Marion County, Ohio - Chapter 11: The Press, 1883

Chapter 11: The Press

MONG the professions, none have taken higher rank than that of jour- , nalism, and the position of editor on one of the great dailies, ov on one of the leading magazines, or even the small country weekly, is probably . @ more responsible one than that of any other professional man. The newspaper, the editor, the reporter and the compositor are the Archimedean levers that move the world. Their character and doctrines fashion public opinion and their defeats and triumphs beco.-e matters of history. Their jests may become stale, phraseology hackneyed; and principles exchanged by the minority for passing attractions; their enemies may forgive and friends forget, yet through all these vicissitudes of life, through the mass of inconsistencies that human nature cultivates, the universal verdict of mankind renders to their agencies an infinite good. Important affairs may at times be mismanaged, but there is certainly no profession or professional representative who is more entitled to the fullest moral support than journalism and the journalist. He is the weather-vane of public opinion, and should be firm and upright amidst swaying interests, cross purposes and perilous exigencies. His thoughts should not be blinded by personal considerations, but left free to adjudicate questions of grave import to humanity as safely, clearly and effectually as the purest judge on the bench. Such must the editor be, a man true to himself,his race and his God. Of such material must he be composed if he would dictate a policy or direct an administration that will live in history as the mark and model of its time.

The newspapers of Marion County, from the issue of the first number of the People's Advocate, the pioneer journal of the county, to the present time, have generally ranked high with the press of the country. Perhaps the newspapers of no section of the Northern States wield a more potent and beneficent influence than those of Marion County. To them is due great credit for the rapid strides made by the people in developing to so high a state the natural resources of this county, in building beautiful villages, and even developing fine farms; in the progress enjoyed in all branches of legitimate business, in securing the educational advantages and molding the social status of the people of the county, which is ofa much higher character than most communities in the Northwest. The men who have from time to time labored at the {helm of the various papers recorded in this chapter deserve praise for their services rendered in aiding to make one of the very first counties in Ohio out of the wilderness of half a century ago.

Early Marion Journals

The People's Advocate and Marion and Sandusky Advertiser. - This is a long name for a small paper, but for that early day the paper was probably

October 8, 1828, and it ceased to exist March 9, 1830. Publishers, Leonard H. Cowles and Jason Case, Whigs. The size of the paper was twenty by twenty-five inches, five columns to the page. The contents were peculiar, am article headed "Monkeyana" filling nearly all of the first page and nearly two columns on the second page. No local news was given in it; nor was such matter published in any newspaper to a considerable extent until a comparatively recent period, say within about twenty-five years. It seems that the above paper bad been published in Delaware about two years, when it was removed to Marion. The first number contained the Adams and the Jackson State and county tickets. Judge Bowen's law card commenced in the number of October 28, 1828. As an example of the opportunity for hearing from the outside world, the announcement was made that no mails had been received in Marion from Monday, November 8, till Saturday, the 8th, on which day the paper was published. This was at least four days -after the Presidential election, and the patience of some men must have been exercised in waiting for news. At that early day, however, before the days of railroads and telegraphs, the people were unused to rapid transmission of news and had not the expectation possessed by us of the present day. Besides, election excitement was not so intense then as now, and the citizens really did not care so much to be in haste for the news. It was nothing uncommon for the People's Advocate, etc., to miss an issue for want of paper or on account of a broken press. "The printing was rather poor. The last issue was dated on the outside * Saturday, March 6, 1830," but on the inside " Tuesday, March 9, 1830," with not a word of explanation for its discontinuance. A part of the file of this paper is now in the possession of Harry True. Marion Pheenix.- - The next candidate for public favor was the Marion Phenix, the 'first number being issued April 29, 1830, by Little & Stanton. Its politics were mixed, though evidently Whiggism predominated. Various articles in this paper were well written, showing considerable ability. General news was given, but local news, except weddings and deaths, was ignored. July 29, 1830, William F. Stanton retired from the concern, and Harvey D. Little continued the publication of the paper, acting as editor, publisher, compositor and " devil." He spoke of the difficulties of keeping up the subscription list of the paper because Jackson men thought he was a Whig, which was the case. He said he had only 118 subscribers, when he ought to have 300 to make it pay. He took a rest from July till September 2, 1830, and during October he missed two issues. Finally, Saturday, May 31, 1881, the Phan ceased to exist, a few extras only being struck off afterward to complete legal notices. The reason for suspension assigned was too much friendship of the editor for Henry Clay. anon Observer. - Succeeding the Phenix was the Marion Observer, the first number of which was issued Wednesday, July 4, 1832, by W. Millikan, now of the Fayette County Herald. This paper had cholera items and some accounts about the Black Hawk war, then just beginning. The poli- | ties of the paper was not stated, though it was evident at the start that its owner was a Whig. In the issue of July 28, 1832, the announcement that John Bartrum (as his name was spelled) had been appointed Postmaster at Marion, in place of John S. McDonald, resigned. Millikah was accommodating, promising to take country produce for his paper. After the Presidential election in 1832, he got out a head-line, " Huzzah for Old Hickory!" But hesoon turned against the significance of V y : : AXE that banner and came out for a National Bank in opposition to Jackson.

Saturday was a favorite publication day with the pioneer newspapers of 'Marion. Millikan issued his sixteenth number Saturday, November 17, 1832, and on the next Saturday came out with his paper as the

Western Galaxy. - His reason for changing the name was that the latter was "prettier." Millikan had his troubles also about getting paper to print on, occasionally missing an issue on that account. In 1834, he came out editorially in decided opposition to Jackson and in favor of a National Bank. July 19, this year, the paper came out under the firm of W. & J. Millikan, the latter a brother of the former proprietor of the paper. This partnership continued until November 22, 1834, when J. Millikan retired and the paper was "suspended for a few weeks," except extras to save legal advertisements, while the proprietor got his assets in shape for collection. W. Millikan resumed publication January 17, 1835. April 1, this year, he called his paper the

Western Galaxy and Marion Free Press, andsoran the paper until January 1, 1836, when he offered his office for sale. This paper was twentyone by thirty-two inches in size, six columns to the page. Possibly the election of Van Buren to the Presidency gave the death-blow to Millikan's enterprise, and he sold out, the last issue 'sing dated January 1, 1837.

The Marion Gazette was published by Alexander and George Sprung in 1887. It was neutral in politics. At some seasons of the year, especially just after a term of court, one would have taken it for a legal publication, as it not infrequently contained fifteen columns of Sheriff sale notices. It must be remembered, however, that a great financial * panic " prevailed at that period.

Freemen's Banner. - The Whigs, feeling the necessity of having an organ, called at the Gazette office and informed the proprietors that unless they would consent to turn their paper into a political organ, they (the Whigs) would be compelled to send for press and types and start one. After looking over the field, a bargain was struck, the Gazette went under and up came the Freemen's Banner, published by one of the Sprungs and edited by Cooper K. Watson, who had just located in Marion in the practice of law. For a short time this was a lively sheet; but the Democracy gradually withdrew their patronage, and it seemed that another paper would soun have to be started. The publisher of the Banner was shrewd. He filled it so full of patent medicine and other advertisements that the editor hardly had room to say a word, and soon the Whigs began to cry "Stop my paper!" Then the Sprungs declared that nothing short of a paper neutral in politics would be self-supporting, and after consultation with the powers that "used to be,"

The Marion Saturday Morning Visitor took the place of the Banner. The Visitor was considerably enlarged and in due time the old subscribers came back and the paper ran on prosperously. Both bed and platen of the press were enlarged by resident blacksmiths, the Clarks, who did a difficult and responsible job.

According to Mr. Knapp, the above paper was called at one time the Saturday Morning Visitor and Intelligencer, and was printed in a portion of the old market building erected by Eber Baker on the corner of Center and East streets. It was once named the Marion Whig and edited by A. J. Bair, a young lawyer.

Buckeye Eagle. - The first number of this paper was issued May 22, 1844, published by T. P. Wallace and edited by S. A. Griswold. It was a seven-column folio, compactly made up and ably edited. May 19, 1847, Mr. Griswold took charge of the Eagle and conducted it until May 17, 1850, when H. Haldeman took possession of the office and ran it till July

20, 1854, being in company with W. C. Trimble in the publication of the paper during 1850-52. The paper was then suspended for several months on account of cholera. Mr. Haldeman was an influential man. He died in 1854, in Marion.

S. A. Griswold was born probably in Delaware, Ohio, graduated at Gambier College, lived in Tiffin a number of years, then in Marion, and has now been at Lancaster, this State, for perhaps twenty years, editor of the Gazette. He is a good editor and a quiet, well-behaved citizen. He has been a man of a family since he resided in Tiffin.

D. J. Bean, from the neighborhood of Columbus, owned and edited the Eagle in 1848-49, his first paper; then sold to Mr. Haldeman and went to Petersburg, this State, were he published the Reveille, and from there to Cincinnati, where he was river reporter for the Commercial, and where -he died in 1865 and was buried. His widow lives in Marion.

Marion Eagle was given to the paper. September 7, 1857, the firm name became J. W. & S. R. Dumble, and April 7, 1859, Dumble & Oo. W. P. Dumble was editor and S. R. Dumble publisher. Paper, folio, six columns, twenty-one inches. October 20 following, S. R. Dumble's name was dropped. April 3, 1862, during the exciting but gloomy period of the great war, the name was agam changed to the

Marion County Unionist, which name was retained only until December 18 following, when George Crawford purchased the office and changed the name to

The Marion Independent, retaining sole control until January 20, 1866, when Samuel R. Dumble purchased a half interest, and the firm name was changed to George Crawford & Co. The office and paper have ever since been run under that name. It will be observed that the office, with broken links, it is true, dates back fifty-five years, to a period within four years of the organization cf the county by the election of officers. It has been for a long time on a firm pecuniary basis, with good machinery, good patronage and good fame. Many a good testimonial has been given by other papers of the good "make-up" and solid appearance of the Independent. It is one of the most fixed institutions of Marion, and the people feel proud of it as an organ of the Republicans and mouth-piece for the highest sentiment of the community.

S. R. Dumble, of the firm of George Crawford & Co., proprietors of the Marion Independent, was born in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., July 23, 1837, of English parentage. His father, John Dumble, was born near Land's End, Cornwall Co., England, November 30, 1790, died May 9, 1862. His mother's maiden name was Martha Barr; she died in 1855, aged fortyfour. They came to Marion in 1839. In 1849, his father went to California, when his mother removed to Mount Gilead, Ohio. In 1853, the subject of this sketch entered the office of the Sentinel, then owned by his brother, W. P., to learn printing. In 1854, he returned to Marion, where he completed his apprenticeship with P. Dombaugh in the Mirror office. At the close of his apprenticeship, he hired to work for James Appleton on the Independent American. In 1856, in company with his brother Joseph, he took the paper and changed it to the Marion Eagle. In 1858, he formed 'a partnership with his brother, W. P., which continued until August 6, 1802, when he entered the army, enlisting in Company E, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private; engaged in the skirmish at Chickasaw Bayou near Vicksburg, and in the battle of Arkansas Post January 11, 1863. He was discharged March 17, 1863, and returned to Marion, where, after recruiting his health, he was employed by George Crawford on the Independent until May 2, 1864, when he again enlisted, this time in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and mustered out with the regiment September 11, 1864. From that time he was in the employ of Mr. Crawford until January 10, 1866,when they formed a partnership, as before mentioned.

June 28, 1859, Mr. Dumble was married to Miss Lizzie A. Corn, a native of this county and a daughter of Solomon and Catharine Corn. Their children are Howard L., Marion M., Martin L. and Bessie B., besides one daughter deceased. Mr. Dumble is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the three Masonic bodies in Marion. He has not gained to the extent that many of his fellow business men have, but is comfortably situated. He has done his full share in advancing the various public enterprises of his day, both in money and labor contributed. i

George Crawford, editor of the Marion Independent from 1863 to the present time, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, November 5, 1827, and is a son of John and Mary (Ford) Crawford, father a native of Virginia and mother of Ireland. His paternal grandfather was also a native of Ireland, who came to America in colonial days and was in the American Army during the entire time of the Revolutionary war.* He was a cousin of the celebrated Col. William Crawford, who was burned by the Wyandot Indians at Upper Sandusky in 1782. (See Chapter IT.) i

When Mr. Crawford, the subject of this sketch, was fourteen years of age, his parents moved with him to Coshocton County, Ohio, where they lived about thirteen years. During this time he worked at farming and coopering, attended school at Steubenville and Roscoe, studied law with Judge William Sample and was admitted to the bar at twenty-seven years of age.

In July, 1854, he moved to Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, and practiced law there eight years, serving as Prosecuting Attorney one term. Within three days after the firing on Fort Sumter, he enlisted as a private in the service of the Government to suppress the insurrection, becoming a member of Company C, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry, under Capt. W. T. Wil. son. He served out his time (four months) but did not afterward return to the service, on account of disability. He remained at Upper Sandusky until January, 1863, when he removed to Marion, bought the old Unionist office, changed the name to the Marion Independent, and after running it alone for three years, formed a partnership with S. R. Dunible, under the firm name of George Crawford & Co., which relation has since remained unchanged.

April 16, 1855, Mr. Crawford married Miss Mary E. Danforth, in Roscoe, Coshocton Co., Ohio, a native of Guernsey County, this State, and their two children have been Cora, born in 1856, and died in September, 1864, and Harry. born March 28, 1866. Mr. Crawford has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for thirty-five years, and is also a member of the Grand Army and of the Royal Arcanum. As an editorial writer, Mr. Crawford has had an extended experience, and is especially strong in his marshalling of solid facts and arguments, and his utterances carry conviction as those of an earnest and conscientious writer and of one cautious not to ex- ceed the limits of truth and justice in the advocacy of his favorite ideas. Hé is a self-made man, having worked up from the bottom rung of the ladder. In a business point of view, he has made a success of the Independent, which has a wide circulation, notwithstanding the fact that the. county is strongly Democratic, a fact also which indicates the liberality of the people of Marion in their political sentiments.

The Marion Democratic Mirror. - Contrary to the long pedigree of names and organs preceding the Independent, the Mirror has not changed since its birth, June 4, 1842. It was ushered into existence as a Democratic paper by John R. and Russell A. Knapp, and edited for one year by William Robbins. The latter is now deceased, his widow residing three or: four miles south of Marion. The second year it was conducted by Robbins & Knapp, afterward by Russell A. Knapp and John B. Dumble. In 1848, John R. Knapp again took charge of the paper and conducted it until 1851. By this time it was a six-column folio, twenty-one inches to the column. December 27, 1850, B. F. Warner became an assistant in the publication. He was a young man from Knox County to this place, and March 7, 1851, his name was dropped from the paper and he left the county.

April 18, 1851, Thaddeus O. Thompson, a young man, and A. R. Scott became publishers. August 29 following, Mr. Lugenbeel's name appeared in place of Scott's, while Mr. Knapp continued as editor. November 14, it was Thompson & Scott again; April 16, 1852, Mr. Thompson was alone; July 29, 1853, Philip Dombaugh became proprietor and publisher; May 2, 1856, S. C. Nicholas became publisher, while Mr. Dombaugh contiuued as editor; February 19, 1857, A. J. Crawford, propriétor, T. J. and A. J. Crawford, editors; April 9, 1857, the Mirror Company proprietors, no editor's name appearing, but Mr. Knapp did the editing all the same; July 30, 1857, A. Osborn, editor; February 11, 1858, J. R. Knapp, Jr., and J. B. Dumble, proprietors, still under the name of the Mirror Company, who enlarged the paper to a five-column quarto, fifteen inches to the column, Mr. Knapp editor; September 30, 1858, Osborn & Thomas, proprietors; October 14, 1858, A. Osborn, editor; January 10, 1861, T. H. Atwater and G. W. Spooner, editors and proprietors, and paper enlarged to seven columns, twenty-three inches, Thomas H. Hodder, political and general editor, and G. W. Spooner, local editor. Mr. Spooner was from Albany, N. Y., whither he returned from Marion. February 27, 1862, T. H. Hodder, proprietor, publisher and editor; March 15, 1866, paper enlarged to eight columns; October 3, 1870, J. K. Newcomer, now of Columbus, and Guy Webber, editors and proprietors. In 1872, J. K. Newcomer, editor, no proprietor or publisher mentioned at the head of the paper, which was now still further enlarged to nine columns, of twenty-seven inches; January 2. 1873, Newcomer alone; December 9, 1875, J. K. Newcomer and J. | ' Williston (now of the Bucyrus Forum), proprietors; August 24, 1876, Newcomer & Co., proprietors, the "Co." being Christian & Webber; February 6, 1877, Newcomer & (George B.) Christian; November /, 1878, George B. Christian, editor and proprietor, assisted by A. C. Bowen for a Bones December 2, 1880, Christian & (James H.) Vaughan, editors and proprietors; September 7, 1882, J. H. Vaughan & Co., proprietors, and L. A. Brunner,

Philip Dombaugh, teller of the Marion Deposit Bank, was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 8, 1831. His parents, Philip and Catharine Dombaugh, emigrated to the United States in 1841 and settled in Richland County, Ohio. They subsequently removed to Galion, where they both died in 1853. Philip was reared on a farm. At the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed to the printer's trade and served three and one-half years at Bucyrus in the office of the People's Forum, now the Crawford County Forum. Mr. Dombaugh was a partner in the publication of the Forum till 1858, at which time he came to Marion and purchased the Democratic Mirror printing office. He continued to publish this paper until 1857, when he sold it. In 1856, he was appointed Postmaster of Marion, but resigned in 1857. In 1860, he was elected County Clerk, and by consecutive elections held that office fifteen years. Mr. Dombaugh was one of the most efficient Clerks Marion County ever had, as his long administration in that important capacity fully attests. Mr. Dombaugh read law and was admitted to the bar. Since 1879, he has been teller in the Marion Deposit Bank. He served as a member of the School Board nine years and is now on his third term as Corporation Treasurer of Marion. He is a member of the Masonic order, and was Master of Marion Lodge and High Priest of Marion Chapter.

John B. Dumble, a native of Chambersburg, Penn., came to Marion in 1888, learned printing with the Sprungs, and in 1847 became editor and proprietor of the Mirror. He soon afterward established the Mount Gilead Messenger, the first newspaper in that eounty. Returning to Marion in the fall of 1852, he became Cashier of the Exchange Bank. In 1860, he went to Memphis and became political editor of the Appeal, and was afterward connected with the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph, Atlanta Constitution and other papers. He finally died at Jackson, Ga., November 19, 1880, aged nearly fifty-six years. He was baried there, under the auspiees of the Masonic fraternity. e.

John R. Knapp was born in Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 4, 1824; with his parents, he emigrated to Ohio in 1836 and settled in Marion County. On the 8th of May, 1837, in his thirteenth year, he commenced learning the "art preservative of all arts " - the printing business - with

Messrs. George W. aud Alexander W. A. Sprung, who were then the proprietors of the Marion Gazette, a weekly paper, neutral in politics. In 1841, having served his apprenticeship, he went to New York, where he remained until the following spring, when he again " put in his appearance " at Marion. In a few days after his return, he issued a prospectus for a small weekly publication entitled the Aurora Borealis. After procuring a handsome subscription lisi - for every one wanted to " give the young man a chance" - he was about to purchase new type on which to print the paper, Mr. Sprung having agreed-that his press might be used for that purpose, when some man of ingenious (?) mind " put a flea" in the ear of Mr. S., to the effect that "should he (Sprung) permit that little sheet to be printed in his office, in less than one year it would turn out a locofoco paper," greatly to the damage of the said Sprung. Mr. S., therefore * shut down" on this enterprise. As the receipts of the little sheet would not justify the purchase of an entire office, the fond hopes of Mr. K. were nipped in the bud, and aptly he was heard to exclaim:

" racket," but quietly walked into the law office of William Robbins, Esq., and submitted his grievances, together with the proposition that if Mr. R. would agree to take charge of the editorial management, he, Mr. K., would purchase a printing office and publish a weekly paper of good size; to which Mr. R. agreed most willingly. A prospectus was immediately circulated for the publication of a paper to be called the Democratic MiPror, and in less than ten days a sufficient subscription list was secured to warrant the success of the undertaking. May 2, 1842, the first number of the Mirror was issued; Mr. William Robbins, editor, and John R. and Russell A. Knapp, publishers. Mr. R. continued to control the editorial columns for about two years, when Mr. K. assumed charge. It was a venture, but the founder believed that if pluck, energy and economy would accomplish the successful establishment of a readable paper, it should be done. With the aid of many friends of both political parties (for the public were not slow to see that two youths were battling against the tide to make the paper a success), at the end of the first year Mr. K. was able to pay off the indebtedness incurred in the purchase of his printing press, types, etc., and proclaim that the Mirror "had come to stay." While many extras and supplements were issued in connection with the paper, at no time during Mr. K.'s control of the paper was a regular issue ever missed.

In 1845, the Mirror passed into the.hands of Mr. R. A. Knapp, Mr. John R. Knapp going to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he established the People's Forum (now Crawford County Forum), which he continued to publish until 1847, when, his health failing, he sold the paper to Mr. M. P. Bean and returned to Marion and engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. Richard Patten. In the meantime, the Mirror had passed into the hands of Mr. John B. Dumble, who continued its publication until the formation of Morrow County, when he went to Mount Gilead and founded the Demo cratic Messenger. Mr. K. again took charge of the Mirror, and continued its editor and proprietor until he was elected Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, when he leased the office to Thompson & Scott. They were succeeded by Mr. Philip Dombaugh; he by Mr. M. Nichols. Messrs. Crawfords, of Delaware, published the paper for a time, when again the estab. lishment passed into the hands of the Mirror Publishing Company, Mr. Kuapp again taking charge, changing its make-up to an eight-page form.

In 1859, Mr. K. went to Perrysburg, and started the People's Press, which he continued as long as the receipts would pay expenses, without taking into account the wear and tear of the brain and body of the editor. In the publication of the Press, there was " heaps of fun but little money." His financial exchequer not being "flush," Mr. K. "pulled up stakes and returned to Marion, where he remained until the breaking-out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company H, for three months. Before the expiration of that time - in fact, before leaving the State - he re-enlisted for three years, and served as high private, Commissary Sergeant, Quartermaster Sergeant, and the last thirteen months as Regimental Quartermaster. The regiment was mustered out in June, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio, by reason of expiration of term of service. In November, 1864, he re-enlisted, and was assigned to the One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he | served until the close of the war. The regiment was honorably mustered out by reason of order of the War Department. di eh, and although the political complexion of the district was Whig, by a decided majority, Mr. K. came very near defeating bis Whig opponent - Mr. Josiah Copeland. Union County was " too many for Marion." At the first election under the new Constitution of Ohio, he was elected Clerk of the Court of Common Pieas and District Court. He was also Clerk of the Pro- . bate Corrt, established the same year, Hon. George Snyder, Judge. In 1846, while at Bucyrus, Ohio, he was appointed First Assistant Clerk of the Ohio Senate, under Mr. John Q. Breslin. Afterward, he was elected Chief Clerk of the Senate for two successive sessions. At that time, the Senate consisted of eighteen Democrais, fifteen Whigs and three Free-Soilers - consequently a tie, the latter party voting with the Whigs. On the 125th ballot, Mr. K. was chosen Chief Clerk. While the Whigs had no * personal objection " to Mr. K., they opposed his election for the reason that they knew he would, if elected, give the "State printing " (worth $50,000) to the " Lion of Democracy" - Col. Samuel Medary. This was a * erumb " worth cohen for. At the next s:ssiOn, he was elected on the third ballot. ;

In 1855, Mr. Knapp was admitted to the practice of the law by the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio, and practiced his profession for several years. d In 1852, he was regularly entered, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Marion Lodge, No. 70, of F. & A. M. He was one of the charter members of La Salle Lodge, No. 52, I. O. O. F., at Bucyrus, Ohio, having joined the order at Columbus, Ohio, July 5, 1845. He assisted in installing Kosciusko Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F., at Marion, Ohio, and afterward united with that lodge on card. He was one of the original members of Mizpah Encampment, No. 50, at Marion, Ohio. In April, 1866, Mr. K. was appointed a First-Class Clerk in the Second Auditor's office, Treasury Department; afterward promoted to a Second- Class Clerkship, where he remained until July, 1875. He is now engaged in the Government Printing Office.

Since 1863, Mr. K. has been as ardent in the advocacy of the principles of the Republican party as he formerly was of the Democratic party, of which he was for many years a conspicuous leader. In every relation it may be truthfully said of Mr. Knapp,that in whatever he undertook, he evinced a moral courage and determination which gave him reason to hope for a successful accomplishment of his purpose - to discharge every duty with promptness, accuracy and to the entire satisfaction of those concerned; and to this make-up of his character may be ascribed whatever success he has shared through life.

In 1844, Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Ann L. Kennedy, of Marion, which union has proven a happy one. They have three children, residing in Washington City, D. C. The first and eldest - Minnie Ann - married Mr. John F. Gibrow; the second (living) - John H. - -a contractor and build: er, married Kate E. Rightstine, and the youngest - Harry C. - is a printer.

Thomas H. Hodder, editor of the Democratic Mirror, 1861 - 70, was born in the Isle of Guernsey, in the spring of 1887; came to this country in early youth; commenced life as a dry goods clerk at La Fayette and Fort Wayne, Ind. At the age of fourteen, he went to learn the printer's trade, with Mr. Flagg, in Lima. At the age of sixteen, he established the Kenosha Democrat, and published it for a time. Next, he was engaged for awhile in the Empire office, at Dayton, Ohio. In 1859, he was Columbus correspondent of the Cincinnati Enquirer. From Columbus he came to

Marion, as above noted. After selling out in Marion, he went to Cincinnati, and took charge of the State agency of the Equitable Life Insurance Company. December 18, 1871, he purehased the Butler County Democrat, and published it until April, 1875. In December following, he formed a partnership with J. H. Godman, Jr., in Columbus, in a wholesale leather store, which business he followed until his death. He made money by all his ups and downs through life. For some time provious to his death, he was a member of the Episcopal Church. He died July 28, 1876, and was buried in the Marion Cemetery by the Odd Fellows, a large concourse of citizens attending. He married Mattie L. Saiter, and at his death he 'eft a widow and three children.

Mr. Hodder was a very "outspoken" man, and sometimes - especially during the exciting period of the war, when many people were over-sensitive - the feelings of some of the citizens would be aroused by his expres. sions. At one time a riot was imminent, an account of which is given in the military chapter.

James K. Newcomer was born in Fayette County, Penn., August 10, 1833, and in 1837 his parents moved to Holmes County, Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1844, when they removed to what was then the western part of Lucas, now Fulton, County, Ohio, and settled in the woods. James K. aided in clearing up a farm, where the present county seat, Wauseon, was afterward located. With such an education as a primitive common school afforded,at the age of eighteen, in the year 1852, he apprenticed himself to the printing business, in the office of the Fulton Democrat, then published at Delta, Ohio; he subsequently published the Delta Independent, aud in 1857 was elected Recorder of Fulton County by a majority of seventeen, while the opposition party had a majority on their State ticket of about three hundred. In 1860, he was appointed Deputy Marshal, to take the census of that decennial period. After the expiration of his official term of Recorder, he purchased the Ottawa Democrat, at Port Clinton, Ohio, in 1861, which he conducted until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Fulton County and engaged in mercantile pursuits at Wauseon, in the meantime joining his father in making what is known as Newcomer's Addition to Wauseon. In 1867, he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for a seat in the State Legislature, but was unsuccessful at the election; he was one of the Clerks of the Ohio Senate in the sessions of 1868 and 1869, and at a special election to fill a vacancy in the Senate of that legislative term, was nominated as the candidate of his party for State Senator in the Toledo District. In the summer of 1869, he took charge of the Constitution, at Elyria, Ohio, which paper he published untii October, 1870, when he parchased the Democratic Mirror, at Marion, Ohio, whjch he conducted until the fall of 1878. In 1873, he was nominated by the Democratic State Convention for the office of Comptroller of the Treasury, but with the balance of the ticket, except Hon. William Allen for Governor, was defeated by a small majority. In 1874, he was appointed by Gov. Allen as Trustee of the Girls' Industrial Home, a State institution. In 1879, he purchased the office of the Democratic paper at Urbana, Ohio, and engaged in publishing the Champaign Democrat. In November, 1582, sold the Champaign Democrat, and purckased the Clinton County Democrat, at Wilmington, Ohio, which he is at this date engaged in publishing. In January, 1883, he was appointed by Secretary Newman to the position of Stationery Olerk in the Secretary of State's offiee, and is faithfully tilling that position, in conjunction with exercising editorial control of his paper at Wilmington. He has always been an ardent Democrat in politics, adhering strictly to the principles of the party with unwavering devotion.

Soon after attaining his majority, became a Freemason, and has been a faithful member; held the positions of Deacon, Secretary, Wardens and Master. Was the first newspaper man to introduce steam power and power press in Marion County. ` In 1858, he married Mary Eliza Harrison, who died in 1864. In 1871, he maried Fatie E. Way, daughter of John C. Way, who came from Canada and was of Scotch descent.

George B. Christian, formerly editor of the Mirror, was born in Marion December 27, 1846. He was reared in his native place and educated in the publie schools, from which he graduated in 1868. June, of the same year, he onlisted in the Fifth Battalion Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served until February 15, 1864. He was but sixteen when he entered the ranks of the army, and was one of Marion County's youngest soldiers. His service was mostly scouting in Kentucky. He was Deputy Auditor during Richard Wilson's administration, and in 1873 was elected County Surveyor, and served as such three years. He has been engaged for the last five years in building and contracting, in which pursuit he has been very successful. Mr. Christian is an active, public-spirited citizen,and he has been prominently identified with many of the leading improvements of the county. Every enterprise that has tended to contribute to the benefit and substantial growth of the community or county has always received his hearty co-operation and support. He has been a warm advocate of the gravel road system, and has been connected with the construction of a number in the county. He built the first gravel road in. Marion County, extending from La Rue to the Union County line. He was either builder or engineer of the Radnor, Mount Olive, Green Camp & Union County line, and Marion & Big Island pikes; and is now connected with the gravel road from Marion to Prospect He has been interested in all the railroad enterprises of later years; was part owner and contractor in the erection of the Masonic Block, and a large number of residences and other buildings. He is also the chief owner in the wigwam. He was a member of the Board of Ed- . ucation three years, and served on the Building Committee, consisting of J. R. Garberson, A. H. Kling and Mr. Christian, that superintended the erection of the North School building in 1879. He was engaged as editor and proprietor of the Mirror from 1877 to September, 1882, when ill-health compelled him to seek more active pursuits. During his editorial career, Mr. Christian made a vigorous fight for the water works, which received the majority of votes, but, lacking the necessary legality, failed. He was an efficient editor, and was always an advocate of publie improvements. His union with Miss Lydia E. Morris, daughter of John R. Morris, was celebrated October 14, 1869. Their children are George B. and Mamie B. Lena died aged two years. Mr. Christian and lady are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is connected with the Masonic order and G. A. R.

James H. Vaughan, of the above-mentioned firm, was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., May 3, 1848. His father was Harman Vaughan, a machinist by trade. When he was about two years of age, the family removed to Sidney, Ohio, where his father, in 1851, died with the cholera. His mother then returned with the family to Ypsilanti, but in a short time moved back to Sidney, where the subject of this notice passed his youth, until 1869, when he went to St. Paris, Champaign Co., Ohio, started a newspaper, and conducted it a year and three months. He next went to Marion, Ind., and established the Democrat, the first Democratic paper ever printed in Grant County, remaining there a year and four months, during which time he placed the paper upon a firm financial basis, and it is now one of the leading county journals of that State. From Marion, Mr. Vaughan went to Richwood, Union County, and established the Richwood Gazette, in 1872, which he sustained for seven years, and while there he was Treasurer of Richwood Corporation for four years. Next, he had charge of the Charlotte (Mich.) Leader for seven months, and then, August 6, 1880, he moved to Marion, where he has since resided, as publisher of the Mirror. After having charge of it for three months, he bought a half-interest in it.

January 17, 1878, Mr. Vaughan was married to Miss Viola Olds, of Marion, a grand-daughter of Col. Hull, one of the pioneers of Marion County They have one child - Mabel. Mr. V. is à member of the I. O. O. F., of. the Encampment and of the K. of P. He is a quiet, unpreten. tious and unobtrusive gentleman, a very successful business man, and an able, spicy writer, who has gained considerable reputation in the State.

L. A. Brunner, who with Mr. Dumm controls the Wyandot Union and the Marion Mirror, was born in Maryland in 1825. He graduated at Marshall College, Penn., and came to Delaware, Ohio, in 1846, where he edited the Delaware Standard for two years. He then returned to Maryland, where he edited several newspapers, and finally in 1849 he came to Upper Sandusky, and since that time has been connected wit! » Wyandot Union.

In September, 1882, he purchased an interest in the &.arion Mirror, Mr. Bruuner is an old journalist, and being associated with so experienced a writer as Mr. Dumm, the journals under their charge take a position far beyond that of the ordinary country press in general In conjunction with his editorial work, Mr. Brunner has devoted his attention largely to politics, and has attained a position of no little prominence in the political sphere of the State. He represented his county in the Sixty-first, Sixty-second and Sixty-fifth General Assemblies of the State, and during the Sixty-fifth was the leader of the Democratic forces in the House. During the Sixtythird session he was Clerk of the House, and at the convention of W yandot County, held June 18, 1883, he was again chosen by his party for Representative, and was elected in October for a fourth term by a majority of 698 vbtes over W. Maxwell, his opponent. Mr. Brunner has rendered his party able service, and has been rewarded with the highest office in the gift of the people of his county.

In 1850, Mr. Brunner married Miss Jane Sherman, of Delaware, Ohio, buta native of Watertown, N. Y. Their three children are Mary, now, Mrs. John Geiger, of Upper Sandusky; Addie, now Mrs. B. W. Holman, of Washington, D. C., and Grace. ;

R. D. Dumm, of the firm of J. H. Vaughan & Co., and editor of the Mirror, is a native of the Keystone State, but has made his home in Upper Sandusky most of the time for the last forty years. He is an old and experienced editorial writer, which has been his life's work, and in his chosen vocation he has acquired a solid and enviable reputation for vigor, brilliancy "and wit. As a writer of ability, his views on matters and things attract general attention. His work commenced on the Wyandot Pioneer in 1849 - 50, on which he remained until 1854. with the exception of some time spent in attendance at Wesleyan University, for the purpose of laying a good foundation for his education. He then began the publication of the Democratic Vindicator, a journal ardently opposed to the principles of Know-Nothingism, and when, after two years, that "ism" went to the "tomb of the Capulets," he attended the Cincinnati Law School, graduating in 1857. After practicing law for a short time, at Freeport, Ill, he returned to Upper Sandusky and started the Wyandot Union, which he continued to publish until October, 1865; from that time to 1874, he was editor of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Daily Sentinel. Again returning to Upper Sandusky, he was elected County Clerk, a position he held for six years, after which, with L. A. Brunner, he purchased the Union, and in September, 1882, an interest in the Mirror, both of which relations he still sustains. Mr. Dumm is of an affable disposition, and this, coupled with the fact that but few writers'in the State have had more extended experience as a journalist, contributes to the popularity of the journal which he edits.

Marion Democrat. - By the year 1867, two parties had formed in Marion County, in the Democratic ranks, concerning the policy which was pursued by the editor of the Mirror; and a new paper was started by those opposed to that policy, and named the Marion Democrat. It was owned by a stock company, headed by Mr. Burnsides, and ran vigorously for about a year and a half, ending in a successful bolt at the county election of 1869. Of this paper a Mr. Hathaway was publisher, and William Hubbard and Noah M. Runyan successively editors.

The Daily Pebble was a small sheet, started in the spring of 1877, by O. C. Smith, who ran it about seven months and sold out to S. Hume, who changed the name of the paper to the

Daily Star. - The first number of this paper is dated October 8, 1877; Hume Bros. (W. P. and H. S.), publisher, and S. Hume, their father, editor. The daily has been run steadily ever since. 1t was commenced as a four-column folio, fourteen inches to the column, and has since been enlarged to five columns, eighteen inches to the column. Devoted to local news; independent in politics. Office at the south-east corner of Main and Railroad streets, first floor. Nine newsboys are employed to sell the paper, which has become a necessity to the business wants of the Marion public.

S. Hume, editor of the Daily Star, is a native of Pleasant Township, this county, where he was born in 1831. He passed his time until nineteen years of age, upon a farm, where he learned the carpenter's trade, a business that he followed for nine years, in Marion, Dayton and Harrisburg, Penn. Subsequently, he was a dealer in lumber and coal ,at Marion, and afterward removed to Goshen, Ind., where for ten years he was a dealer in butter and eggs, when he returned to Marion and has been engaged in a variety of enterprises, among which was the exclusive sale and control of a patent peanut roaster over nine counties, which, under his energetic management, proved to him a financial success. Having sold out his territory in the above enterprise, he opened a grocery store in Marion, conducting the same four or five years, when he sold out and some time afterward took charge, as its landlord, of the "Exchange Hotel," which was located on the present site of the " Hotel Marion." While conducting the hotel business, he purchased the Pebble office, as above stated, * more as a toy" than for anything else, but on giving up the hotel business he became satis. fied that the wants of the business men of Marion would support a daily, and has since devoted the most of his time to the interests of the Daily Star, which, under his able and enterprising management, has become a necessity to Marion and the surrounding country. He is ably assisted by his sons, and the columns of the Daily Star are replete with local and other news. Mr. Hume has been in the habit, for years, of attending fairs and public gatherings in different parts of this andother States, and selling "Modoc jewelry," his business tact and ability as a talker winning for him in this calling pecuniary success. Mr. Hume is a live man and editor. He was married, August 31, 1858, to Miss M. P. Hoxter, of Marion. They have a pin Mee the following children: Willis P., Harry S., Sadie A. and o 4

The Family Monitor was a religious twelve-page monthly, published in. Marion for a year, about 1840, by Rev. J. A. Dunlap, a Presbyterian clergyman, and printed at the office of Messrs. Sprung. This periodical had been previously published as the Calvinistic Monitor, at Fredericksburg, Ohio, by Simeon Brown, and it was taken from Marion to Springfield, Ohio, and merged into the Presbyterian of the West. It is now the Herald and Presbyter, at Cincinnati: Mr. Dunlap died in 1847, at Springfield, and his widow is now a resident of Marion.

The Prospect Monitor. - The Middletown Union was established as a five. column quarto, the first number being issued December 2, 1875, edited and owned by A. M. Vaughn; independent in politics. In April, 1876, the name of the paper was changed to

Prospect Republican, when it becamé Republican in politics. Thus-it was continued for twenty-one months, when the type and presses were sold to a Mr. Fleming, who moved the outfit to La Rue, and published the La Rue News. '

Prospect Advocate. - This was edited by J. H. Jamison, and owned by Guy Webber, of Marion. The paper, independent in politics, ran about nine months, when the press and type were taken to Marion.

The next was the present paper, which was started vy H. R. Clowes, the first issue being dated April 18, 1878, a six-column folio. April 12, 1882, it was enlarged to a seven-volumn folio. This was the first successful attempt at a newspaper in Prospect. It is run as an independent paper, and has a circulation of 500 copies.

Its editor and proprietor was born in Indiana Township, Allegheny Co., Penn., June 17, 1848. His father was James Clowes, a native of that county, and was a manufacturer of furniture, twelve 'miles north of Pittsburg, on the Allegheny River. Our subject learned the cabinet trade in the factory of his father, and in, August, 1862, enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and *Thirty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; was with the.regiment until the December following, when he was discharged on account of disability. In July, 1863, he enlisted again, in 'Company G, Sixty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and immediately reported to his regiment, which was then in the front, at, Beverly Ford, Va., on the Rappahannock River. This regiment was discharged at expiration of their term of service, July, 1864, and Mr. Clowes was transferred to Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with them until the close of the war. He was first a private, then a Corporal, and a Sergeant at his discharge, May 9, 1865, at Washington City, D. C.; he was with the Army of the Potomac. During the war, he participated in twenty-four battles and skirmishes. Was wounded four times,while in the service; first, at the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, by a minie ball in the leg, above the knee; secondly, at Spottsyivania Court House May 12, 1864, a slight wound on the tip of the nose, by a musket ball; thirdly, at the same battle, May 13, & wound in the shoulder by a piece of shell; fourthly, at the battle of Petersburg, in the breast by a minie ball passing through to his left side, where it was cut out. He was not disabled by the first three wounds, but the last laid him up for several months. Atthe close, he returned home, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Ohio and located at Shiloh, Richland County, bought the Shiloh Review, with its press and fixtures; paper, a five-column quarto, independent in politics. He sold out in 1876, and in 1878 came to Prospect.

April 4. 1872, sundry citizens of La Rue made a loan of $300 to A. M. Vaughan & Bro., late of Marion, Ind., for the purpose of buying a printing press. The press was received and set up April 18, and the week following the first copy of the La Rue Citizen was issued. In April, 1878, Vaughan & Bro. sold out the office to Robert' C. Owen, of Phillipsburg, Penn., who ran it till July 2, 1873, when he was injured by the cars at Marion, Ohio, from the effects of which he died the same week. July 10, several of the citizens joined and gave a note for the office, re-selling it to W. Walt Smith, who ran it till October 1, when, failing to pay as agreed, the company took possession and appointed J. J. Hopkins, G. N. Myers and G. C. Allinger a committee, who ran the paper till March 4, 1874, when publication was suspended, and a few months later the matethe firm name of Fleming & Tritt, for about eighteen months, when Tritt retired. In June, 1879, Fleming sold out to Wheeler Delong, who ran it till March 10, 1880, and then sold to J. M. Hoffa. Hoffa changed it, in December, 1880, to an eight-column folio, and ran it till May 10, 1882, when he sold it to C. G. Harraman, who still conducts the paper, J. M. Hoffa acting as foreman. It has a circulation of about 600.

Caledonia Argus. - The first number of this newspaper appeared June 25, 1875, with Will H. Warner and J. Blanchard as editors and proprietors. Within a few weeks, Mr. Blanchard disposed of his interest to Dr. G. T. Harding, and the firm of Warner & Harding conducted the paper a month or two when Mr. Harding retired, and Mr. Warner waè alone till September 7, 1876. The issue of this date came out under the names of Henness & Beugough, who had purchased the paper. This firm continued until February, 1877, when Beugough retired. Since then, Mr. Henness has heen sole editor and proprietor. ;

This paper was first started as a four-column folio. May 18, 1876, it was changed to a five-column quarto, the form it still retains. "When Mr. Henness first took charge of it, the circulation was only 450; it now reaches about 600. It is no partisan paper, and bears the motto, " Independent, fearless and free."

. George Henness was born in Sussex, England, April 20, 1832, son of John and Sarah (Knowles) Henness, of Hampshire and Sussex, England; parents both died there. He was brought up to the printer's trade, entering on an apprenticeship when thirteen years of age and serving seven years. At the expiration of this period, he went to London and worked at his trade a few months; thence to Cheltenham, Dudley, Arundel and Brighton. At

. September 20, 1857, he married Miss Jane Hancock, daughter of Isaac Hancock, and a native of Northamptonshire, England, where she was born October 6, 1831. They have had two children - Harry Ernest, who died aged six months, and Fred, who died aged seven years, both in England.

Mr. Henness is a member of Manchester Unity, I. O. O. F., of England; Ancient Order of Foresters, K. of P. and P. O. of A. He was one of the founders of the order of P. O. of A., in Caledonia, and first Supreme Recorder.