Henry, came to this country in 1783 and settled in Maryland, thence removing to Beaver county in 1796, and began a settlement on the east side of the Beaver river. The land on which the settlement was made, was found afterwards to be warranted to Benjamin Chew, and one hundred acres was purchased from him. William Henry the father, lived on the farm until his death, but William and Thomas, who were carpenters, went to Beaver in 1798, but annually visited the farm. Dec. 24, 1808 he was appointed Justice of the Peace by Gov. Simon Snyder; was elected County Commissioner 1810; was captain of a company in 1814 to protect the shores of Lake Erie against the British; in 1815 was elected to the Legislature; 1816 appointed Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts of the county which he held until 1821, when he was elected Sheriff; in 1828 and 1829 he was Treasurer of the county; in 1831 was appointed As- sociate Judge by Gov. George Wolf and was elected to Congress in 1836 and served three terms. As editor and public official he performed his duty with fidelity, correct- ness and honesty of purpose. In 1816 he became a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, and was chosen elder in 1825, in which position he was as true and influential as in the others.
In the years that the "Argus" was owned by Thomas Henry, the controversies between political opponents were bitter and frequent, and the language used left no doubt of the position of the gentlemen engaged. The first opposition paper, the "Republican," was started in 1826, and from that on there was journalistic war when- ever politics was warmed up. A series of controversial articles between Samuel Power and Abner Lacock in
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
1830, was interesting reading, and the arguments and manner of presenting them were straight from the shoulder. Occasionally Mr. Henry felt the necessity of writing an article and signing his name to it, in addition to his regular editorial articles.
As soon as Mr. Henry secured the paper, he set to work to improve it in appearance. In number 10, March 1825, he had the following notice: "In our first number we promised our patrons, that the 'Western Argus' should in a short time, change its appearance by pro- curing new type, etc. Least some should doubt the ful- fillment of that promise, we now give additional as- surance that we have sent to the Type Foundry at Cincinnati for a quantity of new type, etc., which we expect to receive in the course of next week. We have also procured a quantity of paper, of super royal size that we purpose (unless disappointed) to issue a paper the Saturday prior to the next court, with new type and on a super royal sheet. We feel grateful to our fellow citizens, for the generous encouragement given us since the transfer of the establishment into our hands, and hope to merit a continuance of it."
In the issue of April 9, notice is given that "the office of the 'Argus' is removed from the west end of the Court House, to Market street north west side of the Diamond, near the dwelling house of the editor." In this issue the failure to receive the new type was an- nounced, the foundry being so full of orders that it could not be furnished under six weeks. The new type came in due time, however, and the paper was enlarged to five columns, and was published on Friday. Until that time it was a four column paper, published on Saturdays. In its prospectus at that time, it was stated that "one half of subscription will be taken in any kind of grain."
In this period the "Argus" was for John Quincy Adams' re-election for President, and was severe in its
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THE WESTERN ARGUS.
controversies with the "Republican." The latter was the Jackson organ and was very bitter.
In the "Argus" of March 9, 1830, the names of the printers and publishers were given as T. & W. Henry.
In the issue of the paper January 21, 1831, Mr. Henry announced his retirement from the "Argus" in an editorial as follows: "The present number closes the sixth volume of the 'Argus' (under his management) con- stituting a period of six years. It was my design when I purchased the 'Argus' establishment from Mr. Logan, to transfer it to my eldest son, when he arrived at a proper age, and other considerations would justify such a course. It is now deemed proper and right to make this transfer. The 'Argus' therefore, in future, will be conducted by William Henry and forwarded to the patrons of the paper as heretofore. In making this change it is confidently anticipated the public will sus- tain no loss-although he is quite a youth, he possesses such a firmness and sobriety of character, combined with close application to business that will, it is believed, be a sure guarantee to his supporters, that he will issue a sober and respectable paper."
In the issue of January 28, 1831, William Henry as- sumcd editorial control, with the following editorial: "In assuming the control and entire management of the 'Argus,' we are aware that we incur great responsibility; because it is our belief that upon the honesty and purity of the press the safety and permanency of our Re- publican institutions depend. * * * We do not promise our patrons much talent, or even 'brilliancy,' but we promise as far as we are capable of judging, to present to them honestly, the passing events of the times, both foreign and domestic. The principles upon which the 'Argus' will be conducted, will be the same as here- tofore. Our duty to our country and to ourselves, for- bid any change of principle on the great questions which
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
agitate the public mind. * * The 'Argus' will be conducted on fair and honorable principles, entirely free from low scurrility and abuse. We never did believe it to be an evidence of a desire to promote the welfare and happiness of our country, or even 'brilliancy' for an editor to open the floodgates of low billingsgate against those who might differ with him in opinion. It shall be open for free discussion on all subjects. Being young and inexperienced in a great measure, we will hope and expect an indulgent public to throw the mantle of charity around us for any errors we may commit."
William Henry was born June 28, 1808. At the age of 16 he entered the office as an apprentice, and was its editor at 23, which position he held until 1851. He was an earnest advocate of public improvements in the county, among which may be named the Erie Canal from the Ohio to Lake Erie; the Beaver & Conneaut railroad, of which a survey was made in 1836, but the panic of 1837 stopped all proceedings, the line being now covered by the P. & L. E. R. R .; the Ohio and Pennsylvania rail- road, now the Ft. Wayne R. R .; and took an active part in the discussion of the great questions of the day-nulli- fication movement, tariff, U. S. bank, Mexican War, etc. Mr. Henry was one of the ablest editors in Western Pennsylvania. His style was terse and vigorous, and aggressive to the utmost in political discussions. Mr. Henry was married to Eliza S. Hamilton April 18, 1833.
He was an honest, able man, serving the people faith- fully as editor and public official. He was Treasurer of the county in 1857-8, a member of the Legislature in 1861-2-3, and after his term as Treasurer, was Secret Agent of the county to buy up the bonds issued by the county to construct the Cleveland & Pittsburg R. R., the $100,000 subscription being taken up by the payment of $71,000.
During the 20 years when Mr. Henry owned the
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THE WESTERN ARGUS.
"Argus," some of the most important events in the his- tory of the Republic took place. He was in the midst of the threatened nullification movement, headed by John C. Calhoon, and was strong and fearless in his opposition to it. The United States bank question and the panic of 1837 engrossed his attention and kept busy his pen, and the war with Mexico was the most exciting of all the events of the period. On all these questions Mr. Henry was with his party, and he left no opportunity pass to score severely the Democratic papers and their sup- porters.
Among the earliest of William 'Henry's editorials were those on internal improvements. He was persistent and untiring in his efforts to influence public sentiment for a canal through the Beaver Valley, and he was watch- ful of every act of the Legislature on the subject. He wrote an able editorial on President Jackson's veto of the internal improvement bill, and was a firm and con- sistent supporter of the American System of Protection. When the Legislature made an appropriation for the Beaver Division of the Pennsylvania Canal in April 1831, he wrote jubilant editorials. In the issue of the paper of April 22 of that year, John Dickey, superintendent of the Beaver Division, invited sealed proposals for con- structing the canal from the mouth of the Beaver river to New Castle.
In local political controversies the "Argus" had much to do with the Logan brothers, James and Andrew, who conducted the Beaver "Republican." He seems to have become disgusted with Andrew Logan's methods and in a caustic editorial May 27, says that he shall endeavor hereafter to avoid all controversy with him, "as we can- not stoop to his level; but if circumstances demand it of us, we shall not be backwards in exposing in our plainest language his base fabrications and calumnies." He was particularly severe on Andrew Logan in his attempts to
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HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY PAPERS.
be appointed postmaster at Beaver, and showed him up in lurid colors.
The first page of the papers then was mostly given over to political intelligence, messages and documents, national and state, with not a line of what we now know as local news. The editorial page was given to columns of editorials at times, with such local happenings as acci- dents and death of prominent persons, but nowhere was there much of local news in social and business circles, but whole columns would be ablaze with political meet- ings, political contributions, etc.
In the issue of the paper April 9, 1833, the following notice appeared : "Married-On Thursday evening 18th of April 1833, by Rev. W. Maclean, William Henry editor of the 'Argus,' to Miss Eliza S. Hamilton of Sharon, Beaver county" Appended to the notice was this: "In the absence of the editor, the printer's devil takes it upon himself to acknowledge, with the above marriage notice, the receipt of a splendid slice of wedding cake, for which he returns his thanks, and hopes that the parties may through life, fully enjoy the new world upon which they have entered."
August 9, 1833, the "Argus" was increased from five to six columns, with a new press and new type, and Mr. Henry stated that the paper was larger and contained a great deal more matter, than any other county paper in the State. January 28, 1835, the day of publication was changed from Friday to Wednesday.
In beginning another volume, January 16, 1839, Mr. Henry said: "It has been our aim to endeavor to strengthen and maintain the moral and political charac- ter of the county, to guard her interests and assert her rights at all times fearlessly and faithfully." Owing to the delinquencies of many subscribers he added that he had "suffered embarrassments and perplexities" which had compelled him to continue, as he had done eight years
WM. HENRY
M. WEYAND
A. G. HENRY THOMAS HENRY
J. WEYAND
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THE WESTERN ARGUS.
previous, "to act as editor, compositor, pressman and devil."
The paper came out in a bright new dress June 3, 1840, making a very handsome appearance, and the editor stated that he would enlarge the paper if two hundred or three hundred more names were added to the sub- scription list. "But," he said, "let us elect General Harrison, make times better, enable men to meet their engagements promptly, and then we shall be able to present an appearance at least equal to any of our co- temporaries."
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