Washington County, Ohio - Chapter 15: The Press, 1902

Probably the leading factor which makes and signifies a country's development, intellectually, commercially, and politically, is the newspaper. It is both the cause and the eiTect of a permanent and substantial upbuilding of a community, and bears much on its face of the surroundings in which it has its existence. A newspaper n:ilay be pretty thoroughly relied upon to express what manner of people compose the moral, social, and business make-tip of a settlement, be it large or small.

It seems scarcely within the realm of belief to think that here at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers - a locality that in the beginning of the 19th century was considered to be on the frontier, at the very outposts of civilization - there should be erected such an institution as a newspaper, but such is the fact, for the year 1801 was witness to the establishment of a newspaper which exists today, and bears every evidence of permanency.

The white people who first came into this valley were of New England stock - Yankees ; and associated with their fortitude and thrift was that desire to keep in the very front line as regards education and the dissemination of intelligence and information. The result of this feeling was the establishing in the "Stockade"' on the north side of \\'ashington street, between Front and Second streets, of the OhiOi Gazette and Virginia Herald, a name assumed doubtless for the promotion and perpetuation of a friendliness between the people on both sides of the Ohio. Wyllys Silliman and Elijah Backus were the owners and editors - divid-

I ing their time between the practice of law and the promulgation of intelligence. The paper was born December 18, 1801, and its size was by no means commensurate with the length of its name; for compared with our papers of the present day, it was a mere leaflet, containing little that would appeal to the tastes of the present day readers. Most of the matter pertained to the doings of the East - particularly Congress, and miscellany of a not particularly attractive kind occupied a portion of the space each week. About all that pertained to local affairs were the meagre advertisements or legal notices. The papers of that time could not strictly be termed newspapers, for the hap-

Writing in those days bore a different appearance from that we now are accustomed to follow. It had in it a dignity and grace which would seem to befit the powdered wig, the ruffled shirt, the knee breeches, and the buckled shoes. The editor seemed by his expressions to be in court attire with a lexicon of polished phrases and "Chesterfield's Letters" at his elbow. His position in his community must have given just cause for jealousy on the part of the village blacksmith, whose prestige had heretofore been indisputable.

I The outfit on which was printed the Gazette (for short) was purchased by Messrs. Silliman and Backus in Philadelphia, and was very simple and crude as compared with the plants of today. The press was of wood witl; a flat stone for its bed, and to "pull" a sheet was an involved operation, requiring the undivided attention of a man and boy; the man inserting the same between type and platen, pulling several hundred pounds at a big lever to give the impression, then releasing and returning the frame to a position for taking out the printed sheet and to make room for its successor. The boy spent his time inking the types, either with balls of buckskin or a roller made of a composition of glue and molasses.

The early editor was necessarily not p.uticular as to what he did, for he could ncl act in any one particular capacity. He was editorial writer, news compositor, "ad"-setter, pressman, roller-maker, machinist, circulation man, and about everything but "devil." This lattci functionary did the coarser work about the place ; and no doubt in his thoughtful moments looked upon the editor as a god, occupying an exalted position in whose direction he humbly wished his toes to point.

In 1803 Mr. Backus was elected to the State Senate and later moved to Pittsburgh where in 1807 or 1808 he died. Mr. Silliman, the other member of this firm of publishers, also enjoyed political honors - serving in the State Legislature in 1803, and afterward going to Zanesville where he held the position of registrar in the Land Office, a political place given to him under Jefferson, whom he and his partner supported.

In 1803 Backus purchased Silliman's interest in the newspaper, and enjoyed the distinction of being sole owner of the institution until 1S05, when he sold to Samuel Fairlamb, of Philadelphia. This gentleman handled the property until 1810. He seemed not to have made a conspicuous success of his venture, for we liear of him making his home later in the Muskingum County Infirmary, at which place he died. After leaving Marietta, Fairlamb led a life of a varied sort, we presume something like that of the tramp printer of today. (We believe that this cult is at this time growing beautifully less in numbers, for most offices of any proportion employ machine labor, and

In 1807 the Gazette had tiie usual thing happen to it. This event was the establishment of an opposition paper, called The Coinnientator and Marietta Recorder. The institution carried this burden of name until 1809, when because of lack of support it said its valedictory. It was published by Dunham & Gardiner, the latter a printer of prominence, from Xenia and Columbus.

The year 18 10 witnessed a shaking up in the affairs of the Gacette, for the income of cash or cordwood was so light that the sheriff of the county, generally considered the printer's greatest friend (if he's on the same side politically), had to sell the institution at public sale. After a few weeks with no local newspaper, the Western Spectator came into the field, employing, we presume, the physical effects of the old Gazette, and doubtless using its very limited subscription list. The Spectator was edited by Caleb Emerson, one of the strongest men of his time, a man whose personality combined many high qualities. He was an attorney of ability and a writer of grace. His paper was Federalist in politics, and bore the legend at its head "Be Just and Fear Not." While Mr. Emerson was editor, Joseph Israel was the publisher of the sheet during its first year, after which he sold his interest to Thomas G. Ransom;

In 1813 the Spectator was merged into the American Friend, which was started as a Republican paper, supporting Madison's administration. Thomas G. Ransom was the printer, and the editorial staff" consisted of David Everett, Timothy Buell and Daniel H. Buell. To Everett is credited the authorship of the wellknown lines, beginning, "You'd scarce expect one of my age." Everett had been a teacher at Ipswich, New Hampshire, and he wrote the lines for a boy pupil to recite as a public address. Everett was a man of genius and learning, having studied law at Amherst and having afterward served with distinction as an editor of a Boston 'newspaper. The rigorous climate of the Northern Atlantic Coast States compelled him to seek a more salubrious spot, and he chose young Marietta, but that did not prevent the ensuing of death by consumption m December, 1813, at the age of 44 years.

After the death of Everett, Daniel H. Buell became editor of the American Friend and so continued for a few months, when the Buells took in as a partner. Royal Prentiss, one of the best known and capable of Marietta s early printers and editors. In 18 16 Prentiss bought the interest of the Buells and continued as sole owner until 1833 when he sold the property to Delafield & Nye. For a period of time that Mr. Prentiss owned the Friend, it was edited and printed in the house on Fifth street nov/ owned and occupied by Mrs. S. S. Knowles. Mr. Prentiss possibty made too much of a paper for his time, for he gave as his reason for selling that the profits were so light he could no longer in justice to himself continue in that line of business.

John Delafield, one of the new owners of the Friend, was from New- York ; and his partner, Edward W. Nye, was a Mariettian, of pioneer stock. Tlie new firm edited and printed the paper, which they called simply the Maririctta Ga::cttc, until 1837. During a portion of this time there was associated with them a strolling printer named Pazzi Lapham, but he remained but a short time, doubtless movmg on to the next experiment looking for a harvest of elusive gold.

Isaac Maxon was the next man tO' own the Gazette, having bought the property in 1837 from Delafield & Nye. Mr. Maxon conducted the sheet, assisted by William D. and Caleb Emerson, until 1842, when there appeared on the scene Edmund B. Flagg, a young man from Maine, and a graduate of Bowdoin College. Flagg distinguished himself in many literary ways, having run the gamut of letters from news to novels. In i8^o he was consul to Venice; and he wrote an interesting book, with that romantic city as its theme.

Maxon in the Gazette, in 1839, a few days befoie the appearance of ^ir. Gates' Intccligcnccr, in the held, had the following to sav concerning his expected competitor :

We understand the newspaper, the Marutta Intelligencer,, is to appear next v/eek. This paper is to eclipse everything, exterminate Democracy, astonish the natives, and swallow the Gazette with all its appeiidages. * * * it has been argued to ,^ome of our subscribers that they migiit ;is well discontinue the Gazette and subscribe for the Intelligencer because the Gazette must stop at all events. Had not the gentlemen better stay their judgment for a lime, and see if the community will that we shall be crushed in order to rear a favorite upon the ruin.''

Maxon and his successor, Flagg, clung to a vain hope for three years, when, as before mentioned, the Gacette and its appendages were swallowed by the Intelligencer.

Beman Gates, then scarcely 21 years of age with no means at hand, was the first editor of the Intelligencer. Associated \vith him in the paper as partners in the business were George W. and Charles D. Tyler, two brothers, and most excellent printers. Mr. Gates did the literary work, and the Tylers took care of the publication of the paper. The Tylers raised $600 (selling their homes to get the money), and Beman Gates added to this meagre amount the sum of $300, which he had borrowed from a friend. A "Washington'' hand press was bought, as was also type of a large face, paper and ink. With this slight equipment was printed what soon became the best newspaper property in Marietta. It was a larger sheet than had appeared as yet - was well edited, and printed in a workmanlike manner. The subscription price of the paper was $2 a year.

The general plan upon which this paper will be conducted has been set forth in the prospectus. The subscriber, in commencing his duties as editor, wishes ir to be distinctly understood that he has no prejudices to foster, no partialities to indulge, and no inviduous feelings to gratify. He is perfectly willing to be advi?ed in regard to the manner of conducting it, but, after all, his own judgment must decide what course duty requires him to pursue. He will not suffer himself to be influenced by the opinions of otihers in any "way jncompatibiie wirh pertect 'freedom of thought and action. He .=peaks particularly on this point, because he has been charged with being under the control of influential men in this town.

In politics his motto will be, "Willing to Praise, but not afraid to Blame." He will be equally ready to bestow praise upon his political enemies, when me«-- 5ted. or csnsure upon his friends, when necessary. It will therefore be conducted with impartial liberality, and no effort shall be wanting on the part of the subscriber to render it distinguished by its practical utility.

Temperate and well-written conmiunicaticns upon any subject that shall be deemed of general interest, will be thankfully received and inserted.

With this brief statement, the first number of the Intelligencer is offered to the public, that by it they may judge of its merits and of the claims it has upon their patronage.

One year after starting, the Intelligencer had 300 subscribers, but during 1840, the year of the Harrison campaign, the .paper's circulation was more than doubled ; and its success was well marked and not less merited.

Mr. Gates had an ambition to supply to the public a real newspaper - one which should cover the doings of the week both at home and abroad. Besides being a chronicle of the events in the town, the young editor received regularly from Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Cincinnati, communications which related to business, society and state. When Taylor was inducted into the White House as President, Mr. Gates received the President's message by wire and printed the same in his paper - a feat that was considered at that time as an astounding piece of newspaper enterprise. So it was, too, for the provincial editor had as high ambition, and served his constituency as well in many resgects as did the managers of the newspapers in cities of greater pretensions. It was not long that Mr. Gates kept up the use of ^vires, for with the advent of the ^Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad came the great dailies from the latternamed city. The foreign news was read in these, and the Intelligencer became a purely local paper.

Beman Gates was born January 5, 181 8, in Montgague. Franklin County, Massachusetts. With his father he moved in 1835 to Connecticut, and in 1837, with a brother-in-law, came

Mr. Gates' destination was Knoxville. Tenmiessee, but he was pleased with Marietta, and illness coming upon his brother-in-law, both were detained here. Mr. Gates found work in the county recorder's office. He also taught music, and for years conducted a singing school which was a popular institution, and is spoken of at this day by the elderly people, who have many fond memories clustering about the school and its master schooled in old-fashioned politeness.

In 1856 Mr. Gates sold the Intelligencer to Dr. T. L. Andrews, who conducted the paper until 1862, when a new Richmond came into the field in the person of Rodney M. Stimson, who came from Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio, and had been founder and editor of the Ironton Register. Mr. Stimson was a man bom to the purpose of editing a newspaper, and he had the information and the style to hold a most exalted position upon a metropolitan paper or periodical. He threw his personality into the paper, and made it shine with the good things from his bright mind. The first thinig he did was to change the name of the paper to the Marietta Register, which nanTyC it holds to-day.

Rodney Metcalf Stimson was born at ]\Iilford. New Hampshire, October 26, 1822, the son of Phineas Stimson and Rhoda Metcalf - both children of soldiers of the Revolution. Mr. Stimson attended school in the East, including Phillips Exeter x\cademy. In 1845 l^e came to Marietta College, being graduated in 1847. His first work was teaching country schools, after which he read law and was admitted ot the bar of Marietta in 1849; later he went to Ironton, where on August i, 1850, he started the Ironton Register, which paper he conducted for 12 years.

Mr. Stimson was married July 2Ti, 1S51. to Juliette B. Hurd, of Ironton, who died January 19, 1861. The son, Milford, that was born to them, died in Cincinnati in 1890. October 28, 1862, our subject was married to Julia I. Sheppard, of Marietta. One daughter, Eliz- abeth Gillet Corwin, was born to tbe union. Mr. and Mrs, Stimson, Mr. and Mrs. Corwin and two children - Julia Stimson and Rodney Stiniison - form at present the interesting household of Mr. Stimson.

Mr. Stimson was not only a man peculiarly fitted to the business of conducting a newspaper, but he was a politician as well, and the people of his county were not long in recognizing his ability as a public servant. In 1869 he was elected to the Ohio Legislature as Senator from this district and was re-elected to the position in 1 87 1. He served also in the Republican National Conventions, as delegate, which nominated John C. Fremont and James A. Gar" field for the Presidency. He was delegate from Washington County to the Ohio State Republican Convention 17 times; and was the author of the Republican State platform in 1873, the same being unanimously adopted without the change of a word. In 1881 Mr. Stimson was tendered the office of Assistant Librarian of Congress, but he declined, as did he also a place in the U. S. Treasury Department which carried with it a salary of $3,000 a year and expenses. Mr. Stimson was librarian of the Ohio State Library for the years 1877-79, and was retired because he was on the wrong side of the fence from the powers that were.

In March, 1881, Mr. Stimson accepted the position of librarian of Marietta College at a salary of $600 per year, a position he held until 1892, when he resigned. In 1900 Mr. Stimson presented to Marietta College his magnificent private library, which contained over 19,000 volumes - over 1,000 of which related directly to the Civil War and slavery - the most complete of its kind in any private collection.

May 20, 1872, the Register changed hands again - Mr. Stimson selling the property to E. R. Alderman & Company. Of this new firm the company was Joseph W. Dumble, who in 1875 withdrew from the firm to become owner of the Middleport Republican.

Mr. Alderman was born August 29, 1839, near Athens, Ohio, and the early years of his life were spent amid the most primitive surroundings. While yet a boy he was thrown upon his own resources, but he had the stuff in him of which men of strong character are made. As a young man he taught school in Washington County; later he kept store at Racine, Meigs County, coming to Marietta in 1867. Here he engaged in the insurance business until 1872, when he with Mr. Dumble bought the Register.

Mr. Alderman's management of the> Register was distinguished by particularly good business direction; and the property, already well established, grew hardier and more influential with the passage of time. The paper was printed as a weekly until 1883, when it was changed to a semi-weekl)', which it continued to be until 1889, when it was issued tri-weekly. In June, 1894, the Register appeared as a daily evening paper, and continues as such at the present time, enjoying an extensive circulation with consequent influence.

E. R. Alderman, from the date of his assuming editorial duties to the time of his death - June i, 1901 - made it his whole duty and his pride to see the Register prosper; and in his editorial work he spared not the person whom he thought at fault. He was a virile writer and phrased his ideas in good, clean English. At the time of the establishment of the daily, the ownership was merged into a stock company, the holders of shares being E. R. Alderman, L. A. Alderman, A. D. Alderman, E. S. Alderman, William Sharp and D. R. Gerken. Since the death of Mr. Alderman, the paper has been managed - ably, toiD - ^by his son, A. D. Alderman, who possesses the fearlessness of his father, and in whose ambition to make the Register prosper is fully as great as was that of his father. Mr. Alderman, as editor and manager, is ably assisted in the editorial department by John W. Lansley, who spent his early life in Beverly; and in the business department by D. R. Gerken, who is a native of Marietta.

Alva Dean Alderman, editor-manager of the Register, was born at Racine, Meigs County, Ohio, October 21, 1864. He came, with his parents to Marietta in 1867. He attended both a private school, conducted by the ]Misses

Eells, and the public schools of Alarietta, later going to the Academy of ^Marietta College. After preparing himself for college, Mr. Alderman attended Phillips Academ)- at Andover, Massachusetts, where he took a literary and scientific course.

In 1884 Mr. Alderman went into the office of the Register, where he began the actual work of reporting. He had at times prior worked about the office, so that he had a comprehensive idea of the mechanical part of the issuing of a newspaper. For years after undertaking the work of reporting, the news portion of the Register was in charge of A. D. Alderman, and for two years prior to his father's death, he was in entire charge of the paper. Much of the modern machinery installed in the past few years is the result of his motion.

Mr. Alderman was married October 7, 1886, to Elizabeth Comly McCoy, eldest daughter of the late William W. and Elizabeth (Davis) McCoy, the latter of whom survives.

Three children were the result of this union : Comly Dean, born July 5, 1887; Gladys Marjorie, born December 13, 1891 ; and Royal Mc- Coy, born August 16, 1896.

Mr. Alderman is with his wife a member of the First Congregational Church of Marietta. Mr. Alderman is an Elk and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He was the first chief of Marietta's paid fire department, serving from 1894 to 1898, and having served for years prior as a volunteer fireman. As chief, he quite distinguished himself by his arduous conduct, and in one fire he met with an accident which nearly cost him his life, after which, because of injuries and press of business, he tendered his resignation.

Mr. Alderman is quite a factor in politics, both local and State. He was a member of the Republican State Central Committee, in 1898; and in 1899 he was a member of the State Executive Committee, and in 1902 he was chosen to act in a similar capacity. He is a member of the Board of Trade, and in his capacity as member and newspaper man he has done much to secure industries for Marietta.

Tlius runs the story of the Register to date. It is a particularly interesting one, having covered next to the longest period of any paper in Ohio - the Scioto Gazette, of Chillicothe, being the only paper that antedates it.

The next oldest newspaper now published in Marietta is the Times, a Democratic paper - the only one of that political tendency (printed in the English language) in Washington County.

The Times made its first appearance September 24, 1864, with Walter C. Hood as owner and editor. Mr. Hood was born in Demorest, Perry County, Ohio, and was a man peculiarly adapted to the editorial work of a newspaper. He was an odd man, who had his own ideas of the world and society ; and who combated that which he thought wrong with an ardor and vigor that marked the real genius. As a business man his career was not distinguished by particular success ; but he was a man of the utmost probity - and with his intelligence he commanded the largest respect. Mr. Hood was a true type of the old-fashioned man. He had a rather plain face, was deaf, and had a peculiarly rasping voice. When he spoke, however, the people listened, and it was generally to their advantage so to do. He was critical of the lighter affairs of life, and was constantly, in his talk with friends, saying sarcastic things about society and other things artificial. He detested pride, and for that which was not genuine he had the utmost abhorrence. The writer once heard him say that if he was to have his portrait painted he would want every "crow's-foot" to be put in about his eyes, so that the likeness might be true, and show him exactly as he was. This remark but showed how he felt on all things, and he was thoroughly consistent. Mr. Hood went from here to Jackson County, where he died ; and the people there thought so well of him that over his burial place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Marietta, they caused to be erected a handsome granite monument.

After Mr. Hood left Marietta, which was in 1871, he held the office of State Librarian, under Gov. William Allen. He died while in office in 1875.

having been born there August 19, 1840. With only a short experience in the business of issuing a newspaper, Mr. McMiUen entered upon the duties as editor. He brought a rugged nature to bear upon the paper and the party, exercising more pohcy than did his predecessor, Mr. Hood, with the result that he built up a good paying property. His was the only paper of its complexion in Washington County, and with his fine sense of policy - knowing what to do at the proper time, and how to do it - what "Mac" said generally followed, to such efifect that during his regime members of his party were elevated to othce in many instances.

Mr. McMillen went from Marietta to Springfield, Ohio, where he owned and operated the Springfield Democrat, a daily of consequence in the party both in Clark County and in the State. Mr. McMillen later sold this paper and went to Mansfield, where he bought a paper and again sold, in order that he and his family might go to Europe, there to live and educate the youngest son, Francis, who at the age of five years showed great aptitude for the violin, and who now at the age of 17 bids fair to rival the world's greatest performers on that most difticult instrument. At this writing Mr. McMillen is still abroad.

Benjamin J. McKinney, the present owner of the 77;;u'^-, and its editor as well, was born in Virginia in 1850, the son of William P. and Indiana (Jackson) McKinney, both of whom were Virginians by birth. The subject of our sketch spent his days in Virginia until the age of 15, when he came to Belpre, this county, where he completed the course offered by the common schools. Later he enjoyed a course of business training at a prominent commercial college of Pittsburgh. With these qualifications, supported by an unusually bright mind, young McKinney entered the business world by securing a position as book-keeper in the Parkersburg National Bank, and he filled the place satisfactorily for a period of about six years. At the age of 26 Mr. McKinney was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to the office of auditor of Washington County, and succeeded himself at the close of his first term by an increased majority - a fact which spoke well of his proficiency and satisfactory conduct of the office. After serving as auditor of Washington County two terms, Mr. McKinney was appointed chief clerk in the Auditor of State's office at Columbus, and remained there for a period of four years. He returned to Marietta at the time he gave up the chief clerkship with the expectation of entering the work of newspaper-making, and overtures were made between himself and Mr. McMillen to such effect that August i, 1890, saw Mr. Mc- Kinney the owner and editor of the Times. Into the Times, which had but a short time before been completely overhauled as to machinery and equipment, Mr. McKinney put his time and his talents. He is a writer of particular force, his editorial work showing a sarcastic quality that to the operator of a newspaper is a possession carrying no inconsiderable effect to the reader. In 1898 Mr. McKinney was a member of the Ohio Centennial Commission appointed by Bushnell, but later dissolved by act of Legislature.

The Times up to October 20, 1898, was a weekly, at which time it was issued as a daily and weekly. The daily is printed in the evening, and enjoys good support among the people, especially within the party.

In 1871 Mr. McKinney was married to Florence Browning, daughter of A. H. and Augusta S. Browning, of Belpre. Together they lived devotedly until the summer of 1902, when Mrs. McKinney died.

The next paper in point of age is the Marietta Zcitiing, a paper printed in the German language, and pubbshed by Jacob Mueller. The Zcititng was first issued in 1868 with E. Winchester as its projector and manager. The editor of the paper at the time of starting was F. Neuberger, a German of education and ability. The paper had a clientele from the start, there being many German- Americans in Washington County; but Mr. Winchester had not the best ideas of direction, and no knowledge of German, so the paper led only a partially successful career until IMarch, 1869, when tlie property was purchased by Jacob Mueller. Mr. Mueller, together with his son, Louis, gave personal attention to the business, and it was not long till the Zcltimg was looked upon as indeed an institution in Washington County journalism. The father and s«n continued to publish the paper until 1895, when the son withdrew and went to Anniston, Alabama. Later the son died in Newport, Kentucky, a young man whose value would stand higli in any community.

Jacob Mueller, the father, still prints the Zcitung, and is the dean of all the publishers in Marietta today. He is a man of intelligence, with a conscience that looks toward the upright in all things. His paper bears the impress of carefulness in editing, it being looked upon as a first-class news bearer and mentor to the Germans of the county. It is well composed in good German, its editor having a good education in both German and English.

Jacob Mueller was born at Haschbach, Rhenish Bavaria, July 29, 1833, the son of Nicholas and Caroline (Kreuz) Mueller. Mr. Mueller's parents were well-to-do, and after he had received a common school education at his native place, he was sent to the Latin School at Kusel, where he studied for four years and was graduated with honor, showing excellencv

In 1849 Mr. Mueller came to America ]:)y himself, arriving in New York. After spending a few months in that city he went to Albany, where he accepted his first money-earning position as an expert violinist in a theatre orchestra of that city. He became a member of Captain Cooke's Band, one of the foremost musical organizations at that time in this country. Mr. Mueller remained in Albany several months, -going from that city to Cincinnati, where, besides following his taste for music, he obtained a position as book-keeper for a brewing company. Here he remained for a period of six years, when at the death of his wife, in 1866, he came to Marietta, where he has since resided. After coming to Marietta. Mir. Mueller engaged with his brother-in-law, F. C. Miller, in the cigar business, and so remained until 1868. March i, 1869, he took hold of the Zcitung, and first appeared as its owner and editor.

Mr. Mueller is a member of American Union Lodge No. i, F. & A. M., and Guttenburg Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is identified with no church as a member, though his wife is a member of the Congregational Church at Cornerville. Mr. Mueller never held office, except that of city teacher examiner for a few years. During his life he has exhibited a fondness and great talent for the violin and could play almost any instrument. For many years he was conspicuous as an instructor, both here and in Cincinnati. While he made that city his home, he was connected with John Robinson's circus as leader of its orchestra, receiving the highest salary ever paid to its leaders up to that time. He was the organizer and leader of Mueller's Orchestra, the "first pretentious musical organization of this city, and the first to interpret music of a classical order.

Mr. Mueller was first married, in 1853, to Margaret Miller, of Cincinnati, to whom were born three children, Caroline ( Mrs. John Lehnhard, deceased 1894) ; Louis (deceased 1899) ; and Louise E. (Mrs. Charles Buck, still living, of Fernbank, a suburb of Cincinnati). The first wife died at Cincinnati in April, 1866, and her remains lie buried in Mound Cemetery, this city.

Mr. ^lueller was again married, in 1869, to Elizabeth Buck, born December 27, 1849, eldest daughter of the late Col. William C. Buck, a distinguished soldier of the Civil War. By this union were born : Emma Philipena (Mrs. C. H. Smith) December 25, 1869; Ella Elizabeth, born February i, 1871 ; Katharine Caroline, born October 15, 1872; Carl Hugo, born June 30, 1874; Florence Clara, born April 28, 1876; Frederick Jacob, born July 15, 1878; Stella Amelia, born March 16, 1880; Albert Leo, born May 29, 1882 ; Gertrude Edith, born October 21, 1884; William Junius, born December 5, 1886; and Theodore, born April 10, 1890.

For a time prior to 1881 there was a rumbling heard in the ranks of the Republican party to the effect that it should have another newspaper - one which should share in the honors of the community and the party ; and February 23, 1881, the movement became vital in the form of the Marietta Leader.

The Leader was first published in a little frame building where now stands the City Electric building; and its editors and proprietors were Frank A. Crippen and Will S. Knox. These two gentlemen, with rather meager means, but many friends, at once installed the paper into the families of Washington County, making a particular hit with local news from country districts, and by giving great attention to the doings of the townspeople. It was not long until a list of large proportions was the happy possession of the new paper. In 1883 Dr. J. F. Ullmann, of Lower Salem, bought into the firm, he buying Mr. Knox's interest. Later, in the year 1883, Crippen & Ullmann sold out to Hon. Theodore F. Davis, who was the owner until 1890, when the former ownership was changed to that of a stock company. During Mr. Davis's incumbency he held political offices of honor, being appointed as a trustee of the Athens State Hospital, and being elected to the State Senate from this district. Mr. Davis, who still resides in Marietta, is an ardent Republican, and a worker within the party whose counselings are always listened to with respect.

November 17, 1890, the stock of the Marietta Leader was purchased by George M. Cooke, a native of Marietta and a young man who had had several years' experience in the printing business, and who had been associated with Mr. Davis and the Leader since March, 1885. Possessing a knowledge of the modus operandi of a newspaper, the plant w-as managed in such a way that every year saw it bring forth fruit.

In 1890 the Leader became a semi-weekly; in August, 1894, it was printed "every-otherday," and April i, 1895, it made its appearance as a morning daily, since which time it has acceptably occupied the field as such.

August I, 1900, Mr. Cooke sold his stock in the Leader to a syndicate of men, comprising C. C. Middleswart, John Kaiser, H. V. Speelman, John Crooks and T. J. Mercer. Since then, others have bought stock, and the personnel has changed to some extent. H. V. Speelman was editor and manager for several months, when he was succeeded by J. M. Williams, who still directs operations.

In 1 90 1 the Leader was moved to its present location, across from the Court House, where most comfortably quartered is as fine a country newspaper office as graces the land. June II, 1898, a linotype machine was installed in the Leader office - the first in southeastern Ohio.

J. M. Williams, the pre'sent manager of the Leader^ was born near Gallipolis, August 14, 1869, the son of James Williams, who followed farming, and who died when the subject of our sketch was still a child. Mr. Williams's mother also died while he was of tender age. Mr. Williams received his education in the district schools of Gallia County, the time spent in gaining his education being very limited. His first business experience was that of messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company, at a salary of $10 a month.

In less than a year, by his brightness and general ability young Williams was holding down a telegraph kej- at Hurricane, West Virginia. From there he went to Huntington, West Virginia, as assistant to the train-dispatcher. From Huntington Mr. Williams went to Charleston, where he was engaged with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway for a year, when he went with the Western Union Telegraph Company as assistant manager. He remained in this position three years, when he came to Marietta to become manager of the Western Union otifice in this city, a position which he held with ability, and to the satisfaction of both company and patrons until the fall of 1900.

In November, 1900, Mr. Williams assumed the entire management of the Daily Leader and has conducted its affairs with the same care and ability that distinguished his services in earlier work and other fields. Mr. Williams is identified with other concerns in Marietta, and devotes himself to the general good of the community. He is at present with the Pioneer Building & Loan Association as a director ; also is a stockholder in the Ohio Valley Wagon Company. He is a holder of oil interests in the American Oil Company, the Dual State Oil Company, the Delta Oil Company, and the Alta Oil Company. He is a stockholder in the Union Investment Compa^ny. He is a member of Harmar Lodge No. 390, F. & A. M. and American Union Chapter, R. A. M. With his wife he is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church.

1896, to Miss Minnie R. McMillin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Murray McMillin. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have one son - Emerson Marion, born December 17, 1897. They have a beautiful home on Fairview Heights, built in

The youngest candidate for favors from the reading and advertising public is the Labor lournal, a paper which was established July 4, 1901, as a weekly newspaper, but which January 13, 1902, appeared as an evening daily. The daily was the outgrowth of a disagreement between employers and -printers on the other daily newspapers of Marietta. In December, 1901, the printers declared a strike to be on, and according to agreement ceased work. The establishme'nt is popularly financed in small holdings owned by members of the trades and labor organizations of Marietta. It has been a success from the start, finding general favor among the people who have a friendliness toward organized labor; and its columns are well filled with advertisements of the substantial concerns of the city.

Tdie original stockholders forming the incorporation were S. E. Blair, Louis Sharp, M. L. Purkey, Joseph Jones, Harry Hill, A. E. Stewart and Frank Ackerman. This company took charge of afifairs March 17, 1901. Since starting the company has become much scattered, but it is owned entirely bv men who are members of labor societies.

Mr. Blair, upon whom falls the details of management, was born in Pomeroy, Meigs County, August 29, 1868, the fourth child of Joel M. and Mary Sharp Blair. The subject of our sketch was educated in the public schools of Harmar (now West Marietta), quitting at the close of the grammar school grades, under the late John D. Phillips. His first work as an earner of money was in the office of the Marietta Leader. Tliis began January 17, 1886; and he was connected with the paper, as job printer, until August i, 1900. March 17, 1901, Mr. Blair, with James I. Goldsmith, bought a job printing office of Messrs. Arbour and Brenan, and they conducted affairs until the inauguration of the incorporated company referred to above.

The College Ohio is published by the students of Marietta College, and appears monthly during the college year. Its editors are appointed by the literary societies of the College, and it bears in its columns the news of college matters, local and general.

newspaper - Bci'crly Dispatch - published by H. O. Goodrich, and estabhshed by Hon. John C. Preston, an attorney of that place. The paper meets with good patronage, and is an institution of the town in which it is located.

In New Matamoras is published the Mail, a weekly newspaper, owned and edited by Ed. B. Hutchinson, who gives it such impulse as the community justifies, and that is considerable for a place of its size. J. M. Miller, a young man of Little Hocking, prints the Bucke\c, a sheet which finds popularity in its neighborhood.

With the rise and fall of the journalistic tide in Washington County, there have been many barques to appear and disappear, and their voyages bore greater or less interest to the public, in the main a losing venture to the projectors and owners of the crafts. A list of them would appear like this :

The Commentator and Marietta Recorder, a Federalist newspaper, opposing tlie Gacette, and first issued September i6, 1807, by Dunham & Gardiner. In two years the paper was discontinued, dying for lack of patronage.

The Marietta a)id JVasJiington Cokinfy Pilot, the first Democratic paper in Washington County, and the institution which the Times of today may call its ancestor - although the chain was several times broken - was started April 7, 1826, with George Dunlevy and A. V. D. Joline publishers. At first 'the Pilot was neutral, but later it stood for the cause of Andrew Jackson. During this campaign a printer in the Friend office got at the forms of the Pilot and transposed its head to read "Lipot." The Friend, in referring to the change, suggested that at last the opposition sheet had come out with its true heading, and complimented it on its display of candor. The Pilot lived until 1830. when in May it was discontinued.

John Brough, afterward Governor of Ohio, and his brother, Charles H. Brough, had both worked on the Pilot as printers and they bought the material of that defunct paper, with the result that on January 8, 1831. they issued the IVesfcrn Republican and Marietta Advertiser. The Broughs, with John as its editor, made a strong paper of the Republican, and they supported the Jackson administration. Later, in the split between Jackson and Calhoun, the Republican supported the latter, and lost prestige to such an extent that it was compelled to suspend, and the plant was taken to Parkersburg. It had an existence of about two years. Later the Broughs started the Cincinnati Enquirer, one of the great newspaper gold mines today.

In 1834 John S. McCracken started a Democratic newspaper to succeed the Republican, and it lived only about eight w-eeks when a note was found in the office which read, "I'm ofT, as the fly said when it lit on the mustard pot."

In August, 1835, Charles B. Flood started the Marietta Democrat, and he published the same until 1838, when the ownership was transferred to Jacob Baughey, who soon failed, and the property became Daniel Radenbaugh's. He issued the IJ'ashington County Democrat in April, 1840, but the paper onlv existed a short time. It was revived in 1844 by J. C. C. Carroll, and passed out of existence within a year.

Washington County had no Democratic paper until 1849, when Amos Layman, a young man just graduated from Marietta College, and reading law at the time, was prevailed upon to undertake the editorship of a new Democratic organ. This he did, and a new outfit was purchased, with which to print the Marietta Republican. Tliis paper was an immediate success, and was conducted by Mr. Layman for over five years, when it was transferred to A. W. McCormick, who later became a Republican, and who still lives in Cincinnati. The Republican lived until 1863, when it ceased to be, and there was no Democratic paper in Marietta until the establishment of the Times in 1864 by Walter C. Hood.

The Home News, a small quarto, was started January i, 1859. by E. Winchester, but in 1862 it was purchased by Mr. Stimson, who merged it, with the Intelligencer, into the Register.

About 1884 F. A. Crippen and his brother, John Crippen, started a daily evening newspaper, calling it the Daily Neii.'s. It lived but a few weeks, when it was discontinued, and the proprietors satisfied themselves with printing a weekly which ran for a few months, w'hen its publication was discontinued. The latter was called the Dollar Weekly News, and it was the first weekly to be issued at that price in this locality. The plant of the Nezvs was bought by Hon. Theodore F. Davis after the death of the Nezi'S.

In the spring of 1894, John H. Snodgrass conceived the idea of starting a daily morning paper in Marietta. This conception took form in the Marietta Daily Dispatch. It found a field immediately, but in a few weeks the Register became a daily, and in less than a year the Leader also issued a daily, making an opposition tide which the Dispatch could not stem. In June, 1895, the Daily Dispatch ceased to be, and its editor issued a few numbers of a semiweekly, then quit, and the outfit was returned to the type foundry whence it came.

Along in the latter "nineties," Prof. J. L. Mills started a paper which was to appear weeklv, and which he called the Iterator. Professor Mills had an idea that he could print and circulate a paper without subscribers. He figured that his advertising would pay for issuing a paper weekly, so, printing 5,000 copies each week, he caused them to be passed around - attending to much of the circulating personally. This work Mr. Mills did for several months, when he concluded that the game was not worth the candle, and he discontinued the Iterator.

In 1899, Dr. John McBurney, of Cambridge, desired, on account of failing health, to dispose of a county educational paper called the Ohio Teacher, which he had published at his home for 19 years. It was purchased by Prof. Martin R. Andrews and Supt. H. G. Williams, and the office was moved to Marietta. At the time of this transfer the Ohio Teacher had a large subscription list from the counties near to Guernsey. The new owners immediately established agencies and pushed the paper to all parts of the State, at the same time changing from the newspaper to the magazine form and materially increasing its size. It now has a circulation of about 6,000 pretty well distributed over the State. In 1902, Superintendent Williams accepted a call to take charge of the new Normal School at Athens, Ohio. Professor Andrews therefore sold out his share in the Ohio Teacher and Superintendent Williams removed the office of publication to his new home.