Christian County, Illinois - Chapter 11: The Press, 1880

Chapter 11: The Press

; AURENTIUS COSTER, to fill an idle hour, while rambling through the forest contiguous to his native city, Hierlem, Holland, carved some letters on the bark of a birch tree. Drowsy from the relaxation of a holida}', he wrapiied his handiwork in a piece of paper, and lay down to rest. While men sleep, the world moves ; and Coster awoke to discover a phenomenon to him simple, strange and suggestive. Damped by the atmospheric moisture, the paper wrapped about his carvings had taken an impression from them, and the surprised burgher saw on the paper an inverted image of what he had engraved on the bark. The phenomenon was suggestive, because it led to experiments that resulted in establishing a printing-office - the first of its kind - in the old Dutch town. In this office, John Gutenberg served a faithful and appreciative apprenticeship, and from it, at the death of his master, absconded during a Christmas festival, taking with him a considerable portion of type and apparatus. Gutenberg settled in Mentz, where he won the friendship and ])artnership of John Faust, a man of sufficient means to place the new enterprise upon a secure financial basis. Several years later, the partnership was dissolved, because of a misunderstanding. Gutenberg then formed a partnership with a younger brother, who had set up an office at Strasburg, but had not been successful, and becoming involved in law-suits had fled from that city, and joined his brother at Mentz. These brothers were the first to use metal types. Faust, after his dissolution with Gutenberg, took into partnership Peter Scha'fler, one of his servants, and an ingenious printer. Schccff'er privately cut matrices for the whole alphabet ; and when he showed his master the type cut from these matrices, Faust was so much pleased that he gave Schiett'cr his only daughter in marriage.

These are the great names in the early history of printing, and each is worthy of special honor. Coster's discovery of the use of wood-blocks or plates on which the pages to be printed were engraved, was made some time between 1440 and 1450, and Schoeffer's improvement, casting the types by means of matrices, was made about 1456. William Caxton, an Englishman and pM|)il of Colard Mansion, jirinter of Bruges, set up a printing office in Westminster between 1471 and 1477.

For a long time printing was dependent upon most clumsy apparatus. The earliest press had a contrivance fur running the forms under the point of pressure by means of a screw. When the pressure had been supplied, the screw was loosened, the form withdrawn, and the sheet removed. Improvements upon these crude beginnings have been made from time to time, until the hand-presses now in use are models of simplicity, durability and execution. In 1814 steam was first applied to cylinder-presses by Frederick Kouig, a Saxon genius, and the subsequent progress of steam-printing has been so remarkable as to almost justify a belief in its absolute perfection. Indeed, to appreciate the improvements which have been made in presses only, one ought to be privileged to stand by while the pressman operated one of the clumsy machines of Gutenberg, and then he should step into one of the well-appointed printing offices of our larger cities, where he could notice the roll of dampened paper entering the great power-presses a continuous sheet, and issuing from it as newspapers ready for the carrier or express.

It would be interesting to trace more minutely the history of this great art from its humble origin in Hterlem, through all successive stages, to the present, and to classify its products. For nearly a thousand years previous to its introduction, mankind had been surrounded by the densest ignorance the world has ever known. Teutonic barbarians had swept over fair Italy, had sacked her capital, had despised her civilization as unworthy even the indulgence of men dependent upon muscle and sword for empire and liberty. Vandalism had been christened, and had mocked the wisdom of philosophers while destroying and defacing the masterpieces of Grecian and Roman architecture and sculpture. Attila, the " Scourge of God," at the head of vast Tartar hordes from Asiatic steppes, had traversed the Roman empire, spreading dismay and disaster, until checked at the fierce battle of Chalons. Omar had burned the great Alexandrian library, after declaring that if its volumes agreed with the Koran, they were needless ; if they conflicted, they were pernicious. During this period, feudalism had kept the noble at war with his sovereign, had unsettled governments, and made men soldiers with scarcely time for necessary practice at arms ; amusements were popular, only as they contributed to martial prowess, and poetry in the main was but a minstrel's doggerel concerning the chivalrous deeds of a listening knight or the wonderful charms of a favorite mistress. Pepin had humbled the Long Beards, and had laid the keys of their cities at the feet of the Holy Father. From the fall of Rome, there had been but little talent and time to cultivate letters. A few ecclesiastics here and there were the custodians of the learning saved from the wrecks of Grecian literature and Roman knowledge. The masses were ignorant. They believed that the hand which commonly held the sword would be disgraced if trained to wield the pen. Books were for the monk's cell or the anchorite's cave, and the objective points of all study were to escape purgatory, to cast a horoscope, to turn the baser metals into gold. Superstition, priestcraft and thirst for material renown moulded public acts and private training. Piety was best shown in pilgrimages to the Holy Sepulchre. When the dust-stained devotees became objects of Turkish contempt and persecution, all Europe rushed to the rescue.

While war destroys and demoralizes, not unfrecjueutly it prepares the way for beneficent reformations. The Crusaders broke the power of feudalism, dispelled much geographical ignorance by making neighboring nations better acquainted, gave an impetus to commercial enterprises, awakened the sluggish intellect, enlarged the human mind and rendered it more tolerant, introduced the luxuries and refinements of the Greek empire, and brought about Magna Charta and Free Cities. With the expanding and increasing commerce, arts came to the front, trades flourished and practice began to test precept. The middle classes, whose condition ever determines the character of an era or nation, obtained concessions and rights to which they had been strangers for centuries. The mental world began to move. Famous journeys and discoveries were made. Roger Bacon and Berthold Schwartz studied the chemistry of the Arabs, and were among the first devotees at the shrine of phj'sical science. Wyclifl'e translated the Bible into the English vernacular. Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and England sought new outlets for their surplus products of soil, loom and fisheries. Mental darkness can make no long-continued stand against such enterprise, and enterprise will ever find an exponent to herald Its doings from nation to nation, and a medium to make its conquests the propert}' of succeeding generations. Europe was in a commercial and intellectual foment when Coster set up his printing ofiice in Hiierlem, and inaugurated an industry until then unknown. To understand the effect of that industry upon humanity, compare the enlightenment, civilization and progress of the present with the semi- barbarism and stagnation of the middle ages. Many a toiling caseman repeats the words of the wise man, " Of making books there is no end," and many a weary author echoes, "And much study Is a weariness to the flesh." Printing is rolling hack ignorance, vice and degradation, is unfolding the mysteries of nature, and is explaining the mandates of Him who made man in His own image, and expects the homage of the creature due the Creator.

The Romans in the time of the emperors had periodical notices of passing events, compiled and distributed. These ada diurna (daily events), were the newspapers of that age. In 1536, the first newspaper of modern times was issued at Venice, but governmental bigotry compelled its circulation in manuscript form. In 1663, the Public Intelligencer was published at London, and Is credited with being the first English paper to attempt the dissemination of general information. The first American newspaper was the Boston Xews Letter, whose first issue was made April 2-lth, 1704. It was a half sheet, twelve inches by eight, with two columns to the page. John Campbell, the postmaster, was the publi.^her. The Boston Gazette made its first appearance December 21st, 1719, and the American TfeeW^, at Philadelphia, December 22d, 17Ut. In 1776, the number of newspapers published In the colonies was thirty-seven ; in 1828, this number had Increased to eight hundred and fifty-two, and at the present time not less than ten thousand newspapers are supported by our people.

Journalism, by which is meant the compiling of passing public events for the purpose of making them more generallv known and instructive, has become a powerful educator. Experience has been Its only school for special training, its only text for stud}', its only test for theory. It is scarcely a profession, but Is advancing rapidly towards that dignit)'. A distinct department of literature has beeu assigned to it. Great editors are writing autobiographies, and formulating their methods and opinions; historians are rescuing ii'om oblivion the every-day life of deceased journalists; reprints of brilliantproductions,such as the letters of Junius, are furnishing models; Interviews with famous journalists touching the diflerent phases of their profession, are deemed worthy of publication in book form. Leading universities have contemplated the inauguration of courses of study specially designed to fit men and women for the duties of the newspaper sanctum. These innovations are not untimely, since no other class of men are so powerful for good or ill as editors. IMore than any other class they form public opinion while expressing it, for most men but echo the sentiments of favorite journalists. Even statesmen, ministers and learned professors not unfrequeutly get their best thoughts and ideas from the papers they read.

For dates and facts relating to the early liistory of the press of the county we arc indebted to the newspaper fraternity, who have kindly aided us with information necessary for this chapter.

Previous to the establishing of newspapers in Christian county the people were dependent upon the St. Louis and iSpringficld papers for their information from the outside world. It is to bo remembered what is now one of the most productive agricultural sections in the State, was looked upon with disfavor by those seeking homes in tlie western states. Emigrants disliked prairie lands, and criticized its sloughs, hence, therefore, the county was slowly settled.

Ciiristian county had not, like more favored localities, (except a small portion of it) the advantages of railroads at an early day, hence, enterprise that follows in the wake of tho.se great thoroughfares, did not wave its magic wand over this county until long alter its organization. But nevertheless the residents became imbued with a desire to excel. An organ was needed to speak for the county, for its agricultural resources, for its flattering promises for the future, for its rights and privileges as an organized member of a great State. Politically, the people difiered then as they do now. Questions of great political and national importance were being discussed, and were settled a few years later amidst the roar of cannon, the din of musketry, and the shedding of the blood of thousands of noble and patriotic men of our common country.

Milau S. Beckwith, an enterprising and public spirited citizen of Pana, inaugurated measures for establishing a newspaper at the above named place. He purchased the material and necessary presses of Dr. Chenivvorth, of Decatur, Illinois, and on the 23d day of December, 1857, issued the first number of the first paper ever printed in Christian county. It bore the name of

The I'Ana. Weekly Democratic Herald

We have no doubt that the first appearance of the Herald was greeted with enthusiasm ; henceforth the county was to have name and fame among its contemporaries. The paper was strongly Democratic in its politics, and left no doubt of the views of its editor upon current topics. The object of its editor, as stated by him, was to give his party an organ, and aLso inform the outside world of the wealth of soil and the advantages that Pana and surrounding country presented, and thereby induce emigration to come within her borders. Be it understood that Mr. Beckwith at that time was largely interested in real estate. The Herald had a fair subscripti(ni list from the outset, and the business men advertised liberally. It was independent in politics when first issued, but in the political excitement of 1858, in entering on its second volume, it changed over to the democracy and became a warm supporter of Senator Douglas for the presidency. It was a twenty-eight column paper, and neat in its typographical execution. It was a warm advocate of the cause of education and common schools. It did much for the early advancement of Pana. The office was sold, and the Herald discontinued, with the forty-first number of volume ten. Mr. Beckwith is at present a resident of Pierce city, Lawrence cjunty, Missouri.

Tana Plaixdealer

Was the successor of the Herald, and issued its first number October 7th, 1859. It was edited by Eli F. Chittenden. He continued its publication until the 1st of November, I860, when it was discontinued, and the office removed to Shelbyville, Illinois.

There were several efforts made by the citizens of Taylorville to start a newspaper, but without success, until Benjamin Winters, a practical printer, came to the city. lie, through the liberality and aid pledged by the prominent men of Taylorville, purchased material and presses, and on the 19th of January, 1858, issued the first numlur nf the srcond paper printed in Chrir-tian county. It bore ihr name uf

The Independent Press

It continued until November 28th, 1868. At first it professed neutrality, but soon espoused the democratic cause. Mr. Winters was an ardent Democrat of the old school of politics. In the Douglas-Buchanan issue he took sides with the administration, and the Press had a decided partisan tone. Mr. Winters was a peculiar and somewhat eccentric character. He was a bold thinker, a vigorous writer, and master of satire. The indiscriminate use of the latter subjected him to censure and the gradual loss of friends. He was as liable to lampoon a friend as an enemy. His bitter invective and offensive articles lost him the confidence and support of the Democratic party, who withdrew their patronage, and the paper was discontinued at the time above mentioned, for the want of niaterial aid. When the publication ceased, the type were worn out. For some years before the process of "underlaying" had to be resorted to in order to get an impression from them. The ])ress on which the paper was printed had done duty in the office of the Missouri Ixepuhliciin as early as 1808. The first number of that paper had been printed on it. In 1831, it was used in establishing the Sunyamon Juarual, in Springfield, Illinois. It was brought from there to Taylorville, when it was finall}' broken up. Mr. Winters died in Taylorville, and lies buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.

The Taylorville Journal

Was the title of another weekly paper published at the county seat. Its advent was unheralded and unsung. It profe.ssed to be Democratic, but there being a paper already published in the interest of that party, the enterprise had but a feeble support from that quarter, and as might have been expected, it soon died for the want of patronage. The first number was issued January 27th, 1859. The publishers were Messrs. Corr, Van Kirk and Co. After printing nine numbers, the Journal was discontinued. Financially, it was a flat failure. The office was in the old court-house, east side of the square. The office was sold under mortgage and taken to Pana, from which issued the Central Illinois Democrat.

The Central Illinois Democrat

The printing-office used in the publication of the Democrat was the same from which issued the Taylorville Journal. It was purchased at low figures by E. P. Sanders, and moved to Pana. This enterprise was undertaken to furnish an organ for the party in place of the Herald, recently discontinued. The first number was issued January 7th, 1860, by E. P. Sanders, as proprietor and publisher, and J. B. Butler, editor. On the 23d of February, 1860, W. P. Phelon was added to the editorial stafl^, and continued until June 1st, 1860, when he retired. On the 9th of November, 1860, the office changed hands. G. W. Harper au<l F. J. Beck appeared as editors and publishers. They changed the name to the

But it had a short existence, being strangled in its birth after the first issue. On the 24th of the same month O- F. Morrison and M. jr. De Levis purchased the office and changed the name to the

Pana Public

]Mr. De Levis was editor. It was independent in politics, and for a time was the only paper in Pana. The general mechanical arrangement of the paper was in good taste; its typographical execu. tion neat ; and its original and selected matter seemed to have been gotten up with care and discrimination. The publication was con- tiuued by them until June 1st, 1SG2, when the office and paper were moved to Clinton, Illinois. This change left Pana without a paper for about three years, or until the advent of the GuzeVe.

The democratic party had for years been the dominant party in Christian count}'. The old line \vhigs had no paper to represent them, nor luul the republican party until 1SG4. During that year the Union League, a republican political organization, felt the necessity of having an organ that would fairly represent their principles. They accordingly subscribed stock and raised funds to purchase a printing office. The material and presses were bought, and on the 26th of July, 1864, was flung to the journalistic breeze. J. D. Mondv, a practical printer, was placed in charge as a manager and editor. His connection with the office was of short duration. Three weeks after assuming the management he gave unmistakable evidence of not being in heart}' symjiathy with the principles of the organization whose servant he was. He resigned, and Paul Conner, also a practical printer, was placed in charge. Soon after assuming control, Mr. Conner purcha.sed the office, and became sole editor and proprietor, in which capacity he continued until A[)ril r2th, 1800, when he sold a half interest to John J. Squier. The co-partnership of Conner & Squier continued until November loth, 1806, when Mr. Squier purchased Mr. Conner's interest, and became editor and publisher. He changed the form of the paper, December oOth, 1809, from a folio to a quarto. On the 24th of March, 1870, ho also changed the name from The Tui/Iorvil/e Flmj to which name it still retains. On the 18th of November, 1870, Mr. Squier sold a half interest in the Republican to W. B. Squier, his brother. The firm of Squier Bros, continued until March 19th, 1874, when the partnership was dissolved, John J. Squier remaining editor and publisher up to the present time. On the 19tli of August, 1870, he commenced the publication of in addition to the Illinois Republican, which he has also continued to the present. The Republican is a six column Quarto, and under its present vigorous management is excelled by few country journals in Central Illinois. Mr Squier is not a practical pi inter, but he possesses fine business qualifications, energy and tact. In ability he is above the average editors of country newspajiers. As a financial venture the Republican has been a success. Tlie next venture for journalistic honors was

The Pana Gazette

The first nundjer was issued July 27th, 180.3. Eiehard Couch and R. M. Carr were the editors and projirietors. Mr. Cuueh luul removed a Smith press and material that formed a part of the old State Reffi>:ter office, from Shelbyville to Pana iu 186.5, and was operating a Job office.

Mr. Carr purchased some new type and addi'd to the office, and out of this material was issued the Gazette. The firm of Couch & Carr continued until April 7th, 1860, when Mr. Carr purchased the entire interest in the office, and remained editor and publisher until December 11th, 1808, when he sold a half interest to R. W. Coon. The partnership of Carr & Coon continued until February 10th, 1871, when it was dissolved, Mr. Coon retiring from the business. Since the latter date Mr. Carr has been editor and sole proprietor. The Gazette is an eight column folio, and is Republican in politics. It is recognized as one of the kading ard influential

In 1808 the leading Democrats of the county became dissatisfii-d with the course of the Independent I'res^, and determined to have a paper that would to a larger extent represent, and be an exponent of their principles. They therefore made liberal subscriptions, and pledged certain amounts for advertising. With this encouragement and promise<l aid, John J. Smith purchased type and presses, and on the 13th of August, 1868, issued the fir^t number of

Mr. Smith had no experience as a newspaper man, and was not a printer, consequently his management was not as successful as it would otherwise have been. He remained editor and publisher until November 20th, in the same year, when he sold out to James Suttle The latter-named gentleman conducted the paper with fair ability until September 17th, 1809, when he disposed of the office to S. P. Davis, of Belleville, and F. L Powers, from Decatur, Illinois. The firm of Davis & Powers published and edited the i)emocra< until February 11th, 1871, when W. S. ^Martin became the purchaser. Mr. Davis was a lawyer by profession, and a man of considerable ability as a newspaper writer, but his continued bad health unfitted him for an active editorial and journalistic life.

On the 21st of May, 1874, the wonls "Christian Countv" were omitted, and the word " Taylorville " substituted, since which time the paper has been known as

Mr. Martin continued as editor and publisher until August 2d, 187.5, when George W. Weber became a partner in the Democrat. The partnership was dissolved June 1st, 1877, Mr. Weber retiring, and Mr. Martin continued the jiublication up to January 1st, 1880, when he sold out the office to Benjamin A. and Philip A. Richards, of Springfield, Illinois, who at present are the editors and owners of the paper. Mr, ^lartin is a practical printer, and under his administration the Democrat flourished and gained a large circulation. The present editor, Benjamin A. Richards, is a veteran jirinter and journalist, having spent thirty-five years at the case and in the .sanctum, His long experience and ability as a ready writer will aid him materially iu placing the Democrat in the front rank of journalism in the State of Illinois.

The Central Orie.Nt

The first number of the above-named paptr was issued June 20th, 1800, J. F. Harner, publisher, and C. S. Hilbourn, editor. The firm name was J. F, Harner & Co. The Orient was decidedly democratic in tone, if we may judge from the salutatorv to the public. The following is an excerpt : " The Orient will at all times advocate economy in public expenditures, and the reduction and equalization of taxation, so that its burdens shall fall alike upon the rich and the poor; it will vigorously oppose all attempts to engraft negro suttrage upon our statutes, and all legislation by Congress tending to centralization of power at Washington, or the si.ibversion of the inherent and constitutional rights of the states." The j)ublication of the Orient continued under the same management until May, 1868, when it was discontinued for want of proper patronage. The paper was a model of typograjiliical neatness, like all the journals of which Jlr. Harner had the mechanical charge.

The Paxa Palladiu.M.

After the exit of the Orient, Pana was without a democratic paper for over a year and a half, when the I'nllaitium made its appearance, tlie first number of which was issued bv .S. D. Rich, oditor and ]ir(>|irirtoi-. It was an ciulit l>agc fiilin, ami bail forty coliiiiiii?. I'nliticallv it was donioeratic. It was iM.iidiictc il with aUilitv, and iNJuliiud taste in its inceliauical iiiaiiaijriniiit. < »ii the 23d of Ajii-il, l.STO, Jlr. Eicli disjiosc-d of llic oliicc ami |ia]icr to Messrs. P. A. & J. J. Farley, young men of ability and experience in tbc newspaper business. After several years' eonneetion with the paper, P. A. Farley retired, and its publication was continued by J. J. Farley, ed'tor an<l proprietor. lie on the l-Jth of March, 1877, sold the office to A. W. Chabin. Tlirer imuiths later Mr. Chabin sold a half interest to Jacob .Swallow, and in three months from that tiiac Mr ^^wallow retired, and Mr. Chabin again l)Ccanio sole ]n-opiietor and eilitor, and so continued until IMareh 10th, 187II, when the office reverted to Farley Bros., who on the saiuc dati' sold it to Jacob Swallow, wdio continues to the jiresent, editor and ]iroprietor. Tiie PaUaiViiim is a five cidnnin qnarto. It is al)ly dlitcd, and is recognized as the organ of the temperance cause in I'ana.

No. 1 of vol. I., was issue.l Aj.ril 22, 1871. The paper was printed at the oHice of the I'aiui O.iyih; and shipped by mail to A.ssuniption and distributed. R. M. Carr was the proprietor and J. M. Birce local editor. The Imlejicndcid was neutral in politics. Mr. Carr continued the publication of the pajier until the loth of April, 1872, when he sold to I. V. Park sutlieient material and presses to continue the publication at Assumption. ]Mr Park gave his note in payment for the office, with four good and responsible citizens of Assumption as sureties on the note. Si-X months later the note matured, and Mr. Park was unable to meet it. The sureties paid the note, and the office passed into their hamls. They iin-med a joint-stock as.sociation, and Issued .shares of stock. They placed John L. Marnell in charge as manager and editor. He was not a practi al printer nor a good manager. The Independent, under his nuinagement, was somewhat erratic, and made its appearance semi-occasionally. In July, 1874, the stockholders secured the services of Richard Couch, a practical printer, to take cliarge of the office. He changed the name of the paper to

He continued the publication of the Record for one year, wdien he retired, and A. W. Chabin assumed the management. He continued for nine months, when the office was sold to A. M. Anderson, and removed to Windsor, Shelby county. 111. Afterward the materials and presses were removed to Shelbyville, wdiere it was jinrchased by a joint-stock compau)', and at present it is doing duty in the office of the Herald, the Greenback organ of Shelby county.

Till-: MOniUSOSVILLE TIMES. The fir.st number of the Tliiir^ was issued August 20th, 187."), Thomas Co.\, editor and proprietor. The paper was sta)-ted as an independent Joui'nul, and so remains to the ])rcsent. It was, when started, a six-column filio. Mr. Cox changed it to a fivecolumn (|narto. It was afterward clumgcd back to it-^ original firm, wliicb it still retains. The publication of the Tiiiir.s cont nued under Mr. Co.v's administration until December oUtli, 1875, when he sold out to M. J. Abbott. The latter gontlenmn remained in possession of it until May, 1877, when he sold to Creorge H. Palmer & Son. F. M. I'almer assumed editorial control. He was a first-class printer. In the spring of 1878 F. (Irundy became associate editor. August IGtli, 1879, the ofhcj was leased to Messrs Said & Poorman, Palmer & Son still rctaiidng ownership of the press and nuiterial. ();i the 2d of (October, 1870,

Steen Bros, purchased the office of Palmer & Son, and from that date to the lu'escnt, ( ieorge H. and Joseph W. Steen, have been the editors and iiubli>hers. The Times has a good circulation. It fairly represents the busine-ss growth and pro.sperity of ^lorrisonville. It is edited with considerable ability, and altogether it is a fair specimen of the enterprising western country journalism.

In this advanced and progressive age all societies, organizations political nv otherwise, demand an exponent or proper medium through which they may speak to the world and make their wants known to mankiml. The newspaper offrirs the simplest and quickest way (jf reaching the masses. With this idea in view, the Granger and Greeid)ack element of Christian countv proposed to start an organ. Their desire culminated in action the result of w hich was : -

The Ixdepexdext

The first nundjermade its appearance in Taylorville, March 2.")th, 187-5, Slessrs. Mallory & Danley proprietors with R. V. Jlalloiy as editor. After publishing some thirteen nuniber.s, the editor states " that with this issue will close his connection with the Independent, and that now he turns over the business to Noyes B. Chapman of Stonington. Mr. Chapman continued the publication with C. F. Tucker as editor until July 30th, 1875, when it passed into the hands of M. A. Bates, formerly of Bennet, Ills., as editor and publisher. On the 14th of January, 1870, it was discontinued, being then in its fijrty-third month, for the want of support, or as exjiressed by the editor, " hereafter the Independent will be known as one of the things of the past." The paper was a four page, twentyeight colunni sheet. It was published in ^lorrison's Brick, east side square, Taylorville.

The first issue of the Journal appeared March 2d, 1870. It was resurrected from the Independent. Me.ssrs. Lewis & Brown were the editors and publishers. Neither of the parties were practical printers, and knew nothing of the mechanical part of a newspaper office. The enterprise was therefore to some extent a failure. The paper was continued as the Granger and Greenback organ. The office came into the possession of J. F. Harner on the 31st of August, 1876, with E. W. Anderson as editor. After the Journal had been published one year by Mr. Harner he changed the political tone and made it democratic, and it has remained so to the present. No changes have taken place in the management or editorial department since it came into Mr. Harner's possession. The Journal office is the best equipped for all purposes, in the county. Mr. Harner, as a printer, is perhaps more widely known than any other member of the craft in Illinois. His artistic designs and wonderful ingenuity in bending and shaping brass rule, so as to create designs and figures typical of trades, professions, or business, have been widely copied both at home and abroad. His skill has received flattering recognition in all parts of the country where artistic art is appreciated. The Journal is ably edited by Mr. E. W. Anderson. He is a gentleman of versatile talent, and a w riter of recognized ability. He brings to the sanctum a highly cultivated mind, aided bv long experience, extensive travel, and a close observation of men at home and abroad.

Was organized and issued by Mr. A. W. Chabin upon his retirement from the rulUulitiin. The first number made its api)earance March loth, 1870. The first five numbers were printed in Shelbvvillc, Illinois, and brought to Pana and distributed. After that thus Col. J. A. Hayward, a capitalist, and one of Pana's most eutcrprisiiig men, purchased material and presses, and became joint owner with Mr. Chabin. The offise was established in Pana. The politics of the Argus was democratic. The partnership of Chabin & Hayward continued until January 1st, when Col. Hayward became sole proprietor and editor. He changed the politics of the paper, and it is now republican in tone. Col. Hayward is yet young in journalism, but we have no doubt judging from the characteristic and vigorous manner with which he steps into the sanctum, that ere long he will make the Argus one of the best newspapers in Central lllinoi.s.

The Post-Office Register The Central Homestead

The first number appeared in February, 1878, and the last in November of the same year. It was also printed in the office of the Pana Gazette.

The history of the press of Christian county has been briefly traced. There have been some trials and obstacles, and it has witnessfcd a few failures, but it is fairly representative of the liusiness growth of the county.

The influence and character of the press have grown with the material wealth and intellectual growth of those they have repre- S3ntcd. No industry or business can show a much better record, or less failures, or number more enthusiastic and patient workers. The number of newspaper enterprises organized and supported in the county, speaks well for the liberality of its citizens, and it further shows the power and appreciation of printer's ink and editor's pen when used for the intellectual advauci'mcnt of the people and the material wealth of the county.