History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 60

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1013

USA > Tennessee > Davidson County > History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 60

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236

HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

eighteen by twenty-four inches, seven columns, and was published weekly at two dollars a year. The last number was issued April 7, 1860.

The Temperance Monthly .- This periodical was a thirty- two-page monthly, at one dollar a year, commenced in McMinnville, Tenn., in January, 1858, and moved to Nash- ville in April, 1859. Mrs. Emelie C. S. Chilton was its editress in Nashville, assisted by Mr. R. M. Webber. E. L. Winham was proprietor and publisher. The title of " Literary Journal" was added in 1860. Mrs. Chilton was a lady of rare attainments in literature, and had a high reputation as a poet. Its publication closed with the war.

The Daily Evening Bulletin, by T. M. Hughes & Co., was issued for a few weeks in 1859, and discontinued.

The Opposition, a weekly campaign paper, was published in opposition to the Democracy during the struggle between Col. John Netherland and the old incumbent, Governor Isham G. Harris. It was issued in octavo form, with six- teen two-column pages, jointly by Bang, Walker & Co., of the Republican Banner, and Smith, Camp & Co., of the Patriot. It was edited by an executive committee com- posed of Hon. Felix K. Zollicoffer, Allen A. Hall, Esq., . Mr. S. N. Hollingworth, P. W. Maxey, Esq., and John Lellyet. During its brief but vigorous existence, from May 3 to July 29, 1859, Mr. Hall, the veteran editor, did the greater part of the editorial work. This is only one of the many temporary publications which were issued by both parties in the hotly-contested elections from 1830 to the war. Mr. Hall seems to have been especially apt at this branch of editorial work, for he edited The Politician with great power from the old Whig office during the political campaigns of 1844, 1848, and 1852. These were issued in quarto form, and at this late day furnish a vast fund of information as to the details of the politics of that period.

The National Pathfinder, an eight-page, four-column weekly at one dollar a year, was commenced in January, 1860, by T. M. Hughes, Esq., and soon after edited and published by Mr. B. Gregory, 21 College Street. Rev. John Campbell was corresponding editor. It ceased publi- cation with the other city papers; very latest files are lost in this as in most cases.

The Nashville Christian Advocate .- This paper was first issued in Nashville in the fall of 1834, under the name of The Western Methodist, by Revs. Lewis Garrett and John Newland Maffatt, both of whom were among the most successful and highly honored ministers of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church in Tennessee. Mr. Maffatt sold his interest in the paper and office to Mr. Garrett, who, in turn sold the entire establishment to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1836. The office at that time consisted of an ordinary outfit for a weekly niews and job office. The Gen- eral Conference- elected Rev. Thomas Stringfield editor ; and No. 1, volume one, of the weekly Southwestern Christian Advocate appeared Nov. 4, 1836, with four pages, six col- umns to th page. This was the official organ of the Con- ference and Church, and was managed by a publishing or advisory committee regularly appointed thereafter, to consult with the editor and manager, for the interest of the Church and Conference. The office of publication was on Deaderick Street, under the management of Charles Fuller, foreman.

Rev. Mr. Stringfield and Revs. Alexander L. P. Green and Fountaine E. Pitts were the first publishing committec. In 1837 the paper was enlarged to five columns. Nov. 1, 1838, John Wesley Hanner was made associate editor, and Rev. Thomas L. Douglass' name was added to the publish- ing committee. Mr. Hanner retired in November, 1839, and Rev. John B. McFerrin succeeded F. E. Pitts on the publishing committee. Mr. McFerrin became editor in the place of Mr. Stringfield in November, 1840, and Mr. Han- ner was added to the publishing committee. In 1842, Mr. Hanner was succeeded by T. W. Randle. J. B. Walker succeeded the Rev. Mr. Douglass on the committee in April, 1843. In November, Randle and Walker were suc- ceeded by Philip P. Neeley and Adam S. Riggs. In 1844, Messrs. Neeley and Riggs were replaced by Messrs. Pitts and Hanner. Oct. 10, 1845, M. M. Henkle became as- sistant editor with Rev. Dr. McFerrin, who was continued as editor until May, 1858; Mr. Henkle retained his position for four years. In July, 1845, the office was moved to Market Street corner of Bauk Alley. In August, William Cameron became foreman of the printing department. Mr. Pitts again became one of the committee in 1846. Nov. 3, 1848, the name was changed to The Nashville Christian Advocate, McFerrin and Henkle editors, and Green, Slater, and Hanner publishing committee. In November, G. W. Martin and L. C. Bryan replaced Pitts and Riggs on the committee ; Mr. Hinkle retired, and in July the office was moved to College Street, south of Union Bank, opposite the Sewanee House. Dec. 6, 1850, A. F. Driskell and Joseph Cross replaced Martin and Bryan. In order to coincide with the calendar year, sixty-one weekly copies were issued for this year's volume.

The Louisville (Ky.) Christian Advocate was merged in this paper this year, and the first number for 1851 pre- fixed the words " Louisville and" to the title Nashville Christian Advocate. C. B. Parsons then became assistant editor, and C. R. Hatton succeeded Mr. Driskell on the committee. A Louisville committee, consisting of E. Ste- venson, W. H. Anderson, and E. W. Sehon, was added Oct. 30, 1851. J. Mathews, Edward Wadsworth, and T. N. Lankford succeeded Hatton and Cross on the committec. In April, 1852, the name of the paper was abbreviated to simply Christian Advocate. October 27th, C. C. Mayhew succeeded Mr. Lankford. In July, 1854, as a result of a settlement of financial difficulties between the Methodist . Episcopal Church North and South, and the decision of a suit at law in favor of the Church South, the Conference revised their system of management and the publishing committee was discontinued. E. Stevenson and F. A. Owen were instead appointed publishers for the Methodist Epis- copal Church South. In November the price of subscrip- tion was reduced from two dollars to one dollar and fifty cents. Mr. J. E. Evans relieved Mr. Owen as publisher from May to October, 1856. June 24, 1858, Rev. Dr. McFer- rin resigned, and was succeeded as editor by Rev. H. N. McTyerie, formerly editor of the New Orleans Christian Advocate. Rev. Dr. McFerrin was at the same time ap- pointed agent of the publishing-house. Publication was suspended on the news of the disaster at Fort Donelson, and the office was closed. The numerous employés sought

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CITY OF NASHVILLE.

safety from their fears in flight, and the editor and agent followed the wavering lines of battle in their offices as ministers of the gospel.

Connected with this paper was the publishing house of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, which was estab- lished in Nashville in 1854, on the division of the two great sections ; and it was owing to the existence of a well- managed and influential paper at this point that Nashville became the seat of the Southern Publishing House. The building was erected in 1854. At the time of its close, in February, 1862, eight power-presses were employed, be- sides which there were numerous other machines for the various branches connected with printing and binding.

In 1838, C. C. Norvell, formerly editor of the Commer- cial Transcript, resigned his position as editor of the Re- publican Banner, and in company with R. B. Mckennie began the publication of a second Nashville Whig on June 1st of that year. On the return of Hon. Allen A. Hall from Venezuela, in 1845, he purchased an interest in the paper and became its editor. Mr. Mckennie had owned the printing material, and Mr. Norvell the subscription list. Mr. Hall, soon after buying the subscription books, was called to Washington to edit and manage The Republic, which was the administration organ of President Fillmore. Failing to effect a sale on suitable terms to Mr. Mckennie, he sold the subscription list to the proprietors of the Re- publican Banner, in 1849. Mr. Norvell was subsequently largely connected with the insurance business as manager, and was the commercial editor of the New York Tribune. While a resident of Staten Island he represented his party as a candidate for member of Congress.

The Nashville True Whig was started in 1845 by R. B. Mckennie, who still retained the printing-office of his former paper, with E. P. McGinty, of the Clarksville Chronicle, and A. M. Roseborough, of the Columbia Ob- server, as editors. Mr. Roseborough was the political editor. Mr. McGinty was one of the proprietors until January, 1851, when he sold his one-half interest to George B. Brown, and Mr. Roseborough withdrew; Mr. McGinty still edited the paper. In 1840, Anson Nelson became fore- man of the office. In 1845 he purchased an interest, and the firm style became R. B. Mckennie & Co. Mr. Nelson withdrew in 1847 to edit the Christian Record.

In 1850, H. K. Walker became editorially connected with the paper, and on the death of Mr. McGinty, in 1855, succeeded him as managing editor. In 1856, Mckennie & Brown sold the True Whig to William Hy. Smith, John F. Morgan, Dr. John H. Callender, and Anthony S. Camp, who changed the name to the Nashville Patriot. Mr. Mckennie then retired from journalism, and thenceforth resided in quiet in his home in District No. 18, on the Gal- latin pike, three miles from the city.

The Nashville Patriot succeeded the last issue of the True Whig in 1856, William Hy. Smith and Dr. John II. Callender editors. In May, 1857, T. II. Glenn became editor of the city and commercial department. John F. Morgan, one of the proprietors, withdrew in 1857, and Dr. Callender was succeeded by his brother Thomas Callender as editor, when the firm-name was changed to Smith, Camp & Co. Ira P. Jones purchased an interest in the paper and

became one of its editors in 1857, and T. H. Glenn's con- nection with it ceased. Mr. Smith sold his interest in Sep- tember, 1859, and the firm became A. S. Camp & Co. Mr. Smith continued to edit the paper in connection with Mr. Jones until the surrender.

John E. Hatcher became associate editor in June, 1859, and was formally announced as such in March, 1860. Dr. John H. Callender was afterwards superintendent of the Tennessee Hospital for the Insane, which position he occu- pied in 1880.

Thomas H. Glenn was connected with a Chicago (Illinois) paper in 1879-80.

The Nashville Gazette -second of the name - was first issued May 26, 1819, by George Wilson, editor and publisher. It was issued semi-weekly at five dollars a year, and printed on " fine super-royal paper," with five columns to the page. It was styled in the prospectus "A Repub- lican Newspaper." George Wilson came from Knoxville, and had been the editor of the first newspaper established west of the Alleghany Mountains .* On the death of George Roulstone, the pioneer printer of the State, in 1804, Mr. Wilson succeeded him in the publication of the Knoxville Gazette, then in its thirteenth year, and changed the name to Wilson's Knoxville Gazette. IIe soon after became widely known for the persistence with which for several years he ventilated his lawsuit with Judge Thomas L. Williams. He continued to publish the Gazette there until the fall of 1818, when he moved his office to Nash- ville and commenced a semi-weekly. He continued its publication until June, 1827, when it was transferred to the Nashville Republican, afterwards Republican and State Gazette. Mr. Wilson was an ardent friend of Gen. Jackson, and a most zealous advocate of his elevation to the Presidency. He made money in the newspaper busi- ness, and when he sold his paper turned his attention to the tanning business. His children are all dead, leaving a numerous progeny in Tennessee and other States South and West. George A. Wilson, a large-hearted man, full of fun, frolic, and eloquence, a distinguished officer of the Florida war, and afterwards a Whig member of the Legis- lature, was his eldest son.

In the early days of his life in Nashville, Mr. Wilson lived in the country, but the place of his residence is now surrounded by and included in South and West Nashville. The most lasting record of his dwelling there is a depression in the ground from which gushes forth a never-failing stream of bright, sparkling water, long known as " Wilson's Spring," from the name of its former occupant. " Uncle Mose Wilson," George Wilson's black pressman of the Gazette, was found long years after at a fruit-stand near the court-house, in Memphis, at the age of nearly a hun- dred years, and identified beyond dispute by his accurate memory of the early events cast of the Tennessee.

The Nashville Whig was established by Moses and Joseph Norvell, in 1812, and published by them until July 16, 1816. This was the first paper of that name. It was a sheet twelve by eighteen inches, with four columns to the page. The number for Aug. 27, 1816, contains the

* Col. Moses White on " East Tennessee Journalism."

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HISTORY OF DAVIDSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE.

name of neither editor, printer, nor publisher. The next issue, September 3d, bears the names of Norvell & McLean, publishers. Previous to Aug. 25, 1817, Mr. Norvell sold his interest to George Tunstall. No. 1, vol. vi., of that date, presented the new name of The Nashville Whig and Tennessee Advertiser, published by C. D. McLean and George Tunstall. On the completion of the volume, in August, 1819, Mr. McLean sold his interest to Joseph Norvell, and Tunstall & Norvell continued the business until March 12, 1821, when Mr. Tunstall retired. In January, 1826, Joseph Norvell sold the paper, and, May 23d of that year, it was consolidated with the National Banner, under the name of The National Banner and National Whig. John P. Erwin became editor in Janu- ary, 1824, continued as such during the remainder of its existence, and left it to accept the office of postmaster of Nashville. The printing department was conducted by John Fitzgerald.

The National Banner was established as a weekly paper in 1822 by William G. Hunt and John S. Simpson, who continued its publication until it was united with the Nash- ville Whig, in 1826.

The National Banner and Nashville Whig began May 23, 1826, as a semi-weekly, with William G. Hunt editor. In May, 1830, the paper was purchased by W. Hassell Hunt, Peter Tardiff, and William G. Hunt, and issued tri- weekly until Nov. 23, 1831, when it began the publication of a daily, at eight dollars per annum, and also a tri-weekly at five dollars, and a weekly at three dollars. William G. Hunt continued as editor.

The National Banner and Nashville Advertiser, the first daily paper in Nashville, was first issued from the office of the former Banner and Whig, Nov. 23, 1831, by the firm of Hunt, Tardiff & Co., who continued its publication until their dissolution, May 2, 1833, by Mr. Tardiff selling his interest to W. Hassell Hunt. September 7th of that year S. H. Laughlin became one of the editors. He held that position until Sept. 22, 1834, when he was succeeded by George C. Childress, and the announcement made to the pub- lic that " an experience of three years had convinced the pub- lishers that a daily paper would not pay in Nashville," and that henceforth the Banner and Advertiser would be issued but three times a week. On the 9th of November, 1835, Allen A. Hall, afterwards editor of the Daily News, suc- cecded Mr. Childress in the editorial chair.

W. Hassell Hunt and Peter Tardiff dissolved their part- nership Nov. 31, 1836, and Mr. Hunt became sole pro- prietor. July 17, 1837, Mr. Hall purchased the paper and united it with The Commercial Transcript, edited by C. C. Norvell and published by W. F. Bang, afterwards publisher of the Republican Banner. Mr. Norvell became his associate editor. August 22d, a month later, the Na- tional Banner and Nashville Whig formed an alliance with the Nashville Republican and State Gazette, by which these five ofices were consolidated under the name of The Republican Banner, and a daily paper was again issued.

The Nashville Republican was started in 1824 by Abram P. Maury and Carey A. Harris, with the material of the old Clarion and Tennessee Gazette, which they purchased of Darby & Van Pelt. Soon after they added a portion of

the old heading, changing the title to Nashville Republican and Tennessee Gazette. In 1826 they sold out to Allen A. Hall and John Fitzgerald, printers to the State, who purchased George Wilson's Nashville Gazette in 1827, and changed the name to the Nashville Republican and State Gazette. In 1828 they began publishing a semi-weekly. December 12th, Mr. Hall bought out Mr. Fitzgerald, and continued until May, 1828, when he enlarged the paper and began publishing both a weekly and tri-weekly. In 1834, S. Nye bought the paper, and Washington Barrow became the editor. This management continued until Aug. 22, 1837, when M :. Nye united with Mr. Hall to issue a daily paper under the name of The Republican Banner.

The Republican Banner was established Aug. 22, 1837. Allen A. Hall and S. Nye, the former proprietors of the Banner and Whig and Republican and Gazette, retained C. C. Norvell as associate editor until January, 1838, when he withdrew and started the second Nashville Whig.

Jun. 30, 1839, the Republican Banner was enlarged from a five-column page, thirteen by eighteen inches, to a six- column page, but was again reduced September following. March 29, 1841, the firm of Hall & Nye was dissolved by the withdrawal of Mr. Hall, who had been appointed charge d'affaires to Venezuela, South America. August 4th, W. F. Bang, the foreman of the office, and W. O. Harris, an employé in the counting-room, formed a partnership and bought the office from Mr. Nye, who continued to edit the paper until Dec. 22, 1841.

Jan. 3, 1842, F. K. Zollicoffer assumed editorial man- agement of the paper. On his withdrawal, Aug. 11, 1843, Donald McLeod became editor, and remained until relieved by Washington Barrow, March 24, 1845. The paper was then enlarged to seven columns. William Wales became editor in April, 1847, retired Jan. 11, 1851, and was suc- ceeded by Gen. F. K. Zollicoffer, who had purchased an interest in the paper, and again assumed its editorial man- agement, assisted by William Hy. Smith. Allen A. Hall became editor on the withdrawal of Gen. Zollicoffer, April 20, 1853. In 1856, Mr. Smith retired from the Banner to become one of the editors and proprietors of the Patriot. H. K. Walker bought Mr. Harris' interest in the office, and succeeded Mr. Smith in February, 1837. With these changes Mr. Hall's connection with the Banner ceased, and Mr. Walker became editor-in-chief. The style of the firm was then changed to Bang, Walker & Co. March 15, 1857, the paper was enlarged, and soon after James E. Raines be- came connected with it as editor. He withdrew March 12, 1858, and was succeeded by Thomas W. Beaumont, of Clarksville, who occupied that position from July 1, 1853, to March 18, 1860.

Albert C. Roberts was local and commercial editor from the fall of 1858 until the opening of the war.

John Roberts, a foreman in the Banner office, who suc- ceeded Mr. Bang in 1841, became afterwards one of the proprietors. Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer was formerly editor of a paper in Columbia, and had previously acquired a repu- tation as a forcible political writer, which was more than sustained during his connection with the Banner. He was killed while in command as a general officer in the Coufed- erate army, at the battle of Fishing Creek.

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t. n Barrow was afterwards faite i States Minister to Local for many years president of the Nastavite ... La. of company, which will e he wa de gret to Bit ou Jag A Ball was register of the United States to a. . ut and - Gen Taler.

119 n. K. Walker was a humorous writer of much talent, w h as a sharp pohaval writer. He was one of the .

yon ibeat odd Follows of his time and city.

ok . de Guste-third paper of that name-was ved By Jan - Thompson and E. R. Glawock, in .- 14. We Thompson withdrew from the extern Jan. 1, , ap i was succeeded by William Hy. Smith, who hoe one ch or of the peger. . Feb. 21. 1813. 1. son A ison, set's pusher of the Christian Record. purchased the " al'eauent of E. R. Gia-rock & Co. Mr. Smith con- :: Gro wit the paper nutil Fab. 2, 1-50. In July of vat Seat, Mr NAson sold out to John L. Marling and Boas L. Hayne, and Mr. Mariing became editor. M C. ( Chorch beast Mr. Haynes' interest in August, 1551, En't firm breathe M C. C. Church & Co.

W Boon Cameren. Anson Non, and James L. Haynes tada the . fre Nov. 26, 1961, and employed John A. " Frem as editor. Feb. 1, 1853, Anson Nelson & Co. .. . . John HI. Baptist. James D. Money, James T. Bull; J. A. Laird. Mr. Miney assumed the editorid chair. Jan. 1. i -54, he sold his interest to his brother, Henry Simay, who took his position as editor, and Jamas T. Bell "and the charge of the local department. Mr. Baptist ... ! bis interest in April, and in the month of Areil folos- De Mr. Bell sold his interest. April 22, 1855, T. II. " cht barano city and commercial editor, though ins name M not at par in the colamns of the paper as such antil June 17t.

Col. W. N. Bilbo, a lawyer and man of superior attain- thet- as an orator, became clitoriaily connected with the Crate. Feb. 5. 1856, and soon after the paper was en- burg d. Mowy Isth be bought the establishment of Jan .. . A Laind & Co., and Mr. Glenn dissolved his connection with the paper and took the same position upon the staff of : Porad. Mares R. Brace succeeded him as city and "maparcial editor. Mr. Maney continued with Col. Bilbo is associate viitor antil Sept. 14, 1856. November 110 :. vol. B. ho soi to M. V. B. Haile, James T. Bell, and Jo. V. Sich James B. Bruce then became principal and Jos T. Bent local elutor. Mr. Smith withdrew Feb. 27, a ST, and the two remaining members of the firm continued . publication, without change, until it was suspended by de variation in 1962.

The Nindorite Union was established March 30, 1235, by Medicas A. Long as a weekly, with Samael H. Langh- l' editor. The office was on Market Street. Joel M. saith succeeded them as proprietor of the paper, and it w . paba hed on Union between College and Cherry Streets. My. Long afterwoods went Jo Flori ! : , where he was living, a [ ... in ut citizen, at the outlook of the war. Mr. Badfort, and afterwar is Mr. Cunningham from Kentucky, Preceed das editors. In February, 1939, the paper was

a walk c tid . George Harris & then a young man

1 .... ; a. s . 'qu olit r. Col. Harris bri bewar pa .and greet och sen D. Proaties in New England satte vous batne i s s me to Nachvile, and was favorstay en- doned by reales in all respects except his palities. i'm alice was then editor of the Lon ious Journe', the he me organ of Mr. Clay, while Col. Harris came to con- Con the I me organ of GioL. Jackson. In politics they were « le amandes though any as personal thinks.

The Bomblican Pomocy was at this time coded'ar cy the veteran elser Hill. and the Why by Not : !

Mr. Senich old his interest to Col. Harris Oct. 21. 1-31. and retired from the ! nie .. The motto adopted by th ... be Preserved," was the hay ato of an paldies. In lets, Thomas Hogy and John P. Heis bought out Col. Harris, who had been approved United states commercial agent for Europe, and who want at ane for a year . that capacity. Mr. Il an died and Mr. He's cod de pour in Not - ber to James G. Shepard, wi . eng op I as elor Hoy A. O. P. Nehmen. Mr. Hers catered the enil service of the United States, and died in punhe 56 .. E. G. bastman became fit in 1817, retired July 22, 1859, and was succeeded to llam. Hervey M Waterson. In 1939, Mr. Eastman had commented a successioni creer of jamanen by .

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two dollars, in advan e.

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: See special langerwehe of James F. B.H.

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239

CITY OF NASHVILLE.

Gen. Barrow was afterwards United States Minister to Portugal, and for many years president of the Nashville Gas-Light Company, which office he was the first to fill on its organization.

Allen A. Hall was register of the United States treas- ury under Gen. Taylor.

Hiram K. Walker was a humorous writer of much talent, as well as a sharp political writer. He was one of the most prominent Odd-Fellows of his time and city.

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History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 60

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1013

Author: Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Philadelphia, J.W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1013