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235 - LOCAL POLITICS-THE COUNTY PRESS CHAPTER XIV. d LOCAL POLITICS-THE COUNTY PRESS. POLITICS- ORIGIN OF THE BRIMSTONE AND “JUNTO” FACTIONS IN "RE COUNTY - THEIR LEADERS-HOW THE JUNTOS TRIED TO PREVENT A BRIMSTONE FROM SERVING AS SHERIFF- A WILY POLITICIAN OVERREACHES HIMSELF-THE LOCAL PRESS-PROGRESS AND INFLUENCE OF JOURNALISM-THE MISSION OF THE COUNTY PAPER-THE FIRST PAPER-" THE MORGAN SENTINEL "-" THE GENIUS OF LIBERTY "-THE FIRST DEMOCRATIC ORGAN-THE NEWSPAPER WAR IN MCCONNELSVILLE- DESCRIPTION OF AN EARLY COPY OF THE " SENTINEL "-" MORGAN RECORD "-" VALLEY DEMOCRAT DEMOCRATIC GUARD "-" THE CHRONICLE "-" THE ENQUIRER "-" THE CONSERVATIVE "-" THE MCCONNELSVILLE DEMOCRAT "-WHIG AND REPUBLICAN PAPERS- " THE ADVOCATE " - THE WHIG STANDARD " - CONTENTS OF AN EARLY NUMBER-" THE INDEPENDENT "-" THE MCCONNELSVILLE HERALD "-MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS. IT should be remembered that at the time our county was organized there was an entire calm in the political atmosphere of the nation, and partisan names, as previously and subsequently designated, had become obsolete, especially in isolated localities. This atmosphere pervaded our community, and as a sequence our divisions were controlled by local contingencies. Selfish and local interests have probably a controlling influence in parties as in other matters. Hence, as before stated, our citizens were divided on the county-seat question ; and being local in interest, local names were given. Those in favor of the location of the courthouse at McConnelsville were by their opponentS called the Juntos," while those who contended for the East or West had 236 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO the sobriquet of "Brimstone" bestowed upon them by the eccentric Jonathan Williams,* because of the medical use of that article by some of the members of the party, and by these names each party was known and recognized in all the elections, irrespective of county, State or national issues, and each opposed the other with as much, if not more, vindictive spirit than is now evinced by the partisan politicians of the present day. Each party had its tavern, store, mechanic, and, where practicable, a "Brimstone" or "Junto" doctor. But this " unpleasantness " became somewhat ameliorated as times and circumstances changed, until the presidential election in 1826, when the local names became less prominent. And at the celebration of the 4th of . July, 1826, by all parties—including the ladies— after the viands were dispoSed of and the toasts responded to, the requiem of both parties was sung by L. D. Barker in an original song, "Old Uncle Sam," with the chorus : " Let Brimstones and Juntos Unite in good cheer, And spend one day together In the course of the year." Like most other Fourths of July, the morn was cloudy, with slight showers in the evening. On that day, the fiftieth anniversary, while we were celebrating the crowning glory of their lives, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died. But their memory and their names, with those of their compatriots, adorning the brightest page of history, will live as long as the everlasting hills of this continent shall greet the morning sun, or "historic words or breathing statues rise." * Williams was the recognized leader of the "Jun- toe " ; his opponent, the " Brimstone " leader, was T. M. Gates, Esq. A few items illustrative of partisan force and strategy may prove somewhat interesting. The law of July 5, 1805, required the sheriff-elect, on the reception of his commission from the clerk of the court of common pleas, to give bond within ten days acceptable to the commissioners of the county. This law was changed February 2, 1821, and required the bond to be given to the acceptance of the court within the same period. In 1823 Jacob Adams and Edwin Corner were candidates for sheriff ; the latter, of the Brimstone party, was elected, but unmindful of the change Mr. Corner executed his bond as required by the law of 1805; but as it was not, as required by the law of 1821, recorded in the clerk's book kept for that purpose, at the expiration of the ten days, the clerk (Dr. S. A. Barker, a Junto) reported to the associate judges that the sheriff-elect had not given bond, whereupon they met and declared the office vacant, and ordered a special election for sheriff to be held on the first day of January, 1824. But Mr. Corner, conscious that he had been fairly elected, was not disposed to try it over again; so when the legislature met, as it did then on the first Monday in December; he obtained the passage of a special act declaring him the Sheriff of Morgan County and requiring the judges to accept hiS bond. They again met, accepted his bond, and paSsed a reScinding order for the special election. After the adjournment one of the judges inquired of the clerk what he thought of the proceedings. His reply was : "The people will pay no attention to it; another election will be held." - This was the case ; and the election took place on the day named LOCAL POLITICS - 237 in the first order, although Corner's bond had, or should have, been recorded by the clerk. At this election there were but few votes except for Mr. Adams, who, of course, was returned as elected sheriff. But the governor refused to issue a commission, and for the time being the matter was dropped by the Juntos. Not so with the Brimstones; they felt disposed to retaliate, and for that purpose, at the next term of the court, the president judge being on the bench, charges were preferred against the clerk and his removal was effected. Amasa Piper was appointed clerk pro tern. to give time to decide as to the eligibility of another who was afterward appointed. As it would require more space than the interest of the subject warrants to detail other skirmishes of the two parties, we propose, as old Lindley Murray did, to write a sequel. In the case of the charges against the clerk, attorneys were engaged in the prosecution and defense, and for the prosecution Wyllys Silliman, of Zanesville, was employed. At the subsequent session of the legislature a United States senator was to he elected, for which office he was a candidate, as was also General Harrison. General Alexander McConnel was the representative from Morgan. Silliman, with a view of course to placate McConnel, said to him that the charges against the clerk were trivial and that the judges were censurable for his removal. Although this was unnecessary, it served as an additional reason with McConnel why he should support Silliman for senator, although he had not yet committed himself to the support of either. But unfortunately for himself Mr. Silliman had expressed an opinion directly the reverse in no very polite terms to a Mr. Robinson, the representative from Coshocton County, who in the interest of Silliman related it to McConnel ; this determined his course in the matter, and probably by his vote and influence Harrison was elected United States senator and placed in " the line of, safe precedent," or in the current that floated him to the White House. With the election of Andrew Jackson to the presidency the local names of the political parties disappeared. The "Juntos" generally identified themselves with the democrats, and that party carried the county ele3tions almost without exception until 1845. In that year the wh igs, who con trolled the legislature of the State, enlarged Morgan County by annexing to it Homer and Marion Townships, thus overthrowing democratic supremacy in county politics. In 1851 the formation of the new county of Noble took from Morgan some of her largest democratic strongholds, and since that time, as a rule, the opponents of the democrats have been in the majority. In connection with this brief review of the political history of Morgan County the following amusing anecdote is worthy of record. After the annexation of two townships from Athens County had been consummated, the whigs, then in power, found the result had not produced the desired majority for their party in the county. The project of forming the new county of No ble was agitated, and favored by others besides the inhabitants of the "east end," as, if carried out, it would reduce the democratic strength of the county. While this scheme was being zealously discussed, David Ball, of Malta Township was nominated by the Whigs to 238 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO. represent the county in the legislature. The " eastenders " favorable to the new county were desirous of knowing hOW the candidates stood on this question, and one of them interrogated Ball as to his position. Mr. Ball replied in the following terse Quaker language:
" MALTA, OHIO, , 1848.
" FRIEND MCGARRY :-I am with thee in all thy new county projects. " I am, thine affectionately, " DAVID BALL."
This was a comforting assurance to the friends of the measure, but the other side received it with derision, and made a by-word of it. Though Ball was elected on the strength of this promise it was not until 1851 that Noble County became a fixed fact.
NEWSPAPERS.
As an adjunct of modern civilization there is no more potent factor than the newspaper press. In nothing evincing the spirit of progress has there been greater advancement during the last half century than in American journalism. Fifty years ago the country had few newspapers that could be considered paying property ; the metropolitan journals devoted about as much space to foreign as to domestic news, while country weeklies Seemed to consider that which happened at home as of no importance whatever, and imitated the larger journals in style and contents. The telegraph and railroads, assisted by that enterprising spirit which is inseparably connected with successful journalistic management, have wrought most gratifying results. The weekly newspaper whose support and circulation are confined to a single county no longer ambitiously apes the city daily. It has found its place as the chronicler of local news, the protector and defender of home interests; and recognizes the fact that its mission and that of the great journals of the day are totally distinct, separated by well-defined lines. This change has caused the country papers to be more liberally patronized, and given them a degree of influence which they never could have attained under the old method.
In the fall of 1827 John Wilkin and John Christy, young men from Cadiz, Ohio, came to McConnelsville with a small font of type, and while Edwin Corner was having an office built for them, with the assistance of a blacksmith made a printing-press on the double-lever principle, from which, October 10, 1827, was issued the first newspaper ever printed in Morgan County. The paper (which will be described further on) bore the title The Morgan Sentinel . and MeConnelsville Gazette. The Sentinel was a five- column folio, its pages being about twelve by twenty inches 1n size, and would compare favorably with the better class of country weeklies of that day. But the circulation did not increase to an extent sufficient to make the investment profitable, and after about a year the publication was suspended. The press and type passed into the hands of Isaac Pepper, who began the publication of The Genius. of Liberty, which was continued for a year or two. The Sentinel had been neutral in politics ; the Genius was decidedly partisan and thoroughly imbued with the spirit of Jacksonian democracy.
A few facts relative to these early newspapers are thus detailed by Judge Gaylord in his reminiscences contributed to the Democrat.
THE COUNTY PRESS - 239
"One Isaac Pepper, a political adventurer came to our village to establish and put in worlcing order a democratic press. He met with ready encouragement and purchasW from one of the partners of Wilkin & Christy his interest in the Morgan Sentinel. The Sentinel in its course undertook to run in neutral ruts, with a leaning toward whiggery; and pretending to neutrality, it scarcely pleased any one. By such a course it became obnoxious to both parties, and consequently suspended and shut up shop. Party spirit at this time was running high. The presidential contest between Adams and Jackson— bank and anti-bank--were the engrossing political topics of the day, and politicians were greatly worked up, and would fight one another at the dropping of a hat. In this memorable contest nearly every man, besides a considerable sprinkling of women and all the boys, arrayed themselves on one side or the other, and valiantly contended for what they conceived to be right.
“On a certain day Pepper repaired to the Sentinel office to take possession of the type, press and fixtures, and all other things thereunto belonging. The democrats and whigs lounging around, watching one another, noticing the movements of the valiant Pepper, made a rush pell-mell into the office, the one party (whigs) demanding an equal division of the type, etc., the other (democrats) objecting, and claiming all. On the running of the fighting politicians toward the office (which was a small frame building on the Mrs. Powell lot), coats were thrown, sleeves rolled up, arms offensive and defensive seized, and a war of demolition threatened by the parties against the press, if they failed to accomplish their ends and demands. The combatants quarreled and swore terribly, and severely impeached each others' characters.
" At length an ardent whig, who saw that Pepper was likely to take the press, type and all the fixtures to himself and start a Jackson paper, proposed to compromise the difficulty—that is, to give a little and take a little. He suggested that a mixed paper, representing both parties, should be published—on one side of the sheet the cause of whiggery, Clay and the United States Bank should be advocated, while on the other side democracy, Jackson and anti-bank should be sustained and have a hearing. A no less ardent democrat present protested, and remarked that a paper of that kind sent out among the people would be a pretty looking thing, with democratic truth on one side and on the other nothing but whig lies. They would none of it.' This last No4- do/ager, coming so opportunely, settled the 'press war,’ and Pepper 1)ore off the spoils. In the melee this same ardent whig got hold of a large American spread-eagle type and was about to make away with it when discovered by a democrat. Ile was commanded to lay it down, as the British lion would be more appropriate and suit him and his principles, much better.
"Pepper started his paper, earnestly advocated the claims of Andrew Jackson, resulting in a majority in the county of about 200. Then it was that the whigs, not to be outdone and battled in this way, started up a new press and then it was war to the knife, and the knife to the hilt,’ with occasional knockdowns, some biting, gouging and scratching among the valiant politicians."
240 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
Number three of volume first of the Morgan Sentinel and Areamneleville Gazette, bearing the date Wednesday, October 24, 1827, has been shown to the writer. It is much the worse for wear and the ravages of time, but still legible. At the head of the first column stands the notice that " the Iforgan Sentinel and Alc Conneleville Gazette will be published once a week at $1.50 per annum, exclusive of postage, payable in advance ; or $2.00 if paid half yearly, and $2.50 if not paid within the year.
"Country produce will be received in payment for subscriptions only at the advanced price."
The first page contains three columns of advertisements. The board of censors of the Twenty-Second Medical Society of Ohio announce a meeting at Barnesville the last Tuesday in October. Dr. John Cook Bennett follows with an advertisement over a column in length; offering his professional services to the people of McConnelsville, and in proof that he is a full-fledged M. D. publishes several recommendations, including a certificate (in Latin) from the Twelfth Medical Society of Ohio. In these days such a doctor would at once be set down either as a quack or a "crank." Sylvanus Olney announces that his wife has left him without just cause, etc. Next comes a list of letters remaining unclaimed in the postoffice at McConnelsville, from which it will be seen that people in nearly all parts of the county were accustomed to receive their mail at the county Seat. We subjoin the list verbatim :
Anderson, Abraham, 2 Butler, Lydia Ann Atkinson, John M. Blackmer, Timothy Atkinson, John Bailey, William Anderson, Austin Brewster, Nathan Cox, Eliza McVey, Reuben Cooper, Mrs. McCollum, Archibald Coombs, James Maxwell, John Camp, Sames Murphy, Thomas Crow, George McPeak, Wm. Dodson, Thomas D. McClure, Hannah Davis, Israel Nicholson, Wm. Devin, Thomas Newland, Eden H Devol, Arphaxed Newlan, James Dye, Vincent Oliphant, Luseta Ellis, Eben 0lliver; Wm. Fouts, L. Osburn, Jefferson Frisby, Walker Prouty, Daniel B. Frisby, James Russel, George Gard, Lot Smith, Catey, Griffith, Eli Stones, James Hannah, John E. Tucker, Littleton, 2 Hughs, John Timberlake, Warren Harman, William Tison, Andrew Halnbleton, John Vanhorn, William Hedges, Martha Williams, Jacob King, Hiram Winclrel, Enoch Lawrence, Zachariah Worrel, Charles Morehead, Alexander
JACOB ADAMS, P. M.
Corner & Stone advertise "new and cheap goods," which they will exchange for cash or produce. Among the latter are mentioned flaxseed, flax, feathers, beeswax, flannel, cotton-wool and linsey cloth, hides, deerskins, furs, whiskey, flour, shoe-thread, etc. A. Simpson & Co. also offer a general assortment of goods on similar terms. Next follows a legal :notice relative to "Jesse Gause, absconding debtor." Notice is given that a petition will be presented at the next session of the general assembly for a State road from Marietta to Zanesville, making McConnelsville and Waterford leading points on the route. The remaining two columns are taken up by selections, the first a facetious anecdote detailing the "cause of the late war with Great Britain." " From the Democratic Press" is the caption of the following sarcastic bit :
We have the honor and pleasure to announce that by the late arrivals from
241 - THE COUNTY PRESS.
England, the retailers, tailors and others have received direct from the manufacturer a large quantity of EngliSh, cloths, cassimeres, etc., and some very highly finished, well wrought, double gilt buttons, with the words, 'ANDREW JACKSON, 4TH OF MARCH, 1829.' impressed upon them. Those who intend to wear the livery, buttons and all, and thus at once, and at all times, and in all places, make known their devotion to General Jackson, their hostility to the American system, and their preference of British manufactures, would do well to get them made up with as little delay as possible. " LOOK TO IT."
"Effects of Gambling," and "Progress of Mathematical Improvement" are the headings of the two remaining articles on the first page.
The second page is nearly all occupied by the " Constitution and Bylaws of the Washington Benevolent General Society of Washington County, Ohio," a charitable organization. "Latest from Greece," " British Reciprocity," "Conventions with England," a few brief notes relating to elections in Philadelphia, Delaware and Maryland, a few miscellaneous selections, and a continued story, occupying the whole of the fourth page, comprise the remainder of the literary contents of this number. There are only three brief advertisements on the third page, and to fill out the remaining space, evidently intended for advertising, the editors have put in a few humorous anecdoteS, printed in the very largest size of primer type. The advertisements are interesting. Here is one which shows that an enterprising spirit was abroad among the inhabitants of the Muskingum Valley away back in 1827:
"NOTICE.
"A petition will be presented to the next general assembly of Ohio for the passage of an act to incorporate a company with authority to raise by subscription the necessary funds to improve the navigation of the Muskingum River by dams and locks for the passage of steamboats from Marietta (at the mouth of the Muskingum) to the point where the Ohio Canal connects with the Muskingum River, near the town of Dresden.
"MANY CITIZENS. "October 18, 1827."
John James advertises that he will pay thirty-seven and a-half cents per bushel, " in salt or store goods," for all merchantable flaxseed delivered at his oil mill, three miles up the river from Malta, on Oil Spring Run.
Under the head of " Six Cents Reward " Bolser Keith advertises for the return of Adam Keith, an apprentice to the blacksmith business, who ran away from the advertiser in Manchester Township, on the 15th of September. "Any person securing him so that I may get him again shall receive the above reward, but no thanks or charges."
Three later numbers of the Sentinel are still in existence-numbers 6, 8 and 9 of volume first. In theSe the first page is nearly all covered with advertisements. Francis A. Barker, county auditor, submits a report for the year ending June 4, 1826, of receipts and expenditureS of the county ; from which it appears that the former were $2,480.261 and the latter $2,002.23. Number 6, dated November 14, 1827, contains the first annual report of the Baltimore & Ohio- Railroad Company, and mirabile dictu! a few local notes.
242 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
We copy them to show what were the " topics of the time" at that day :
" We lean that the engineer with his company, employed in examining the Muskingum River, arrived at Marietta on Monday, the. 12th inst., having completed the survey in eighteen days. The distance from Zanesville to Marietta is a little over seventy-five miles ; the fall from the dam at the former place to lOW-water mark in the Ohio is 116.29 feet, viz : from the dam at Zanesville to the foot of Deadman's Ripple, 27.00; from Deadman's Ripple to the foot of McConnel's Ripple, 18.58 ; from McConnel's Ripple to Luke's Chute, 24.70 ; from Luke's Chute to Wright's Ripple, 29.64; from Wright's Ripple to the Ohio, 16.41. By the present calculation there will be thirteen dams, including the one at Zanesville."
" CASUALTY.-On Saturday last, as three men were crossing the river about six miles above this place, one of them, Mr. Adam Bankus, fell overboard and was drowned. His body has not been found."
Under the head of "Administration Meeting " Many Citizens" issue a call for a meeting of citizens friendly to the reelection of John Q. Adams to the presidency, to be held at the courthouse, Saturday, the 24th of November.
Then comes the following, evidently the work of some enterprising local reporter :
"(COMMUNICATED.)
"STEAMBOAT.
"On the 11th inst., a little before daylight, our citizens were aroused by the unexpected noise of the steamboat Speedwell,' Captain Reading, on her way to Zanesville. Notwithstanding the early hour of her arrival, a considerable number of our townspeople had collected in time to welcome her by exchanging salutes. After discharging some lading for this place, and taking on board a considerable number of passengers, she proceeded and was greeted on her arrival at Zanesville by the citizens with gaping and gazing ! We hope for the credit of the place, should a similar opportunity offer, they will manifest the SPIRIT of the times in a more appropriate manner. Captain R. informed us that it was his intention to run the Speedwell' between Pittsburgh and Zanesville when the water will admit of it."
In 1834, from the old press and material used in the publication of the Sentinel, and afterward of the Genius of Liberty, C. Weirick issued the Morgan Record, which was continued a year or two.
In 1836 Hiram H. Robinson, afterward county treasurer, took the office and published the paper, changing its name to the Muskingum Valley Democrat. His editorial career was longer than that of any of his predecessors. He continued hi the chair until 1841, when the paper, retaining the same name, passed into the hands of T. C. Cake, who engaged Elijah Hayward to edit it. The editor was a man of eminent ability as a lawyer and politician, and among other official positions had been one of the judges of the supreme court of the state.
In 1844 W. N. Watson came into possession of the office and issued the Ohio Democratic Guard. The Independent of April 12, 1844 (James A. Adair, editor), noted the appearance of the new paper in the following words :
“OHIO DEMOCRATIC GUARD.—This is
243 - THE COUNTY PRESS.
the title of a paper published in this place, the first number of which appeared last Wednesday. It is the continuation of the Valley Democrat, which has been suspended for a few months. The Guard is conducted by W. N. Watson who is partially known to our citizens, having formerly published a paper here some years ago. As the name imports he claims to be the organ of the democracy of our county, and as such says : We fearlessly launch our barque upon the boisterous ocean of political strife. The want of time has prevented us from giving his salutatory more than a hasty perusal, but we saw sufficient to satisfy us that he goeS the full length of the hard-money doctrine. He flings his banner to the breeze inscribed with the names of VanBuren, Johnson and Todd."
In 1845 Watson sold out to A. T. Clark, who—as was said by some under the impression that a part of the name seemed to confine the scintillations of his pen to a too limited sphere—issued the paper as the Democratic Guard, which under his management continued to sparkle for two years, until January, 1848. With a change of owners came a change of name, and the Morgan, County Chronicle appeared with F. A. Porter and Silas H. Davis, publishers, and Daniel B. Linn editor. Mr. Lirin was a lawyer and a very able writer. Under his control the paper attained to a high degree of excellence. This was an exciting period politically — the Cass and Taylor campaign occurring in that year—and the paper had a good support and was read with satisfaction and approval by members of the party from which it received its chief support. At the end of the year Mr. Linn ceased to act as editor. The Chronicle was continued a while longer by the same publishers.
June 1, 1854, appeared the first number of the Enquirer, which proved one of the best papers the county ever had. It was a large seven-column folio of neat typographical appearance, and devoted more space to the discussion of local affairs than had hitherto been the custom with the county press. The Enquirer was edited and published by D. B. Linn, a gentleman whose educational training and natural capabilities rendered him well fitted for the editorial chair. He devoted his paper to the interests of Morgan County, first, last, and all the time; and though it was a political sheet (democratic) it was by no means offensively partisan." Under his management the circulation ran up to over 800, which was good for those days. The "know-nothing" excitement was then at its height, and the Enquirer discussed this and other leading questions of the day in an intelligent and capable manner.
In 1859 Linn sold the Enquirer to Cyrus McGlashan, who continued its publication until March, 1864, several of the later numbers being half sheets only. Charles H. Bean next secured the preSs and material and published the Valley Democrat from April to November. The publication was then suspended and the material taken in charge by the Democratic Press Association.
July 20, 1866, there appeared the first number of the Conservative, democratic in politics, issued from the press formerly owned by Linn. William Glenn was the editor and publisher. After publishing the paper about three months, in the thirteenth number he announced: " This will be the last
244 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
number for four weeks.” The suspension was for financial reasons, and he did not resume the publication. But on the 2d of November, 1866, the paper again appeared, published by Moore & Kelly. It was continued by them until January 26, 1867, when Moore's name was dropped and Joseph A. Kelly became editor and publisher. He continued the paper until March, 1871. April 7, 1871, he issued the first number of the Independent, which was published in McConnelsville until November following, when he removed the office to Malta, where the Independent survived a year or two longer. It aimed at neutrality in politics, as was indicated by its name, but its editor was a democrat and finally turned it into a prohibitionist paper. Mr. Kelly has since been engaged in journalism in Missouri, and is now connected with the Republican, the leading democratic paper of St. Louis.
In 1870 J. A. Kelly's paper, the Conservative, hitherto the democratic organ of Morgan County, became a prohibition journal, and the democratic party in the county was consequently without a local paper. Many leading democrats, not favoring the change, withdrew their support from the Conservative, and began to look around for some one to start a new paper that should be faithful to the time-honored principles of the democracy. The matter was much discussed in the councils of the party in the fall of 1870 and the winter of 1870-71, but for some time no one was found willing to take the lead in the new enterprise. Some time in May, Francis A. Davis, by reason of failing health, caused by exposure in the army, was out of employment, having been obliged to give up his occupation—that of a steamboat- man. He had some experience in the printing business, having worked in his father's office when a boy, and was induced to enter the journalistic field and Start the much-desired democratic paper. On the 1st of July Mr. Davis started for Cincinnati, where he purchased a press and a full outfit of new type and fixtures, paying cash for the same out of his own funds. In due time the material for the new office arrived in McConnelsville, and on Friday, July 15, 1871, the first number of the Democrat was issued. At that time the subscription list contained the names of fifty-seven paying subscribers. After the apparance of the first number the circulation rapidly increased to about five hundred copies, remaining at this figure during the first year of the paper's existence. When the people began to see that the Democrat had come to stay, the list gradually increased, reaching its present circulation. The Democrat now has between 1,300 and 1,400 bonafide subscribers. Its course has been such as to commend it to the party and the citizens generally. Mr. Davis' editorial career has been longer and we venture the opinion— more successful than that of any other democratic editor in Morgan County. The Democrat, which started as an eight column folio, is now a six-column quarto.
Francis Asbury Davis was born near Uniontown, Perry County, Ohio, October 8, 1834. He received a limited common School education. He learned the trade of a printer in the office of his father, who publiShed a paper in Somerset, Ohio. In 1849 he left home and came to McConnelsville, where for seventeen years he led the life of a boat-
THE COUNTY PRESS - 245
man. In June, 1861, Mr. Davis took an active part in raising in Morgan County a company of volunteers, which was mustered into the service as Company H of the 25th Regiment O. V. I. He was elected first lieutenant, and for six months was the acting captain of the company. The hardships and exposures impaired his health, and in September, 1862, he was discharged on account of disability. In 1871 Mr. Davis started the Democrat, which he has since edited and published. The paper has been very successful under his management.
He was married July 14, 1861, to Miss Virginia Watkins, daughter of James Watkins, Esq., of McConnelsville. They have four children, Charles M., Ralph C., Francis A. and Virginia E. Having thus traced the rise and progress of the local democratic organs of the county, let us turn to the other side and narrate the origin and growth of the whig and republican journals. The first of the whig papers in the county was the People'e Advocate. It was published by John White and M. Brister. The first number was issued some time in the year 1836, and the paper was continued for two years and three months. No copies of this paper are known to be in existence at the present time.
Early in the year 1839, from the same press which had printed the Advocate, John Teesdale issued The Ohio it Standard and Morgan County Democrat. No. 40 of volume 1, bearing the date September 27, 1839, has been shown to the writer. Under the somewhat lengthy title of the journal—which is printed in heavy black capitals there appears the motto, VERITE SANS PEUR,” sandwiched between the following : " J. TEESDALE, PUBLISHER, OPPOSITE PUBLIC BUILDINGS."
The Standard was a remarkably good-looking paper, much larger than the average country journal of that time, and neat in typographical appearance, barring the occasional appearance of an italic capital where a roman would have been expected. The paper contained four six-column pages, each about 15x21 inches in size. The subscription price was $2 per year if paid within three months, $2.50 within the year, $3 after the lapse of one year.
The Standard was evidently a thoroughly partisan paper. On the first page, under the head of "Office-holders, or Locofoco Nominations," the purposes of the Democrats are set forth tersely and in no very complimentary language, the opening paragraphs reading as follows :
" To run up the expenses of the government from thirteen to forty millions."
" Selection of none but partisans for office."
And much more to the same purport. Then follows an article headed " Whig Nominations," wherein the whigs, of course, promise to do everything that is good. Next follows over two columns, taken from the Ohio State Journal, relating to official rascality, sub-treasurer's defalcations, etc., all of which has such a familiar, modern sound that one could fancy himself reading yesterday's paper but for the recurrence of the word whig and other now obsolete names. A column and a half is taken up with extracts from legislative proceedings at Harrisburg, Pa., during an investigation into the causes of a conspiracy or fancied
246 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
plot against the State troops. Under the head " Ohio in 1788 " appears a copy of an article originally published in the Salem, Mass., Mercury, relating to the Marietta colony. The " Farmers' Department," occupying the last column of the firSt page, and extending over on the next page, contains selections on various topics. Next comes a selection from the Cincinnati Gazette relating to foreign affairS.
At the head of the editorial columns appears a cut, bearing the coat of arms of Ohio. After the name of the paper and the editor, next comes
" Whig candidate for President United States, William II. Harrison :
" Subject to a national convention.
" A single term for the presidency, and the office administered for the whole people, and not for a party."
A paragraph announces the formation of a society called the McConnelsville Lyceum, to meet " on Tuesday next at Mr. Gage's schoolroom, at early candle-lighting, when the following question will be discussed :
" Is a republican form of government more conducive to the progress of literature than a monarchical? "
William H. Peugh, of Union Township, is announced as a candidate for the next legislature. An article a little over a column in length discusses the river improvement then in progress. In three separate articles are announced bank failures at Cincinnati, Gallipolis and Canton. In a communication " One Who Knows" complains that the citizens of Morgan County living west of the Muskingum have not received a proportionate share of the local offices, and submits two tables showing that the inhabitants of the east Side of the river have held seventy-eight offices, all told, while the other side have held but thirteen—hence his complaints. In another column " No Monopolist " complains of the grant to General McConnel of a mill privilege in connection with the dam and lock at McConnelsville. The second page, as will be seen, conSisted largely of original matter, much of which was of local interest.
The third page contained but two columns of reading matter, the remainder, like all of the fourth page, being filled with advertisements, chiefly local. Under the head of " Late from Europe," news is given from London papers of September 2, twenty-five days previous. The market quotations show that flour was $4.50 per barrel at Cincinnati and Zanesville, and wheat seventy-five cents per bushel. Having thus summarized the literary contents of the paper, let us glance at the advertisements. James Weeks offers for sale a two-horse carriage; Robert Kirby, Pennsville, a tavern stand for sale ; a cut representing a very prim soldier calls attention to the following:
"ATTENTION GUARDS !
" The Morgan Guards will parade at the Center Square, McConnelsville, in full uniform, white pantaloons, on Saturday, the 12th October, at 10 o'clock a. in. "By order of Captain Cornelius. "J. McLAUGHLIN, 0. S."
William Sherwood announces a public vendue. Corner & Davis, Malta, under the caption, " Hear the voice of the needy," call upon their creditors to settle. Converse & Bailey wish to exchange copper kettles for wheat. Simpson & Seaman, Malta, offer dry goods, stoves, etc. D. W. Hanna, Sole
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leather. John Lansley wants to exchange salt for wheat. Simpson & Seaman make a " reasonable request " that their customers settle. Samuel A. Barker has for sale plows, groceries, drugs, whisky, and many other articles.
The same dignified corporal (or an intimate relative) who calls attention to the parade of the Morgan Guards stands guard over the following quaint announcement :
" PARADE! PARADE ! First Platoon! Make ready :
" L. D. Barker sells forty mackerel for $1, cash in hand, as large as they could grow before they were caught."
E. Corner says, " I, too, want money, and my wants are becoming to grievous to be borne long." G. Buckingham, H. Dover, W. W. McGrath & Co., E. Corner, J. B. Stone & Co. and Collum & Wilkin each offer a variety of commodities. Dr. C. Robertson and Dr. L. K. McLaughlin offer, their professional services to the citizens of McConnelsville. Dr. Evans' medicines are advertised to the extent of nearly two columns, and Dr. Moffat's pills and bitters nearly one column George Morris advertises a " wholesale and retail copper, tin, and sheet-iron manufactory," and announces that all kinds of marketable country produce will be taken in exchange for ware. A. B. Scott wants 500 bushels of oats, for which he will pay cash. Benjamin Nott, under the head of " Muskingum Valley House," announces that he is "again in posseSsion of his old tavern stand, lately kept by G. F. Hayward, on Center street, near the river." James Watkins and William H. Bozman advertise a dissolution of copartnership in the saddlery and harness buSiness. Rich & Bascbm, lawyers, insert a modest card. John Scott and William Robinson, McConnelsville, each offer to make and sell hats "low for cash." There are also a few other advertisements not of especial interest at this late day.
From the appearance of this number we should judge that the lrhisiy ,S'tandord was a far better paper than the average country weekly of that period, and that the merchants of McConnelsville and Malta were fully alive to its importance as an advertising medium.
Mr. Teesdale continued the publication of the Standard until October, 1843, when the paper ceased to be. During the exciting political contest when Dr. S. A. Barker, democrat, and Dr. Perley B. Johnson, Whig, both of McConnelsville, were candidates for congress, the Whig Standard contributed its part toward making the race exciting. The editorials are said to have been remarkably vigorous and strong. Mr. Teesdale was an able editor, but he was not an astute financier, consequently his publishing business did not pay. He came to McConnelsville from Wheeling, and was a practical printer. His editorship of the Standard gave him some notoriety, and from Morgan County he went to Columbus, where for some years he was connected with the management of a Whig paper-the predecessor of the present State Journal. He removed to Des Moines, Iowa, where he published a paper for a time. He next became an employe in a government office at Washington, and died in that city.
January 19, 1844, appeared number one of volume first of The independent, James A. Adair, editor and publisher, office over the postoffice. Tile-motto at the head of the title page iS: "JuStice
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to all men and inviolability of public faith." The first page is devoted to selected miscellany. On the Second page appears the editor's Salutatory, from which the following extract is taken:
"Pursuant to intimations given to a portion of the citizens of this county some two or three weeks since, the undersigned thiS day revives the publication of the Ohio Whig Standard under the title of the Independent."
The editor then goes on to state that he commences with a small subscription list, much leis than it ought to be, but engages in the work "with the determination to succeed if industry and perseverance can accomplish that object. If our friends give us the aid and cooperation which we expect, we shall place on a firm basis the whig organ of Morgan County."
The independent was a six-column folio, of good print. The first number contained not a, line of local news and only about six columns of advertisements. During the memorable presidential contest of Van Buren versus Clay it steadily advocated the election of the latter. The firSt volume of the Independent is on file in the county auditor's office. October 24, 1845, Mr. Adair enlarged the paper to Seven columns and changed its name to the Morgan Herald. The earliest copy of the Herald on file iS that for the year beginning April 1, 1853, which bears the imprint, " volume 11, number 1,"— though why the eleventh volume is a mystery, as the Independent, the predecessor of the Herald, was not begun until 1844. The Herald in 1853 was Still published by Mr. Adair, who had his office on Center Street, opposite the clerk's office." The heading is printed in black capitals, and underneath it are the words, " Devoted to Politics, Sound Principles, Foreign and Domestic News, Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures, Science, etc." The first page of the first number of the volume mentioned, contains miscellaneous and selected matter, and the first and Second pages have three columns of "Laws of Ohio." The discussion of railroad matters then, as later, occupied a prominent place among the editorial matter. At the head of the editorial page appear the names of the whig candidates for State offices, the gubernatorial candidate, Nelson Barrere, of Richland County, heading the list. There are two columns of advertisements on the second page, five on the third and nearly six on the fourth. To a list of unclaimed letters remaining in the McConnelsville office the name of D. C. Pinkerton, postmaster, is appended, and in the local columns the appointment of Henry S. Whissen to the same office is noted. Local notes are not numerous or remarkably, interesting. The editor copies with comments a paragraph from a correspondent of the Zanesville Gazette who had visited McConnelsville and stated that he " had opportunities, from conversation with some of the citizens, to ascertain that things were flourishing with them. Considerable improvement in the way of building is to be done in the course of the season, and everything indicated that McConnelsville was to be a large recipient of the general pros perity of the valley. They deserve their succeSs, and we heartily wish them a continuance and an increase of it."
"That is all true," remarks the editor, "and we-hope to show more than the realization of that within the next year.
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Everything gives indications of a new impetus to the business and the growth of our town. We are likely to get in the current of the railroad spirit of the age, and if once fairly on that wave we expect that the determined spirit and energy of our people will put us up even with the times and with our neighbors."
What a pity that after the lapse of more than thirty years the editor's prediction as to prosperity to be brought by means of a railroad should still remain unfulfilled ! In this connection an advertisement on the local page of the same paper deserves notice. It is illustrated by a cut of an engine drawing what appears to be two omnibusses, and is headed, " clear the track-the Iron Horse must come through !" and announces a grand rally (at the courthouse) of the citizens of Morgan and adjoining counties friendly to the construction of a railroad, to be held on Friday, April 8, 1853. The advertisement is signed by William Hawkins and E. E. Evans, committee.
About this time the Herald devotes considerable space to the discussion of the Nebraska bill, and to the subject of abolition. Volume 12th, number 1, the paper appears with a new heading and the motto, " Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable." The editor also congratulates himself on having a larger subscription and better patronage " than at any time since the paper came under his control. He also changes his price from $1.50 to $2 per year, and announces that his patrons must pay in advance or else pay $3 per year. Mr. Adair subsequently enlarged the Herald to eight columns, but there was not a proportionate increase in the amount of local news. From May, 1854, to August, 1856, Mr. Adair published a tri-weekly Herald in addition to the regular weekly edition. Mr. Adair's editorial career of twenty years entitles him to rank as the Nestor of Morgan County journalism. He is still living in McConnelsville, at a ripe old age.
In January, 1864, Robert C. Brown assumed control of the Herald and continued as its editor and publisher until April 10, 1868, assisted during a portion of the time by Will W. Pyle, local editor. During this time the Herald changed but little in appearance or character. There was a trifle more of local and editorial matter than when Mr. Adair edited it. Mr. Brown sold out to Andrew Kahler, and his son, 0: E. Kehler, and Will W. Pyle took the editorial chair. During this year (1868) the publishers advertised their circulation as 1,300. During their administration the name of the paper, which had become the Morgan County Herald, was changed to the McConnelsville Herald. July 29, 1870, W. W. Pyle announces his retirement from editorial connection with the paper, he having purchased the Zanesville City Times. He made the Herald a good paper.
November 4, 1870, the names of James M. Rusk and C. E. Kahler appear as editors, A. Kahler & Son still continuing the publishers. April 21, 1871, there was another •change in the editorial board, and the names of J. M. Rusk and A. Kahler were placed at the head of the editorial columns, C. E. Kahler having severed his connection with the paper. October 20, 1871, Jesse R. Foulke took Rusk's place, and edited the Herald until August, 1872, when J. R. Foulke & Co. became editors and proprietors. The paper was published
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by this firm, which consisted of J. R Foulke and his brother, William Foulke, until February, 1883. J. R Foulke was then sole proprietor until April 1886, when Charles S. Sprague, became editor and proprietor. Mr. Sprague is an energetic and active young man, a recent graduate of the college at Granville, and well qualified for hiS present position.
Soon after Mr. Foulke became proprietor of the paper he began to urge the importance of providing a home for the poor and friendless children of the county. Agitation of the question continued until at length, through the Herald's efforts, it was brought before the people, and to the surprise of all the measure was carried by a vote"of over 3,300 in its favor and only about 500 opposed. The Morgan County Children's Home is the result.
In the issue of April 30, 1886, there appears as editor and proprietor, the name of Charles S. Sprague, son of Hon. Wm. P. Sprague.
Mr. Sprague is perhaps the youngest editor and publisher in Ohio, being but twenty-one years of age.
When but a boy of twelve, young Sprague exhibited his predilection for the printing business, in publishing two amateur journals,—The Budget, and McConnelsville Enterprise; and later, during his college career, he edited and published the Denison Weekly News and the Denison College, the latter being a college monthly magazine.
After graduating at the college Mr. Sprague returned to his native town and assumed control of the Herald. From this time the paper thrived with renewed vigor, and within in these few months its circulation has increased several hundred, and the Herald now stands among the foremost county papers of the State.
The Herald has always strongly favored all public improvements and sought to promote the best interests of the people. As an expositor of the principles of the republican party its course has been Such as to commend it to republicans generally. It it edited with ability, and that its worth is appreciated is shown by the fact that its subscription list has nearly doubled in the last ten years. January 1, 1884, the Herald changed its form from an eight-column folio to a seven-column quarto, and is now one of the largest country papers in the State. The paper has had 4, successful career and its office is well equipped both for newspaper and job work.
The account of miscellaneous publications is quickly told. In 1845 the. Peer-Out was publiShed by George Poor, a boy who worked in the Hera'd office. The Peer-Out was a paper of juvenile size, which gave the local gossip and the effusions of the unfledged literati, much of which now finds its way into papers of a larger growth.
In 1847 John S. Dye, who had previously dealt in counterfeit detectors, published for a short time a half-size sheet called the Workingman's Advocate.
In 1854 Ellis Ballou published the Western Newsboy in Malta, and deserved a better patronage than he received.
With three exceptions, all the papers thus far published in the county have been issued from the county-seat. Two of the exceptions, the Newsboy and the Independent of Malta, have already been noticed. There remains one more to be mentioned, which from its size and character might aptly be termed a loess natures in journalism. This was
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the Copperhead Ventilator, the first number of which appeared, issued at Windsor some time in May, 1863, James Brannan, editor and proprietor. The Ventilator was called into existence by the war and aimed to thoroughly ventilate the aims and motives of the anti-unionists. It was thoroughly Union in its sentiments, and dealt in the strongest of sarcasm, ridicule and invective, using forcible if not elegant English. It was a four column folio, published monthly at the price of 25 cents per year. It was issued, but not regularly, until near the close of the war. |