Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 27: The Press, 1912

The Modern Newspaper - Scarcity of Newspapers in Early Part of ipth Century - The Newspapers of Today the Reflection of Contemporary Life and History - The Rural Press - Character of Crawford County's Newspapers - Early Specimens - Lack of Local News in Early Papers - The Scissors Succeeded by Stereotype Plate - A Case of Mixed Fiction - The First Printing Press in Crawford County - The County's First Newspaper - The Western Journal and Bucyrus Advertiser - Specimen Advertisements - The People's Press - The Ohio Intelligencer - The Crawford Republican - The Bucyrus Democrat - Democratic-Republican and Its Regular Publication - The People's Forum - Journalistic Success in Crawford County in Early Days Dependent on Politics - The DemocraticPioneer and Its Peculiar Origin - Editorial Amenities - Career of Tom Orr - First Steam Newspaper Plant in Bucyrus - The Crawford County News - The News Forum - The Daily Critic - The Daily Forum - Establishment of the Bucyrus Journal and Its Career - The P. V. Nasby Articles - Carriers' Addresses - The Journal Under the Hopleys - The Evening Telegraph - Consolidation of Journal and Telegraph - The Temperance Ballot or Crawford County News - German Papers - The Crawford County Demokrat - The Deutsche Courier - The Bucyrus Evening Times - The Daily Critic - Other Journalistic Enterprises of Bucyrus- - Galion Newspapers - The Galion Weekly Train, Later "Times" now the Galion District Democrat - The Ribletts and Matthias Brothers - The Weekly Revifw - The Galion Sun - The Public Spirit or Leader - The Sun-Review - The Galion Inquirer - The Crestline Express - The Crestline Advocate - The Crawford County Democrat - The Crestline Democrat and Crestline Vidette - The New Washington Herald - The Tiro World - Old Time Part Spirit - A Change for the Better.

There are some who appreciate its labors, and some tion. Naturally, in the publishine of a newswho perhaps never will, - n j. r s ^'- "<=w3

When they who have striven and suffered to teach and reduced to the minimum, and few people realennoble the race, . ize the care with which a staff of conscientious

ThT'ed^^r,"printrtnd "devil." will travel not far ^'°" ^'^ ^^e presentation of matter in the ordifrom the head. "^-ry newspapers of the day.

pers and even the best of them in 1820 would not compare with any degree of credit with the hundreds of newspapers pubHshed all over Ohio today, the improved methods of collecting and handling news giving to our local papers today a quality and completeness which could not have been attained in even the largest cities a hundred years ago. Ohio has progressed in the past century to a degree far exceeding the roseate dreams of the most sanguine enthusiast in his brightest optimism. And going along with the advance of Ohio, but usually leading that advance, were the splendid papers of the state. The small cities have long enjoyed their daily papers and scarcely a community of size and importance is now without a newspaper, usually a daily and often two dailies, speaking with enthusiasm for the town or city, and pointing the way to improvement in local affairs, whether in politics, sanitary conditions, manufacturing or commercial advantages; or boasting of the financial reliability of its institutions and the progressive principles of its people.

The measure of social advancement is reflected in the papers of the state and each community smiles to the world at large through the pages of its favorite paper. Always anxious to command the respect and esteem of the community, usually fighting its way to a higher character and broader view of life and responsibilities, the modern newspaper aims to be at the front in all good work; aims to give to the people inspiration and encouragement, and strives to be worthy of that community and its people.

The faithful newspaper of today becomes the reliable history of tomorrow, and the paper striving to make its columns reflect that which will be reliable history naturally has a standing which cannot be weakened. The power of the press has been the subject of song and story, but that power only comes when it reflects the conscientious ideas of the locality and in leading with good thoughts and good deeds the community where it is published. The desire for helping in the general advancement of the community has stimulated many papers to institutional efforts, and today newspapers are doing more than their share to help in public enterprises ; more than their share of care and

And while the press in general has advanced to a remarkable degree the press of the rural sections has come to be more and ijiore a reflex of the substantial thought and careful intelligence of the average American community. The larger cities reflect a condition which is restless and dangerous. Their newspapers are frequently given over to large headlines and sensations. This in itself is disturbing. The newspapers of the smaller communities are prepared with greater care, and show the anxiety to reflect the people with whom the paper is an institution and to give to the readers of that paper the best possible ideals.

Crawford county is especially indebted to its newspapers for their cleanness, their progressive character, their tireless desire to assemble news and present it in readable and creditable shape, and their unceasing efforts to build up their respective sections. To compare a county newspaper of 1800 of any county in the state, with the newspapers of Crawford county of today is certainly a comparison which reflects credit on the present Crawford county papers. The oldest papers in the county are on exhibition at the office of the Hopley Printing Company in Bucyrus. There are two papers framed on their walls, one of 1833 and the other of 1834, which give a good idea of the newspapers of that day. The older of these two framed copies is of the Western Journal and Bucyrus Advertiser and is dated November 30, 1833. The other copy is of The Bucyrus Journal and is dated February i, 1834. They are both in a remarkable state of preservation and are so framed that the interested person can examine both sides of the print. There was no local news at that time and no effort to assemble local news. Occasionally a death would be recorded but in the main the papers contained items of national or international importance, clipped from some of the exchanges that had come to the editor.

Seventy-five years ago the editor of a Bucyrus paper had, seemingly no use for a pen. The scissors did the work for him. This was notable in all the papers up to about i860, when the use of local news became of some importance. The great frost of 1858 which in July of that year destroyed the corn and wheat, and other crops and entailed a loss of half a million dollars on this county, was given merely a few lines. Such an item today would be treated with a full account, with details secured at first hand from as many farmers as could be reached. The advancement of newspaper work has been remarkable, and it is comparatively easy to gather the items of the world and place them on the tea tables of the small city; organization and improved facilities making the work a pleasure where in the old days it was a hardship.

The general use of the stereotype plate has come within the past forty years. The use of this plate in local newspapers enables the smaller publications to use "syndicate" matter simultaneously with the larger papers of the country, and deliver to the rural community each day from the county seat, as complete a paper as would be possible in the great cities of the country. Some years ago Major A. W. Diller was watching the operation of the placing of stereotype plates in a newspaper form and remarked "it used to be that you edited a newspaper with a paste-pot and pair of scissors, but now, by heck, you do it with a saw."

Occasionally in the early days a three or four line mention was made of the death of a prominent citizen, and the political meeting of a party escaped with only a bare mention, if indeed it obtained any place in the paper at all, and certainly none if it were the opposition party. However, from the early files accessable at the office of the Bucyrus Journal and the Evening Telegraph it is possible to get much historical knowledge from the advertising colums. The changes in firms or locations, the new stores started, the erection of new buildings, etc., are only learned by the advertisements. After the year 1840 political editorials became frequent. It is doubtful if the entire amount of local news published in all the Bucyrus papers previous to the year 1850 exceeded what can be found in the leading papers of the county in any one month.

The use of stereotype plates has helped make newspapers possible in many small towns and in these later days the cost is not expensive and the value is very great. In one of the southern Ohio counties an eccentric character named Tony Barleyon owned a small newspaper. He bought a page of two-column short stories and for six months ran them in his paper. The page contained three of the two-column stories and he would publish first one then the other of them, occasionally forgetting to change the stories from one week to the other, and this brought some comment from his friends. To vary the matter Barleyon mixed the stories up, running them in combination so that the first column of one story would be published with the second column of another.

John Moderwell is the authority for the fact that the first printing press brought to Crawford county was the property of William Y. McGill. It was an old Ramage press, and about 1829 he contemplated publishing a Jackson paper, at Bucyrus, but after the first number appeared the publication was discontinued. McGill must have been a man of excellent financial judgment, for he had discretion enough to foresee that, even in that day, running a newspaper in Crawford county would not be an easy road to financial prosperity, and he promptly suspended the new enterprise. He continued a resident of Bucyrus and vicinity for many years, occasionally teaching school in the village and surrounding country. April I, 1833, he acted as election clerk in Liberty township, and at the same time, his fellow citizens having implicit faith in him, elected him to the lucrative office of "fence viewer" of that township. This is, so far as known, the only honor or political preferment given to the man who introduced the printing press into Crawford county. When war was declared with Mexico, McGill left for the scene of hostilities, feeling, no doubt that the success he had failed to achieve with the pen might be attained by the sword, but misfortune was his lot, for while on his way home he took sick and died at Newport, Kentucky. It is doubtful if any copies of this first paper published in Crawford county were preserved.

The second attempt at journalism was made by William Crosby, who obtained possession of the McGill press and materials, and about September i, 1831, commenced the publication of a newspaper advocating democratic principles. This was called the Western Journal and Bucyrus Advertiser above spoken of and was printed and published on Sandusky avenue, a few doors north of the post office. The post office was at Henry St. John's store where the Bucyrus City Bank is now located, and it is likely the few doors north was about where Englehard's clothing store is at present. If this paper appeared regularly, counting from the numbers of the issues preserved and framed as above mentioned, which was No. 105, it must have been started in November, 1831, but it is doubtful if the paper was issued regularly each week, so it is possible the first number of the Western Journal might have been several months prior to this date. The paper changed names between November 30, 1833 and February I, 1834, for on the latter date it was known as the Bucyrus Journal.

The Western Journal and Bucyrus Advertiser was a four-page paper of four columns to the page, and the issue of Nov. 30, 1833, is No. 105. In this paper George Sweney offers for sale half a lot which is situated a short distance north of Henry St. John's store, on which there is a comfortable two-story dwelling. It is probable this is the building which was the home of the paper, as it was expected in those days a party leader should furnish a home for his political paper, and as two years had elapsed with little or no rent coming in, and it would be political heresy to close up the concern, the smoothest and easiest way out of the difficulty was to unload the burden on some one else. Crosby, however, was doing his best. He was offering for sale lot No. 151 in Bucyrus, which was the west 82 feet of the lot on which the Hotel Royal now stands, and ran south on Poplar street 132 feet. The advertisement states the lot "is in a healthy and flourishing part of the town." He further announces he wants some wheat on subscription, and that he will take lumber in payment for debts due him, specializing: "Oak, Ash, Poplar, Black and White Walnut, and Cherry boards; shingle and Plastering Lath - Scantling and Shingles."

Second - John Davis announces that he is in the hatting business at Gary's old stand, and has hats at wholesale and retail, and "warranted as good as any made in the western country."

Third - "All persons are cautioned against a promissory note given by me, payable to Jos. Kirk, for the sum of $175, twelve months after date, dated about the first day of October, 1833, as I shall not feel myself bound to pay the same unless compelled by law. John Davis."

Zalmon Rowse, as administrator of his brother, announces he will sell a part of the east half of the southeast quarter of section 35, Holmes township. [This was the land in North Bucyrus extending from the Tiffin road half way to' Sandusky avenue] ; also land on the turnpike road south of Bucyrus. [This is now in the corporation.]

Elizabeth and William M'Curdy announce their appointment as administratrix and administrator of James M'Curdy, of Liberty township, deceased.

John Moderwell announces the removal of his cabinet shop to the new building on the west side of the square. [This was the lot on which the Hotel Royal now stands. Previous to this his building had been on the Rowse Block corner.]

Advertisements are also published announcing that a petition will be presented to the next Legislature to form a new county. The new county was to take from what is now Crawford, all of Auburn and Vernon, the northern three miles of Sandusky and the eastern three miles of Cranberry, Auburn and Vernon being then in Richland county.

Other petitions to be presented to the Legislature was for the establishment of a graded state board from Mamsfield in Richland county to Bucyrus in Crawford county; also a state road "beginning at the Public Square in Gallon, in the county of Richland, from thence on the nearest and best ground to the town of Bucyrus."

"We have been requested to state that Rev. Mr. Dickey of the Associate Church will preach at the Court House in the village on Sunday next to commence at II o'clock a. m."

Two things are observable in the only local item ; first, his declining to assume responsibility for the item, and second the statement that the reverend gentlemen would commence preaching an o^ clock. It was a correct statement to make, as it gave no indication as to when he would finish, as in those early days it was nothing unusual for a minister to preach two and three hours.

The next number in existence was called the Bucyrus Journal, and is dated Feb. i, 1834, and is No. 114, showing by the date and number that it was being published regularly each week. It again has been but one news item:

This next number shows that when an advertisement once got into the paper it stayed there. The legal notices of Musgrave & St. John of Abraham Yost for their absent debtors, and the administrator's notice, get their tenth publication, when the law called for but four.

"Six Cents Reward - Ran away from the subscriber living in Bucyrus, on the 20th inst., a boy named Peter Werth, an indentured apprentice in the Wagon and Ploughmaking business. All persons are hereby count, as I will prosecute all who do so. Said boy is about 18 years old, dark complected, is fond of talking cautioned against harboring or trusting him on my acwith his superiors, and occasionally tries to play the fiddle; had on when he went away a dark sattinet coattee, white hat, and striped sattined pantaloons of a snuff color. The above reward will be given but no charges paid.

"To THE Public. - Mr. Editor : Sir : In your paper of the 21st inst. I perceive an advertisement signed by George ^ Myers, concerning my son, Peter Werth. Now I wish to correct an error in said advertisement. My son did not run away as Mr. Myers states; he came home on account of some ill treatment on Saturday last. I, as his rightful guardian, commenced a suit against Mr. Myers on Monday last (for a non-performance of the indenture) the result of which has been a verdict in my favor of thirty dollars.

"P. S. - Mr. Myers had better keep his shavings for the purpose of lighting candles to play cards, dice, and roulette by, and save his money also.*

Sweney has probably sold his building, as the advertisement does not appear; still the editor is struggling heroically to meet expenses as witness the following :

"The Printer - Wants the following articles of Country Produce in payment on subscription debts, viz. : Wheat, Rye, Corn, Oats, Buckwheat, Potatoes, Pork, Beef, Veal, Cheese, Butter, Sugar, Flax, Linnen, Linsey, Wool, Tallow, Candles, Feathers, Hay, &c., &c., or anything else which we can eat, drink, wear, or sell again. He would be glad to get lumber and building material of all kinds (if delivered soon) ; also a few cords of Fire Wood; for all of which the highest market price will be given. And moreover, he would not take it amiss if he could occasionally get (it would be a mighty pleasant thing) from his patrons some MONEY, for which they should most assuredly receive his hearty thanks."

While these early issues of the Bucyrus Journal and the Western Journal are not as well printed as is done today, it is a conspicuous fact that the paper holds together and the type is clear and distinct, a feature which will probably not be noted about the average paper printed today which might be preserved for eighty years. Crosby sold the printing plant to Charles P. West, who published for about one year the Peoples Press and the Peoples Advocate, both of which aimed to be neutral in politics. In 1845 President Polk appointed Crosby Consul to the port of Talcahuano, Chili, in South America. Moderwell says in regard to Crosby's later history "Finding the office was not very lucrative he resigned and engaged in whale fishery, which proved to be much more profitable, and in which he was engaged for many years. He visited Bucyrus in October, 1867."

David R. Lightner was employed in the People's Press office before the publication was discontinued, and, when West sold the establishment to Joseph Newell arrangements were made for a new paper, to be published by Newell & Lightner. Mrs. Newell, however, opposed this move on her husband's part, and, in order to "keep peace in the family," Newell turned the enterprise over to John Reeder, and is said to have given him ten bushels of wheat for "taking the bargain off his hands." Reeder and his son Jonathan, and his nephew Lightner, then started the Ohio Intelligencer. The first number appeared about 1836, for the 21st number of it was issued July 23, and the 42d number December 30, 1836. This paper was neutral in politics, the issue of July 23 publishing both Presidential electoral tickets. The name of the firm was then D. R. Lightner & Co., but after fifty-two numbers had been issued John Reeder retired and his son Jonathan continued in partnership with his cousin Lightner for several more numbers of Volume 2. Young Reeder also became discouraged and sold his interest to John Caldwell. The Ohio Intelligencer was then discontinued and Caldwell & Lightner started the Crawford Republican about August i, 1837, with Caldwell as editor and Lightner as publisher. The office was then on the corner now occupied by the J. K. Myers store. In the eighth number, dated November 4, 1837, on the first page, and November 28, on the third, the proprietors make the following announcement :

"The experiment we have commenced in the publishing of a Democratic paper is now in full tide of operation, and with the result so far we have no reason to complain. In addition to the old list of subscribers we have obtained about one hundred and twenty new ones, and are daily receiving more. We want two hundred more immediately and no labor or expense will be spared to make our paper interesting. An interesting and important crisis is now approaching in our national and state affairs, with which every man in the county should make himself acquainted, and which we will endeavor to lay before our readers as they transpire."

This number was issued during the panic of 1837, and, money being very scarce, the proprietors, in order to secure patronage, published on the fourth page, in sale-bill type the following notice: "Wheat, corn, buckwheat, oats, pork, beef, butter and candles will be rereceived on subscription at this office." After 52 numbers of the Crawford County Republican had been published Caldwell retired from the firm, and Lightner continued the paper for another year,' or rather for another volume of fifty-tv^o numbers, the last appearing January I, 1840. The Democratic brethren were not satisfied with the manageemnt of the paper under Lightner, who said "some declared I was not a good Democrat for publishing a communication from Bishop Tuttle, in which the people were advised to examine both sides." Lightner was not sorry to be relieved, and the office was transferred to Caldwell, and the paper discontinued for about three months. Mr. Lightner was afterward elected Mayor of Bucyrus in 1842 and re-elected in 1843. Caldwell, for many years a resident of Crawford county, removed to California, and was mur- . dered while carrying mail.

In the summer or fall of 1838 a new Whig paper, the Bucyrus Democrat, was established by John Shrenck. No. 52 of volume i was issued October 2, 1839. An examination of this issue shows that the character of Bucyrus newspapers has improved very much during these 75 years. It would seem the sole idea for which Shrenck published the Democrat was to abuse the Democratic candidate for prosecuting attorney, Franklin Adams. This gentleman was elected by a large majority, reelected two terms and continued for years an honored and respected citizen of the town, while the Democrat "yielded up the ghost" 70 years ago. Shrenck continued the paper several years; No. 47, of Volume 3 was issued May 4, 1842, and it was published during the political campaign of that year. After a precarious existence of three or four years he removed the press and material to Kenton and in 1845 to Upper Sandusky. The Bucyrus Democrat was the first paper published in Crawford county in opposition to the Democratic party.

publishers of the Ohio Statesman, at Columbus, recommended Thomas J. Orr and John White as two printers who could conduct a paper to suit the party. About April 23, 1840, these young men having obtained possession of the printing material formerly owned by Caldwell & Lightner, started the Democratic Republican, the fourth number of which appeared May 14, 1840. White then retired from the establishment; it is generally reported that the partnership was dissolved by Orr kicking White out of the office for being intoxicated. Considering the present partisan meaning of the words Democratic and Republican, it appears strange that in 1840 the organ of the Crawford county Democracy should by the Democratic Republican, while the Whig paper, opposed to the Democracy should be known as the Bucyrus Democrat. Orr continued in the newspaper business at Bucyrus for several years and at the start was supported by the Democratic party. The first volume of his Democrat Republican was completed May 28, 1841, and shortly after this Orr commenced issuing the paper very irregularly, for although the second volume was started June 4, 1841, it had only reached the 28th number bv July 23, 1842. It had taken him eight months to issue the last fourteen numbers of the second volume. Orr was a brilliant writer, and a genial, social, whole-souled man, but could do nothing with more ease and grace than any man in the village. Everybody liked him, but the leading Democrats so seriously objected to this shiftless way of conducting a party organ, that he did better the second year, and starting Vol. 3 on April 6, 1843, he managed to get it completed by June 8, 1844, publishing the 52 numbers in a year and a record breaker for Orr. He managed to do fairly well in the summer of 1844 as it was a Presidential campaign, and he took a natural interest in politics, but after the campaign was over, and his party had won, he dropped back farther than ever in the irregularity of the issues. The patrons of the paper in disgust, secured another man and the People's Forum was started in the spring of 1845, and after publishing a few more irregular numbers, the last about July, with the fourth volume lacking several numbers of completion, Orr gave his paper to William T. Giles, the only man about the establishment who did any

In the earliest settlement of the counties it was a difficult matter for papers to exist, and there was generally but one in a county, and that depended for its support not so much on its patrons as on the county printing. Crawford was a Democratic county, and when Orr started a real Democratic paper he secured the county printing and the Whig paper went to the wall. Two papers could not be sustained in Bucyrus, and about 1843 Shrenck moved his plant to Kenton and on Feb. 3, 1845, the act was passed creating Wyandot county from Crawford, and Shrenck loaded his plant into a wagon and started it across the country and on Feb. 15, 1845, issued the first paper at Upper Sandusky, which was called the Wyandott Telegraph, with two "tt's." His office was the old Council House, but the county bought the building and he was compelled to move, and while waiting to secure a new location published one number under an apple-tree in the open air. His paper was Whig in politics, to the great satisfaction of his former subscribers in that portion of Crawford county, which was now Wyandot. That fall was the first election for the county officials in Wyandot county, and the editor poured his weekly tirade of abuse on the iniquities of the Democratic party, and eulogized every candidate and every doctrine of the Whigs. The Democrats were wild, and they hurried to Bucyrus for relief. Good natured, genial Tom Orr had been publishing a Democratic paper at Bucyrus at such irregular intervals that the Democrats had induced another man to establish a paper in their city. While Orr talked politics and told stories at every loafing place in the village, his paper was being gotten out, such as it was, by a young man named William T. Giles, not an editor, but a printer, about 22 years of age. When the Upper Sandusky delegation reached Bucyrus they met Orr. He was not only ready to quit, but as usual would do anything to accommodate his friends, so he suggested that Giles could buy his plant and take it to Upper Sandusky. Giles only paid $1.25 per week for board, but was unable to collect enough money from Orr to keep this paid up, so he was financially insolvent. He also doubted his ability to run a paper, but his democracy was unquestioned; and, persuaded by Orr and the Upper Sandusky Democrats, he agreed to look over the field. In company with William M. Scroggs, afterward his brother-in-law, he visited Upper Sandusky, and agreed to undertake the job. Orr had said there would be no difficulty on terms. And there wasn't. Orr was to receive Giles' individual note for the property, due in eight months, the amount due Giles from Orr being deducted. When the note was due, if Giles could not pay it, he was to return the property, and Orr was to pay him in cash the balance due him for wages. The contract and note were drawn up by Josiah Scott. Giles was an industrious and hard worker. His Democratic friends bought him an old house in Upper Sandusky, and this he fitted up for a printing office. Everything being ready, Giles borrowed a horse of one of the staunch Democrats, of Upper Sandusky, Col. Robt McKelly; started early in the morning, drove to Bucyrus, got Fred Feiring to assist him, and the plant was loaded on the wagon, and by evening in its new home, and he issued his first paper, the Democratic Pioneer, on Aug. 29, 1845. So the first papers of both parties were started in Upper Sandusky by Bucyrus men. Giles poured hot shot and bad grammar into the Whigs, and when the election was over the county was Democratic, Giles had the county printing, and the week after the October election Schrenck left with his plant for a new field in Henry county, receiving the following complimentary notice from his successful rival :

"The thing that decamped from this place, and took up his abode in Napoleon, Henry county, and is issuing a little filthy sheet, is said to be doing great service to the Democracy of that county, and the Democrats are returning their thanks to him. Good! We hope our friends in those regions will give him plenty of rope, and the consequence will be seen."

When the note became due Giles wrote Orr of his impossibility to pay, and said he would return the plant, and collect his back wages, as per contract. Orr was in worse financial condition than ever, and being unable to pay the wages, finally succeeded in coaxing Giles to go ahead with the plant and pay when he could. Giles made a success of it and later became one of the prominent newspaper men of the west, and althought later in life he may have been able to explain just what he meant in his first announcement in the Pioneer, he certainly never found any grammar which would successfully cover the paragraph in its entirety. Here is his entry into journalism :

"It is the intention of the editor to be perfectly free and uncontrolled by any man or set of men, and always willing to receive the counsel of such as are desirous of promoting the good cause, for which it is published to vindicate, as the advice of many is likely to be more correct than the few."

As for Tom Orr, he was more popular without his paper than with it, so his party elected him Clerk of the Court, a position he held for six years, proving a most efficient and popular official.

In 1859 he was chosen to represent Seneca, Crawford and Wyandot counties in the state senate. During the second session the war broke out and Orr supported the measures adopted by the legislature for the preservation of the Union. For doing this he was bitterly denounced by some of the leaders of his party at home, and when he sought a renomination at the next primary election, received only 782 votes in Crawford county, while Judge Lang of Tiffin received 760, and the latter was nominated at the Senatorial Convention. Orr afterward remove to Calhoun county, Iowa, where he died July 2, 1874.

When the Democrats of Crawford became dissatisfied with Orr's irregularly issued publication, they induced J. R. Knapp., Jr., who had for several years been connected with the Marion Mirror, to establish another Democratic paper at Bucyrus. The first number of this, the People's Forum, appeared April 12, 1845, and three months later Orr sold his plant to Giles. The Forum has been regularly published since, under different proprietors. John R. Knapp learned his trade as a printer in New York, and in 1842 with his brother started the Marion Mirror. In 1845 he sold out to his brother in order to come to Bucyrus and start the People's Forum, which he ran until 1847 and sold to Mordecai P. Bean. In 1846 while at Bucyrus Mr. Knapp was appointed by John G. Breslin, then clerk of the senate, as his assistant clerk. In 1848 he was elected Senate Clerk. The Senate stood Democrats 18, Whigs 15, Free Soil 3; the Free Soilers were "Progressive W^higs" so the Senate was a tie po- litically. In those days the Clerk of the Senate had the giving out of the publication of laws, (worth about $50,000 to some paper,) so when opportunity offered there was a fight. Balloting lasted four days. Knapp got his 18 Democratic votes all right on every ballot, Dut lacked one of a majority, and on the 121st ballot he received nineteen votes and was elected, and Sam Medary, of the Ohio Statesman, secured the publication of the laws. The next session was also close as it took 300 ballots to agree on the speaker, but Knapp got the clerkship on the second ballot, showing he had made a good clerk.

Knapp's office for a few weeks after he came here was opposite the Court House ; then it was moved a few doors east, near the old Methodist Episcopal church. In April 1848 the printing material was moved to a room over Lauck & Failor's store; the frame still standing on the corner of the Square and East Mansfield street; in April, 1850 it was moved to the Anderson block, long known as the Ward-Gormley residence, opposite the present office of the Bucyrus Journal and the Evening Telegraph. In the spring of 1855 it was moved to the Deal House corner. Bean had bought the People's Forum in 1847 and was proprietor for about ten years. During the latter part of that decade Philip Dombaugh was associated with him but never owned an interest, although considered the publisher for several years. They finally dissolved business relations April 24, 1857, and shortly after Bean sold the Forum to J. A. Estill, who was later editor of the Holmes County Farmer. The office was removed to the Quinby block April i, 1859, and in a few weeks passed into the hands of A. Mc- Greggor who, after he left here was editor of the Stark County Democrat, at Canton, and died there in November, 1901. When Mr. Mc- Greggor left he transferred the paper to the late Judge Thomas Beer, and the office was removed to the Burkhart block, now known as the Mader block, on January i, 1862. On April 25, Henry Barnes and Thomas Coughlin purchased Beer's interest in the paper. After five months Barnes retired from the partnership, but Coughlin continued as proprietor until April, 1868, and the office was removed to the Blair block. In October, 1867, he was elected County Clerk and was re-elected in

1870. Before entering on the duties of this position he sold the paper to John R. Clymer, who had been the Clerk of the Court for the previous seven years. About this time the office, which had been improved by the addition of a fine Cincinnati cylinder press and other new printing material, was removed from Blair's hall to the second story of No. 8 Quinby block. In August, 1867, Mr. Coughlin employed as associate editor of his paper William Hubbard, who continued with the Forum until April, 1869. This gentleman was an unusually earnest and forcible writer, and had a national reputation on account of the fearlessness of his writings in opposition to the war. During the war he was publishing a paper at Dayton, and the citizens believing his vigorous expressions were disloyal, visited his office one night without waiting for the formality of an invitation, and destroyed the plant. With a praiseworthy tenderness of heart, to prevent the editor seeing his property ruined, they considerately threw him out of the window before they commenced their work of destruction. Nothing was done, as public opinion in that city was against the editor. He went to Bellefontaine where he edited the Logan County Gazette, with his pen a trifle sharpened by his experiences, and then came to Bucyrus. When he retired from the Forum the partnership of Hubbard & Coughlin was formed and they bought the Democratic Northwest at Napoleon, Ohio, which Mr. Hubbard edited until he died, May II, 1872.

In 1874, Mr. Coughlin was elected clerk of the House of Representatives at Columbus, serving one term; he went from there to Cincinnati and eventually returned to the printing business. Advanced in years, he is still living at Colorado Springs, Col., a member of the Printers' Home.

Under the ownership of Mr. Clymer, in February, 1 87 1, a steam engine was added to the plant and the first paper was printed by steam in Bucyrus. For over 27 years the paper had been folio in form, but in October, 1871, it was changed to a quarto, and subscribers who desired it semi-weekly were furnished four pages on Tuesday and four on Friday. This system was continued until the four page form was resumed, November 17, 1876. During the nine years Mr. Clymer was publisher the office occupied at different times each floor of No. 8 Quinby block. On April 20, 1877, Major J. H. Williston, one of the owners of the Marion Mirror, bought the paper, and in December, 1878, the establishment was removed to the basement of the Deal block, were it continued for a number of years and then moved to the south room of the Vollrath block where Joseph Ulmer now has his store, and from there it was moved to the old Methodist church building where it is at present located. In 1883 Mr. Williston, was elected State Senator from the district and re-elected in 1885, and during the time he was in the Ohio Senate, A. R. Bell was the associate editor, and manager, a part of the time being assisted by Walter E. Wright, an unusually clever writer. Major Williston sold an interest in the Forum to Frank Holbrook and later the Holbrook Brothers bought the other interest. Grant A. McNutt, a brother-inlaw of the Holbrooks became a member of the firm. He was one of the most brilliant and versatile local writers ever in the newspaper business at Bucyrus. When the Spanish-American War broke out he accepted a Government position at Washington where he remained several years, when he returned to Bucyrus, filling various positions, and died in 191 1. Under the Holbrooks, A. M. Ensminger was editor of the paper, a position he filled until he was appointed postmaster in July, 1894, when Horace Holbrook assumed the editorial management and Frank Holbrook the business department. In Oct., 1901, the Bucyrus Publishing Company was incorporated, and the new company bought the Forum and the Crawford County News, changing the name to the News Forum, L. M. Smith being president and general manager of the new company, as well as the principal stockholder ; W. H. lams editor. Under this editorship and management the paper has continued ever since, its business constantly increasing and in October of this year they added a perfecting press to their plant.

An attempt was made by Major Williston to establish a daily paper in 1880, the first number having appeared July 13 of that year. But it was discontinued Nov. 3, after an existence of four months. About 1886 the Holbrooks took charge of the Daily Critic, which they ran for a few years and then discontinued it. On March 2, 1891. the Daily Forum was started

When Major J. H. Williston left here he went to Fostoria, where he engaged in other business and died in that city, March 20, 1891. Frank and Horace Holbrook went to California where they continued in the newspaper business, later returning to Ohio, Horace Holbrook being the present proprietor of the Warren Democrat, in Trumbull county.

After Shrenck's Bucyrus Democrat had been discontinued the Whigs of Crawford county were without an organ for nearly ten years. From 1845 to Jan. i, 1853, the Forum was the only paper in the county. Near the close of 1852 subscription papers were circulated throughout the county, by Henry Converse, D. W. Swigart and James McLain, the Whig leaders, and enough subscribers were guaranteed to warrant J. A. Crevier in publishing a Whig paper, and the first number of the present Bucyrus Journal was issued January i, 1853. In

1855 the Republican party was organized, and the Journal, under Crevier, warmly espoused the doctrines advocated by that party. Since then, under different proprietors the paper has advocated the interests of the Republican party and its principles. With the exception of eleven eight-page numbers printed during three months of 1856, The Journal was always a folio until 1890 when it became an eight-page paper. For two years the office was located at the corner of Sandusky avenue and "Pill" alley, that alley being the name given the driveway south of the Wynn millinery store. From there the office was moved in 1854 to the second story of the old frame building which stood on the Bucyrus City Bank corner. May i,

1856 it was removed to the lot where the business of J. Herskowitz is at present located, just west of the City Bank Building. February 22, 1858 the office was removed to the McCoy building just opposite the court house, the building where the People's Forum published its first number. On Jan. i, 1859 the Journal office was removed to the second story of the Rowse block, which had just been completed, and here the paper was published for seventeen years. In 1853 a strike occurred among the printers at work on the daily papers at Pittsburgh ; two of them, David R. Locke and James

G. Robinbon, started on a western trip. They reached Plymouth, Richland county, and were induced by citizens there to revive the Advertiser, which they ran until 1855, when they sold out and with Roeliff Brinkerhoff purchased the Mansfield Herald. Soon after Locke sold his interest in that paper and March 20, 1856, purchased the Bucyrus Journal of Mr. Crevier. After Mr. Crevier left Bucyrus he went to Cincinnati where he was prominent in local affairs. He died there December 27, 1867, aged 47 years. At the time of his death he was chief clerk in the office of the Hamilton county treasurer. For several months after D. R. Locke purchased the Journal his brother D. W. Locke, was associated with him, but they dissolved partnership July 15. Shortly afterward Locke persuaded his former partner James G. Robinson, to take an interest in the Journal with him, and in April, 1857, the two friends were again united in their business interests. The office was improved by the addition of a Robinson Princeton power press, which was the first cylindrical press brought to Bucyrus. These two enterprising men worked together, cordially, and advocated in their paper many new enterprises needed in the community. Among the many public and private improvements which were the result of their persistent agitation are the gas works, Oakwood cemetery, the many beautiful shade trees, better streets, and the excellent sidewalks and many buildings. In April, 1 861, J. G. Robinson was appointed postmaster of Bucyrus by President Lincoln, which position he held until removed for political reasons by President Johnson in 1866. Mr. Locke retired from the Journal November 13, 1861, and purchased the Findlay Jeffersonian and afterward purchased an interest in the Toledo Blade, with which he connected the balance of his life. His death occurred there February 15, 1888. The first of the Nasby satirical articles were written by Mr. Locke during his connection with the Bucyrus Journal and were first published in that paper December 13, i860 and the first of Locke's letters signed "P V. Nasby" was published in the Journal during 1861. In 1862 Ralph Robinson became associated with his brother in the ownership of the Journal.

Year's Day, in which the names of the more prominent business men were given complimentary notices in verse. These addresses were delivered by the carrier to the subscribers, and various sums were given him according to the generosity of the subscriber. In these addresses Mr. Locke was an adept, and his light, satirical style shows to advantage ; the one written by him for Jan. i, 1858, praises and criticizes Bucyrus in the following bright style :

Here seven tall churches rear their towers in air; Here thirty grog-shops on the thirsty stare; Sinner and saint may both be happy here - Seven founts of grace and thirty odd of beer. City of Mud ! 'tis true that every street Runs liquid nastiness about our feet. What though a spaniel dog can scarcely make His way along our streets, or through that lake We call the square ; none hope to find A place with more good qualities combined. Look at our women ! - tell, oh tell me where, Nature made others that are half as fair. Look at our men ! and show me if you can. An equal number and each one a man.

Sept. 2, 1867, James G. Robinson sold his interest in the Bucyrus Journal to John Hopley for $1500 and the paper was run by Hopley & Robinson until May 20, 1868, when Mr. Hopley purchased Ralph Robinson's interest for $1500 and was thereafter its sole owner. After leaving the printing office James G. Robinson embarked in the drug busines with Dr. M. C. Cuykendall, and continued at this until he died April 14, 1872. Ralph Robinson removed to Iowa and was connected with the Fairfield Ledger, Clarinda Herald, and ended his life as editor and owner of the Newton Journal, a paper which he did much to bring to a high standard of excellence. He died in 1909. In October, 1875 a new Cottrell & Babcock cylinder press was purchased by Mr. Hopley for the Journal, and shortly after it was installed it was found to be too heavy a piece of machinery to be operated on the second floor and the office was moved to the Converse building, 230 South Sandusky avenue, December 30, 1875. This building was later owned by Major Williston, of the Forum, and in 1888 the building was purchased by F. L. Hopley, in the name of the Journal Block Company, of which he was the ruling spirit. Upon moving into its new quarters the Journal office was equipped with steam. Two additions to the building have been made since removing to the present location and now the Journal block is excellently appointed and equipped for newspaper and general printing. In August, 1907, a Duplex Perfecting press was installed for newspaper work, and the first paper in the county was printed from a roll.

John Hopley continued at the head of the Journal until his death. In 1876 John E. Hopley was associated with him under the name of John Hopley & Son an arrangment which continued only a short time when John E. Hopley went to New York and engaged in newspaper work. Returning in 1883 the firm of John Hopley & Son was resumed and the Journal made many advances under the joint ownership.

On October 17, 1887, the Evening Telegraph was started, enterprising Republicans raising a subscription list of 297, as the "organ of the Young Men's Republican Club" and was in charge of John E. Hopley with M. V. Longworth as city editor. After the election John E. Hopley decided to make the venture a permanent one and the Telegraph grew rapidly in public favor. John Hopley was appointed postmaster at Bucyrus in 1872 by President Grant, a position he held for seven years. He was again appointed postmaster in 1890 by President Harrison. After his appointment by President Harrison he organized the Hopley Printing Co., and incorporated it, being himself the chief holder of stock but his sons each had blocks of the stock in their own names. It was at this time that The Telegraph and the Journal became one property. In 1898 John E. Hopley was appointed United States Consul at Southampton, England, and after that the Senior Mr. Hopley, advanced in years operated the newspaper properties single handed. In March, 1902, James R. Hopley became associated with the plant as manager and continued in that position until he was appointed postmaster by President Taft December 13, 1910. J. W. Hopley was manager of the plant for a year when George A. Knapp of Marion took charge of it as business manager. John Hopley died June 3, 1904 at the age of 83 years. During his connection with the Journal he obtained a national reputation for the soundness of his views on great questions and often was able to help his political party associates by his contribution of planks in party platforms. He

In 1 88 1 Thomas P. Hopley started a small paper which he called The Temperance Ballot. He was an ardent prohibitionist and started this paper during the campaign. After the election of that year he found his little paper had made such a host of friends that he decided to continue to publish it. He added a local news feature and assisted by his sisters, headed by Miss M. C. C. Hopley, made the paper one of brightftess and character. He concluded the title of his paper did not give a good and proper conception of its real character and perhaps hindered the good it could do. He therefore changed the name to the Crawford County News. He continued to run it successfully until 1893 when he sold it to A. J. Hazlett and went to Oklahoma, where he started the Enid Daily News, and where he still lives, though not now publishing a regular daily newspaper, being the present treasurer of the Enid schools. A. J. Hazlett had as a business associate his brother, Scott Hazlett, who later sold his interest to M. A. Charlton. In 1895 Hiram B. Sears bought the Charlton interest and continued in the business until 1898 when he sold his interest to L. M. Smith. In October, 1901, the Crawford County News was consolidated with the Crawford County Forum, the daily paper retaining the name of the Daily Forum and the semi-weekly being called the News- Forum.

Two German papers have been published in Bucyrus. The first number of the Crawford County Demokrat was issued September 15, 1855, by Mordecai P. Bean, proprietor of the Forum. This German paper was continued several years, a portion of the time being in charge of Bernhardt Roth, who was killed by the cars at Dayton, Ohio, April 10, 1863, and shortly after the Demokrat was discontinued. The first number of the Deutsche Courier was published in January, 1875, by Joseph KiUian, proprietor of the Mansfield Courier. About a year later the office was removed to Mansfield but continued to publish a Bucyrus edition. Later it was returned to Bucyrus and now occupies quarters in the building on Sandusky avenue just north of the river. August Broemel is the owner and editor and conducts the paper on a high plane, giving it intelhgent supervision and directing its editorial policy with keen judgment and its business affairs with rare ability. He has been city clerk for several years.

The Bucyrus Evening Times was established in 1884 by six young men and was managed by James R. Hopley. The paper was published during the summer and quit early in the fall.

The Daily Critic was probably the outgrowth of the Times, but had no connection with it. It was established by Orvis & Mc- Kelvy, job printers, and had many owners and managers before it came into the hands of the Holbrooks and was discontinued early in 1888.

Since the first printing press was brought to Bucyrus several attempts have been made by different parties to establish other miscellaneous publications. In 1838 William Robbins issued the first number of a semi-monthly publication called the Buckeye. It was printed at the Republican office, and the articles contained in it were of a class intended to amuse rather than instruct; no efforts were made to publish local news. The Buckeye was continued for several months. No. 9, Volume I, appeared April 27, 1839, but shortly after this the paper \\as discontinued.

In May, 1855, the first number of an agricultural paper, the Crawford County Farmer, was printed at the Journal office. Robert N. Patterson was publisher; J. A. Crevier and C. Elliott were editors. It was a monthly paper, four pages in size, and was "devoted to agriculture, horticulture, gardening, mechanics and domestic industry," but it was discontinued after several numbers.

May I, 1861, No. i. Vol. I, of the Millers Journal was published by Raub & Butterfield. It was a small four-page monthly "devoted to the interests of millers - terms 50 cents per annum." Although it was issued in the interest of the Ingham California Wheat Cleaner, it was a bona fide publication, but the second number never appeared. Martin Deal, who had the only copies in existence when he lived here, says this was the first milling journal ever published in the United States.

In 1867 Henry J. Deal published the first number of the Bucyrus Chronicle, a paper for boys. The next year the name was changed to the Bucyrus Budget, and the second number appeared, which was followed by several others during the next six months. Another amateur publication was started January i, 1869, by J. E. Hopley & Co. This little sheet, the Acorn, was issued semi-monthly; after the first three months the senior partner gave his brother, Thomas P., an old shot-gun if he would assume the financial responsibilities of the paper. An entire volume of 26 numbers was published and then the Acorn was planted but never sprouted. In July, 1879, Daniel Kanzleiter issued the first number of the Sunbeam, an illustrated sheet printed "semi-occasionally." The wood cuts were designed and engraved by the publisher and four copies of the Sunbeam appeared before it "ceased to shine for 25 cents a year." Outside of county seats, j^apers were only started when the size of the village or its prospects justified the venture. When the railroad was completed to Gallon that village started on an era of prosperity. In 1855 John W. Putnam, who for many years had been the able editor of the Ohio Statesman, looked on Gallon as a promising field for a paper. In the five years after the arrival of the railroad it had more than doubled in size. He had a printing^ plant at. Union City, the western terminus of the Bellefontaine and Indiana Road. He moved this office to Gallon, and in connection with Dr. D. Abger issued the first paper in Gallon, which was called the Gallon Weekly Train. The office was on Main street in the building owned by P. D. Weber. Later it was changed to the Gallon Weekly Times. A copy of the first issue of the Train is still in existence, in the possession of J. C. Euler at Washington, D. C. These papers were necessarily independent in politics, as there was no county patronage to assist in their support, and if they succeeded it must be from merit and the support of the entire village. Dr. Abger soon retired from the partnership and went to Crestline to run a paper of his own. When he left, J. V. D. Moore came from Union City, Ind.^ and took the management of the paper for Mr. Putnam. When the campaign of 1856 was on, political excitement ran high, and Jacob Riblet purchased the paper, and changed it into a political organ, supporting the principles of the Democratic party, and it was now the Gallon District Democrat. It was not a success financially, and Mr. Riblet sold the paper to An- drew Poe, who was one of the Democratic leaders at Galion. While Mr. Poe ran a redhot Democratic paper as long as he had it, there were too many in the opposition party, who refused to support it, and his editorial experience was a financial failure, and the paper came again into the hands of the Riblets.

In 1864 the District Democrat was purchased by the Matthias Brothers, and Peter Schum was the editor. He soon after removed to Joplin, Mo., and later published the Morning News in that city. When he left, H. S; Z. Matthias took the editorial charge and dropped the word "District," calling it the Galion Democrat, and supporting the Democratic party. In November, 1864, with the defeat of McClellan for the presidency, the Democrat decided life was no longer worth living and ceased to exist, the editor announcing that the support he was receiving did not justify him in continuing, especially as printing paper was 28 cents a pound. The Matthias Brothers turned the entire plant into a job office. Lew Matthias being one of the finest and most artistic job printers ever in the county. But H. S. Z. Matthias had had a taste of newspaper work and enjoyed it so much that in July, 1865, he re-entered the field and commenced publishing a paper called the Weekly Review, and this time independent in politics. In September 1871 the Matthias brothers sold out to John C. Covert of the Cleveland Leader, who changed its name back to the Galion Democrat, but ran it as a Republican paper, believing there was nothing in a name. In the fall of 1872 G. W. DeCamp, of Mansfield, edited it under the same political color, but changed the name back to the Review, and so continued it until it passed into the hands of .F. E. Coonrod and A. D. Rowe in July, 1874. These gentlemen made it once more Democratic in politics and conducted it in that faith until February i , 1877, when it flopped again and became Republican in sentiment though still owned by Rowe and Coonrod, and retaining the name of the Review.

George T. Ristine was editor and owner of the Galion Sun, which -he established October 31, 1872, as an independent weekly newspaper. Success followed his enterprising managementand he enlarged and improved the paper. The Public Spirit was established by Ed. G. Slough about 1888 and it, too, was operated as an independent paper. Later its name was changed to the Leader. This publication was issued daily, the first daily to be published in Galion. It had a precarious existence. The Review and the Sun were combined as the Sun-Review, and the Leader was taken over by the same company, the Sun-Review being the weekly edition, and the Leader the daily, both being Republican in politics. J. W. Cupp was the owner of the plant, and after he was appointed postmaster in 1897, it was managed by Charles F. Monroe who had an interest in the company. Mr. Cupp, after retiring from the post office, became cashier of the Commercial Savings Bank, and later removed to Washington, and sold the plant to a company organized by J. W. Hopley of Bucyrus, who took charge of the management for only a month, when he sold to the Crestline Publishing Company, and James Mc- Mahan became the manager of that office as well as the Crestline Advocate. The Sun-Review was discontinued, subscribers being furnished with the Daily Leader. The office, which had been for years in the northwest corner of the Square, was removed to a new site, one door west of the Central Hotel. It was completely refitted with new type, presses and engines. Mr. Monroe, on retiring from the paper, started the Commercial Printing Company. In August, 1876, a campaign paper was established at Galion under the name of the Republican Free Press. As such it was run for one year and seven months. On the 28th of September, 1877, it was purchased by S. G. Cummings & Co., which company changed the name to the Galion Inquirer, and ever since it has been a Democratic paper. For a time J. G. Meuser was its political editor but it was best known as the paper of H. S. Z. Matthias. Mr. Matthias was elected county recorder but lost none of his interest in Democratic principles and continued to boost the paper for the benefit of the party. The Inquirer was sold to W. V. Goshorn and R. W. Noyer, who are the present proprietors, their office being at the northeast corner of Main and Union streets. They have purchased ground and erected a block especially for their office half a block east of their present site and will occupy it yet this year. The paper is Democratic in politics, the senior proprietor, Mr. Goshorn, being the present clerk

On Dec. 21, 1852, the plat was filed for the village of Crestline; its marvelous early growth is demonstrated by the fact that, in 1853, C. M. Kenton started a paper there called the Express. He was a practical printer and did his own work, but he lacked sufficient capital to keep the paper on its feet until the town was large enough to support it, and after issuing the Express for six months, he moved away with his plant. A year or two later Dr. D. Abger tried the experiment and started the Watchman and Reflector but he, too scored a failure.

While Crestline holds the record in this county of having had a paper started in the shortest time after the town was laid out, it also holds the other record of being the largest town to be without a paper. The village had over 2,000 population when Adam Billow in July, 1869, issued his first number of the Crestline Advocate. It was four pages, 16x20 in size, and was published at the residence of the owner. Mr. Billow was not a printer ; he had been in business at Leesville, and after removing to Crestline, started his paper, learning the printing business in his own office. How well he did this is evidenced by the fact that in a few years it was one of the neatest and most attractive mechanically of any paper in Ohio. He made the Advocate a success from the start, and at the end of six months it was enlarged to a six-column paper and later to eight columns. Business increased beyond the capacity of his residence, and the office was removed to the Masonic building, where he conducted the paper until his death on May 20, 1876. His son, D. C. Billow, had learned the business in his father's office and took charge of the paper, and like his father made a success of it. It has always been the paper of Crestline, and several attempts to share that popularity haye resulted in failures. Some years ago it was incorporated as the Crestline Publishing Co., with James McMahon as manager, and its financial success continued under the new owners. It was this company that purchased the Gallon Leader, and both papers are today under the management of Mr. McMahon.

Dr. A. E. Jenner at Crestline, in February, 1873. He was at that time State Senator, having been elected in 1870 and 1872. The paper was folio in form until May, 1875, when it was made eight pages and the name changed to the Crawford County Democrat. For two years it was in charge of A. N. Jenner, son of the proprietor, who continued in the office until July 15, 1875. Some months previous to his retirement J. E. D. Ward purchased an interest in the office and when young Jenner left, continued sole proprietor , until Charles Wright became associated with him in 1876. About this time the office was removed to Bucyrus but some months previous to this change a Bucyrus edition had been printed at Crestline. Wright retired after several weeks' experience, and Frank Plants took his place. When Major Williston purchased the Forum in 1877 the publishers of the Democrat soon found they could not successfully compete with him for the patronage of Crawford county democracy, and their paper wis discontinued about July i, 1877.

The Crestline Democrat, and the Crestline . Vidette, owned by Will W. Pope, were papers which during their lives made quite an impression on the community, but the Advocate had such a hold in Crestline that they could not last, perhaps not even receiving the support they merited.

The New Washington Herald was established many years ago by Mr. Wheeler. Later J. E. Cory was associated with the paper and he sold out to J. I. Smith and J. F. Kimmerline. L. M. Smith bought an interest in the paper in 189 1. J. I. Smith was elected county auditor and L. M. Smith located in Bucyrus, and they sold the paper to the present owners, Lantz & Wheeler, Percy Lantz now having, entire management of the plant. Some years ago a paper was started in Tiro called the American, but the village was not then large enough to support it, and it was discontinued. In 191 1, W. Z. Davis began the publication of the Tiro World, the mechanical work being done at Bloomville, but as soon as the business justifies it, he will open an office at Tiro.

In the early days, owing to excessive postage, newspapers were delivered in the places of publication by carrier, and it was the duty of the "devil" on the day of publication to go over the entire town serving the patrons with their favorite paper, and if it so happened that the carriers of the rival papers met, there was a battle royal to the finish, for in those days every employe in the office was intense in his loyalty to the paper, and not even a wandering tramp printer given employment for a day or two, but what spoke, as a man of experience who had traveled over many states, of the wonderful ability of his employer and of his able and convincing editorials, at the same time speaking equally positively of the vapid utterances and meaningless nonsense of the childish efforts of the editor of the other "sheet." It was so, too, with the readers. What the editor said politically was indisputable, and what the opposition editor said was absolutely false. Not that they saw what the opposition said ; God forbid ; they would not be caught reading the dirty and villainous "sheet." More than half a century ago there were very many honest, conscientious Godfearing men, any one of whom would have had a spirited interview with his son in the 'woodshed if he had discovered he had happened to read a copy of the Forum at the home of some Democratic neighbor, and there were equally as many good and substantial men and respected citizens, that would have had a similar interview with the misguided son who in an unguarded moment might mention some item he had seen in the Journal. Still the editors thundered away to the intense delight of their readers, who only had an idea what the other paper said by the garbled extracts their own editor copied for the purpose of attacking the statement.

It was in 1862, when party spirit over the war was beginning to be very bitter, and Rev. John Walcott was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Bucyrus, that his pastoral duties called upon him to visit one of his elders in the country. They talked of church matters, the old man being as loyal to the Presbyterian faith as he was to the Democratic party. Finally the conversation drifted to the war, which each had striven to avoid, knowing their views were not in accord, and as the danger point was reached, the gray-haired old elder, knowing the minister was his guest, quietly rose and said : "Waal, Mr. Walcott, while the womenfolks are getting supper, I'd better go out and do the chores. On the centre table there, you'll find the Bible and the Forum - both sides of the question."

If some may doubt the intensity of party spirit in the era prior to the Civil War, one incident among many may convince. Col. Robert Cowden was brought up in a Christian home, was a leader in church work, and a minister, and yet he writes of that boyhood home in southwestern Vernon, under date of Oct. 15, 191 1 : "The people were generally Pennsylvania Dutch, with some Germans, and a few others. Of school books there were but few. The only book in our home was a small Bible and that was my first text book in school at the age of six years. I had been taught in the home to read and spell. As late as 1848 there were two Whigs, three Abolitionists, and all other voters were Democrats. I could not myself understand how any but a Democrat could ever be saved."

Times have indeed changed, and for the better. And the change has been brought about, not alone by a more intelligent people, but by a fairer press, especially in the towns and smaller cities, where both press and people are rising to that highest principle of selfgovernment - that every right a man claims for himself that same right he must concede to his neighbor.