History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 77

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298

USA > Wisconsin > Richland County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 77
USA > Wisconsin > Crawford County > History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin > Part 77

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and that W. W. Wyman, one of the pioneers in the newspaper line and who, we believe, started the first paper in Madison, was also about to establish another St. Paul paper, called the Minnesota Standard. Thus it will be seen that three years after the Patriot was establish- ed at Prairie du Chien, it notices the starting of the first papers at St. Paul. As emigration and civilization progressed, other newspapers sprung up in the west; and, in 1848, we hear of the first daily paper in Dubuque; mail routes began to multiply; the river steamers increased in size and numbers; railroads were projec- ted; and Prairie du Chien was not behind other western towns in the display of this spirit of progress.

THE CRAWFORD COUNTY COURIER

In 1852, the Patriot had succumbed to the pressure of unavoidable circumstances; its remains had been carried to La Crosse, and Phoenix like, another paper had grown out of of them. The railroad interest had begun to effect the people of Prairie du Chien and they must needs have another organ to represent them and look after their interest. Prompted by these motives, the more enterprising men held out indueements, which were accepted by Buel E Ihutchinson and J. Hurd, who, on Wed- nesday, May 19, 1852, started another paper in Prairie du Chien, entitled the Crawford County Courier. This paper began under auspicious ciremmstanees. It was edited with ability by Mr. Hutchinson. It was independent in poli- ties, though slightly leaning to the democratic in tone and on the whole was well received and supported by the people of the town and county.

Mr. Hutchinson conducted his paper for two years, when he disposed of his interest advan- tageously and was succeeded by D. H. Johnson. The Courier was continued under the editorship of Hurd and Johnson, until Nov. 10, 1855, when William E. Parish assumed the interest of Mr. Hurd, and it was published by Johnson and Parish. The printing business not suiting Mr.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

Parish, or his not being suited to the printing business, soon caused him to let his share of the establishment to Dr. Whitaker Jenkins, and the paper was printed by Johnson and Jenkins. 'I hrough all these changes, D. H. Johnson had the editorial management of the paper ; and, under his administration, it was rapidly verg- ing towards republicanism.

The co-partnership of Johnson & Jenkins continued from December, 1855, to April, 1856, when the establishment was purchased by V. A. W. Merrell, who greatly improved the office by the addition of new material, job press, and many improvements which appeared to his ex- perienced mind indispensable. Mr. Merrell was a thorough practical man, a printer by choice from boyhood, and had, at the time of purchasing the Courier, resided in Wisconsin sixteen years. Besides fitting up the office in a workmanlike shape, he completely revolution- ized the political character of the paper. Per- haps the best idea of the omens and intents with which he commenced, can be had from the following extract from his salutatory:

"In taking charge of the publication of a newspaper, whether in the case of one long established and well known, or in that of a new enterprise, it is customary for the publisher to introduce himself to his patrons, in an introduc- tory article, setting forth and describing the principles he will advocate. In making our debut, a very few words will suffice for this por- pose, and we mean it shall be an earnest that we will not inflict long articles upon our readers, as is the usual custom ; but will, in all cases, try to express our ideas in plain English and as briefly as possible. Politically, the Courier will be democratic. Thus much might have been said at an earlier day, when the democratic party of Crawford county was more united; now, however, it is proper to say, to prevent misunderstanding, so far as we are able to follow in the old and well-worn path trodden by the recognized patriots and states- men, in the democratic party, we shall do so."

"Impressed," continnes Mr. Merrell, "by the natural advantages and position of Prairie du Chien, and believing its fature prospects equal to any upon the Mississippi, and superior to most places, we have come to reside among its people; to cast in our lot with theirs; to invest what little we have in a business with which we have been accustomed from boyhood, and one we do not wish to change; intending that business shall be subservient to the interests and welfare of this town and county; hoping, by careful attention to business, to share reasonably in its growing prosperity."

For over two years, Mr. Merrell conducted the Courier; he spared neither time nor ex- pense to make it a paper full of news, of im- mediate interest; a paper sought after abroad, as furnishing the most accurate knowledge of what was transpiring in its locality ; also fraught with valuable information for the farmer; a welcome visitor at many a western fireside.

"All this time," says William D. Merrell, a son of V. A. W. Merrell, "the Courier pre- served 'the even tenor of its way;' possessing the confidence of the people, being the old county paper and disclaiming all connection with party cliques, it received the support of the honest conservatives of both parties. I had now been in the Courier office as foreman a long time, and having the means to purchase and carry it on, I accepted an offer of V. A. W. Merrell and bought the entire office, subscrip- tion list and good will; and after the 18th of November, 1858, all business was done by me "

The following was the announcement of the sale of the Courier by V. A. W. Merrell and its purchase by William D. Merrell, as it stands in the issue of Dec. 2, 1858:

"To the patrons of the Courier: Having sold all my right, title and interest in the Courier office establishment, my duties as proprietor, much to my gratification and gain, ended on the 18th of November. During my time as a journalist, it was my pride to devote every-

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

thing to the best interests of this paper's pat- rons; and it is a satisfaction to know that my successor will be actuated by similar motives. ! I return thanks for favors received from numer- ous kind friends ever to be remembered; and in saying good-bye to the readers of the Courier, would wish them many hours of happiness in the realizing of its promising future.

V. A. W. MERRELL."

"The purchase of all Mr. Merrell's type, presses, stock and printing materials brings the Prairie du Chien Courier under our exclusive control. Under the new administration the same editorial supervision-the same principles and policy that have heretofore marked this paper [only a little more so], will be strictly ad- hered to. We hope by unremitted attention to maintain the character of this establishment for promptitude and regularity, and intend to spare no efforts to make it a newspaper worthy the patronage of this town and county.

WILLIAM D. MERRELL."

William D. Merrell was born at Plattsburg, N. Y, May 18, 1840. His father, Victor A. W. Merrell, who was a native of Burlington, Vt, received a fair English education, and learned the printing business in the Burlington, Free Press office. He afterwards passed three years traveling, part of the time on a merchant trading ship, visiting many eities in this and foreign eoun- tries. He returned to New York city, where his oldest brother, Brutus Merrell, a ship owner and wealthy broker, was then living. He was in- duced to settle down, got married, and became part owner and publisher of the Plattsburg, N. Y. Republican. Subsequently he published the Chronicle at Whitehall N. Y. About this time, Ilenry D. Wilson, of the Milwaukee Sentinel and Gazette, met him in Buffalo, at Connor & Son's type foundry, bought out his printing material, and persuaded him to accompany him to Milwaukee, Wisconsin Territory. In 1843 he went to Milwaukee, and with Wilson & King, and Elisha Star, helped to make the Milwaukee Sentinel a success. The year following (1844)

he moved his family to Milwaukee. The jour- ney was made to Buffalo by canal, and from Buffalo to Milwaukee "round the lakes." There were few railroads in those days. V. A. WV. Merrell is now (1884) a resident of the city of Prairie du Chien. His mother was a native of Ellenborough, N. Y. She died in Prairie du Chien. Young Merrell came to Wisconsin in 1844, and with his parents resided in Milwaukee for twelve years. He was a pupil at Prof. Buck's Collegiate Institute for three years. Subsequently he served an apprenticeship in Star's job printing office, and became proficient in the "art preservative." In the spring of 1856 he came to Prairie du Chien, and took charge of a printing office that his father had purchased the year previous. This was the Prairie du Chien Courier as explained in this chapter. Mr. Merrell performed much of the mechani- cal work of the office and was editor of the pa- per. In November, 1858, Wm. D. Merrell was enabled to purchase the Courier establishment, clearing it of all debt and liabilities, and has ever since remained its editor and proprietor, and every edition for over twenty years has been issued regularly, as the files in his posses- sion prove. Mr. Merrell has been uniformly pros- perous and successful as a printer and publisher. Ile was able to provide a comfortable home for his parents, and helped support the family until the children were old enough to do for themselves. IIis father, a man of iron constitution, robust and vigorous at sixty-five years of age, remains with him in Prairie du Chien. Mr. Merrell comes of aneestry remarkable for longevity. His grandfather and namesake, Wm. D. Mer- rell, of Burlington, Vt., reached the age of ninety-six years, and his great-grandmother died at the extreme age of 193 years. Wm. D. Merrell was married to Julia Mc Ca- hil, at St. Gabriel's (Catholic) church in Prairie du Chien, Wis., by Rev. Francis Nagle, on May 18, 1868. Miss MeCahil was a sister of Mrs. P. Reynolds, then living in Prairie du Chien. Two children by this marriage died in infancy.

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

The mother died July 3, 1870. This was the first great sorrow that Mr. Merrell had experi- enced, and the loss of his wife had a great effect upon his life. She was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, attentive to her religious duties, well known and esteemed for her piety and amiability. She was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Prairie du Chien, where her sister, Mrs. Reynolds and her child- ren had preceded her. Mr. Merrell entered upon political work before he was of age. He did effective service in the Freemont H and Buchanan presidential campaign.

became prominently known in local and State politics as an organizer of more than ordinary executive ability. IIe became an acknowledged democratie leader in Crawford county, and for years his friends and party were always victorious. He never listened to any proposals for himself, never accepted any nomination for political preferment, but was always untiring in his endeavors to promote the interests of political friends and the success of his party. This uniform suecess of the demo- crats continned until the indication of unscrupu- lous ambition in certain politicians convinced him that their labors, party fealty, and the welfare of the people were being made to sub- serve mere personal ends. Then he turned upon the selfish set of officials who had control, and with his journal, and seconded by the people, drove the party "barnacles" out of office, de- feating every man of them, and inaugurating a new era in Crawford county local politics. Mr. Merrell was married again May 28, 1872, to Mary Francis Clark, of Fairview, Alamakee Co., Iowa. Rev. Father P. A. McMannus, pas- tor of St. Patrick's (Catholic) Church, near Harper's Ferry, officiating at the sacrament. A son and daughter by this marriage, now living, bless the editor's pleasant home, where he seems supremely contented, possessed of excel- lent health, and most agreeable surroundings. Mr. Merrell has acquired an extensive landed property during the past fifteen years. He now

owns more real estate within the city limits of Prairie du Chien than any other one tax-payer. For the past ten years he has given considerable attention to farming, established farmers' socie- ties, addressed agricultural fairs and invested a considerable amount of money in improved farm machinery, horses and cattle. He has a favorite farm of over eighty acres in the center (2d ward) of Prairie du Chien, within fifteen minutes' walk of his residence. Here he likes to go among the horses and cattle, or out in the fields with sulky plows and self binders. IIe gives employment to farm help the year round. He pays ont his money as fast as it is received; his only incentive to earn money seems to be the satisfaction he takes in paying it out to workingmen. He certainly has no ambition to merely accumulate money, and never expects to get rich. In this, as in his political and publish- ing work, he secures employment and support for others, without any very flattering prospects of pecuniary profit for himself. This is a marked trait, almost a weakness in Mr. Merrell. HIe is calm and brave enough upon occasions requiring physical courage, but when asked by men out of employment for his aid, he has never been known to dare say "No." It is a fact noted among the printer's "craft" for more than twenty-five years, that he never refused to assist an unfortunate fellow-being. The typo who was "carrying the banner" who could meet the proprietor of the Courier was certain of a job, a square meal, something to help him along. Appeals to his bump of benevolence never yet failed to draw "the ready" if he had a dol- lar within reach. If there is any particular trait about Mr. Merrell most prominent, it is this disposition to lend the helping hand on all oe- casions; and the only thing that can disturb his habitual equipoise of mind, is an evidence of ingratitude. Ile thinks that is the "un- pardonable sin." In twenty seven years there has never been a subscription raised for any charitable or religious purpose in Prairie dn Chein, but he freely gave his share, regardless

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

as to denomination. When sometimes remon- strated with about such indiscriminate giving for a man of his limited means, he would say: ""That's part of my religion!" [ The writer has had occasion to know whereof he makes these statements, and Merrell's friends and neigh- bors can add much more to confirm them.] With a perfect physical development and plenty of mental power, at the age of forty-four years, Mr. Merrell holds a responsible position among the residents of the "Prairie City." He is the oldest editor (in years of actual work) now liv- ing in western Wisconsin; and his journal, the Courier, is the oldest established newspaper in this city and county, if not in the northwest. Mr. Merrell will continue to publish the Courier, promoting every worthy public enterprise, confi- dent that unrivalled advantages and location will ensure for the city of Prairie du Chien metro- politan proportions and importance in the near future, and he naturally expects to live long enough to share in its prosperity. Generous to a fault, prompted by good intentions, ready to sympathise with the afflicted and prompt to di- vide his last dollar with a friend, or forgive a fallen foe, William D. Merrell deserves to live long and die happy. Few men in western Wis- consin have exerted more effective politieal in- fluence than the editor of the Courier; and as a consequence he had to stand the brunt of bitter political opposition. He must have possessed much manly attraction, for he has always re- tained many true friends. But for a few years he has voluntarially held aloof from active part- isan politics, enjoying the more congenial asso- ciations of private pursuits; but still steadfast as ever in his political faith, an earnest advocate of the principles of constitutional democracy.

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN LEADER.

After the republican party had gained the ascendency in Crawford county, it soon began to lose ground, and it was not long before the vote was decidedly democratic. This faet made

those who assumed to be leaders of the repub- lican party in the county, look about them for some means by which they could reach the peo- ple, that they might counteract the political effect of the Courier. The result of their efforts was the starting of a new republican paper in Prairie du Chien. The manner of its establish- ment was this:

William Hill, who had served his apprentice- ship in Starr's job office in Milwaukee, learn- ing there was an opening for another paper here; that he might expect considerable assist- ance from interested parties if he would pub- lish an opposition journal; and, being encour- aged by a number of persons, he came out with press and materials to start a paper. On arriv- ing at Prairie du Chien with his office, he was unable to obtain the aid he had expected; the assistance promised was not fortheoming. For a considerable time he remained undecided what to do, whether to establish his paper or not. At length Mr. Hill succeeded in obtain- ing the assistance of James Greene, to establish the "Prairie da Chien Leader," and its first number appeared July 18, 1857.

SALUTATORY.

"We do not conceive it necessary to urge the benefits resulting from a well conducted news- paper! they are patent to all. In our own State, the cities and villages that have most rapidly increased in population and in business have been those most ably represented through the local press, and most persistent and liberal in urging and advertising their claims to public regard. Milwaukee, with its eight daily news- papers, and weeklies in still greater number; Madison, with a population of but 10,000 to 12,- 000, supporting as large a number of daily papers, as, perhaps, the capital of any State in the Union; Janesville, with its two dailies; Oshkosh, Watertown and Fond du Lac, are all more or less indebted to this source for their prosperity; all bear evidence to the closeness of

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

the relation between success and printer's ink. Nor is this less applicable to manufacturing and agricultural interests, or to individuals and individual business? The press not despising to trumpet forth its own praises, has harped upon its influence in this respect until the subject has become almost stale; but that facts have warranted all that has been said, none will deny.

"We seek to publish a paper worthy of the prospective rank of our city; one that in size and appearance will compare not unfavorably with the first newspapers of the State. It will be our aim to make it "a leader in everything that promises to develop the resources and in- crease the wealth of our locality, or elevate and enlighten our citizens," not a mere echo of more able cotemporaries. That the necessity of such a paper is felt, has been evinced in the cordial support which has thus far greeted our enterprise. And believing that the degree of success attendant upon our efforts must be com- mensurate with the extent to which you second our endeavors (admitting the faithful fulfill- ment upon our part of the duties devolving upon ns), we respectfully solicit a continuance of this support, and the co-operation and encourage- ment of all, so far as in your judgments such support may subserve the interests and princi- ples which we uphold."

The publishers of the Leader earnestly de- voted all their energies to the publication of their new paper; political friends, actuated by the hope of political aid, encouraged them. The fall election of 1857 passed, and the result was a democratic majority in town and county. This somewhat cooled the ardor of party friends; but, inspired by the hope of "better luck next time," they continued to put their faith in the Leader until the election of 1858, which re- sulted in the election of the entire democratic ticket.

Now the fickle character of political friends began to show itself. All confidence was lost in the hope that the Leader could help the re-

publican party in Crawford county; and, with this loss of confidence, came the desertion of friends and want of support. About this time the monetary crisis was afflicting the newspa- per press throughout the country. Papers were being discontinued or reduced in size. The Leader adopted the latter measure; the paper was cut down from an eight to a seven column sheet; and soon after came under the sole supervision of James Greene, who continued to publish it for some time, but its days were numbered.

THE PRAIRIE DU CHIEN UNION.

This paper was established in Prairie du Chien early in 1864, by Mr. Greene. The fol. lowing was his salutatory :

"Having undertaken to publish a newspaper in Prairie du Chien, at the invitation of a large number of its leading citizens, it will be ex- pected that we explain the policy to be pursued therein. In times of peril, like the present, each patriot desires to know the political whereabouts of those around him, whether they are patriots like himself, or traitors seeking the protection of the government in their efforts to give aid and comfort to the enemy, or cold and indifferent to the struggle which is working out our future destiny.

"While we conduct the Prairie du Chien Union, it will sustain the National government, not coldly, complainingly or with "ifs," "buts," or conditions, but cheerfully and heartily. Dur- ing the war, we feel that we should heartily support the administration, whether we consider its policy, in all its minutia, the wisest or not. Very few persons would exactly agree; each has some theory peculiar to himself; but every plan cannot be adopted; one plan may be ; and as Abraham Lincoln is held responsible for the result of plans, we are of the opinion that his are THE plans that should be supported. And we support them, too, because of their wisdom. Furthermore, Abraham Lincoln is the properly constituted head and exponent of the Union senti- ment, Union armies, and the National govern-

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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY.

ment. Jeff Davis is the head of those who are in all shades of rebellion against the govern- ment.

"All that support Lincoln and his plans give strength to the Union sentiment, army and government; those who oppose him, oppose all that is represented by him, and hence give aid and comfort, morally and substantially, to Jeff Davis and all that is represented by him. We desire to pursue such a course as will be in harmony with the operations of our armies, giving all our sympathy, influence and aid on the side of loyalty, and our opposition to what- ever opposes or weakens the National govern- ment.

"It shall be our aim to favor whatever tends to improve our county or city. We expect to devote much time and space to the mechanics arts, agriculture and every department of trade and commerce. Prairie du Chien is peculiarly located with reference to all these interests; being situated on the great Mississippi, at the mouth of the Wisconsin, at the terminus of the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad [now, 1884, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul] and across the river from the terminus of the Me- Gregor Northwest Railroad, in a healthy coun- try with good water, it is clear that it needs but the application of capital to cause machine shops and manufactories to spring up, and trade to grow up to meet the popular demands. If properly directed, commerce will be a great source of wealth to our citizens; while under enlightened enltivation, our quick soil will be- come the source of great profit to the gardiner and fruiter. Enterprise, knowledge and labor, if united, have here abundant scope to carve out ample fortunes, in a pleasant, healthy, romantie place, and enjoy superior facilities for varied employments. We shall endeavor to advocate these great interests.

"Nor shall we be undmindful of education. The great pillars of free institutions, of civil law and public safety, are grounded in our free schools. In States where free public schools |

have been established there has been no rebel- lion. But just in proportion as the educational interests of any part of the country have been neglected, to that extent have the different shades of rebellion prevailed.

"Wit and humor-laughing sprites-will be welcomed to our columns, as smiling messen- gers of health, joy and peace, good for the soul and resting to the intelleet.

"We shall aim to give the general and local news, and trust that our readers will assist us in this respect, by promptly sending any items of general interest that come under their notice. The local news and interests of Prairie du Chien and Crawford county, will take prece- dence of general matters; as it is expected that the Union will be an exponent of the loyal peo- ple of this city and county; hence their inter- ests will be our interests; their wants and ours, identical. We shall aim to encourage what- ever condnees to the public good, and dis- courage what appears to be publie evil. A citi- zen among you, we desire to study the interests of the people, and make a good family paper. It is very desirable that the loyal people of this county (and all should be loyal) should be united ; then each supported and being sup- ported, may be useful members of the great Union body.

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History of Crawford and Richland counties, Wisconsin, Part 77

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company Number of Pages: 1298

Author: Butterfield, Consul Willshire, 1824-1899. [from old catalog]; Union publishing company, Springfield, Ill., pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Springfield, Ill., Union publishing company
Number of Pages: 1298