USA > Wisconsin > Rock County > Rock County, Wisconsin; a new history of its cities, villages, towns, citizens and varied interests, from the earliest times, up to date, Vol. I > Part 46
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(Brigham's Directory of 1859.)
"The Democratic Standard," weekly, was started by Dr. John Mitchell October 11, 1851, with George W. Crabb editor. After absorbing the "Badger State" the new firm continued until April, 1852, when Dr. Mitchell became editor until he sold the paper to D. C. Brown June 1, 1853.
(Statement of Marion Juliett, Daughter of Dr. John Mitchell.)
Alex T. Gray filled the editorial chair until he was elected secretary of state, and J. C. Bunner assumed the position until February, 1855. In October, 1855, James Armstrong became a partner and soon afterwards the firm issued a daily edition, which they maintained until February, 1858, when G. H. Bishop assumed control, with C. E. Wright editor. In October, 1858, it gave way to the
Janesville Daily and Weekly Times, by G. H. Bishop and C. E. and C. H. Wright, October, 1858, to July, 1859. As to the
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correctness of dates and titles of these publications there is some conflict of authority. For instance, in addition to facts here stated it appears that General Crabb changed the name of the "Rock County Democrat" to "Free Soil Democrat," also that after a few weeks the last-named sheet went into the hands of Charles S. Jordon, a well-known attorney, who issued only two or three numbers previous to changing the name to "Badger State." These matters are of no great consequence except that they convey some idea of the confusion of political parties at that time and the evident difficulty in getting men to fit the pa- pers and papers to fit the daily changes that were taking place in the political ranks. It will be readily noticed that these were all so-called Democratie papers, published at a period when men were lining up, so to speak, in anticipation of the great political revolution of 1860. [A. O. W.]
It is also proper to call attention to the fact that the "Janes- ville Times" here referred to should not be confounded with the "Janesville City Times," started by myself in 1869. Coming here a total stranger in 1867, my attention had not been directed to the fact that a paper of similar name had previously been published.
Although Bishop and the Wright brothers seem to have pub- lished the "Times" until January 26, 1859, when J. F. Erving bought an interest, I am unable to give the date when the paper was finally discontinued, but probably about 1859 or 1860.
"The Picayune," monthly, published by George R. Curtiss in the early '70s and devoted to the drug business and current politics. Supported O'Connor in the Grant-Greeley campaign of 1872. Discontinued about 1873.
(Personal Recollections.)
"The Demokraten," weekly, a Norwegian paper, was brought to Janesville from Racine and issued here from June 18 to Octo- ber 3, 1851, by Knud Langland. It will doubtless be an interesting news item to even the older inhabitants to learn that a paper in the Norse language was ever printed here, yet such is the fact, and for even this brief bit of information I am indebted to Pro- fessor Rasmus B. Anderson, the well-known master of languages of Madison, Wis.
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(His Letter of August 15, 1899.)
Whether or not this paper is to be confounded with another Norwegian publication referred to in some of the Rock county histories as the "Emigranten," I am unable to say. Professor Anderson is supposed to be unquestioned authority on the sub- ject of Norse literature in Wisconsin, but in reply to my ques- tion he mentions only one paper, the "Demokraten."
"Janesville Democrat," weekly, founded by W. H. Bristol and J. C. Mann, September, 1860. Mann bought out Bristol and started the
"Rock County Republican," weekly, in December, 1860, with Horace R. Hobart assistant editor. In June, 1861, Joseph Baker entered the firm, and the paper was suspended a few months subsequently.
(Facts from State Librarian. No Local Records Obtainable.)
"The Monitor," weekly. Published during the Civil War, in the early '60s, by A. and G. D. Palmer, with Andrew Palmer editor. The "Monitor" appears to have been a paper of con- siderable prominence, and very ably edited, but unfortunately no record of it was obtainable. Probably discontinued soon after the war.
A letter from Mrs. Mary Schalernnitezauer, a daughter of A. Palmer (Honorable), dated Milstadt, Ill., July 20, 1899, says : "I am sorry I cannot give you the exact dates of starting and discontinuance of the 'Monitor,' which my father and his brother Garret published in Janesville during a period of two or three years. Am sorry I cannot give you a bound volume to refer to. The paper was published, I think, early in the '60s, during the Civil War."
"The Wisconsin and Iowa Farmer and North-Western Culti- vator" was founded in May, 1849, by Mark Miller, at Racine, Wis. Removed to Janesville and published here by Mark Miller and S. P. Lathrop until the latter's death, which took place in January, 1855. Subsequently removed to Madison, Wis.
"The Northern Farmer," a weekly paper, was brought to Janesville from Fond du Lac, Wis., in the summer of 1869 and published by Messrs. O. F. Stafford and F. D. Carson for a short time, when the latter withdrew and Mr. Stafford became both
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editor and proprietor. The office was equipped in expensive style and became too burdensome for its owners, who permitted foreclosure proceedings on most of the material in the fall of 1870, when the paper was suspended.
(Statement of fact from personal recollections. No files avail- able .- A. O. W.)
"The Wisconsin Journal of Education," a monthly publica- tion, was established in January of 1855 by G. S. Dodge and Hon. James Sutherland, with Julia A. Viers assistant editor. From the records it appears that after a year's growth the paper was transferred by Mr. Sutherland to the State Teachers' Associa- tion, who continued the same at Racine, Wis., with a board of editors to conduct it. It was again removed to Madison, Wis. (State records public library.) Note: Same paper still pub- lished.
It is probable that the educational field has from time to time produced numerous other journals which have completely dropped out of sight and recollection. Janesville has supported several institutions of an educational character, which very likely were represented in their day by weekly or monthly papers. But as no one has ever taken interest enough to preserve their files it is simply impossible for the historian of our own time to ob- tain a trace of them. I am of the opinion also that the same can be said of our churches, and of the medical profession in par- ticular.
"The Commercial Union," a weekly publication devoted to business quotations, was started by W. B. Cushman in March, 1884. Sold to P. J. Mouat in the following July, and after a few months was again sold to T. J. Cairns, who disposed of it to a stock company. The "Journal" was finally moved to Chicago, where it is still published.
(Statement by P. J. Mouat.)
"The Signal," weekly, was issued September 5, 1886, by the late Garret Veeder, and was edited by Mr. and Mrs. Veeder. The "Signal" was strictly a family paper, and sparkled with literary taste, Mrs. Veeder having special qualifications for this depart- ment of the work. In May, 1892, the paper was sold to L. O. Smith, of Ohio, who acted as editor until October, 1892, when
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the entire concern was bought by the Family Friend Publishing Company.
(Statement by Mrs. Emma P. Veeder.)
"The Penny Post" was a small daily issued about the year 1878 by Clarence Baker, who later removed to Chattanooga, Tenn. Letter of inquiry sent to Mr. Baker not returned to writer and not answered.
"The Janesville Democrat," by E. B. Bolens, was established about the year 1866 (files not accessible) and continued by him as a weekly until the summer of 1869, when he removed the plant to Juneau, Dodge county, Wis., where its publication was resumed by him. The paper was of decided Democratic procliv- ities, and Mr. Bolens filled the dual position of editor and pub- lisher. This paper also has the distinction of being one of the last in Janesville to be printed upon a hand press. (Facts from personal recollections.)
It is related of Editor Bolens that once upon a time he enter- tained a visiting scientist, with whom he walked about town try- ing to discover where drive wells could be sunk with the best prospects of obtaining fresh water. It so happened that a female temperance convention was in session, and as the water pros- pector passed the hall where the ladies were congregated his witch-hazel pointed unerringly in their direction, and the pro- fessor shouted, "Cold water here in abundance."
"The North-Western Advance," weekly, was founded in June, 1867, by an association of Good Templars, and edited by J. M. May until December, 1869, he being assisted by H. N. Comstock, J. S. Bliss, John Hicks and C. D. Pillsbury. It was transferred to Milwaukee and sold to Starr & Son in January, 1870, who retained Mr. Pillsbury as editor until June, 1871, when it was suspended.
(Facts by Courtesy of State Librarian.)
Rev. D. C. Pillsbury was a Methodist preacher of decided ability and force of character, an educated gentleman of the old school of preachers, and is well remembered by the writer, who first knew him in the state of Maine more than forty years ago.
"The Rock County Recorder," weekly. This paper was first issued September 1, 1869, by Messrs. Veeder and St. John, as independent politically, with the late Colonel Charles W. Mc-
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Henry political editor and the late F. S. Lawrence local scribe. Colonel McHenry withdrew in less than three months and the paper became straight out Republican. St. John retired at the end of three years, and Mr. Vceder became sole proprietor for about a year, when W. H. Leonard bought a half interest. March 11, 1878, the firm issued a daily edition which is still in exist- ence and is known far and wide as "The Daily Recorder." Mr. G. Fred Selleck became local editor, and both the daily and weekly at once assumed a very prominent position in the com- munity. The daily was started as a small affair, but it was the second morning paper that Janesville has ever known, and as a test of public interest in morning news it proved to be an emi- nent success.
At first the daily was rather non-political, but as that did not work very well with a Republican weekly, it soon became an outspoken advocate of Republican principles. This feature was the more conspicuous when the well-known attorney Thomas S. Nowlan became a member of the printing company and filled the editorial chair. It became more positively Republican still later when Major S. S. Rockwood became editor. The size of the daily was enlarged twice in rapid succession, and although several different persons held the position of local editor from time to time, it remained for Mr. O. H. Brand to create a record which few newspaper men in this state can approach. He as- sumed the position in 1881, and although praised and buffeted by turns, as is the fate of all who enter the profession, he still (1900) retains the post, and challenges attention for his tact and industry. In November, 1885, chiefly through the instru- mentality of Clarence L. Clark, a stock company was formed known as the Recorder Printing Company, reorganized, the ob- ject being to secure control of the "Recorder" daily and weekly, not alone as a business venture, but primarily in the interests of the Democratic party. T. T. Croft was made president, W. D. McKey vice-president, B. J. Daly secretary, W. H. Leonard treasurer and C. L. Clark business manager. The directors were John Winans, J. B. Whiting, J. W. St. John, J. B. Doe, Jr., and Alexander Richardson. Mr. Veeder retired from the business and the "Recorder" at once appeared as a Democratic news- paper, with J. B. Doe, Jr., in the editorial chair, but without change in its local department.
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY
This arrangement continued until March 24, 1886, when the announcement was made of the purchase of the good will and business of the "Janesville Times," the latter being consolidated with the "Recorder," and O. A. Wilson, the "Times" publisher, became editor of the "Recorder" in the place of Mr. Doe, whose law business required all his time. Mr. Wilson continued as ed- itor until January 1, 1894, a period of nearly eight years, when he assumed the duties of postmaster at Janesville. January 1, 1890, C. L. Clark retired as business manager and Peter J. Mouat was chosen president of the company and business manager, a position which he has filled with marked ability. Since 1894 he has also added to his many other duties that of political editor, and under his management the paper has assumed a very ex- tensive patronage and as an institution has become indispensable to a well-ordered community.
The Religious Press of Janesville has generally been confined to the churches individually, that is, each church supporting its own mainly. The idea of combining their forces in one daily or weekly seems never to have met with favor. Possibly it has never been considered, for reasons which suggest themselves.
"Our Church Home." Rev. S. P. Wilder, of the Congrega- tional church, in November, 1889, began the publication of a sixteen-page monthly called "Our Church Home," which con- tinucd until October, 1892.
Five hundred copies were sent to the church members and the congregation, including absent members. Mr. Wilder says it was financially a success and very useful, but that he felt com- pelled to discontinue its publication on account of growing work in the church and for the want of "helpers to take charge of it."
(Letter of Mr. Wilder, July 11, 1899.)
"The Sentinel," of Trinity parish, was strictly a parish paper, issued quarterly, commencing October, 1894, but did not com- plete its third year.
(See Rev. Barrington's letter for facts stated.)
"The Angelus," a monthly paper issued from Christ church rectory by the Rev. A. H. Barrington, rector and editor, is in all respects a credit to this class of publications. Its purpose is to increase communication with Christ Church parish and to record news of the Episcopal church in this city and vicinity.
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Date of first issue, November, 1894. This paper also fur- nishes indubitable proof that while professional editors rarely make good preachers, the pulpit does occasionally produce an interesting editor.
(Letter of Rev. A. H. Barrington as to facts, July 21, 1899.)
"The Free Religious Leaflet" was first issued in September, 1896, and continued for about six months, by the Rev. Victor E. Southworth, pastor of All Souls' (Unitarian) church. Accord- ing to its published statement (October, 1896) it was to be "an exponent of what is good and true in all systems of religion." "Our aim is to help lift religion out of the sectarian and eccle- siastical entanglements into which it has fallen." Printed monthly.
"Church Echoes" is the title of a monthly publication in pamphlet form issued in behalf of the First Baptist church of Janesville. It was commenced in March, 1898, and has for its motto "A church home for everybody."
The present management is scheduled as follows: Editor, Arthur C. Kempton, pastor of the church; business managers, J. T. Fitchett, C. S. Cleland, W. E. Clinton. As may be readily inferred, this publication is devoted strictly to the church inter- ests, and is ably managed.
(Facts Obtained of J. T. Fitchett, Manager.)
"The Lamp-Lighter," a monthly organ of the Methodist Epis- copal church, was established here in January, 1888, by the Rev. P. W. Peterson, presiding elder. Removed to Milwaukee in 1896.
(Catalogue of State Librarian, 1895-96.)
"The Spiritualist" was also a monthly journal, brought to Janesville from Appleton, Wis., in October, 1868, and for a short time issued here as a weekly, by Rev. Joseph Baker. "The Spir- itualist" was established at Appleton in January, 1868, and was probably suspended on account of Mr. Baker's death.
(State Librarian for Facts.)
"The Vedette," monthly.
"The Phoenix."
"Our Own."
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY
In October, 1895, the students of the Janesville high school issued a paper called "The Vedette," with John B. McElroy chief editor. This paper was suspended during the winter of 1896-97, but revived as "The Phoenix" in March, 1898, with Ray Owen editor-in-chief.
A paper called "Our Own" was also issued February 8, 1886, by high school pupils, which survived long enough to print five numbers, the last containing the graduating essays. Editor-in- chief, Ella Croft, first number; Margaret Mouat, vacation num- ber. Other officers connected with this publication consisted of : Mamie Jones, secretary ; Mary Lugg, treasurer ; and Harry Carle, George Bliss, Fred Merritt and Sara Hickey as business com- mittee. I surmise that still other papers have been issued from the high school, but as the method of preserving records in that institution was very faulty up to the time when the present structure was completed, there is nothing to prove their exist- ence.
"Our Folks at Home" was the title of a well-printed monthly published by F. D. Carson, formerly of the "Northern Farmer," in 1870. The paper was edited by George E. Leland, a fine speci- ment of the young man genius, often seen in those days, who had a specialty of arriving suddenly from nowhere in particular, and to remain only a short time. The paper stopped abruptly for lack of support and the editor, a brilliant jotter, died shortly afterward in Iowa.
(Recollections of the Writer.)
"The Janesville Weekly Republican" was started in Septem- ber, 1891, by E. M. Hardy and E. O. Kimberly. The latter re- tired at the end of one year.
"The Daily Republican" was started by Mr. Hardy in 1892, both papers advocating Republican principles. A few years later Mr. Hidden, of Madison, became a member of the printing company. In April, 1899, creditors of the concern foreclosed and the material was sold to Chicago parties. Both papers were suspended.
(From statement of E. O. Kimberly and recollections of the writer, who, by consent of the creditors, had charge of the plant for two weeks previous to its sale and removal.)
"The Family Friend," monthly. It was about the year 1891-
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92 that celebrated "promoter" appeared in Janesville, known as J. W. Hamilton. He came well recommended and the price of town lots began to boom. Among other investments Hamil- ton was said to be owner of a big "monthly" at Springfield, Ohio, which he wished to transfer to Janesville. Thus it was that "The Family Friend" became credited with a circulation of 40,000 copies. E. M. Hardy, of the "Janesville Republican," joined in the rush for wealth at his own cost, but there was trouble with the postoffice department and the paper ceased to exist.
(Statement of E. O. Kimberly.)
"The Janesville Journal" is a weekly paper printed in the German language, a seven-column quarto, established in 1889 by H. W. Frick, who still retains control as editor and publisher. Mr. Frick started his paper in a moderate way and has built up the business literally from one subscriber to his present well- paying list. This could hardly be done without painstaking in- dustry and good business qualifications, both of which Mr. Frick possesses in ample degrec. The concern also has a first-class job office connected with the paper and is believed to be in a pros- perous condition, as it richly deserves.
In October, 1899, the "Journal" began the publication of a Beloit edition, printed in the German language, called the "Be- loit Deutsche Zeitung."
"Spirit of the Turf." In the fall of 1869 Mr. Frank H. Dun- ton issued from the office of the "Northern Farmer" a paper devoted to horse breeding, which was obliged to suspend pub- lication about one year later when the "Farmer" office was wound up by foreclosure proceedings. Mr. Dunton subsequently revived his paper industry in Chicago, where "Dunton's Spirit of the Turf" became worth fully $100,000.
"The Daily Chronicle" was launched upon the peaceful shores of time during the winter of 1886. T. S. Nowlan, Esq., was the prime mover in the enterprise, but after a brief experience he disposed of its good will and business to the Recorder Printing Company.
"The Sunday Mirror," a weekly paper devoted to society gos- sip, local literature and crisp comment, was started December 16, 1894, by J. L. Mahoney, the well-known lawyer. He con-
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY
tinued its publication with marked ability until February, 1895, when it was sold to George Baird, who conducted the same for a year or more, when it was merged with the "Janesville Weekly Republican" and with the latter was discontinued in the spring of 1899.
(Statement of J. L. Mahoney, Esq., December 1, 1899.)
"The Bulletin of Progress," a monthly paper, was first issued in 1874 from the Valentine Brothers' School of Telegraphy, as a one-page sheet printed from a stencil made with an electric pen. The first regularly printed number was issued in 1877, and it has been issued monthly ever since.
(N. Valentine's Letter of July 11, 1899.)
This publication is very largely devoted to the school in- terests.
"The Janesville Sun" was first issued in the spring of 1887, as a weekly, devoted to business and news, by John Nicholson, who sold it to J. B. Silsbee in the spring of 1888. It was finally consolidated with the "Janesville Signal," owned by the late Garret Veeder.
(Statement of John Nicholson, July 23, 1899.)
During Professor Silsbee's proprietorship the "Sun" was mainly devoted to the interests of the commercial college of which he was the head.
Some think that the "Sun" really shone with the keenest effulgence when John Nicholson wielded the editorial pen.
"Nick's Commercial Guide" for the state of Wisconsin was originated and published for several years by John H. Nichol- son, of this city. It required a good newspaper man to originate and arrange the plan of this elegant hand-book.
"The Wisconsin Tobacco Leaf," a weekly devoted to the to- bacco interests, was first issued by B. F. Willey December 9, 1889. Mr. Willey continued as editor and publisher until June, 1895, when a stock company took charge, of which S. B. Heddles assumed the presidency and management. Later Mr. Heddles appeared as sole owner of the plant and continued the publica- tion until June 29, 1899, when it was discontinued.
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(Statement of J. F. Willey, First Publisher.)
"The Farm and Home," a weekly paper, devoted, as its name implies, to farm interests, was first published July 1, 1898, by J. F. Willey, who also assumed the editorship. He still eon- tinues as proprietor and editor, and furnishes a very excellent production, the paper being issued from the office of the "Janes- ville Journal."
(Statement of Facts by J. F. Willey in Fall of 1899.)
"The Wisconsin Druggist's Exchange," monthly, was started January 10, 1892, by E. B. Heimstreet, secretary of the state board of pharmacy, who still continues as editor and publisher. The paper is an eight-page publication using enameled stock. It furnishes the drug news of the state, also a list of examina- tion questions, contains portraits and sketches of prominent druggists, traveling agents, etc., and is the official paper of the Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Association, comprising a majority of the druggists in the state. It is now firmly established as an institution and pays handsome profits for well-rendered service to its patrons.
(Facts Gathered from Letter by E. B. Heimstreet, July 3, 1899.)
"The Wisconsin Medical Recorder," a monthly journal of medicine and surgery, for the whole profession (see title page), was issued first in January, 1898, and although still youthful, has proved to be a decided success. J. P. Thorne, M.D., editor and William Hall, manager, comprise the firm of Hall & Thorne, pub- lishers. This publication in pamphlet form is devoted exclu- sively to the medical profession, as its name implies, and is filled with original ideas and suggestions.
(Letter of Dr. Thorne, August 9, 1899.)
"Pebbles" was a small weekly published by Mr. "Cy Young" about the years 1895-96. It was evidently intended as a reform organ, and its publisher was doubtless an honest man. At least he apparently sympathized with the poor, tendering the service of an attorney free of cost, by the name of "Cy," which, how- ever, they never accepted. Needless to remark, his career was brief though pyrotechnic. Discontinued in 1896.
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HISTORY OF ROCK COUNTY
"The Workingman's Friend" was a small weekly paper is- sued for a few months by the late James M. Burgess in 1870. Mr. Burgess was an original thinker in his way and injected consid- erable of his forceful originality into his newspaper, but the pub- lie was obdurate and the paper went the way of many others -- into the yawning cavity of oblivion.
"The Janesville City Times," weekly, was begun as an adver- tising sheet in August, 1869, being limited to one issue.
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