HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 55

CHAPTER XIII.

THE PRESS OF LORAIN COUNTY.*

Newspapers are both "annals" and "history." Not only do their columns contain a record of events in chronological order, but the causes and effects of such events are also considered. Newspapers also contain a perfect record of their own history; but, like any other record, it is of no use to mankind unless it is carefully preserved. In the early days of a new settlement, the pioneers have enough burdens to bear, enough present wants to supply, to engross all their time, without giving thought to what their children, in after years, may desire to know of the details of their pioneer life; hence the rarity of the record of those events, and the difficulty of obtaining, in many cases, any correct data concerning them. It is doubtless for the same reason that publishers of newspapers took so little pains in pioneer times to preserve their files. With the exception of two volumes, no files have been preserved of any newspapers published in this county prior to 1850. When it is known that there were almost yearly changes in the ownership and editorial management of these early publications, and that only straggling copies can now be found, the difficulty in giving an accurate history of the press in this county will be apparent; but through the interest taken in this labor by many who were formerly connected therewith, and the kindness of others who have forwarded occasional copies of the early publications, these obstacles have been chiefly overcome, and, with the conviction that the labor of rescuing these interesting details from oblivion was undertaken none to soon, the reader may rest assuled that the history of the nearly three dozen newspapers and other periodicals that have been published in this county will be found substantially correct. The history of each publication will be given in the order of its date, commencing in Elyria; and, as a matter of equal public interest, a brief notice of those who were prominently connected with them is appended.

THE LORAIN GAZETTE.

The first newspaper printed in Lorain county was called The Lorain Gazette, published in Elyria by Archibald S. Park, who in the spring of 1829 was conducting a newspaper in Ashtabula, Ohio, called The Western Journal. Desiring to change his location, he came to Elyria, and made arrangements with. Mr. Heman Ely to purchase the necessary material for a newspaper and job office. On his return, be sent him a bill in detail of the articles needed, which Mr. Ely forwarded to New York The material was shipped on the 6th of May, by way of the Hudson river and canal to Buffalo, thence by steamer to Cleveland, and thence to Elyria in wagons. The following is a copy of the bill and accompanying letter, found among the papers of the

* By George G. Washburn.

56 - HISTORY OP LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

late Homan Ely. It shows that at that day it required but a small sum to purchase what was then considered a sufficient outfit for a newspaper and job office:

On the margin is written in pencil— 

Paid Freight                                                    $17 98

On the opposite page of the above bill is the following letter:

"NEW YORK, May 6th, 1829.

" HEMAN ELY, Esq.—

" DEAR SIR:—Herewith you have a bitl of articles shipped you this day. I think it to be judiciously arranged for a country office. Not finding any second-hand type that I judged would please you, and as I have reduced the price of my small pica 6 per cent., and my bourgoise 8 per cent. per pound, and the price of other sizes about in the same proportion, I concluded it best to send you new type. Should you find anything wanting, name it, and it shall be sent. The press, boxing and cartage I have charged only at what I had to pay, which is $10 less than you could have got it at had you applied in person. I purchase largely of the man, and my custom is an object to him. 1f my bill is to be charged to you as a cash sale, you will be entitled to a disct. of N per cent. on all but the press, boxes and cartage, viz: on $202.55, which disct. I shall have to credit you in account.

" Yours Sincerely,

E. WHITE,

"per John T. White."

Mr. Ely remitted the cash, thus saving nearly the amount of freight in the discount.

Mr. Park sold his paper in Ashtabula, and removed to Elyria with his family, arriving June 18, 1829. The press, known as the "two-pull Ramage," constructed almost entirely of wood, was put up in the small one-story building, two doors east of East avenue, on the south side of Broad street, (now No. 22,) where the first number of the Lorain Gazette was issued July 24, 1829. The first stickful of type set in this county was by Calvin Hall, then sixteen

years old, who accompanied Mr. Park from Ashtabula as an apprentice. It is made a part of this record, not only as a matter of general interest, but because it is doubtful if the same number of high-sounding words have since been compressed into a single stickful. It was as follows:

[FROM THE LITERARY CHRONICLE.]

"THE RENEGADE."

"The sack of the city had commenced. The fire darted from a hundred roofs; the crash of broken bars and bolts rang through the blood-stained streets of the long peaceful Mother of the Arts. Barbarians of gigantic stature, their hair ftowing wildly on their shoulders, and wielding spears of prodigious length, with fierce gestures and dissonant cries, trampled the venerable halls of the Areopagus, and violated the holy stillness of the Parthenon."

The Gazette was a five column folio, sent by mail for two dollars, and delivered in the village for two dollars and fifty cents a year. In politics, it supported the Whig party. A copy of the first number, now in the Elyria library, contains the name of "A S. Park, printer, publisher, and proprietor." Frederick Whittlesey was editor of the paper, for the first six months, after which its publisher assumed entire charge, and its columns were chiefly filled with selected miscellany and news items. In the fall of 1830, Mr. Abraham Burrell, also a practical printer, became a partner in the paper, and its publication was continued by Park & Burrell, until the spring of 1832, when it passed into the hands of James F. Manter, who changed its name to The Elyria Times. Only an occasional copy of the Gazette is now extant.

Archibald S. Park served his apprenticeship in the office of Heacock & Bowen, publishers of the Ashtabula Recorder. He was subsequently connected with two more journals in Elyria, and not finding the business sufficiently lucrative, abandoned the case in 1834, and engaged in other business. He still lives in Elyria, hale and hearty, at the age of seventy-four years, where he has ever sustained the character of an honest and upright citizen.

Frederick Whittlesey, the pioneer editor of the county, removed to Cleveland in 1835, where he died November 13, 1854, aged fifty-three years. He was held in high esteem, and among various offices that he filled with credit,were that of clerk of the Cuyahoga court of common pleas, and senator in the legislature from Cuyahoga county, for several years.

Abraham Burrell was thoroughly taught the printers' art in the state of New York. He came to Elyria in the spring of 1830, and went to work as compositor in the Gazette office. He was subsequently printer of the Ohio Atlas, Buckeye Sentinel, Elyria Courier, Lorain Argus, Lorain Eagle, and for a number of years of the independent Democrat, published by the writer, in whose employment he died November 23, 1868, at the age of sixty-nine years. Mr. Burrell was emphatically the veteran printer of Lorain county. He was a man of remarkable industry, was strictly honest in his dealings, but he experienced many of the ups and downs incident to his profession. He was better fitted for the mechanical than the business department of a newspaper, and worked more hours

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 57

in a day, and more days in a week, than any person who has ever lived so long in Elyria.

THE ELYRIA TIMES.

"This paper immediately succeeded the Gazette, and also supported the whig party. Mr. Manter published it three months, without changing its size or price, under promises of adequate support, which were not realized, and about the first of June, 1832, he sold the office and good will to A. S. Park and Josiah A. Harris, who added new material, enlarged the sheet, and changed its name to The Ohio Atlas and Elyria Advertiser.

Mr. Manter learned the art of printing in the office of the Patriot, Utica, New York. After working at the case in various places in that State, he removed to Ohio, and in May, 1826, came to Elyria, where he engaged in farming. The three months during which be published the Times, concluded his labors as printer and publisher. He now resides in Elyria, at the age of nearly eighty-one years, remarkable for his physical and mental vigor, and respected for his many excellent traits of character. He has no recollection of the date when he commenced or concluded the publication of the Times, except that it was in the early part of 1832, and, so far as is known, no copy of it is now in existence.

THE OHIO ATLAS AND ELYRIA ADVERTISER.

Soon alter the purchase of the Times, by Messrs. Park & Harris, they issued the Ohio Atlas and Elyria Advertiser. The first number was dated July 12, 1832. It was a six column folio, presenting a much better appearance than its predecessor, and for twelve years, under the editorial charge of various persons, it sustained a high character, as a newspaper. Its motto was the interrogative, " What is it but a map of busy life?" Its terms were, $2, if paid within six months, and $2.50, if not paid within one year. Among its regular contributors was Rev. Alfred H. Betts, of Brownhelm, whose letters to the young, over the familiar initials, " B. H. A.," continued for some years, and were widely read. A few months after the paper was started, Mr. Park sold his interest to his associate, and retired. Up to this period, Mr. Harris was its editor, and, on the retirement of Mr. Park, Abraham. Burrell became its printer, and remained in that position until it was discontinued in 1844.

Mr. Harris conducted the paper, as editor and proprietor, until the 21st day of November, 1833, when he sold the office to Frederick Whittlesey and Edward S. Hamlin. Albert A. Bliss, then a law student in their office, became its editor. The paper was increased to seven columns, and otherwise improved in its general make up, as well as in its spirit and ability. On the 10th day of July, 1834, A. A. Bliss and Thomas Tyrrell became its editors and proprietors, and on the 27th of November, of the same year, Mr. Bliss published his valedictory, with an intimation that, although his connection with the paper had been personally agreeable, his purse had been somewhat depleted thereby. He, did not long remain absent from the chair editorial, for, on the 22d of January, 1835, as appears by a single tattered copy of the Atlas of that date, he resumed his duties as editor. The fragment of the copy contains the following editorial notice:

For reasons, which it is unnecessary to detail, the subscriber has again become connected with the Atlas. All business relating to the establishment, other than with the editorial department, will be transacted by the proprietors, T. Tyrrell & Co. A. A. Brass.

The exact time when Mr. Bliss finally retired from the paper cannot be ascertained, but it was about the beginning of 1836. On the 10th of February, 1836, the name of E. S. Hamlin appears as editor, and A. Burrell & Co. as publishers. Mr. Bliss went to Cleveland, temporarily, and, in connection with Charles Whittlesey, conducted the Cleveland Gazette through the campaign of 1836. Not long after Mr. Hamlin took charge of the paper he sold it to an association of gentlemen, consisting of D. W. Lathrop, H. Ely, S. W. Baldwin, Wm. Andrews, Ozias Long, Franklin Wells, and, possibly, others, who formed a stock company, and, under the new management, Mr. Lathrop became its editor. A. Burrell continued to be its printer. The exact date of this transfer is not known, but it was previous to July 27 1836. Under the management of Mr. Lathrop, the Atlas took an advanced position on all the moral questions of the day, and was an able champion of the principles of the whig party. The exact date of his withdrawal is also not known, but it was about July 1, 1842. Mr. Burrell continued to print the paper, and its editorial labor was performed by Wm. F. Lockwood, and later, by Ezra L. Stevens, who, on the 12th of June, 1844, became part proprietor of the office, suspended the publication of the Atlas, and issued it under the name of the Buckeye Sentinel.

Of those who were connected with the Atlas, Josiah A. Harris removed to Cleveland, and in 1837 purchased the Cleveland Herald, which he published for a number of years with distinguished ability. He died in that city August 21, 1876, aged sixty-eight years, lamented by all who knew him.

Albert A. Bliss was born in Canton, Conn., March 23, 1811. He removed to Elyria in June, 1833, where he was admitted to the bar, and for a number of years occupied the highest position as an attorney. He represented this county in the legislature during the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth and fortieth general assemblies, in 1839, '40 and '41, where he took a prominent position as a debater. He subsequently established the Elyria Courier, and in 1846 was eleoted treasurer of state, serving five years. In May, 1863, he removed to Jackson, Michigan, where he now resides, widely esteemed for the unblemished character he has ever borne.

Thomas Tyrrell left Elyria in the fall of 1835, and, if living, his present residence is unknown.

58 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

Edward S. Hamlin ranked among the best members of the Lorain bar, was elected to congress to fill a vacancy in 1844, and served during the second session of the twenty-eighth congress. A short time after his term expired, he removed to Southern Ohio, where he lived a number of years, and then removed to Virginia. He now resides in Egremont, Mass. Mr. Hamlin first settled in Elyria in 1830.

Rev. D. W. Lathrop, who edited the Atlas for nearly six years, came to Elyria in 1824. He participated in the organization of the First Presbyterian Church in Elyria, in that year, became is first pastor, and labored in that relation for about six years. After relinquishing his editorial charge, in 1842, he was employed as agent of the American Home Missionary Society, and in 1848 removed to New Haven, Conn. At this time, he is residing in Jackson, Mich., aged eighty years. He was a man of much ability and untiring industry, and even now spends much of his time in writing.

It is deeply to be regretted that so few copies of the Ohio Atlas, containing so much of personal and local history that would be valuable at this day, have been preserved.

THE LITERARY REGISTER AND MISCELLANEOUS MAGAZINE.

Soon after A. S. Park sold his interest in the Atlas, he went to New York and purchased a newspaper outfit, including an iron press, the first ever brought here, and on the fourth day of October, 1833, issued the first number of a weekly paper with the above title. It was a three-column quarto, and was entirely filled with original and selected matter—no advertisements. It did not prove to be a profitable venture for its publisher; and after continuing it one year, Mr. Park sold the establishment to Dr. Matson, H. K. Kendall, Edwin Byington and Dr. E. W. Hubbard, who issued the first democratic paper ever published in the county and called it

THE ELYRIA REPUBLICAN AND WORKING-MEN'S ADVOCATE.

Soon after the transfer above referred to, the purchasers negotiated with Samuel L.Hatch, of Chenango, N. Y., who removed to Elyria, and onsithe second day of October, 1834, issued the first number of the above named paper. Mr. Hatch was its nominal editor, but most of the proprietors contributed to its editorial columns. It was a six-column folio, its terms being one dollar and seventy-five cents in advance, two dollars within six months, and two dollars and fifty cents within one year. In January, 1835, LeGrand Byington, then quite a young man, came on from Chenango, purchased the paper, and continued its publication, a part of the time in connection with Calvin Hall, until May 17, 1837. During this time, political excitement ran high, and the cause of the democratic party was championed by Mr. Byington with great energy, and his paper fairly bristled with pungent personal paragraphs. Not being sustained in the effort to make the paper remunerative, he declined to publish it longer; and at the date above mentioned, the establishment passed into the hands of Horace D. Clark, who dropped the "and Working-men's Advocate" from its title, and issued his first number May 24, 1837. Calvin Hall was employed to print it. Mr. Clark continued to conduct the paper until August 30, 1838, when he transferred it to E. R. Jewitt and Calvin Hall, the former having charge of the editorial, and the latter the mechanical department. Mr. Jewitt retained his connection with the paper for about one year, when he retired, and Mr. Hall continued its publication until the spring of 1840, when it was purchased by Charles Chaney, who changed its title to The Lorain Standard. The Republican and its immediate suocessors were never pecuniarily prosperous. Like some of the whig papers of that and a later period, they were sustained by their partisan friends, who came to the rescue with their contributions occasionally to relieve their publishers from embarrassment. The whigs were generally most able or most willing to sustain their organs, and the amount of the delinquency which either party was called upon to contribute depended largely upon the county patronage, which at that period alternated between the two.

Horace D. Clark came to Elyria, July 4, 1834. During his residence here, of nearly a quarter of a century, he occupied a prominent position at the bar, was an active politician, but not ambitious for official position. He was a member of the convention which formed the present constitution of Ohio, in 1850, and removed to Cleveland some time previous to the commencement of the civil war. He now resides in Montreal, Canada, enjoying the fruits of a long and active professional career.

Samuel L. Hatch removed to Norwalk in 1835, and, in company with Joseph M. Farr, established the Norwalk Experiment. His subsequent history is not known to his associates in Elyria.

LeGrand Byington distinguished himself while here as a bitter partisan of the pro-slavery school, and more particularly as the author of a series of articles called "Chronicles," in prose and poetry, which were published in three numbers, over the nom de plume of "Peter Porcupine, Esq." in which all his prominent political opponents were savagely caricatured. He went to Ravenna in the spring of 1838, where he published a paper for a few months called

The Buckeye Democrat, and from there he removed to Pike county, Ohio. He represented Pike county in the fortieth and forty-first general assemblies. While there he married, and subsequently removed to Iowa, where he now resides in Iowa City, reputed to be the wealthiest citizen of the State.

Calvin Hall removed to Cleveland January 3, 1841, and assumed the management of the Cleveland Advertiser, a weekly paper, and for a time issued a penny daily called the Morning Mercury. At the close of

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 59

the year the Advertiser was purchased by A. N. and J. W. Gray, who, on the 8th of January, 1842, transformed it into the Plain Dealer. Mr. Hall still resides in Cleveland, where he has worked at the case for thirty-six years.

E. R. Jewitt, who was the last regular editor of the Republican under its original name, was a man of very

positive convictions, and, during his editorial charge, the paper lacked none of the qualities that would recommend it to the intensely partisan portion of his party. After leaving the editorial chair he remained in Elyria until the fall of 1840, when he left and entered the ministry as a member of the North Ohio Conference. For many years be has devoted his energies to the cause of christianity with the same zeal that characterized his political efforts. He now resides in Sandusky City, with health much impaired, gaged in selling books and stationery, aged sixty-seven years. He still retains his connection with the conference on the superannuated list.

THE LORAIN STANDARD.

This paper was issued soon after the purchase of the press and type of the Republican by Charles Chaney, the first number being dated April 7, 1840. It was also a six-column folio; terms, $2 in advance, and $2.50 after six months. It was printed by Horace C. Tenney, who was also associate editor. Mr. Chaney continued its publication as a democratic paper until November 3, 1840, when, not finding its self-sustaining, he discontinued it. A complete file of this paper is now in the Elyria library, presented by lion. Horace A. Tenney.

Charles Chaney never again engaged in a newspaper enterprise. He continued to reside in Elyria, quietly pursuing the several branches of business in which he was at different times engaged, where he died July 30, 1874, aged eighty-two years. He was a justice of the peace for several years, and served one term as treasurer of the county.

THE INDEPENDENT TREASURY.

When Mr. Chaney discontinued the Standard, the press and type remained idle until November 18, 1841, when the material was purchased by Edmund S. Ellis, who started a new democratic paper with the above title. It was of the same size and form as the Standard; terms $2 in advance. On the 13th of April, 1842, Mr. Ellis sold the paper to Horace A. Tenney, and removed to the central part of Ohio. Mr. Tenney published it until November 16, 1842,—the close of the first volume,—when he changed its name to

THE LORAIN REPUBLICAN.

He continued the Republican in the same size and form, and with varied success, until the fall of 1844, when it was discontinued for want of adequate support.

Horace A. Tenney came to Elyria in 1836, and immediately went to work as compositor in the office of

the Republican. He spent most of his time in journalism while he resided here, and, in 1845, there being no prospect of a revival of the democratic paper, he boxed the press and type and shipped them to Galena, Illinois, where they became the property of the Galena Jefersonian. The old press is still in use in that city. Mr. Tenney now resides in Madison, Wisconsin,, where he has lived many years, and where he has held numerous offices of trust and responsibility. He is at present engaged in writing biographical sketches of the members of the Wisconsin constitutional convention of 1846-1847.

THE DOLLAR DEMOCRAT.

Soon after the suspension of the Republican, in the fall of 1844, Eleazar Wakeley, then a young attorney in Elyria, issued one number of the Dollar Democrat; but sufficient encouragement not being given for its continuance, it was suspended. From this period until March 14, 1848, there was no democratic paper published in this county. Mr. Wakeley removed to Wisconsin, where he was appointed territorial judge in 1854. He now resides in Omaha, Nebraska, where he has acquired wealth and honor in his profession.

THE BUCKEYE SENTINEL.

This paper, as has been before stated, was successor to the Ohio Atlas, the first issue appearing the week following the suspension of that paper, and bearing date June 19, 1844. Ezra L. Stevens was its editor, and Abraham Barrel publisher. During the exciting campaign of 1844, the Sentinel urged the election of Henry Clay for president with much spirit and ability, and, a short time after its close, Mr. Stevens sold his interest to Mr. Burrell and retired. Mr. Burrell continued to publish the paper, acting in the capacity of both editor and printer for nearly two years, when it became necessary to reorganize the establishment in order to put it on a paying basis. Mr. A. Bliss purchased the press and suspended its publication, succeeding it in November, 1846, with a new paper called The Elyria Courier.

Ezra L. Stevens, after completing his collegiate studies at Oberlin, entered the law office of Hamlin and Lockwood, in the fall of 1843, but finding journalism more congenial to his taste, devoted most of his time to politics. On retiring from the Sentinel he went to Olmsted Falls, and commenced the publication of The True Democrat, which he conducted for some time, and then removed the office to Cleveland, where, in connection with E. S. Hamlin, he converted it into a daily. The paper subsequently went into other hands, and is now the Cleveland Leader. After leaving The True Democrat Mr. Stevens removed to Washington, where for a time he was engaged as a newspaper correspondent. He still resides there, and during the past quarter of a century has been in the government service.

William F. Lockwood served for some years as territorial judge in Nebraska, and subsequently removed

60 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

to Toledo, where he now resides. He was recently elected to the office of judge of the common pleas court, by the united recommendation of the bar, of all parties.

THE ELYRIA COURIER.

On the suspension of the Sentinel Mr. Albert A. Bliss purchased a new supply of type in Boston, and commenced, in connection with A. Burrell, the publication of The Elyria Courier. The first number was issued November 10, 1846; A. A. Bliss, editor, A. Burrell, printer. It was a seven column folio; terms, $2,00 a year. During the session of the legislature the following winter Mr. Bliss was elected treasurer of state, and on the 27th of February, 1847, he sold his interest in the paper to John H. Faxon, then sheriff of the county. It was published by Faxon and Burrell, until April 13, 1847, when Mr. Faxon became sole proprietor and published it until December 7, 1847, when he sold the paper to Edmund A. West. Mr. West employed J. Wesley Udall as printer, and continued its publication as a whig paper until the campaign of 1848, when he refused to support General Taylor for the presidency, and the Courier became an organ of the "Free Soil" party. About the first of November, 1849, Mr. West sold the paper to Jerome Cotton, who had acquired a good reputation as a Washington correspondent of several leading journals. He changed the title to Elyria Weekly Courier, and continued to support the free soil party; but many of the active whigs who supported Van Buren in 1848, fell back into the ranks of their old party, and the Courier gradually lost much of its support. On the first of June, 1850, an association of gentlemen, among whom were Myron R. Keith, Landon Rood, and Benjamin C. Perkins, purchased the Courier establishment of Mr. Cotton, with the design of converting it into an organ of the whig party, and on the 10th of the same month George G. Washburn took charge of it as editor, Mr. Udall continuing to print it. Its original title was restored, and from this time forward the paper became self-sustaining; but on the 10th day of February, 1852, the office and all its contents were destroyed by fire, without insurance, in the first great conflagration that destroyed commercial block. After the lapse of fourteen weeks a new outfit was purchased by George G. Washburn and George T. Smith, and its publication was resumed, with these gentlemen as editors, and Mr. Udall printer, until January 25, 1854, when Mr. Washburn sold his interest to his partner, and soon after the Courier and Independent Democrat, then published by Philemon Bliss, were united, retaining the name of the latter.

John H. Faxon, subsequently filled various offices acceptably, both state and national, and for two terms represented the county in the lower branch of the legislature. He is still an honored resident of Elyria.

Edmund A. West removed to Chicago soon after relinquishing journalism, where he is now engaged in

the practice of law, making a specialty of cases relating to patents.

Jerome Cotton resumed his position as correspondent, after leaving the Courier, but his health began to decline, and in the summer of 1851 he returned to Elyria, where he died September 21, 1852, of consumption, aged twenty-eight years. He was a ready and spicy writer, giving promise of much ability in the profession of journalism.

George T. Smith retained his connection with the Democrat until November, 1855, when he sold his interest to George G. Washburn, and soon after removed to Illinois. He now resides in Cleveland, engaged in the practice of law.

THE LORAIN ARGUS.

When Edmund A. West purchased the Courier office he failed to make satisfactory arrangements with Abraham Burrell to print it for him, and employed J. W. Udall instead. This threw Mr. Burrell out of employment, but he soon formed a partnership with Sylvester Matson, purchased a press and type, and on the 11th day of January, 1848, issued the first number of the Lorain Argus. It was a seven column folio; terms $1.50 in advance, $2.50 after one year. No responsible editor was announced, and various persons contributed its political matter for nearly two years. Among the number of those most prominent were H. D. Clark, John M. Vinoent and John H. Sherman. Mr. Matson did not retain his interest long after the first year, disposing of it to other parties, and the whole management devolved upon Mr. Burrell. On the first of January, 1851, Mr. Sherman was announced as editor, but he withdrew on the 22d of July following. From that date until December, 1851, Mr. Vincent was its responsible editor. Geo. B. Lake then took the editorial chair, sub rosa, and contributed most of the editorial matter for several months. On the night of August 10, 1852, the building in which the paper was printed, called Garvey's Exchange, took fire, and was mostly consumed. The press, most of the type, and nearly all of the furniture in the printing office were destroyed. With the insurance money, Mr. Burrell purchased the old press and type formerly used by the Sandusky Register, and being aided pecuniarily by E. C. K. Garvey, resumed its publication, considerably enlarged by lengthening its columns. Mr. Garvey soon secured control of the entire establishment, and retaining Mr. Burrell as printer, conducted it until November 17, 1852, when he sold it to Bird B. Chapman & Co., and L. S. Everett, who had been nominal editor during Mr. Garvey's ownership, became its responsible editor. The title of the paper was changed to The Lorain County Argus.

Mr. Everett retired from the Argus, November 16, 1853, and at that date John H. Sherman purchased an interest in the office, and became its editor-in-chief. The exact time when he retired is 1rot known, but he remained only a few months; and on his retirement,

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 61

the paper was published by Mr. Chapman; and during sent his frequent terms of absence, various parties wrote for its columns, Mr. Burrell contributing his share. Having lost the county printing, the paper began to be a burden to its proprietor, and on the 18th of April 1855, Mr. Chapman discontinued its publication, packed the material and shipped it to Nebraska, he established the Omaha Nebraskian.

Of the seven persons not previously mentioned, who were connected with the Argus, only one is know to be living.

Sylvester Matson removed to Cleveland, where he enlisted in the United States army, and served out his term. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he volunteered in the cause of the union, and was killed in one of the great conflicts of the war.

John H. Sherman was a young man of consider ability as a writer, but his connection with journalism here was brief. He left Elyria, in connection with Mr. Chapman, in 1855, and went to Nebraska„ where for some years he was connected editorially with the Omaha Nebraskian. He died in Council Bluffs, in 1865.

E. C. K. Garvey was a man of great business activity, but with little business capacity. He removed to Kansas during the " herder-ruffian " troubles, where he espoused the "free State" cause with much ardor, and was on one occasion lynched by the ruffians, but was neither intimidated nor subdued. He was residing in Kansas when last heard from, many years ago, but it is hardly probable that he is now living.

Bird B. Chapman removed to Omaha and was elected the first delegate in congress from that territory, which was organized in 1854. He contested his opponent's seat for the second term, but was unsuccessful, securing however his pay and mileage. In 1859, he returned to Elyria, where he resided until 1802, when he removed to Put-in-Bay island, where he died after a lingering illness, September 12, 1871, aged fifty years.

George B. Lake removed to Nebraska, and entered upon the practice of the law with marked success. His character and abilities were soon recognized by the people, who have for several terms elected him to the highest judicial position in the State, and he still resides in Omaha, an honored member of the supreme court.

L. S. Everett came to Elyria, a democrat in political Opinions, during the Kansas-Nebraska troubles; and when the Independent Democrat, which represented the free democracy, was started, he became its first editor. He was a man of much ability and large experience as a journalist, and his immediate return to the democratic fold, after waging a vigorous warfare against that party in the columns of the Democrat, showed that he had facility to change, as well as ability to assert his principles. After leaving the Argus, he removed from the county, and for a time wrote for the Plain Dealer, but returned in 1866, and commenced the publication of the Lorain Constitutionalist, which he conducted about one year, when he removed to Akron, where he died a few years since, considerably advanced in years.

John M. Vincent was an honored member of the legal profession, and his connection with journalism was only incidental. He subsequently, in connection with Philemon Bliss, established the Independent Democrat, but immediately afterward devoted his entire attention to his clients. A sketch of his life will be found in the history of the bar.

THE INDEPENDENT DEMOCRAT.

This journal was started at a very important epoch in the history of our country, and as its publication was continued for a quarter of a century, nearly all of the time under the proprietorship and management of one individual, it is due that a brief notice of its origin be here given. The passage of the fugitive slave act of 1850, and its attempted enforcement by both of the great national parties, aroused a sprit of hostility, both to the act and the system it sought to perpetuate, on the part of many who still clung to their old party organizations, although opposed to slavery. In the campaign of 1852, both the whig and democratic parties virtually allowed the pro-slavery element to dictate their platforms, and from this period the tendency to break away from old associations began to be developed. It was to aid in disintegrating these old parties, and in forming a new one based upon the broad platform of human rights, that the Independent Democrat was established. The funds necessary to purchase the outfit were contributed by various persons who had formerly been affiliated with the old parties. Prominent among those who furnished pecuniary aid were Norton S. Townshend, then a resident of this county, and Salmon P. Chase, then United States senator from Ohio, and late chief justice of the supreme court. Far the greater portion of the necessary funds were contributed by Philemon Bliss.

Philemon Bliss, formerly a whig, and John M. Vincent, formerly a democrat, had charge of the enterprise, and on the 5th day of August, 1852, issued the first number, as editors and publishers. Jonathan D. Baker was employed as printer. It was a seven-column folio; terms, $1.50 per annum. It was ably conducted under their management until January 12, 1853, when Mr. Vincent retired, leaving Mr. Bliss in sole charge. On the 13th of April following, Joseph H, Dickson was employed to edit the paper; and on the 10th of August, the same year, John H. Boynton and Mr. Dickson assumed the entire charge, and conducted it until the 28th of December, when it was again turned over to Mr. Bliss, who published it until February 1st, 1854. Meanwhile several persons printed the paper. Mr. Baker withdrew October 12, 1853, and was succeeded by A. J. and G. McElleran, who remained only one week, and were succeeded by Tower J. Burrell, who printed it until the 1st of February, 1854.

At this date, the interests of the Courier and Democrat were united, with P. Bliss and Geo. T. Smith,

2 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

editors and proprietors, and J. W. Udall, of the late Courier, printer. Under this management, the paper was continued until November 28, 1855, when Mr. Smith sold his interest to the writer of these annals, and during the succeeding year the Democrat was published by Bliss & Washburn. The latter was editor and business manager, and the former, who had previously been elected to congress, was corresponding editor. At the close of the year, 1856, Mr. Washburn became, by purchase, possessor of the office, and for upwards of twenty-one years following, was its sole proprietor, editor, and business manager. In 1859, the title was changed to Elyria Independent Democrat. On the 24th of March, 1858, Mr. Udall was compelled to relinquish his post as printer, on account of failing health, and Abraham Burrell, who was associated with his son in the publication of the Eagle, withdrew from that journal, and took Mr. Udall's place, which he faithfully retained until his death, November 23, 1868.. At his death, his son, S. A. Burrell, who was a journeyman in the office, assumed the duties of printer, and retained the position until the paper was discontinued.

On the 1st of February, 1877, the interests of the Democrat and Elyria Republican were united, retaining the name of the latter, as more appropriate to the principles which the Democrat had, for a quarter of a century, ever steadfastly advocated. Corning into being when the public mind was in a state of unrest concerning the designs of the slave power, the independent Democrat took an active part in unifying and crystalizing that sentiment in opposition to the further encroachments of slavery upon the public domain. It lived to witness the rapid growth, and final success, of the new party of freedom. It witnessed the inauguration of the great slaveholders' rebellion, and casting its lot with the loyal millions, rejoiced with them in witnessing its final overthrow, and the restoration of all the States under the flag of the Union. During all these eventful years, the aim of its publisher was to so conduct it as to merit the approval of loyal men, and not disappoint the hopes and expectations of its founders.

Of the persons prominently connected with the Democrat, but a brief notice will be given:

Messrs. P. Bliss and J. II. Dickson were more distinguished as lawyers than as journalists, and will be noticed in the chapter on the bar.

J. H. Boynton has filled various important positions in the gift of the people, with such entire acceptance, as to merit the public esteem that is universally bestowed upon him.

J. D. Baker removed to Paulding county, Ohio, in October, 1853, and, for a time, edited and published the Paulding Democrat. His subsequent history is not known.

J. W. Udall entered the office of the Ohio Atlas as an errand boy, at the age of thirteen years, making himself useful in every part assigned him. In those days, the mails were very irregular, and for a few of the first years of his apprenticeship, in addition to his labors as "devil " and compositor, he performed the office of post-rider—taking a large sack of the papers each week, upon a horse, and distributing them in bundles, to each neighborhood, in the north part of the county. This duty he performed with remarkable fidelity; and whether it rained in torrents, or the scorching sun sent his heated rays upon the earth, or stern winter its freezing blasts, the weekly advent of the post-boy was expected with as much certainty as the rising of the sun. When the mail facilities of the county rendered this branch of service no longer necessary, Mr. Udall devoted his time exclusively to his duties in the office, serving an apprenticeship of seven years before he aspired to the position of a " jour." He became an expert printer, and ever enjoyed the fullest confidence of his employers, scarcely losing a day from his case after he became a journeyman. When he realized that his disease (consumption) was beyond remedy, he went to his sister's house, in Hudson, Ohio, where he was kindly cared for until his death, which occurred August 18, 1858, aged thirty-three years.

THE LORAIN EAGLE.

After the suspension of the Argus, there was no Democratic paper printed in the county for nearly two years. In the spring of 1857, a sufficient sum was pledged, by subscription, to purchase the material, and on the seventh of March, of that year, A. and T. J. Burrell issued the first number of the Lorain Eagle. It was a seven column folio, published in Elyria; price $2 a year, in advance. On the 24th of March, 1858, Abraham Burrell withdrew, and took the position of printer of the Independent Democrat. His son, T. J. Burrell, continued to publish the Eagle until after the rebellion broke out, when, in consequence of its equivocal position concerning the management of the war, it ceased to pay expenses, and was discontinued in August, 1861. During the five years of its existence, no responsible editor was announced, and what editorial matter was not written by its publishers, was furnished by various persons during the political campaigns.

THE LORAIN CONSTITUTIONALIST.

On the third day of October,1866, Mr. L. S. Everett issued the first number of this journal, a democratic paper, which was a seven-column folio; terms, $2.00 a year. Mr. Everett was not the owner of the establishment, but announced that he published it "for the proprietors," whose names are not given. F. S. Moore was its printer. On the 8th day of July, 1867, a joint stock company was formed, consisting of A. A. Crosse, H. II. Poppleton, N. L. Johnson, P. W. Sampsel and others, with a capital stock of three thousand dollars, divided into shares of ten dollars each, which assumed the responsibility of the publication, Mr. Everett still officiating as editor, until near the close of the first volume, when he withdrew. It was

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 63

then "Published by the Lorain Printing Company," and N. L. Johnson, president of the company, contributed most of the editorial matter. Mr. Moore continued to serve as printer. This relation existed until June 9, 1869, when Mr. James K. Newcomer assumed the editorial and business control of the paper, the proprietary interest still remaining in the printing company. The word "Lorain " was dropped from its title. On the night of January 22, 1870, a fire broke out in the office, and, before it was extinguished, a large portion of the type was destroyed, the presses alone escaping injury. The damage was estimated at one thousand dollars. Mr. Moore, proprietor of the job department, lost. a portion of his material. With the aid rendered by the proprietor of the Democrat, the Constitutionalist appeared on time the next week, and, after February 16, it appeared regularly, with the word "Lorain" again replaced in its title. Mr. Newcomer retained his position as editor until the close of the political campaign of 1870, when he withdrew and F. S. Moore became its publisher, N. L. Johnson furnishing the leading political articles. Mr. Moore continued to publish it until November 1, 1871, when Mr. J. V. Faith took charge of the editorial and business department, under an agreement to publish it one year without charge to the proprietors, in consideration of which he was to become its owner. On the 15th of March, 1872, its size was increased to an eight-column folio, with its outside columns printed on the co-operative plan, in Chicago, and its title was changed to The Lorain Constitution. On the 26th of September, 1872, the co-operative plan was abandoned, and, without change in size, it was all printed at home. On the 10th of October, 1872, Mr. F. S. Reefy purchased the entire establishment, and has continued its publication to the present time. On the 13th of February, 1873, it appeared as a five-column quarto, and was continued in that form until the 5th of the following June, when it was changed to a nine-column folio, on the co-operative plan. On the 30th of September, 1875, it was reduced to an eight-column folio, and, in consequence of the incorporation of the village of Lorain at the mouth of Black River, its title was changed to The Elyria Constitution, which name and size it still retains.

THE ELYRIA REPUBLICAN.

H. A. Fisher issued the first number of this journal, October 24, 1874. It was printed on the forms of the late Black River Commercial (nine-column folio) with this exception, that its four pages were all printed in the office. He continued its publication until the 20th of February, 1875, when James W. Chapman became associated with him as equal partner. This relation continued until the 10th of the following July, when Mr. Chapman withdrew. On the 7th of August, 1875, it was changed to a six- column quarto (its present form), and on the 1st of the following November, Mr. A. H. Smith purchased an equal interest in the establishment, and for the following fifteen months the paper was published by Fisher & Smith, E. G. Johnson being its .political, and H. A. Fisher its local editor. On the 1st of February, 1877, Mr. Fisher purchased the interest of Mr. Smith, and the Independent Democrat and Republican were consolidated. Under this arrangement the Democrat was discontinued and the Republican was published by Washburn & Fisher, with Geo. G. Washburn as editor-in-chief, H. A. Fisher local editor, and A. II. Smith printer. On the 1st of October, 1877, Mr. Washburn purchased Mr. Fisher's interest and assumed entire control of the paper. On the retirement of Mr. Fisher, Mr. Smith took the position of local editor and superintendent of the mechanical department, with Mr. Wm. T. Morris as job printer. Under this management the Republican continues to make its weekly visits to its large list of readers.

The foregoing concludes the record of the press in Elyria, with the exception of a few papers of brief duration, to which reference is here made. During the political campaign of 1838, the whigs published a small sheet called The People's Banner, edited by Albert A. Bliss, and the democrats a similar paper called The Jejfersonian, edited by Joel Tiffany. These papers were conducted with much spice and ability. In 1840 the whigs published for three months Old Tip's Broom, edited by D. W. Lathrop and other prominent whigs of that day. It was ably conducted and contributed much towards securing the victory that followed the famous "Log Cabin and Hard Cider" campaign. In 1864 H. M. Lillie published for a few weeks a small two-column quarto devoted to the cause of temperance. Its publisher, who was a reformed inebriate, returned to his cups, and his paper was discontinued. Its name cannot be recalled. About the year 1868 two or three numbers of a very creditable paper were issued, called The Lorain Templars' Offering. The name of its publisher is not remembered, but he was a stranger, and proved to be unworthy of confidence.

THE ELYRIA VOLKSFREUND.

This was an eight-column folio, published in German, by F. S. Reefy, at the office of the Constitution. The first number was issued February 1, 1873; terms, $2.00 a year. For the first two months its outside pages were printed in Philadelphia, after which it was all printed at the publication office. At the end of three years Mr. Reefy sold the paper to Henry Minnig, who published it about a year, when it was discontinued for want of support. The types were 'then purchased by the Biene printing company, of Cleveland, and the new proprietors made an effort to establish a German paper here, called The Weekly Post, but it was not successful.

There have also been published in Elyria at various times and for various periods, a number of very creditable amateur sheets, a notice of which cannot be given in the space allotted to this history.

84 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

The first steam-power press used in Elyria was introduced by Mr. Reefy, in the office of the Constitution, in January, 1873. It is called the Fairhaven cylinder press. This was followed, in June of the same year, by Mr. Washburn, who introduced a large Potter cylinder power press in the office of the Democrat, running it, however, without steam. In February, 1875, another Potter press of the same size was introduced in the Republican office, with steam power.

THE PRESS IN OBERLIN.

THE OBERLIN EVANGELIST.

Soon after the organization of the collegiate institute at Oberlin, on the plan of furnishing a liberal Christian education to both sexes, regardless of color or caste, there began to be felt a necessity for some medium through which the eminent reformers who composed its faculty could reach the public ear. Nothing was done, however, toward supplying the want until November 1, 1838, five years after the institution was founded, when the first number of the Oberlin Evangelist was issued. It was a quarto of eight pages, 9 x 12 inches, and was published every two weeks, at $1.00 a year. After five years, its size was increased to 10 x 14 inches. It was at first edited by an association of the college professors, and was published by R. E. Gillett. In 1844, Prof. Henry Cowles became its editor, and continued in charge until it was discontinued, December 17, 1862. At about the same time, James M. Fitch became its publisher, and remained such until December, 1858. He was succeeded by Shankland & Harmon, and in April, 1861, V. A. Shankland took sole charge as publisher, and continued until the end.

The Evangelist was always an able paper, candidly and earnestly discussing the reforms sought to be secured through the aid of Christian effort, and for many years each number contained a sermon by Professor, afterwards President, Finney, reported in short-hand by Prof. Cowles. Its twenty-four volumes form a portion of the college library, and in after years will become of great value.

Prof. Cowles, in addition to his duties as instructor in the college, has published several volumes on the prophetical books .of the Bible, besides other works of lesser note, and still resides in Oberlin, venerable in years, and beloved by all.

R. E. Gillett, its first publisher, removed west many years ago, where he died, but at what time has not been ascertained.

James M Fitch conducted the book and periodical printing for the college for many years, with ability and credit, and died in Oberlin June 7, 1867, widely esteemed and deeply lamented by all who knew him.

THE PEACEMAKER.

This was the title of a small paper conducted by Rev. Israel Mattison, and devoted to the advocacy of peace principles, as held by Elihu Burritt. His residence was in "New Oberlin," a mile from the village, where he edited the paper and put it in type, and it was printed on the Evangelist press, by Mr. Gillett. It was first issued about the beginning of the year 1839, and was discontinued in 1840, when its publisher removed to Illinois.

THE PEOPLE'S PRESS.

Soon after James M. Fitch became publisher of the Evangelist, in 1844, he issued a small folio, 18 x 24 inches, with the above title. It was published at irregular intervals, but not receiving sufficient support to warrant its continuance, it was suspended after about one year.

THE OBERLIN QUARTERLY REVIEW.

This was an octavo of one hundred and forty pages, published by James M. Fitch from 1845 to 1849, making four volumes. It was devoted to the discussion of theological questions, and was ably conducted, the first year by President Mahan and Rev. William Cochran, and afterwards by Mahan and Prof. Finney.

THE VILLAGE ITEM.

This was a small, spidy little sheet that was issued from the press of the Evangelist, in May, 1852. But a few numbers were printed. Soon after it was discontinued, Mr. Fitch, publisher of the Evangelist, made the first practical effort to establish a secular newspaper in Oberlin, and issued

THE OBERLIN WEEKLY TIMES.

This was a six-column folio, very neatly printed, and filled with well selected articles and ably prepared original matter. It struggled through its first year at quite an expense to its publisher, who, in June, 1853, announced that "The Oberlin Weekly Times will not be issued again until we have further encouragement," which lie failed to receive.

THE STUDENT'S MONTHLY.

This was an octavo of thirty-two pages, issued in 1858 by the publisher of the Evangelist, and, as its title indicates, was devoted to the interests of the college, being edited and sustained mainly by the students. It was discontinued after nearly three years, at the breaking out of the war, in 1861.

THE LORAIN COUNTY NEWS.

The first weekly paper in Oberlin that proved to be of a permanent character, was The Lorain County News, the first number of which was issued on the 7th of March, 1860, by V. A. Shankland and J. F. Harmon, at that time publishers of the Oberlin Evangelist. It was a six column folio, price $1.00 per annum. During the first year of its existence the News was edited by A. B. Nettleton, who laid down the pen to assume the sword in defense of the union. He was succeeded by J. B. T. Marsh, then a college student. At the commencement of the war, in 1861,

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 65

Mr. Harmon sold his interest in the publishing business to his partner, and enlisted in the army where he served three years. Mr. Shankland continued to publish the paper alone until March 5, 1862, (the close of the second year), when Prof. H. E. Peck purchased an interest therein, and the business was continued by V. A. Shankland & Co., with Prof.

Peck and Mr. Marsh as editors. In the summer of 1863 both the editors withdrew from the News, Mr. Marsh enlisting in the army. In July, 1863, William Kincaid, then a senior in college, assumed the position of editor, and served in that capacity for one year. He was succeeded by L. L. Rice, who edited the paper until October, 1865. In July, 1864, Mr. Harmon returned from the army and again became joint owner of the paper, and in November of the same year he

purchased Mr. Shankland's interest and became sole proprietor. In October, 1865, he sold the entire

establishment to J. B. T. Marsh, who conducted the paper as editor and proprietor until July 31, 1867, when he sold it to Elbert W. Clark, who employed Prof. C. H. Churchill as editor. Under this management the News was published for about two years, when Mr. Clark sold the office to E. P. Brown, at that time publisher of the Bellevue Gazette, who conducted the paper as editor and publisher until February, 1870, when he sold it to Richard Butler, who on February 9, 1871, sold the establishment to Justus N. Brown, a graduate of the Oberlin theological seminary. After conducting the paper about three months as sole proprietor, Mr. Brown sold an interest in the office to A. R. Wildman, who for some time previous had been foreman in the office of the Standard of the Gross, and who took charge of the mechanical department in February, 1872, Mr. Brown still occupying the post of editor. In May, 1873, Mr. Wildman sold his interest to J. H. Lang, but continued to retain the position of foreman. About the first of December. 1873, Brown & Lang sold the office to George B. Pratt and J. H. Battle, Mr. Pratt being one of the proprietors of the Oberlin Times, formerly the New Era, and at that date the Times and News were consolidated, retaining the name of the latter, which was changed to the The Oberlin Weekly News, the title it now bears. The new paper started out with a large list of subscribers; a large addition to its stock of type and machinery was purchased, and the office was put in complete order, at great cost to its proprietors, who anticipated a sufficient revenue to meet the liabilities thus incurred. Their anticipations were not realized, and on January 27, 1875, Mr. Pratt disposed of his

interest and retired from the office. The paper was then conducted by .J. H. Battle, in company with his father, William Battle, until July, 1876, when Matthias Day, Jr., formerly editor and proprietor of the Mansfield Herald, became the editor and proprietor. The paper at this time was deeply involved in debt, and Mr. Day reduced its size and otherwise diminished the cost of its publication, hoping to be able to sustain it. Finding it impossible to meet its liabilities, in December, 1876, he sold the office to Iral A. Webster and Edwin Regal, who retained Mr. Day as editor. In May, 1877, Mr. Regal retired, and Messrs. W. L. & M. G. Mains purchased an interest, the new firm being Webster, Mains & Co., Mr. Fred. Webster serving as local editor. This arrangement continued until December 1, 1877, when William II. Pearce, previously editor of the Grindstone City Advertiser in Berea, purchased the interest of the Messrs. Mains, and became its editor and business manager, the firm being Webster & Pearce. On the 1st of January, 1879, Mr. Webster sold his interest and retired. The News is now published by W. H. Pearce, who may well congratulate himself on seeing it established on a paying basis.

The News was originally a six column folio, price $1.00 per year. For the first few years a line in the heading read, "Published at Oberlin and Wellington," one page being edited for a time by parties in Wellington. In 1863 it was enlarged to an eight column folio and the price advanced to $1.50, and soon after to $2.00 a year. In January, 1866, it Was again enlarged and made a nine column folio. During a part of the year 1867 it was an eight column paper, but was again restored to the nine column, and so remained until December 10, 1874, when Messrs. Pratt & Battle changed it to a six column quarto. Two years later, under the management of Mr. Day, it again became an eight column folio, which size it still retains. At the same time the price was reduced to $1.50, as at present. The News has always been republican in politics, and its editors have generally taken an advanced position on all moral and educational movements.

By the foregoing it will be seen that the Yews has been owned, in part or in whole, by nineteen different persons since its establishment, a little less than nineteen years ago, all of whom, with one exception, are still living, and several have acquired some prominence in their respective fields of labor. The limits of this history will only admit a brief notice of those most prominently connected with the paper during the time.

V. A. Shankland now resides in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he is engaged in the culture of fruit.

J. F. Harmon served as postmaster in Oberlin for nine years, and is now engaged in the drug business (Harmon & Beecher) in that village.

A. B. Nettleton won a general's commission in the Army, subsequently edited the Sandusky Register and the Chicago Advance, and now resides in Philadelphia.

J. B. T. Marsh was subsequently one of the editors if the Chicago Admire for eight .rears, and now resides in Oberlin, holding the position of treasurer of the college and mayor of the village.

Prof. H. E. Peck was appointed minister to Hayti, by President Johnson, and died on that island in 1867.

William Kincaid has been for several years, and is now, the beloved pastor of the Second Congregational Church, in Oberlin.

66 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

L. L. Rice was a veteran editor of forty-two years' experience when he edited the News, had been private secretary of Governor Chase, and was since for twelve years superintendent of public printing in Columbus. He now resides in Oberlin, venerable in years, and respected by all who know him.

Elbert W. Clark resides in Painesville, and is the publisher of the Painesville Advertiser.

Prof. C. H. Churchill still occupies a chair in Oberlin College, where he is regarded as an able educator.

E. P. Brown is now manager of the "Aiken Newspaper Union," in Cincinnati.

Richard Butler is publisher of the Clinton (Illinois) Public.

Justus N. Brown is pastor of the Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan.

J. H. Lang is an attorney at law, residing at Oberlin.

Geo. B. Pratt for a time published the Huron County Chronicle, and is now publisher of the Gazette, in Menasha, Wisconsin.

Most of the remaining proprietors of the News reside in Oberlin, engaged in various pursuits.

The News was first printed upon an Adams book-press, which was purchased by J. M. Fitch, in 1848, and was used for printing the Evangelist and other papers, also, several books, including the first edition of "President Finney's Theology." In 1863, a Campbell cylinder press, the first cylinder press in the county, was purchased, and run by hand up to 1871, when a steam engine, also the first in the county used for printing purposes, was attached by J. N. Brown. In January, 1874, Pratt & Battle disposed of the Campbell press, and procured a large and expensive Potter press, which, in February, 1878, was sold by Webster & Pearce, and a country Potter cylinder press procured, which is now in use in the News office.

THE STANDARD OF THE CROSS.

This was a small sized quarto, published weekly, the first number of which was issued in Oberlin, in August, 1868. Rev. W. C. French, D.D., was its editor and publisher. It was the successor of the Gambier Observer, (afterwards called the Western Episcopalian,) which was established in Gambier, Ohio, in 1830, as the representative of the Protestant Episcopal church in Ohio. Its editor was rector of the greater portion of the time, in rooms in the the church in Oberlin, and the paper was printed, rear of the church edifice. In 1873, the office was removed to Cleveland, where it is still published by Dr. French, through whose ability and industry the paper has secured a general circulation in Ohio, and continues to be the recognized exponent of that church in this State.

THE OBERLIN NEW ERA.

In April, 1872, Dr. H. W. Libbey, of Cleveland, established a newspaper in Oberlin called The Oberlin New Era. He was a specialist in his practice, and in consequence of the News declining to publish his advertisements, he started this as an opposition paper, and by furnishing it at a low price, and canvassing, at considerable cost, for subscribers, succeeded in securing a good circulation. It was an eight column folio; price, $1 a year. Rev. H. O. Sheldon, J. F. C. Hayes, and others, were employed as writers, and H. P. Whitney was its business manager. It did not realize the object of its publisher, and in the fall of 1873, he sold it to C. A. Sherman and George B. Pratt, and the name was changed to The Oberlin Times. After the issue of a few numbers, it was consolidated with the Yews, by Messrs. Pratt & Battle.

THE OBERLIN REVIEW.

This is a sixteen page semi-monthly paper, now published in Oberlin, and devoted to the interests of the college. It is owned and conducted by the students. The first number, containing twelve pages, was issued April 1, 1874, with C. N. Jones, as managing editor. It was printed in the News office, at $1.50 a year. On the 16th of September, 1874, it passed into the hands of the Union literary association, of Oberlin college, a corporate body composed of the Phi Kappa Pi, Phi Delta, Alpha Zeta, Ladies' Literary, Aelioian and Beth Nun Aleph societies, which has continued it publication to the present time. Its editor-in-chief, together with a board of associate editors, is elected annually by the association. The following persons have successfully served as editorsin-chief: J. A. Winters, E. J. Malle, Arch Haddon, E. A. Tuttle, I. W. Metcalf, W. W. Beacom, and H. C. King. With its second volume, the paper was enlarged to sixteen pages, and its subscription increased to $1.75 per year. For the past two years, it has been self-sustaining, having a circulation of nearly six hundred copies.

THE OBERLIN GAZETTE.

The first number of The Oberlin Gazette was issued December 7, 1876, by A. R. Wildman and E. M. Brice. It was a seven column folio, all home print, for the first seven months, and its terms were $1 per annum. On the 19th of July, 1876, Mr. Wildman purchased Mr. Brice's interest, procured his paper with outside pages ready printed, in Cleveland, and continued its publication until June 6, 1878, when he sold it to W. W. Woodruff, under whose direction it is still published on the co-operative plan.

Both A. R. Wildham and E. M. Brice are practical printers, of much experience, and an honor to the craft. The latter is now editor and proprietor of the Blue Rapids (Kansas) Times. Mr. Woodruff is a novice in the art of printing. The Gazette is considered independent in politics, though with strong republican proclivities. During the campaign of 1878, its editor mainly supported the prohibition ticket.

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 67

THE PRESS IN WELLINGTON.

THE WELLINGTON JOURNAL.

The first newspaper printed in Wellington was issued March 11, 1852, and called The Wellington Journal. George Brewster was its editor and L. S. Griswold, associate editor. Its first proprietorship cannot be ascertained, but on the 25th of the same month Jonathan D. Baker purchased an interest in the office and became its printer. April 22d of the same year George Brewster withdrew from the paper, taking the position of corresponding editor. On the 29th April the title of the paper was changed to Journal and Free Democrat, but on the 22d of July its original title was restored: At this date J. S. Reed and E. Boice became its proprietors and George Brewster its editor. Mr. Brewster retained his connection with the paper for about one year, and for a time L. S. Griswold edited it. Henry T. Culver, J. W. Hill, C. F. Brewster and T. Burns respectively succeeded each other as printer. The paper failed to sustain the cost of its publication, and was discontinued after about two years, but the precise date cannot ascertained.

THE WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE.

In the summer of 1865, James A. Guthrie of Delaware, Ohio, removed to Wellington and commenced the publication of The Wellington Enterprise. The first issue was dated September 25, 1865. It was a folio, printed on a sheet 25x38 inches, and its terms were $2.00 a year. On March 1, 1866, Mr. Guthrie sold the paper to John C. Artz, who reduced the size to seven columns, and the price to $1.50. On the 18^th of September, 1867, the paper was enlarged, and its outside pages were furnished on the co-operative plan. Mr. Artz remained its editor and proprietor unti1 October 1, 1876, when he sold the office to Dr. J. W. Houghton and D. A. Smith. Dr. Houghton and his wife, Mary 11., became its editors, and Mr. Smith,. being a practical printer, took charge of the mechanical department. The size of the paper was increased to a sheet 26x40 inches, with co-operative outside pages, but its price remains at $1.50. On the 15th of December, 1877, Mr. Houghton purchased his partner's interest, and is now its sole proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton were novices in newspaper work when they assumed the charge of the Enterprise, but their industry and painstaking have placed it on a substantial basis. It has always supported the republican party, and its column reflect the well-known characteristics of its editors—fairness in discussing disputed questions, and progress in all the reforms of the day.

THE PRESS IN LORAIN.

BLACK RIVER COMMERCIAL.

The first number of this paper was issued May 8, 1873, by H. A. Fisher, at Black River, now Lorain. It was a five-column quarto; terms, $1.50 a year. On the 3d of July, 1873, its form was changed to an eight-column folio; and on the 18th of September, it was reduced in size to six columns. On the 8th cf January, 1874, it was restored to an eight-column folio, with patent outside pages, and on the 9th of the following May, its size was increased to nine columns, and thus remained until it was discontinued, September 12, 1874, for want of adequate support. At that date, the material was removed to Elyria by Mr. Fisher, who commenced the publication of a new paper, called the Elyria Republican.

THE LORAIN MONITOR.

A small five-column folio, called the Lorain Monitor, has recently been issued in Lorain by Lawler & Brady, with patent outside pages. Its history is yet to be written.

THE PRESS IN AMHERST.

THE AMHERST FREE PRESS.

This paper was issued July 31, 1875, in North Amherst, by F. M. Lewis, editor and proprietor. It was a six-column folio, patent outside pages, independent in politics, and its terms were $1.50 a year. After three weeks, Mr. J. K. Lewis became associated with his brother in its publication, and continued until July 22, 1876, when he withdrew, and C. H.

Lewis took his place in the firm. On the 18th of August, 1877, F. M. Lewis again took sole charge of the paper. On the 27th of November, following, its price was reduced to $1.25 a year, and its size was increased to seven columns. It is chiefly devoted to local interests, and its publication is continued by Mr. Lewis as editor and proprietor.

In concluding the history of the press in Lorain county, the writer acknowledges the obligations he is under to various persons who have aided him in obtaining the desired information, and especially to President J. H. Fairchild, and W. H. Pearce, editor of the News, who have kindly furnished most of the data relating to the twelve different publications in Oberlin.

SUMMARY.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there have been thirty-three different publications issued in this county during the past fifty years, viz: Sixteen in Elyria, twelve in Oberlin, two in Wellington, two in Lorain, and one in Amherst. At this time, there are seven weekly papers and one semi-monthly published in the county, viz: Two in Elyria, two weeklies and one semi-monthly in Oberlin, one in Wellington, and one in Lorain.