706 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX.

THE DAYTON PRESS.

PIONEER NEWSPAPERS--THE DAYTON JOURNAL--THE DAYTON REPUBLICAN--THE DAYTON DEMOCRAT--THE DAYTON WHIG AND MIAMI DEMOCRAT--THE DAYTON TRANSCRIPT--THE DAILY DAYTONIAN--THE DAYTON TRI WEEKLY BULLETIN--THE DAYTON GAZETTE--THE DAYTON DAILY AND WEEKLY VOLKSZEITUNG--THE SATURDAY PEOPLE--THE DAILY AND WEEKLY HERALD--THE MIAMI VALLEY COURIER--THE VINDICATOR--CHRIST CHURCH RECORD--THE REFORMED PUBLISHING HOUSE-THE RELIGIOUS TELESCOPE --THE UNITED BRETHREN PUBLISHING HOUSE--CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING HOUSE--CONCLUSION.

IN July, 1806, Noah Crane, from Lebanon, Ohio, began publishing a newspaper in Dayton, but after issuing a few numbers, he was attacked with chills and fever and abandoned the enterprise, returning with his press and type to his former home at Lebanon.

As far back as 1850, there were no files of the paper in town, and its name could not be ascertained. Some time previous to September, 1808, Archibald McLean and William McClure entered into an arrangement to publish a weekly paper in Dayton, but it was never carried into effect.

September 18, 1808, the first number of the Dayton Repertory was issued from their office, on Main street, by William McClure and George Smith: a small four page paper, eight by twelve inches in size, two columns to the page, weekly at $2 a year in advance. With the fifth number, issued October 21, the paper was suspended till February 1, 1809, at which time it was enlarged to a 12 x20 sheet, and issued with Henry Disbrow, and William McClure, as editors and proprietors. News items from foreign countries were four, and five months old ; two of the enterprising merchants of the town advertised a stock of goods received from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in the fall before ; there were also a number of notices of estray horses "taken up."

The paper was discontinued about the first of January. 1810; which left the community without a paper, until the 3d of May, when the first number of the Ohio Centinel was issued by Isaac G. Burnet. " on a sheet of royal size," 11x19 inches; a four page paper ; four columns to the page ; and without rules : $2 dollars a year in advance, produce taken in pay at market prices. Its motto was " With slight shades of difference, we have the same religion, manners, habits and political principles" Washington.

Official announcements and legal notices for all the territory to the north as far as Detroit, and on out to Chicago, were necessarily published in this little paper that circulated through all that sparsely settled region.

In politics, the paper was devoted to "Republican principles," whatever that may have meant ; sprightly in its editorials, giving a variety of information from points that would interest its readers. During the war of 1812-13, its patrons were kept thoroughly posted as to the events occurring at the North, until May 19, 1813, the men of the community being nearly all in the army, or

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in some way connected with it, and the women, generally working hard in tilling the soil and caring for the families and farms, had no money to pay for a paper, so the Centennial went down.

Isaac G. Burnet and James Lodge were editors and proprietors of the Ohio Republican, a continuation of the Centennial, similar in style and using the same type and press.

The first number was issued October 3, 1814, flying this motto as indicating the policy of the paper Willing to praise, but not afraid to blame."

A month later, Mr. Burnet having been elected to the Legislature, sold his interest in the paper to his partner, Mr. Lodge, who conducted the paper until October 9. 1816. when he was obliged to discontinue its publication, because his subscribers would not pay u - two-thirds of the list never paid a cent.

Flying the motto, " Truth, Equality and Literary knowledge, are the three grand pillars of Republican Liberty," the first number of the Ohio Watchman was issued November 27, 1816. by Robert J. Skinner, who had bought press, type and the "good will " of the wrecked Republican. On the 5th of June, 1817, the motto was changed to " A Free Press is the Palladium of Liberty." and April O. 1818. the paper was enlarged to a sheet 12x20 inches in size, five columns to a page ruled. Its political principles were "Genuine Republicanism " a very vague political expression.

Christmas Day, 1820. the name of the paper was changed to that of the Dayton Watchman and Farmers' and Mechanics' Journal: printed and published by George S. Houston and R. J. Skinner.

In August, 1822. Mr. Skinner retired from the firm, and in the following winter A. T. Hays became one of the proprietors. Mr. Houston retired from the paper, upon his appointment as Postmaster, in 1821 ; but he controlled the editorial department until the paper was discontinued, November 21, 1826, A portion of this time the Watchman was published by A. T. Hays and E. Lindsey, From August 6, 1822, up to December 24 of the same year, the paper was published under the name of George S. Houston &; Co. At the latter date the second volume commenced, and was published by G. S. Houston and A. T. Hays. In April, 1823, the style of the title was changed from the old English to script. and that in September, 1823, was displaced for gothic. " Democracy, Literature, Agriculture, Manufactories and Internal Improvements the Pillars of our Independence." was added as its motto, on the 16th of March. 1824. The paper was 12x20 inches in size, five columns ruled, price, 82 per year. and "flour, beef, pork, whisky, wood, wheat, rye, corn, oats, sugar, tallow, beeswax, honey, butter, chickens, eggs, wool, flax, feathers, country linen, and clean linen and cotton rags received in payment."George B. Holt, as editor and publisher, issued the first number of the Miami Republican and Dayton Advertiser, September 2, 1823 ; a weekly Democratic paper, 11x21 inches in size, that was continued until September 7, 1826.

THE DAYTON JOURNAL.

This paper is the lineal successor of the one started by William Campbell, on the 30th of April, 1826. Mr. Campbell came to Dayton from Westmoreland County, Penn., and on the 10th of April, 1826, purchased the Miami Republican and the Dayton Watchman, which he consolidated under the title of the Ohio National Journal and Montgomery and Dayton Advertiser, and the first number issued as a weekly paper, at the usual price---$2 a year. It was a sheet 13x20 inches in size, five columns to the page, ruled, and its motto, " Principles and not men, where principles demand the sacrifice." In politics, the Journal was Whig. After issuing two numbers, Mr. Campbell sold

708 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

the paper to Jeptha Regans, and December 4, 1827, Mr. Regans sold a one-half interest to Peter P. Lowe, and it was thus continued until January 15, 1828, when Mr. Lowe retired. On the 1st of January, 1828, the title was modestly reduced to the Dayton Journal and Advertiser. December 2, 1828, John W. Van Cleve bought a one-half interest in the Journal, and from that date until June 15, 1830, when Mr. Regans died, the style of the firm was Regans & Van Cleve. For a short time the paper was published by Mr. Van Cleve, but in October, 1830, Richard N. Comly bought the interest of Mr. Regans' estate in the establishment, and the firm was Van Cleve & Comly till the 15th of July, 1834, when Mr. John Cleve sold his interest to William F. Comly, and the Journal was increased in size so that it was the largest paper then published in Ohio.

The firm of R. N. & W. F. Comly did more toward building up and developing the newspaper interests of Dayton than any other publishers of their day. For years, they struggled on, trying to give Montgomery County a newspaper worthy of the name, and when, at last, success had crowned their efforts, the accumulations of many years of hard labor were lost in the destruction of the Journal, building by the mob of May 5, 1863.

No. 1, Vol. I, of the Daily Jounal, was issued by R. N. & W. F. Comly. December 16, 1840, as an experiment; it was changed back to a tri-weekly, six months afterward, and so continued until, on Thursday morning, May 6, 1847, No. 1, Vol. I, of the Dayton Daily Journal was issued, which has continued up to the present, in connection with the Weekly. In 1857, R. N. Comly withdrew from the paper and John P. Comly became a member of the firm, and so continued until April, 1862, when, on account of the appointment of W. F. Comly to the Postmastership of Dayton the previous year, they sold out to Lewis Marot and William H. Rouzer, taking their notes in payment for the same.

Thus it stood on the night of May 5, 1863, when the office was sacked and burned by a mob, which was openly organized during the day for that purpose. Strange to say, the city authorities could not, or did not, prevent this wanton outrage, and as there was no identification of responsible rioters. there was no recovery for damages; the laws of Ohio failing to accord a public remedy for property destroyed by a mob. By this outrage, Messrs. Comly lost about $10,000, including 1,500 copies of the "Life and Speeches of Thomas Corwin;" a complete set of Niles' Register, which had been published in Baltimore, Md., and a very rare and valuable library.

Promptly upon the destruction of the office, citizens of Dayton subscribed a fund of $6,000, to re-establish the Journal, and Maj. William D. Bickham, then war correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, and volunteer Aid-de-Camp on the staff of Maj. Gen. Rosecrans, commanding the Department of the Cumberland, was invited to accept the fund as a gift, and publish the paper. He declined the gift, but accepted the fund as a loan, payable in three years, and proceeded to the business in hand, locating himself in Dayton, May 11, 1863. The debt was paid before the expiration of the three years.

In consequence of inability to procure eligible rooms for an office, it was necessary for several months to accommodate the Journal to a single apartment in a third story. The paper, however, was issued in diminutive form, letter-sheet size, until suitable quarters on Main street, next north of the court house, were obtained, when the Daily Journal was enlarged to a seven column paper, and a Weekly Journal was issued. A well-assorted book and job room was added to the office. Maj. Bickham's experience in various departments of the printing and newspaper business, proved greatly advantageous to the new

PAGE 709 - PICTURE OF JOHN RONZER

PAGE 710 - BLANK

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enterprise. The cash system was adopted as far as practicable, and up to date of this publication, he has never given a note or solicited time in a business transaction, always paying cash on delivery or demand. From the beginning he was general business manager, editor, reporter, city editor, solicitor of advertisements, etc., until prosperity relieved him of details, and he educated young men for the several business departments of the establishment.

For some years after Maj. Bickham took charge of the Journal, political passions in this vicinity ran incessantly at a high pitch, and the conduct of the paper was bitter, exciting and hazardous. The editor, however, sustained himself vigorously and resolutely, and the Journal prospered and acquired a wide and valuable reputation, which is yet firmly maintained. It may be fairly said, that it enjoys a reputation for vigor, ability and devotion to the principles of the Republican party, second, to no paper in the nation outside of the first-class cities. Maj. Bickham continues to be the editor of the paper in all departments, retains his oversight of the several branches of the business, never goes into debt for material, and takes active part in the affairs of the party in District, State, and National conventions.

During the more than nineteen years of his residence in Dayton, he has been a delegate in all Ohio State Conventions, save two, nearly all Congressional Conventions, and a delegate to the Presidential Nominating Conventions of 1872, 1876 and 1880. He is entirely disinclined to other political honors, preferring his professional to all other distinctions.

In the summer of 1881, Maj. Bickham erected a two-storied brick office oil Main street, opposite the Market House, into which he moved November 1, of that year. He had owned the property for several years, and the original buildings were remodeled, and are now used for business office and editorial rooms, while the new building is occupied by the other departments of the paper. The offices are large and roomy. A new Cottrell & Babcock fast press has been added to the establishment, and the whole is operated by steam power. The circulation of the daily is about 3,300 copies, and the weekly 2,500.

THE DAYTON REPUBLICAN.

The Dayton Republican, a weekly Democratic paper, published by E. Lindsey, made its appearance January 5, 1830, edited by William L. Helfenstein and others. In 1834, it was discontinued, and in that year Mr. Lindsey established the Democratic Herald, and that in turn was succeeded in January, 1842, by the Western Empire. About 1844, it was made a daily paper under the title of Evening Empire, 6 cents a week. Since that date it has changed hands many times, but has ever remained true to Democratic doctrine. In 1852, the paper was styled the Daily Empire: afterward the Daily Ledger, then to the Herald and Empire, and subsequently to the Democrat, a history of which will be found under that head.

THE DAYTON DEMOCRAT.

This is a daily and weekly, the recognized organ of the Democratic party in this county. and the lineal successor of the first Democratic paper started in the Miami Valley north of Cincinnati. and has always exercised a potent influence in the counsels of its party throughout this portion of the State. At different periods in its history, it has been edited and controlled by men who afterward achieved national reputations. Among these were John Bigler, who was one of the early Governors of California, and Delazon Smith, one of the first Senators from the State of Oregon. At two different times, Hon. C. L. Vallandigham also owned an interest in it, and presided over its columns.

Hon. M. E, Curwen's " History of the press of Montgomery County,"

712 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

prepared at the request of the Ohio Editorial Association, and published in the Dayton Bulletin of March 8 and 18; April 3d, 5, 12 and 17 of the year 1850, shows that previous to 1826, no newspaper had ever succeeded in establishing itself permanently in Dayton, Of the first attempt in 1806, no specimen copy and no certain recollection of even the name is preserved. It is only known that in July and August of that year, a few numbers of a paper were published by Noah Crane. of Lebanon, Ohio.

Mr. John G. Doren says he was informed by E. Lindsey, one of the pioneer printers and publishers of Dayton, that the first paper was called the Herald or Democratic Herald, and it was in reverent recollection of this pioneer paper of 1806, that Mr. Lindsey afterward adopted that name for a Democratic paper started by himself some time in 1834,

Up to 1826, all the newspapers ever published or started in Dayton professed " Democratic " or " Republican" principles, whatever these may have meant in those days, but the difference between the Democratic or " Republican " ideas on one side, and the Federalist " or " Conservative " ideas on the other, was to be more sharply defined thereafter. Various attempts were made at different times to establish a more thoroughly Democratic (or Jacksonian) paper, than had up to that date been published in Dayton. which finally culminated in the establishment by E. Lindsey. *January 5. 1830, of the Dayton Republican. He thus adopted a part of the title-used by one of the papers, before the consolidation of the Watchman and Republican, in an attempt to preserve the lineal succession to the good will and patronage of the first newspaper.

From this time on, the paper passed through many changes of name and ownership. until it came back to Lindsey again, who then restored the name which he regarded as that of the pioneer and father of all the Dayton newspapers, viz., the Democratic Herald. In January. 1842. the name was changed to the Western Empire.

The paper was edited and published successively by Smith & Munn, Vallandigham & Munn. Fitch & Ramsey. Fitch & Clawson, David Clark and I R. Kelley & Co., composed of F. J. Bollmeyer. W. T. Logan and others. Upon the killing of Bollmeyer in 1862, W. T. Logan took charge, and conducted the paper until the arrest of C. L. Vallandigham in 1863. when on account of an article counseling resistance to such measures, he also was arrested by military authority, and the paper suppressed. A stock company then took charge of the office, and was succeeded by William and Thomas Hubbard. they by Hiram H. Robinson and he by J, McLain Smith. The paper then fell into the possession of C. L. Vallandigham. Dennis Dwyer and James Kelly, from whom the present editor and proprietor purchased it.

In 1844. the daily was started, later the name was changed to the Ledger, then back to the Herald again.

In 1870. the establishment was purchased by John G. Doren, who published the paper until 1876. under the name of the Herald and Empire. He then consolidated it with a paper which had been started in 1874, by George Neder and J. McLain Smith, under the name of the Dayton Daily Democrat. It has been published under this name and under Mr, Doren's management ever since, and has steadily increased all the time in influence, business and financial prosperity. Under his management the Democrat has acquired and now possesses the exclusive control of the dispatches of the National Associated Press in Dayton. and the paper receives as close and careful editorial and business attention as is bestowed on metropolitan newspapers,

Mr. Doren, although not vet fifty years of age, has been about thirty years in the printing and publishing business. He began his first editorial work

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under Samuel Medary, on the old Ohio Statesman, as a Legislative reporter, when yet not more than eighteen years of age, and subsequently worked with Mr, Medary in every other department of that paper, typographical, business and editorial. Being a protege and pupil of so vigorous and celebrated an old Democratic editor, Mr. Doren prides himself on the orthodoxy of the political faith imbibed from such a preceptor, and holds that one of the special obligations which such a faith imposes on the citizen, and upon the editor especially, is to distinguish between a blind devotion to partisan leaders, and an intelligent conception of and adherence to, the fundamental principles of morals and government, The effect of this has been to make Mr. Doren on the whole, rather independent for a partisan editor, although always an unswerving Democrat. Ofttimes during his career as editor, he has felt it his duty to be the severe critic, rather than the servile mouthpiece of his party, but always as he claimed in defense of the unadulterated faith professed in the party platforms, and to protect the organization against the misuse or perversion of its name and machinery, for the private purposes or personal ambitions of self-seeking politicians.

Such a course has at times since Mr. Doren took the management of the Democrat, bred temporary differences between some of the Democratic party leaders and the paper, but the result of these misunderstandings has usually been to strengthen the Democrat, both in the public and party estimation, as a fearless advocate of what it believes to be right, and as willing to sacrifice something to secure it.

In addition to his service on the Ohio Statesman, Mr. Doren has had a great deal of experience besides as an editor and publisher. After leaving the Ohio Statesman office, he was from 1854 to 1858, the editor of the Hillsboro Gazette. then official reporter of the Ohio House of Representatives, which position he resigned to take an appointment in the Treasury Department at Washington. While at the latter place he was for a time one of the writers on the Washington Union, then the National organ of the Democratic party. Later, he was editor and publisher of the Southern Ohio Argus at Georgetown, Brown County. and from 1864 to 1868 was managing editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Here his health broke down, and he was compelled to retire entirely from editorial duties until 1870, when he came to Dayton at the earnest solicitation of Hon. C. L. Vallandigham, and purchased the Empire (now Democrat) establishment, His career since, notwithstanding extremely precarious health, has been a very successful one, no man before having brought the Democratic paper here to so high a pitch of public and partisan influence and financial prosperity.

The office is on the corner of Fifth street and Canal; the circulation of the Daily is about 2.000, and of the Weekly, 3,500, the latter being called the Empire and Democrat.

THE DAYTON WHIG AND MIAMI DEMOCRAT.

B. Dutton issued the first number of the Dayton Whig and Miami Democrat in 1833. The firm was afterward, Dutton & Maloy, but a year sufficed to run it out, as the county could not support two Whig newspapers.

THE DAYTON TRANSCRIPT.

This paper was established in January, 1841, by George C. McCuen and John Wilson, both practical printers. It was a sheet of 11x17 inches, published semi-weekly, at 25 cents. After sinking money for about eighteen months, the paper was suspended for want of funds. In October, 1842, the firm of McCuen & Wilson was dissolved, the interest of the former having

714 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

been bought by J. Milton Sanders, who continued to edit the Transcript until October 4, 1843, when he left it. The paper was then enlarged to 12x19 inches in size, and for six weeks was published by John Wilson and E. Maroc, under the style of E. Marot & Co. Subsequently, Mr. Marot left and Wilson was sole proprietor until July, 1845.

In the political campaign of 1844, the Transcript threw aside its former neutral character, and, May 15, of that year, came out under the title of the Dayton Transcript and Ashland Whig, thus identifying itself with the Whig party.

It was edited by A. M. Scott until December 9, 1844. Previous to Scott's editorial service, John Macracon had edited the paper, and, upon Scott retiring, he resumed that post again On the 28th of July, 1845. Macracon became one of the proprietors, and the paper was then enlarged. It was a valuable investment, and in 1847 Ralph S. Hart and H. D. Stout purchased an interest in it, Wilson having previously retired. The firm was H. D. Stout & Co., Mr. Hart writing the leaders and Mr. Macracon attending to the other parts of the paper. Mr. Hart remained as editor for eighteen months. M. E. Curwen was a frequent contributor, and at times had control of its editorial columns. Mr. Macracon left the paper in February, 1849, and was succeeded by A, M. Scott. The paper was finally disposed of to William C. Howells & Co., in May, 1849, who subsequently published daily. weekly and tri-weekly editions. It was moderately Whig under this management, but was discontinued in the year 1850.

THE DAILY DAYTONIAN.

In 1846. N. M. Guild & Co. started the Daily Daytonian, edited by John A. Collins, which only lasted about a year.

THE DAYTON TRI-WEEKLY BULLETIN.

Neutral in politics and devoted to general news and literature. The Bulletin. was first published in Dayton, September 1848, by John Wilson and Jacob C, Decker, both practical printers. Its size was 15x21 inches: time of publication, Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings; terms. 83 per year. M, E. Curwen was the editor of the Bulletin from the commencement, and he had full control of its columns nearly the whole time. It issued its last number April 17, 1850, and throughout its career was ably conducted, as Mr, Curwen was a man of fine education, a thorough legal scholar, and an author of no mean ability.

DAS DEUTSCHE JOURNAL.

This paper, published by John Bittman as a weekly Democratic organ, was established in 1849 and continued about two years.

THE DAYTON GAZETTE.

A daily, established in 1850; it was a first-class paper in every way. It was first edited by D. W. Iddings, and in politics, was Whig. The paper was owned and conducted by different parties until it was purchased by William H. P. Denny, who conducted it until the beginning of 1860, when it stopped publication. It was then a weekly paper.

THE DAYTON DAILY AND WEEKLY VOLKSZEITUNG.

This paper was established April 25, 1866, by George Neder, and first published as a weekly only. In June of the same year, in addition to the weekly, a semi-weekly was issued, and the following October, the semi-weekly became a tri-weekly; these papers in size were 22x32 inches, four pages with six columns. In 1867 and 1871, the paper was enlarged to seven and eight columns respect-

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ively. The first copy of the daily was presented to the public August 15, 1876. Mr. Neder has been from the first the proprietor and editor of the paper. It was first issued from the publishing house of the United Brethren, where continuously published until 1874, when it was removed to the office of the Democrat. In politics, the Volkszeitung was strictly an independent paper until 1874, since which date it has leaned toward the Democracy. On the 17th of April, 1882, the two German papers of the city, namely, Volkszeitung and Anzeiger, were consolidated, the proprietors of the latter removing their paper to the office of the Volkszeitung. The paper continues to be issued under the name of the Dayton Volkszeitung, and since April 17, under the proprietorship of George Neder and the Moosbrugger Brothers, Otto and Kuno, and edited by Mr. Neder and the former-named Moosbrugger, The Anzeiger was a daily and weekly paper, Democratic in politics. It was established in 1876; the first copy was printed September 1. The proprietors were Otto Moosbrugger and Charles Schenck, the latter, however, soon sold his interest to Kuno Moosbrugger, and the two brothers carried on the paper until the consolidation.

THE SATURDAY PEOPLE.

This paper was started September 26, 1876, by C. P. Sweetman, at 28 South Main street, and was quite a small sheet. It was taken by the People Publishing Company, January 16, 1877. composed of J. St. J. Clarkson, H. L. Frazier and Charles Kramer, and made the workingmen's organ. It was enlarged to a seven column paper, and in 1877 was taken by Mr. Clarkson alone.

When the National Greenback Labor party was organized, the People was made the organ of that party, which position it has held ever since. In June, 1881, it was enlarged to an eight column paper, and has now a circulation of 960 copies. It is issued every Saturday morning, and J. St. J. Clarkson is the editor and proprietor; office in the same building as the Dayton Herald, of which Mr. Clarkson is also editor.

THE DAILY AND WEEKLY HERALD.

This paper was first issued February 7, 1881, under the management of F. J. Wendell. and editorship of J. St. J. Clarkson; some time prior to this the Saturday Evening Record, a weekly, was published by William T. Kimsey, which merged into the Herald at the date above given. The daily in size is 24x36 inches, has four pages with eight columns to the page, and the weekly is an eight-page six column paper 30x42 inches. The office of this paper is located on the north side of Fourth near Main street. It is an independent pa-per. The management claim a circulation of 2,500 copies of the daily, and 1,500 copies of the weekly.

THE MIAMI VALLEY COURIER.

In December, 1880. John R. Tomlinson established a monthly sheet called the Miami Valley Courier, which is yet published by him at 27 South Main street. It is devoted to historical and biographical sketches and advertising.

THE VINDICATOR.

This is a religious monthly, published in the interest of the German Baptist Church. and edited by Samuel Kinsey, and is numbered among the papers of the city. It is published at the Christian Printing Establishment, and has a wide circulation.

CHRIST CHURCH REGISTER.

This is a religious monthly, printed at the same establishment; was first issued in January, 1882. It is edited by the rector of the church, Rev. J. T. Webster, and is published in the interest of the church, by the Parish Church Committee.

716 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

THE REFORMED PUBLISHING HOUSE.

In March, 1882. the new publishing firm of the Christian World, a weekly church and family paper of the Reformed denomination, became the property of Rev. Edward Herbruck, Michael Loucks and Mr. John Bloom, who purchased the paper with the main object of establishing a printing house in the interest of the Reformed Church. These gentlemen have located the office of the Christian World, on North Jefferson street, between Second and Third, and carry on the printing department in another building near by, on the same street. In addition to the publication of the following periodicals, they do general job printing: The Christian World: the Instructor. quarterly, fifty-two pages, for Sunday school teachers; Instructor Scholars' Quarterly, twenty pages, with helps for Sunday school scholars; Lesson Papers, issued monthly: Leaves of Light, a Sunday school and young people's paper. issued semi-monthly.

THE WORLD.

This paper was first published in Columbus, Ohio, the first copy appearing October 6, 1848, under the name of the Western Missionary, It was edited by Rev. J. H. Good. D. D.. and the editors have since been as follows: G, W. Williard, D. D. ; T. P. Bucher, D. D. : Samuel Mease, D. D,: I. H. Reiter, D. D.. and Rev. E. Herbruck, under whose editorship it is at present, The paper was first published in Dayton, November 1. 1855. It was subsequently removed, and for a number of years published elsewhere. September 5, 1878 it again made its appearance in this city, where it has since remained

The circulation of the paper is rapidly increasing, and it is becoming one of the best religious journals in the west.

THE RELIGIOUS TELESCOPE-WEEKLY ORGAN OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.

While Bishop Newcomer, associate of Otterbein, was yet alive, there were minds which saw the importance of the religious press as a co-laborer with the Christian ministry, in saving the world, Two or three years before the General Conference took any steps toward projecting an enterprise of this kind, in 1829, Aaron Farmer made an effort to establish a paper under the patronage of the Miami Conference. At the session of that body, held at the house of Jacob Garst, in Montgomery County, Ohio, in May, 1829. the last presided over by Bishop Newcomer, a series of resolutions approving the publication of a paper called Zion's Advocate were adopted. The paper was issued from Salem. Ind.. soon after, but for want of patronage was soon discontinued.

The General Conference which met May 14, 1833, in Pickaway County, Ohio, ordered the purchase of an office in Circleville, Ohio, and appointed as trustees John Russel, John Dresbach and George Dresbach. These brethren soon began the solicitation of subscriptions and funds, and on the 12th day of April, 1834, they purchased at public sale in Circleville, Ohio, a printing press, type and fixtures, for which they paid $450, A month later they bought a lot and two houses, for which they paid $550. Early the same year, Rev. William Rhinehart, of the Virginia Conference, by the approval of that conference, began the publication of a paper called the Messenger, at Hagerstown, Md. These trustees, anxious to gather into one body all the power the Church contained, bought the Messenger, type and all, for $325, and employed its former owner to edit the paper ordered by the General Conference.

The first number of the Religious Telescope bears date December 31, 1834. It was issued from Circleville, Ohio, as a semi-monthly, and was sold at $1.50 in advance and $2 at the close of the year. Thus with a debt of over $1,600, and a subscription list of a little above one thousand, but little of

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which was paid for, the Religions Telescope. to use a nautical phrase, set sail on the boisterous seas, over which it has made its way for nearly a half-century. It continued as a semi-monthly until its issue of July 30, 1845, when it became a weekly paper, as it has ever since continued. The paper from the first was respectable in size and character. It at once became a favorite with the Church, and a medium of free interchange of thought in the denomination, as well as a bearer of Christian and general intelligence. It was bold and mighty, if sometimes unwise, in its handling questions of moral and religious reform. Mr. Rhinehart resigned the editorship May 1, 1839.

The issue dated May 15, 1839, appeared under the editorial control of Rev. William Hanby, who was elected to the vacancy occasioned by Mr. Rhinehart's resignation, by Scioto Conference. To this position he was re-elected by the General Conference of 1841. The next quadrennial session, held May 12, 1845, at Circleville, Ohio, elected Rev. D. Edwards editor of this growing periodical. At the next General Conference, held in Cincinnati, May 14, 1849, he was re-elected. but at once tendered his resignation to the conference, by which it was accepted.

General Conference then elected Rev. William Hanby as the future editor. In the issue of July 18, 1849, it again appeared under his control. Early in the year 1850, the trustees elected Rev. John Lawrence as an assistant editor. This relation continued until the early part of the year 1852. when the trustees accepted the resignation of Mr. Hanby, and elected Mr. Lawrence to the editorial control of the paper.

General Conference which met at Miltonville, Ohio, May 9, 1853, re-elected Mr. Lawrence, as did also the next quadrennial session in 1857, held at Cincinnati, and that of 1861. held at Westerville, Ohio.

On the 29th of April, 1864, Rev. D. Berger assumed the editorial control of the Religious Telescope, being elected to the work by the trustees, in place of Mr. Lawrence, who had resigned his connection with the paper. Mr. Berger was re-elected the following year by General Conference, which met in Western Iowa. May 11. 1865.

The fifteenth General Conference, which met at Lebanon, Penn,. May 20, 1869, elected Rev. Milton Wright editor, and the paper dated July 7, 1869. appeared under his control. At the succeeding General Conference, convened in Dayton, Ohio, May 15, 1873, two editors were ordered, Revs, M. Wright and W. O. Tobey was elected. They assumed the mutual control of the paper July 2. 1873.

The subsequent quadrennial session at Westfield, Ill., May 10, 1877, decided to elect an editor-in-chief and an assistant editor. J. W. Hott and W. O. Tobey were elected to those offices respectively, and assumed these relations and duties with the issue of June 13, 1877, which continued until the General Conference of 1881, when W. O. Tobey retired and Rev. W. R. Drury became his successor.

The weekly circulation of the Religious Telescope is 12,384.

THE UNITED BRETHREN PUBLISHING HOUSE.

The first effort to build up a printing establishment in the church, by the church. and for the church, contemplated primarily and solely the life and prosperity of the Religious Telescope: hence, with that paper, we connected its early history.

The church had only begun work in real earnestness at Circleville when it became apparent that a more favorable and central location must sooner or later be sought and secured.

At the session of the conference at Miltonville, which met May 9, 1853, it was decided to remove the office to Dayton.

718 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

Soon after the close of the General Conference the site since occupied by the establishment was purchased by the Trustees. It was then occupied by a two-story brick building, used as a hotel. For this they paid $11,000.

The first issue of the Telescope from its new home, bore the date of September 14, 1853.

For a time the old house was occupied, but in the spring and summer of 1854, the main building, as it now stands, was erected at a cost of $15,000. The rear three-story building was added in 1869, at a cost of $5,659.05.

The location occupies a central and prominent place in the business portion of this beautiful city. The front building is 40x90 feet in width and length, and four stories in height. The rear building is 34x58 feet, and three stories high. The entire building on Main street is forty feet, and on Fourth street, 124 feet. It is entered from the front, and on the side near the rear part of the large building. The front part of the lower story is occupied by the book-room. The lower story in the rear building is the press-room, where the Telescope and other periodicals are printed, and where the Telescope is folded and put into the mails. The second story is occupied by different offices. The third story is largely occupied by the Religious Telescope, and the fourth by the bindery. The building, with the lot on which it stands, is invoiced at $40, 500.

The finances of the publishing interests were for a time conducted by the editor of the Religious Telescope, in connection with the Trustees, Then they were conducted by Rev. William Hanby. The General Conference, May 12, 1845, elected Rev. J. Markwood, who resigned, and his place was supplied by Rev. Nehemiah Altman, who was re-elected May 14, 1849. In 1852, Rev. William Hanby was appointed publisher, to supersede the former occupant. He was succeeded May 9, 1853, by Rev. Solomon Vonnieda.

In March, 1854, Rev. Henry Kumler was associated with Rev. S, Vonneida, which association continued until December, 1854. In 1854, Mr. T. N. Sowers was employed as assistant agent.

In May, 1861. T. N. Sowers and J. B. King were elected publishing agents.

In June, 1864, Rev. W. J. Shuey was, by the Trustees. associated with Mr. Sowers in the place of the former occupant, At the General Conference, held May 11, 1865, at Western, Iowa, Rev. W. J. Shuey and T. N. Sowers were elected agents. Mr. Sowers having resigned, Rev. William McKee was chosen by the Trustees to fill the vacancy, which he did for one year. when he resigned and was succeeded by Rev, W. J. Shuey, the present incumbent.

In 1840, John Russell began the publication of a German monthly paper in Baltimore, Md., called the Busy Martha. The first number was issued March 7, 1.840. In 1841, steps were taken by the General Conference toward the establishment of a printing office in that city. One-third of the subscription list of the Religious Telescope was ordered turned over to this paper. Mr. Russell's paper was merged into the enterprise, and the first paper, under the care of Rev. J. Erb, was issued July 1, 1841. The patronage being insufficient, it was discontinued June 22, 1842.

In October, 1846, there first appeared a paper called the German Telescope, edited and published by Rev. N. Altman. It was issued from the office in Circleville, Ohio. In 1847, the Trustees of the printing establishment elected Rev. D. Strickler as its editor, and June 1, 1847, it appeared under his editor-ship. The paper was an eight-page.

After three years. the name of the paper was changed to that of the Busy Martha. In 1851, the Trustees elected Rev. Henry Staub its editor.

The name Busy Martha was discontinued in 1851, and November 11. 1851, the first number of the Freshliche Botschafter appeared. This paper contin-

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CITY OF DAYTON.- 721

ued under the control of Rev. H. Staub until August 17, 1855, when he re-signed, and Julius Degmeyer was chosen to fill the editorial chair. In December, 1858, Mr. Degmeyer resigned his connection with the paper, and with the beginning of the year 1859, it was reduced from a weekly to a semi-monthly. on account of its loss of money to the office. Rev. Solomon Vonnieda was appointed its editor. This position he occupied up to August 28, 1866. The paper had been again made a weekly on January 1, 1866. It was then removed to Lebanon. Penn., and published by the brethren there, being edited by Rev. E. Light. General Conference of 1869 ordered the paper back to Dayton, Ohio, and elected Rev. William Mittendorf its editor. To this position ho has since been re-elected at the General Conferences of 1873 and 1877. He continues to edit the German literature with much ability. With January 1. 1870. the publication of the Jugend Pilger began. It appeared as a monthly paper for German Sabbath schools. In January, 1874, it became a semi monthly. It has been edited from the first by Rev. William Mittendorf.

THE UNITY MAGAZINE,

In November, 1853, a monthly magazine was issued from the printing establishment, edited by Rev. D. Edwards. called The Unity With God, and Magazine of Sacred Literature. It was devoted specially to the promotion of Christian holiness. In 1854, the name of Unity Magazine was chosen for it. It was subsequently called Unity Magazine and Ladies' Companion, and edited by Rev. A, Owen, Under his administration the name was changed to the Christian Repository. It was ably edited, and shared the contributions of many of the ablest pens in the church. Yet. from several causes its patronage was at no time adequate to its financial support, and with the January number of its sixth volume it ended its career.

CHILDREN'S FRIEND.

The first number of the Children's Friend bears date May 6, 1854. It began, as it has always continued, a semi-monthly, illustrated; Rev. D. Edwards was its editor. With the number dated July 15, 1857, his control of the paper ceased, Rev. Alexander Owen having been elected its editor by the General Conference. The paper dated August 1, 1857, appeared under the editorship of Mr. Owen. This relation continued up to January, 1859, when it was severed by the resignation of Mr. Owen. The March numbers of 1859 began the editorial control of "Uncle Solomon "--Rev. S. Vonnieda. For over ten years the Children's Friend continued under his care. In May, 1869, Rev. D. Berger was chosen his successor by the Board of Trustees, since which time he has been twice re-elected, in 1873 and in 1877. During these years the paper passed under continuous improvements until the present, It now has semi-monthly circulation of nearly 36,000 copies.

MISSIONARY TELESCOPE.

The first number of the Missionary Telescope was issued January, 1858, as a monthly periodical. Though published by the office, its financial maintenance was by the missionary society. It was soon ascertained that much as a missionary organ was needed. it was impracticable to secure its publication without financial loss upon the plan under which it was conducted. In November, 1861, its publication was discontinued.

MISSIONARY VISITOR.

The first number of the Missionary Visitor bears date July 8, 1865. It began as a semi-monthly, and has continued as such ever since. From the first, it was handsomely illustrated, and has been the means of much good in

722 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

our Zion. It was subsequently enlarged, and the character of its illustrations much improved. Very many original cuts, of special interest to the Church, have been prepared for its pages. It has continued under the editorial care of Rev. D. K. Fickinger, corresponding secretary of the missionary society, from the first, except during his absence on missionary tours, when it has been pre-pared by the treasurer of the missionary society. Its circulation for the year ending April 1, 1882. was 28,042.

BIBLE TEACHER.

A monthly magazine, of twenty-four pages, called Our Bible Teacher, for Sunday schools and families, containing ample comments on the International Sunday School Lesson, was issued in April, 18 73. Such was its growing use-fulness that in 1878, it was increased in size to thirty-two pages. It was from the first edited by Rev. D. Berger, D. D., who was continued its editor by the succeeding General Conferences. This magazine had a circulation of 1,088 copies during the year ending April 1, 1882.

SUNDAY SCHOOL BIBLE LESSONS,

This weekly-issued leaf. containing the Scripture lesson of the International Series, with daily Bible reading and short notes and comments on the text, began with the beginning of the use of the International Series. seven years ago, The first number was issued on the first of January, 1873, In April. 1879, the Bible Lesson Quarterly was first issued, This contains the same matter given in the Bible Lessons, with some additions, being neatly bound and issued every three months. The two have a combined average yearly circulation of about 60,000 copies. They are edited by Dr. Berger,

FOR THE LITTLE ONES.

The first number of a small but beautiful weekly paper, called Per the Little Ones, appeared April 2, 1876. It is edited by Rev. Dr, Berger, and is tastily and suggestively illustrated with original cuts from drawings prepared specially for it by one of the best American artists. It is designed to furnish illustration and instruction upon the Sunday school lessons as well as in general literature for smallest readers. Its circulation for the past year was 24,417.

WOMAN'S EVANGEL,

A monthly magazine devoted to the interests of missionary and Christian work, published by the Woman's Missionary Association of the church, and edited by Mrs. L. R. Keister, was first issued in January, 1882.

In addition to the numerous papers and periodicals of the church published at this establishment, an extensive book and stationery business is carried on, together with a great deal of job work for outside parties.

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING HOUSE.

From this establishment is issued the Herald of Gospel Liberty a religions weekly paper of the Christian Church. The paper was established by the Rev. Elias Smith, at the city of Portsmouth, N H., in the year 1808, the first issue bearing date of September 1. of that year. It is by eight years the oldest religious periodical published in the world. In size, the first copy was 10x12 inches, having four pages with three columns to the page. It was subsequently published in the cities of Philadelphia, Boston and Newberryport, Mass,, under the editorship of Revs. Frederick Plummer. P. R. Russell, Elijah Shaw. J. B. Weston and D, P. Pike. In 1868. the paper was removed to Dayton, and consolidated with the Gospel Herald, which journal, as a semi-

CITY OF DAYTON - 723

monthly in pamphlet form, was published at New Carlisle. Ohio, in October, 1843. under the direction of the Ohio Christian Book Association, edited by Isaac N. Walter, and printed by a man named Edwards, In the summer of 1845, R, R. Pope purchased this press and removed it to Springfield, where the publication of this paper was continued. In the spring of 1847, Elders James Williamson. and James W. Marvin became editors of the Gospel Herald. The press and materials having been sold to John M. West, an arrangement was made this year for printing the paper in the Republic office. A year from this last date it was changed from a pamphlet form to a folio, In the year 1849. the Ohio Christian Book Association bought material, and fitted up a printing office in Rhinehart's building on Main street, where the Herald was afterward printed. In 1856. the paper was removed to Columbus. and the year following to Dayton, where it was issued for the Western Christian Publishing Association, under the publishing agent and editor, Rev. John Ellis, who remained in charge of the paper from 1857 to 1862. The association simply owned the type. the printing having been done by a Mr. Stout.

From 1862. until the close of the late war, the Gospel Herald was published at Eaton. under the management and editorship of Rev. E. W, Humphreys. In 1865, Dayton again became the home of this religious journal, which, though changed in name. is still numbered among its best periodicals. Mr. Humphrey. as editor, was succeeded by Rev. H. T. Rush early in 1865, and Rev. W. T. Hawthorne became the publisher.

An association was organized the same year, and the paper printed at the United Brethren Publishing house, where rooms were occupied by its managers. The paper continued under the editorial direction of Mr. Rush until 1877. and during those years was issued under the following publishing agents: O. A. Roberts from January, 1867, to January, 1869. J. J. Summerbell until July of that year, L. Coffeen the remaining six months in the year, and by the Messrs, Frank Browning. W. A. Gross and William Worley. In 1870, the following Trustees were appointed by the publishing association, and the ground upon which the present commodious printing establishment stands purchased: William Worley, Peter McCullough. J. G. Reeder, A. W. Coal' and W. A. Gross. The present building, about 40x100 feet, three stories high, constructed of brick with store trimmings. and located on the southeast corner of Main and Sixth streets, was at once erected and furnished, and the publishing interests of the association there centered.,

Rev. N. Summerbell in 1877, became the publisher of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, and also its editor, in which capacity he served until July, 1878, and was succeeded by Rev. T M. McWhinney, who was likewise both the publisher and editor.

Since July, 1881. the editorial chair has been ably filled by the Rev. A. W. Coan, and the business of the Publishing House, judiciously managed by Rev. C. W. Garoutte. The lower floor of the printing establishment is occupied by the book press. job and mailing departments; and the second story by the composing and editorial departments; the third story containing the bindery carried on by H. R. Groneweg. Under the present management, the job and composition rooms have been fitted up and improved. A new engine and boiler and cylinder job press are now being set in the building, which will greatly facilitate the execution of the rapidly increasing business. Besides the publication of their own religious periodicals, this house has for a number of years printed the Daily and Weekly Anzeiger, and are now printing a number of both secular and religious papers. There is also here executed much book, pamphlet and general job printing. The business of the house averages $25,000 a year.

724 - HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY.

SUNDAY SCHOOL HERALD.

This is a gem for the little folks, illustrated, and made its appearance in 1868, as a semi-monthly, under the editorship of the editor of the Herald of Gospel of Liberty. In January, 1882, it was changed to a weekly. It is conducted by Rev. A. W. Coan and has a circulation of 10,000 copies.

The publication of the Little Teacher, a small two-page 6x8 paper, designed for infant scholars, and Our Teacher's Guide and Scholar's Help, a quarterly magazine, containing comments on the International Sunday Lesson, began January 1, 1882_ The former is a weekly paper. Both are edited by Mr. Coan.

CONCLUSION.

In the past twenty-five or thirty years. many different papers have been published in a variety of interests, which have existed for greater or less periods, and then failed, or been absorbed by other journals. Among those may be mentioned a number of German papers as follows : Stimme Des Volks. established by a Mr. Stierlin, was published about two years ; Dayton Demokrat, established in 1856 by Haisch & Engler, lasted not quite a year ; Dayton Wochenblatt. founded in 1859 by Herman Rauh, was published about five years ; Daily Evening Abendblatt, established by Peitz & Egry, in 1850, was the first German daily printed in Dayton, it only lasted a few weeks ; Dayton Monier, established in 1860, by Richard Baur, which ran about two years. The first of those German papers mentioned succeeded the Das Deutsche Journal, which has already been spoken of, as well as the successor of the Pionier.

Of the English papers that have been published for a time, there were, beside those already mentioned, the Dayton City Item, established in 1856 by F. W. Anderton & Co., an afternoon paper, independent in politics, which ran up to a circulation of 1,700, and lasted about three years. Fred Emrick was its first editor, and Joseph Z. Reeder its second, the latter of whom had charge of its columns about a year. Other papers of a later date were the Dayton Daily Sun, Dayton Commercial, Dayton Advertiser, all of which were evening issues, price one penny. The Standard and Dayton Leader were also published here for a short time; and in 1866, L. D. Reynolds established the Dayton Chronicle, which existed less than a year. In 1868, he began to publish the Dayton Weekly Index, which ran a year.

The following houses do a general line of commercial printing and jobbing business: Henry D. Stout, 27 South Main street ; Reynolds & Reynolds, northeast corner of Second and Jefferson streets ; Odell & Mayer, 133 East Third street ; Holden Manufacturing Company, 38 North Main street ; Walker & Walker, 131 East Third street ; Moosbrugger Bros., corner Sixth and Main streets ; C. P. Sweetman, 24 East Fourth street ; Amos S. Jones, 241 South Commercial street : G. C. Wise, 36 East Fifth street ; John Ralston, on Main street, in the old Journal building.