Jersey County, Illinois - Judicial, 1885

Judicial

Man, a finite being, is of a necessity, from His nature, an imperfect creature, and as such requires that laws, both human and divine, shall be enacted, with the penalties attached for their violation, for his government. Ever since the day when our first parents, Adam and Eve, were placed in the garden of Eden, with the injunction tip let the fruit of a certain tree alone, with the penalty for transgression attached, man has had to have some law to govern him, or he descends to barbarism or rapine. Through a long line of law-givers and legislators, we trace the laws of the present back to the decalogue, given to the tribes of Israel when they wandered in the deserts of Arabia, the underlying principles of which arc the fundamental basis of all modern law. Circumstances and surroundings have changed since the days when that alone was needed, and the present complex and often prolix laws are the superstructure built upon the foundation of the "ten commandments."

The existence of laws implies the existence of courts wherein all questions of law shall be determined and interpreted. This fact, so patent, being determined, the framers of the state constitution instituted certain courts of justice, eaeh with well defined powers. Changes have been made, from time to

Among the men who took a part in laying the foundation of this portion of the state of Illinois, there is, perhaps, no class that stands out more prominently than the members of the bench and bar, and Jersey county has had the honor of having contributed some of the ablest men to this portion of government. Of these, in their turn, it is now the pleasure of the historian to present a view. Many of the sketches of the talented men who have occupied the bench in some of these courts are meager, but, they having passed from this arena of active life, but little can be gathered respecting them, although no pains have been spared to make this chapter as full and complete as possible.

The first term of circuit court in Jersey county, convened Nov. 25, 1839, in a small frame school house which then stood in the southwest corner of the old Morean place, now owned bj; John Smith. That building was afterwards removed about two squares further northwest, when it was owned by Mrs. Abijah Davis as a dwelling. It was torn down in the summer of 1884. It was also the first school building erected in Jerseyville. Judge William Thomas, of the first judicial circuit, presided at this session.

The certificates of appointment of Robert L. Hill, clerk, John N. English, sheriff, and Nelson R. Lurton, coroner, were produced, with the oath of office endorsed «thereon, and were ordered to be recorded, together with the bonds of the several officers.

The sheriff returned the panel of grand jurors selected and summoned for the body of Jersey county. The following constitutes a list of those present : Elijah Van Home, William Draper, John D. Gillham, Thomas Hamilton, Samuel L. McGill, James Davis, John Corson, George Hoffman, Josiah Rhodes, John Hawkins, Henry Coonrod, Maben Anderson, John Kimball, George Smith, John Brown and Robert B. Robbing. Elijah Van Home was selected and sworn as foreman, and the other members of the grand jury were sworn and charged by the state's attorney and retired to consider the duties assigned them.

The first case which came up for hearing before this body was that of J. M. Hurd, for the use of Ezra Hurd, plaintiff, against John W. Slaten, defendant, being an appeal from the justice's court. John W. Scott and Edward M. Daley, plaintiffs, against Alexander H. Burrett, defendant, being an action for trespass, was the second case. Both cases were continued by the attorneys who appeared for the parties concerned.

The first state case was that of "William Dixon, alias Captain Dixon, indicted for passing fictitious notes and for forgery, This called into requisition the first petit jury, which was composed of the following named gentlemen: Joseph Duncan, James Ritchie, Josiah Jackson, John Keyes, Thomas H. Chapman, Richard Simmons, Moses Cockrell, Ambrose S. Wyckoff, Chilton Smithe, Isaac Barree, William Palmer, William K. Miner. The jury found the defendant guilty, in the manner and form as was alleged against him in the indictment of the grand jury, and instructed that he should be confined in the penitentiary fora term of four years. The day following, the court executed the verdict of the petit jury, by sentencing defendant to 4(i months at hard labor in the penitentiary. Dixon was also held for larceny, by an indictment of the grand jury, but the attorney for the state refused to further prosecute the case, and it was consequently dismissed.

The next term of court convened April 30, 1840, Judge William Thomas presiding. Nothing worthy of particular mention in thi> connection appears in the record of this session.

At this term, the first murder case, of which Elias Cockrell was defendant, was heard. The defendant pleaded "not guilty," and tiled his affidavit and moved the court for a change of venue, whereupon the court ordered that the venue be changed to Greene county.

In conformity with the provisions of the general assembly of Illinois, at their last session, the court, at the April term, of 1843, appointed Robert L. Hill master in chancery of Jersey county, and the said Hill being present,

At a meeting of the Jersey county bar and officers, before the convening of court. Sept. 13, IMS. the following resolutions were adopted in honor of Samuel D. Lockwood, circuit judge. A. W. Caverly, the oldest member of the bar, was selected to read and tender the resolutions for the acceptance of Judge Lockwood, about to retire from the judicial circuit. These resolutions were as follows:

Whereas, the Honorable Daniel ]). Lockwood will shortly retire from the judicial station which he has su long and eminently adorned, theretore,

Resolved, that the members of the bar cannot let the occasion pass wit hout expressing their profound respect for the purity of his life, and then admiration tor Ins distinguished hearing as a jurist.

Resolved, that on the contemplated retirement of Hon. Judge Lockwood from the public service, we will take our leave of him with unfeigned regret. The uniform courtesy and urbanity which hasever characterized his intercourse witli t tie liar and the people; his learning, dignity, impartiality .mil strict honesty as a judge, ha\ e endeared him to us all, and in bidding him farewell we tender to him the anient wishes of our hearts that his future days to a good old age may lie unclouded and serene.

Resolved, that while the memory of the pleasant intercourse betwixt Judge Lockwood and the liar of the circuit court must in a great measure pass away with the lives of its members, we rejoice that the opinions delivered by Judge Lockwood, as a justice of the supreme court, of which he has long lieen a distinguished member, constitute a monument to bis ability and learning as a judge, upon which the bar of Illinois will ever look with respect and admiration.

by the chairman and secretary, and a copy of the same be presented to Judge Lockwood, and a like copy to the court, with a request that they bespread upon the records, and that they be published in the different newspapers of the circuit.

Resolved, that A. W. Caverly, Esq., as the oiliest member of this bar, be requested to present the foregoing resolutions to the court, with the request that the same be spread upon the records.

After reading the resolutions Mr. Caverly remarked: "In behalf of my professional brethren of this bar, I now present you a copy of these resolutions as a tribute of our admiration and respect, and beg your acceptance of the same." Judge Lockwood, on receiving the copy, replied: "I accept them. My heart is too full to say more."

At the term of court, which convened May 14, 1849, Judge David M. Woodson presided for the first time in this court. He occupied the bench at every session of the court in this county from that time until April, 1867, with the exception of the October term, 1851.

He was born in Jessamine county, Ky. , May 18, 1806. His parents were Samuel H. and Ann R. (Meade) Woodson. His father was a leading lawyer in Kentucky, and had several times represented Jessamine county in the state legislature. In 1831, David M. was himself elected to the legislature, on the whig ticket, and cast one of the votes which elected Henry Clay to the United States senate. When elected, Mr. Woodson was carried through the streets of the village in which he lived, on men's shoulders, which attested his popularity, even then. On the 6th day of October, 1831, he was married to Lucy McDowell, daughter of Major

John McDowell, of Fayette county, Ky. He came to this state in the autumn of 1833, and chose Carrollton, Greene county, as his future home, and then returned to Kentucky for his family, whom he brought out the following year. He had studied and practiced law in Kentucky, and when he came to Carrollton, entered into his partnership with Charles D. Hodges, which continued 14 years, being terminated by the election of Mr. Hodges to a judgeship. His first wife died in Kentucky, in August, 1836. He was again married, Nov. 1, 1838, to Julia Kennett. At the sesimi of the legislature of 1838-39, he was elected to the office of state's attorney, to fill a vacancy to which he had recently been appointed by Governor Duncan. In August, 1840, he was elected to the legislature from Greene county. In 1843, he ran for congress, from the 5th district, against Stephen A. Douglas, but was defeated. He was a member of the state constitutional convention of 1847. The next position to which he was elected was the circuitjudgeship of the first judicial district, which he held until 1867, when* he retired from the bench. He was elected to the house of representatives from Greene county, in 1868, on the democratic ticket. He was the father of one son, by his first marriage, John M. Woodson, of St. Louis. By his second marriage there was one child, a daughter, now the wife of H. C. Withers.

The October term of 1851 began on the 20th day of the month. It was presided over by Judge 0. C. Skinner, and this was the only term not presided over by Judge Woodson, from the first one until his retirement from the bench.

Court met Oct. 14, 1867, with Charles D. Hodges on the bench, he having succeeded his law partner, Judge Woodson. Judge Hodges presided at every term for about six years, the session beginning .March 17, 1873, being his last in this county.

Court convened Sept. 22, 1873, with Judge Cyrus Epler occupying the bench. Judge Epler like those who had preceded him in that capacity, had been widely known for his legal attainments before being elevated to the bench, and while occupying that position in this circuit, added largely to his reputation for wis dom and brilliancy in his profession. Judge Epler presided at each term of court until that of September, 1877.

Judge Burr presided at each subsequent sitting of the court, until he was succeeded by Judge Cyrus Epler, at the March term, 1882. Judge Epler also

George W. Herdman is a native of the state of New York, and was born March 6, 1839. In the fall of 1854 he located in Jersey county, having previously removed to this state with his parents. His early life was spent on a farm. At the age of 24 years he commenced the study of law, and in the spring of 1867 received a diploma from the University of Louisville, Ky. He commenced practice in Jerseyville, the same spring. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to the legislature as representative from Jersey and Calhoun counties. In 1876 he was elected state senator, and served four years. In July, 1882, he was elected judge of the 7th judicial circuit, to fill the un. expired term occasioned by the death of Albert G. Burr, and in June, 1885) was re-elected for a term of six years. He has also been a member of the Jerseyville board of education three years. In February, 1880, he was united in marriage with Helen A., a daughter of James W. Parrish. He is a democrat.

The inception of journalism dates from remote ages. The institution now known as the newspaper was ante-dated nearly 1,000 years by manuscript publications, in which the accounts of public occurrences and familiar gossip was made known to the citizens of imperial Rome, seated upon her seven hills.

These sheets were known by the name of "Acta Diurna;" but their issues were at all times irregular, and in times of scarcity of news totally suspended, the editor either engaging in some other calling, or indulging in the sports of the day.

Frankfort-on-the-Main claims to have produced within her walls the father of modern newspapers. She claims that Egenolf Emm el, a book dealerandbook printer of Frankfort, in the period of that city's greatest literary prosperity, was the first in Europe to issue a newspaper at regular intervals in the shape in which we see them to-day. This honor of priority of newspaper production has been considerably contested, but unsuccessfully. Emmel first published a weekly, Frankfurter Journal, in 1615. The Nuremburgers say that Wendelin Borsch published a newspaper in their city as early as 1571; but there is no proof that this was anything more than the fugitive leaves which had then become pretty common in the great trading centers of Europe; and as the English claim their first regular newspaper to have appeared in 1622, and the French in 1631, to Frankfort must be left the honor of Egenolf Emmel, the father of newspapers.

The precursors of Germannewspapers were the small, printed, flying sheets issued in the latter half of the 15th century, under the titles Relatione, t or Neue Zeitung (New 'Puling*), which, however, only made their appearance at irregular intervals, generally to record some event of more than ordinary note. These reports are said to have existed as early as the middle of the 15th century; the oldest mentioned are from the years 1457-1460; though the oldest copy now preserved in the university library at Leipsic bears the date of 1494. But these Relations or Tidings cannot he looked upon as the germs of the modern press. The beginnings of the German newspapapers are to be traced in the written commercial correspondence of the middle ages. The editorial bureaus were the counting-rooms of the great mercantile houses, which had their agents transmit information to them from all parts of the world then open to commerce. But as these sheets were almost private, they were of little service to the world at large. As Gutenburg's invention won its way, and the large trading houses entered into communication with each other and with their various governments, which had an equal interest in the information contained in the commercial correspondence, types were introduced into the trading bureaus, or the written correspondence was placed in the hands of the special writers, and a regular system of printed correspondence was inaugurated. Venice is usually awarded the honor of first printing this commercial correspondence in the NottzieScritte, which was at first written and exhibited in certain public places; but Germany was not long in following her example.

A collection of "28 volumes of this printed commercial correspondence, from the years 15(>8 to Ki04, was taken with the library of the celebrated Fugger family, to the imperial library, at Vienna, in 1G06, and is of great histori- cal importance, connected, as it is, with the Rothechild house of the middle ages, These reports contain not only commercial intelligence, but political and social news from the districts and countries, which then were attracting the attention of Europe. Many reports an- written by eye-witnesses, and official documents relating to incidents described, are frequently transmitted. When important political information is reported, the source from whence it is procured, is generally given. Others, again, contained literary departments corresponding to the feuillton of the European press of to-day, bringing graphic descriptions, accounts of popular festivities, manners and customs: accounts of the discovery of America, of the conquests of the Turks, and local occurrences, such as all sorts of fearful signs in the heavens, wonderful animals, and misbirths; accounts of executions, inundations, earthquakes, burning of witches, and child-murders committed by bigots, together with prophecies and warnings - the editorials of to-day - connected with passing events. News then came to hand very slowly. An Indian overland post required eleven months to get to Europe, and 40 or -">() days were required for a letter to get from Constantinople to Vienna. Naturally enough, as the papers gained a more extended circulation, the jealous governments began to look after them; and history knows whole series of government ordinances, issued from Paris to Rome, condemning them as destructive to soul and body.

Emmel, of Frankfort, and with his Frankfurter Journal, which made its appearance in 1615, the transition from the irregular publications, such as the /,'. lationen, to the newspapers, was made. The same journal still flourishes, and the house from which it was first issued, may yet be seen. The Journal appeared as a weekly up to the year 1740; then it appeared oftener; in 1795, it appeared rive times a week, and subsequently became a daily.

In England, the mental appetite was fed by the News Letter, a. manuscript production, which was only furnished at fabulous prices. It was in 1622, as above mentioned, when the first English newspaper was born. This was The Weekly News from Italie end Germanie, which was printed upon a mechanical contrivance, perfected by one Nathaniel Butler, who is thus the progeniter of the English press. The first attempt at the publication of parliamentary reports was made in 1641, when the parties and politics of the realm first occupied a place in the newspaper. It was some seven years later, in 1648, when the first advertisement appeared. This was in verse form, and was an invitation to call upon a fashionable tailor of the period, and purchase of him the styles then in vogue among the beaux.

The pioneer daily morning newspaper of the world was the London Courrnt, which was initiated in 170!*, and consisted of only one page of two columns, each five paragraphs long, and was made up from translations from foreign journals. The revolutions in journalism during the present century have been of so stupendous a type as to be almost beyond comprehension, were we not brought face to, face with the fact day by day. In this country, from the advent of the Boston Nenos Letter, in 17(14, unto the present time, when the United States can boast of its 962 daily, and over 8,000 weekly papers, seems a tremendous step in the forward march of improvement, but is only a forerunner of what may be the achievements and power of an independent press in a free, republican country in the future.

Jersey county has had considerable opportunity to test the value of newspapers, as aids in building up its business centers, and making known its resources and advantages to the outer world, while the ennobling influences of the press has been incalculable; and, as a general thing, its citizens have always manifested a liberal spirit of encouragement toward the various journalistic enterprises that have originated in their midst, and which support is rapidly growing in extent and volume. It would be almost impossible to estimate in a money value, the advantages derived by Jersey county, in a business point of view, from the influence of the press, but it is beyond all cavil inestimable. At all times the press has, in advocacy of local interests, called into requisition respectable, and in many instances, eminent talent, which has a tendency to inspire its citizens, as well as friends, with hope and confidence in its prosperity.

As patrons of the press, as would be expected of those who people it, Jersey county's citizens have established a good name. As records of current history, the emanations of the local press should be preserved by town and county government among the archives for reference. These papers are the depositories wherein are stored the facts and the events, the deeds and the sayings, the undertakings and achievements, that go to make up the history of the day. One by one these things are gathered and placed in type; one by one these papers are gathered together and bound, and another volume of local, general, and individual history is lard away imperishable. The volumes thus collected are sifted by the historians, and the book for the library is ready.

There should be some means devised by which press records might be preserved and made accessible. This is, of course, attempted in all offices, but by the removal of editors, who claim the files as their property, and a general carelessness on the part of all interested, in many instances the files are sadly deficient.

Backwoodsman

This was the singular title of the first newspaper ever issued within the limits of the county of Jersey. It was established in the year 1837, at Grafton, by Paris Mason, who was sole proprietor ; but the editorial management was under the control of John Russell, quite a noted and talented gentleman. He was a native of Vermont, born at Cavendish, that state, July 31, 1793. He entered Middlebury college in 1814, against the wishes of his parents, and was driven to the drudgery of authorship by the stern necessity of procuring funds for his education and living. His first venture in this line was " The Authentic History of the Vermont State Prison," published by Preston Merrifield. He was a noted school teacher, after leaving college. While teaching in Bonhoniinie bottom, Missouri, in 1819 or 1820, he wrote for the Missowrian, a local paper, an anonymous article entitled, " The Venomous Worm," that much resembled in pithiness, pungency and brevity the writings of Benjamin Franklin, which attracted attention over the world. It was afterwards placed in Pierpont's and in McGuffey's readers, as a specimen of native talent He took charge of the Backwoodsman on its inauguration, and remained at the helm of that paper until the organization of the county, in 1839, when he removed to Louisville. Ky., and, in 1841 and 1*42, edited the Advertiser, of that place. In 1828 he came to Bluffdale, a very romantic place in Greene county, where he made his residence, except at such times as related above, until the day of his death, Jan. 21, 1865. As a writer (and he was considerable of an author! his language was chaste and classical, his style clear and concise, although sometimes vigorously ornate; his taste was pure ami his thoughts always appropriate and frequently striking.

In 1839, when Jerseyville was made the seat of county government, a joint stock company of Jerseyville people purchased the paper and material and removed it to the county seat, and in the spring of 1840 its publication was resumed, with A. S. Tilden as editor. This gentleman did not remain long, but was succeeded by Fletcher and Parenteau, who had obtained control of it and changed its name to that of the

Newspaper

This paper had a life of only about four months, when the office was destroyed by fire, and it never was revived. Mr. Fletcher afterwards started and published the Carrollton Advocate fin 1842.

The Democratic Union

During the year 1854, the above named paper was established at Jerseyville, by Thomas Wright, who came from Indiana. The Unitrn was the first democratic paper ever published at Jerseyville. Its publication was continued by Mr. Wright until 1856, when it was suspended and he left town. The following year Henry H. Howard revived the paper, and was succeeded in 1858 by John C. Doblebower, who continued to publish the Union until the 1st of April, 1865, when it was discontinued. The following valedictory appeared in the last issue of that paper:

" We approach the above subject with feelings of the greatest regret. We are filled with compunctions because the change we have recently made from the editorial chair of the loved and cherished Democratic Intuit to that of the Alton National Democrat, while it has, perhaps, been an advantage to us, has resulted in the death of our old friend. This was wholly unexpected by us, nor did we know such was the intention of the committee to whom we sold, until the arrangements were so far completed as to make it unadvisable to negotiate upon that point.

county and elsewhere, we return our hearty thanks for the liberal and constant support they have given us; we shall cherish their friendship and kindness to the latest moment of our future existence. We should be pleased if that kindness and liberality should follow us into our new relations, and hope to tuive the pleasure of receiving a share of their support and patronage while we shall occupy our new position as the editoi of the daily and weekly Alton National Democrat. To the editor and the paper that shall succeed us and our paper, the Democratic Union, we wish the most unbounded success; and we welcome both into the field of journalism in Jersey county, hoping that they may successfully maintain and defend the good old cause of Jeflersonian democracy."

The first issue of this paper appeared April 7, 1865, under the editorial management of Augustus C. Smith. It was a seven-column folio, all printed at home and displayed a good amount of advertising - the life and existence of a country paper at that time. Mr. Smith continued in editorial charge of the Democrat until the issue of April 20, 1866, when the stock company was dissolved, and Thomas J. Selby became editor and proprietor. With the issue of October 1), 18611, Mr. Selby disposed of the paper to A. A. Wheelock and L. L. Burr. On that date of the Democrat, the following notice of the change was made by the new proprietors:

"The undersigned, having purchased of T. J. Selby the Jerseyville Democrat, appear before the old friends and patrons of that paper confident that with their effort and co-operation, the enterprise will prove a success. They come without promises or pledges, save only the discharge of their duty as public journalists, and with the determination to devote their time and talent to the best of their ability, to build up and maintain a local paper that shall reflect the interests and advance the prosperity of the citizens of Jerseyville and the county.

"The name of the paper will remain unchanged. Its politics will be democratic, aiming, at all times, to discuss political questions fairly and candidly, and reserve the right to condemn corruption and wrong, wherever brought to light. The support of the public generally is respectfully solicited."

With the issue of September 29, 1S70, Wheelock & Burr sold the Democrat office to J. A. J. Birdsall and J. I. McGready, formerly of the Macoupin Times. In the first issue, under the control of the new firm, the following salutatory appeared.

"Having purchased the office of the Jersey county Democrat from Messrs. Wheelock and Burr, with the present issue, the undersigned assumes its control and management.

"It is customary upon such occasions to publish a long salutatory, full of pledges and promises, ami abounding with fine words. We shall do nothing of the kind. It is one thing to promise and another to perform. Any man can tell what a good newspaper ought to be. Few men can make one. Without attempting the former, we shall try our best to accomplish the latter.

Mr. Birdsall was connected with the paper about one year, when he retired and Mr. McGready became sole editor and proprietor, [n. the issue of Oct. 27, 1871, speaking of the change, Mr. Mc- Gready says :

"Having purchased Mr. Birdsall 's interest in tlic Democrat, the responsibility of continuing the paper devolves upon myself. 1 hope to be aide, in a short time, to present to the people of Jersey county a paper in every way worthy of their support, one, at least, equally as good as is generally published in a place the size of Jerseyville. Of course, I shall look particularly to the democracy of Jersey county for encouragement and support. The paper will he 'democratic at all times and under all circuni- Btances.' I therefore call upon all the democrats to give me whatever support they can in the way of subscriptions, advertising and job work. It lias been said by some one who has evidently made the matter a particular study, that 'money makes the mare go,' and it will make a printing office just as 'goish.' "

From this time until 1880, the Democrat was under the exclusive control of Mr. McGready. During that time, he brought it to a high standard in journalism in this part of the state, and became very popular with all classes, M ith- OUt regard to political belief, and also enjoyed a most prosperous existence. At the beginning of the new year of 1880, the Democrat was changed in form to a six-column eight-page paper, presenting a very neat and tasty appearance, in which form it has continued permanently. Mr. McGready disposed of the paper to its present editor and proprietor, J. M. Page, Nov. 11, 1880,

'-Having sold the Democrat office to Mr. J. M. Page, our management with the paper ceases. We return our thanks to our friends for the liberal patronage and encouragement extended us during ten years connection with the democratic organ of Jersey county, and ask that it be continued to the new proprietor, who is in every way worthy of the confidence of the party, and the people generally. Subscriptions up to October 1st, and advertising and job work up to Nov. 1, 1880, will be payable to me. With our best wishes for the readers of the Democrat, we bid them goodbye."

On presenting himself to the friends and patrons of the Democrat, Mr. Page indulges in a salutatory which appears in the issue of November 11, couched in the following language :

"Having purchased the Democrat of its late proprietor, .les^e I. McGready, whose retirement from the paper is caused by his election to the office of circuit clerk, we offer our salutatory to our friends in to-day's issue. We shall continue the Dcmocratio its present form for a while at least. It will still be democratic politically, and we shall striv« to in till into the minds of our readers the true meaning of all that the phrase signifies, feeling, as we do, that the wellfan' of this country needs patriots not only to tight for its perpetuity when assailed by enemies, but to preserve it from the peculations of unscrupulous officeholders, the tyranny of demagogues and the machinations of ambitious party leaders. These evils to be shunned are to-day found in the bosom of the republican party, nurtured and protected by it, and unless throttled by the honest yeomanry of the country will sap the vitality of our free institutions. Men whose characters have been weighed in the scales of public opinion and found wanting, even when balanced by friendly hands, have been elected to fill the two highest offices in the gift of the people, and we see in the near future a plot to overthrow the constitutional liberty of this. country, and establish on the ruins thereof a monarchial government, against the thought of which the feeling of the patriot should rise above that of the partisan. The perpetuation of our present form of government, we believe, is in the success of democratic principles in the field of politics, and we shall endeavor to impress this upon the minds of our readers until the sun shall rise upon this nation to find it freed from sectional strife, and a man seated in the presidential chair who will be put there by the honest vote of a free people, honestly counted, and not a political demagogue. We shall strive to make the Democrat a newspaper in fact as well as in name, and to succeed in this, ask all our friends to aid us. If you know of an item of interest tell it to us, that all may be enlightened. All personalities calculated to engender bitterness of feeling, one towards another, we shall try to exclude from our columns; but if such do at any time appear, don't come at us with a shot-gun, for that will do no good, but if told in a gentlemanly manner, we will make the amende honorable, and be more careful in the future.

Ed. Gray will still have charge giving personal supervision to all job work; and we ask a liberal patronage from our citizens for this class of work, guaranteeing satisfaction in all cases. In looking over our subscription list we notice the absence of the names of some of our prominent democrats. This should not be, as every party needs an organ, and in order for that organ to discourse firstclass music to its patrons, the bellows should be tilled by a high-pressure subscription list. This inspires the editor with enthusiasm, and his paper is filled with the vitality consequent thereon. We have a host of friends in this county who have often remarked: ' Joe, if we can do anything for you, let us know;' and we wish to say to them: Now is the time; come up with your $2.00 for a year's subscription to the Democrat, give us your job work, and tell us all you know, that we may tell it to others. The length of time intervening between this, our salutatory, and our valedictory, will depend entirely upon the success of our enterprise, as we do not intend to sacrifice ourself upon the altar of our country, and when we die have written as an epitaph upon our tombstone: ' Here lies a fool, who thought he could run a newspaper without being possessed of either money or brains.' We shall publish the paper at the old place of business, and will always be happy to greet our friends in our sanctum. In closing this article, we quote an item from the Johnson county, Nebraska, Journal that applies to our case exactly: 'If you like the paper, help extend its circulation. If you don't like it, if it will relieve your feelings any to swear at it or its editor - pitch in.' ':

Since the accession of Mr. Page to the editorial chair of the Democrat, it has continued to enjoy a most flattering patronage. The paper is a six-column quarto at the present time, neatly printed, and manifesting in its make-up the oversight of a practical printer of first-class ability; ably edited, and with a large amount of spicy local matter and pungent editorial comment.

Joseph M. W . Page, editor and proprietor of the Jersey County Democrat, is among the business men o( Jersey county who have, by the exercise of industry, energy, a sterling character, and of their natural abilities, won for themselves an honorable station in life. He is a native of Stoughton, Massachusetts. Elisha Page, his father, was born in the same state, and was united in marriage to Almira Wightman, of Boston. She still survives her husband. By this union there were five children, three of whom are living - Lizzie H., who has been a teacher of high standing in the Stoughton high school, Boston, during a period of over 30 years; Elisha W., farmer and grain dealer, Girard, 111.; and the subject of this sketch, who was born May 20, 1845. His father dying when Joseph was only three years of age, the responsibilities of real life rested heavily upon the mother and older members of the family, who were compelled to provide for themselves at a time when more favored youths were receiving an education and fitting themselves for the battle of life. Joseph received a good education in the public schools of Stoughton. He graduated at the age of 16, just at the opening of the late civil war, and yielding to those patriotic desires which so marked his career in after life, he enlisted in the 12th Massachusetts infantry; but after the usual examination to qualify as a soldier, he was not permitted to be mustered in. to his bitter disappointment, on account of age and ill-health. He returned home, where he remained attending school until the next year, when he again enlisted in the 35th Massachusetts regiment, but was rejected for the same reason as on the previous occasion. In the spring of 1863, he bade farewell to friends and companions of the home circle, and launched his craft upon unknown currents, steering to the west. He landed at Greenville, Bond county. 111., where he was employed to work on a farm. Soon after lie went to St. Louis, and engaged himself as a clerk in a wholesale grocery store, where he worked diligently for some time. Being irrepressible and thoroughly imbued with patriotism, he still desired to serve his countryin time of need, and again offered his services to the government. This time he enlisted in the 40th Missouri infantry, in August, 1864, was accepted, and served till, the close of the Avar, being mustered out in August, 1865. He served under Generals Canby, Schofield and Thomas, taking an active part in various campaigns. He was in several engagements in different states - at Spring Hill, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville, second battle of Corinth, Mobile and Fort Blakeley. After the close of the war, he returned home, where he remained nearly a year, and in the spring of 1866, again came west, this time to Jerseyville. He had now reached the age of 21, and upon his arrival his aggregate capital amounted to 25 cents. Then was shown the true metal of his character, for at this age how few young men would entertain the ambition to apprentice themselves for a number of years to learn a trade and call for the sufficient will power and energy to accomplish the object they have in contemplation. This, Mr. Page did. He engaged himself with Wm, Embley, architect and builder, for a period of three years, to learn the carpenter's trade, receiving for his services, the first year, the sum of $100, and $25 additional for each of the following years. Being apt, as well as industrious, he soon became a skillful workman, and at the expiration of his apprenticeship, was employed as fireman, witha lucrative compensation, by X. F. Smith, Jr., for whom he worked until 1877, when, on account of of threatened disturbance, occasioned by strikers who boldly disregarded law and order throughout the entire country - he having gained by his fearless. upright manner the confidence of the people and a reputation for undaunted hra very - was unanimously elected city marshal, his predecessor having been removed. Soon after he was elected, an incident occurred that now confirmed the respect and esteem in which he was held by the people. With the assistance of hut two officers, Kinsla and Dunphy, he recaptured a train that was taken complete possession of by several hundred strikers, captured the leaders, and brought them to the bar of justice. They were sent to the penitentiary for a term of two years. He succeeded in subduing the mob spirit that had been gaining ground in the vicinity. For this meritorious conduct, he was presented with a family pass by General

Alton railroad. It is gratifying evidence of the manner in which he was endorsed by this people, as he was elected without opposition for four successive terms. In November, 1880, he resigned, and purchased of Jesse I. McGready, who had been elected circuit clerk, the Jersey County Democrat, the official organ of city and county. He has continued the publication of this news journal to the present. Under his ownership and vigorous management, many improvements have been added the office has been equipped with an Acme engine and large Campbell printing press, the paper has grown to lie the pride of the party it represents in this county, has proved a paying investment, and continues to be one of the most potential democratic organs in this congressional district. It is in a great measure due to his efforts as a worker, and t<> the political articles published in his paper, that the county has remained so strongly democratic. Politically, he is most soundly indoctrinated in the principles of the democratic party, and has been an active member of that political organization since he cast his first vote for Seymour and I'dair, in 1868. In political campaigns he has taken an active part, is an effective campaigner, and his time and services are in great demand in all interesting political times. He has held various offices of public trust at different times, among which have been city alderman, clerk and treasurer, is now chairman of city and county democratic central committees, secretary of congressional committee, 12th district, member of central committee of 7th circuit, secretary of Jersey County Soh cliirs' Monument Association, and of the Jerseyville Manufacturing Co., Sir Knight Commander of Washington division No. C. R. K. of P., Chancellor Commander of Antioch lodge No. 6-r>, K. of P., Post Commander of Lowe post No. L'()"«, G. A. R., member of Jerseyville lodge No. 295, A. F. A A. M., and of Apollo lodge No. 877, K. of H. His fidelity to public trusts received still further evidence of the approbation of the people by his being appointed by the three judges of the 7th circuit as master in chancery of Jersey county, in the spring of 1885. In all his undertakings he lias been eminently successful, and it is evident that all he has accomplished has been through his own efforts, and that, too, from very disadvantageous beginnings, when he had no friends - not even an acquaintance, and in a strange land, thrown upon his own resources. His success in life is only an evidence of what can be accomplished by the exercise of sober industry, backed by an indomitable will-power. The world's measure of success is success. On the 17th of March, 1871, he was united in marriage with Sadie M. Remer, who is of American parentage, a native of New Jersey. Her father and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Abram Remer, are yet living, and are residents of Jerseyville. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Page are both consistent members of the Baptist church, he having joined in 1871. They have one child - Theodore.

Prairie State

A newspaper with the above name was established at Jerseyville, somewhere about the year 1857. A diligent search has failed to discover any of the files of it. ami therefore it is impossible to be exact as to the time. It ran along until the campaign of 1860, between Lincoln, Douglas, Breckenridge and Bell, in the race for the presidency.

Early in 1860the republicans of Jersey county, foreseeing the gigantic struggle for the presidential office of that eventful year, formed themselves into an association. They adopted a constitution of which the following is the preamble:

"In view of the great issues involved in the approaching presidential election, and believing that the welfare and safety of our common country is in a great measure dependant upon the success of republican principles, and that those principles, if fairly promulgated and understood, will commend themselves to the intelligence and patriotism of every true citizen of this great republic. Yet conscious of the power of the democratic party, not in its inherent strength, or the truth of its principles, but in the thorough organization and drill of its forces, who, rallying under the shibboleth of democracy, are ready to follow their leaders to the death. And being assured that a thorough and perfect organization of all the opposition forces is essential to the overthrow of that party in the coming election, and that such an organization can only be effected by associated efforts in every county and election precinct throughout the country. And encouraged by the hope of redeeming our own county from the bondage of democracy and restoring her to the position she once held, a bright spot amid surrounding darkness, we, the undersigned, for the purpose of affecting such an organization at the county seat, as a center and rallying point for the whole county, as shall unite all the forces of the opposition, and lead them a solid phalanx to the polls, do form ourselves into an association to be called the Republican Club of Jersey county."

This club numbered among its members some of the best citizens of the county, and as they were much in need of a newspaper to further their political interests, arrangements were completed by which the trustees of the association - George E. Warren, J. J. Paris, James A. Barr, E. M. Smith and Harley E. Hayes - purchased the Prairie State of Augustus S. Smith, then editor and proprietor, for the consideration of $1,625. An agreement was also entered into at that time, with A. C. Clayton, now a resident of St. Louis, Mo., to conduct the paper for the association. The first issue under his management appeared Jan. 20, 1860.

The salutatory of Mr. Clayton was a most excellent one, and would amply repay perusal, but its great length will not permit its insertion in this place.

Mr. Clayton was an able writer, and conducted the paper with success and satisfaction for the association until January, 1S62, when he retired, and the services of Lambson Williams weie secured.

The Jerseyville Examiner

THE JERSEYVILLE EXAMINER. The Examiner was established in Jerseyville in 1878, the first issue appearing August 14. The material affairs of the office were owned by a stock company known as the Jerseyville Publishing Company, of which William H. Pogue, James A. Barr, Horace N. Belt, William McBride and Morris R. Locke were stockholders. The paper was a neatly-printed five-column quarto, issued Wednesdays, J. Sterling Harper being engaged as editor. The journal was an uncompromising advocate of the temperance cause, and continued as such during its entire existence. In the first issue of the Examiner, the following salutatory appears :

" Here we are, in Jerseyville, to work in the temperance cause. We will not task your patience with a lengthy address, or profess too much ; but simply and sincerely state that we desire the good of all, and to that end and for that object propose to write and speak our sentiments on the great questions of the day. The paramount subject is temperance, and in regard to it the people generally are interested. The prohibition of the liquor traffic would be one of the greatest blessings of the age. The Examiner will teach this wholesome doctrine, and endeavor by all honorable means to obtain a hearty endorsement from the people of Jersey county and elsewhere, and especially in the city of Jerseyville do we ask a. hearty co-operation. *****

" We will do the best we can to make the Examiner a welcome visitor in every household, filled with local and general intelligence of a high moral character, and we kindly ask each and all of you to lend us a helping hand in a worthy and noble cause."

Harper, who continued to publish the paper but two weeks, when lie withdrew entirely. A salutatory which appeared in the issue of December 11, from the pen of Morris R. Locke, is explanatory, as follows:

" By direction of the Jerseyville Publishing Company, I assume editorial management of the Examiner. I shall hew to the line of prohibition, as announced by that party, believing that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The Jerseyville Register

This journal was established in the early part of November, I860, by Frederick S. Houghawout, editor and proprietor. It was a seven-column folio, all printed at home, at a subscription price of two dollars ayear. Mr. Houghawout continued the publication of the Register until the year 1867, when he disposed of the paperto L. Williams, familiarly known by his friends as " Yank." He afterward removed to Topeka, Kan., and his son, Charles F., leased the office and became its editor and publisher. In October, 186S, the office was advertised for sale, and later purchased by Col. (i. P. Smith, of the Jacksonville Journal, who established the

Jerseyville Republican

Jacksonville, by Frank M. Roberts, now senior editor of the Republican- Examiner. The material arrived from Jacksonville, on Christmas day, 1868, and on the first day of Jan., 1869, W. H. Edgar assumed editorial control. When the Jacksonville Journal was disposed of in 1869 to Chapin it Clover, the latter named firm also became proprietors of the Republican.

The Republican, which was an eightcolumn folio, all printed at home, continued, under the proprietorship of Chapin and Glover, with W. H. Edgar as an editor, until Aug. 25, 1870, when it was disposed of to the latter named gentleman, who then became sole editor and proprietor. The following card which appeared in the issue of the above date, is explanatory:

" With this issue of the Jerseyville Republican, we transfer to Mr. William H. Edgar, who has so long and intelligently labored as resident editor, our entire interest in the paper, and take pleasure in commending him anew to the best offices of the people of Jersey county. He has, during his connection with the Republican, evinced an ability which is rarely met with in the editorial room of other than a metropolitan paper, and has succeeded, by his well directed efforts, in securing for the Republican a standing which is most creditable, and must redound greatly to the interests of the city of Jerseyville. Having done so much effective work for the city of his adoption, he certainly deserves and has reason to expect the hearty support and generous patronage of his fellow citizens.

men may bestow their favors upon the Republican, knowing that money thus expended will be kept at home, and be used in the upbuilding of Jersey ville." *

"Having purchased the interest of Chapin and Glover in the Jerseyville Republican, I have with the present number assumed its entire control and ownership, and hope by continued effort to increase the business and usefulness of the paper, and to make it a welcome visitor in many households that it has not as yet reached. With the experience of the past three years before me, I am persuaded that the Republican, with proper industry and economy, may be made one of the best and most influential weeklies in this section of the state; its circulation is to-day much larger than the average circulation of provincial weeklies, and its business patronage has steadily increased during the past year; with this showing 'tis safe to count on continued success. It is my purpose to largely increase the facilities of the office for doing every variety of job work, and to this end I shall, so fast as my means will permit, add to our already well assorted stock, the latest and best styles of job and advertising type, thus hoping to meet every demand, and give entire satisfaction to all patrons. It is also my purpose to make the Republican pre-eminently a local paper, i. e., by adding to its list of home contributors, and by increased effort myself to gather into its columns, weekly, all the available county and vicinity news, and thus hope to make the paper still more valuable as a reliable news medium. In the past we have labored under many disadvantages, which it is hoped are in a measure obviated by this change. The prejudice (perhaps wholly imaginary) against a foreign ownership (a circumstance which has greatly disturbed our considerate neighbor, at least, in the past,) is removed, and the Republican may now be regarded as a strictly home institution, wholly devoted to home interests and enterprise, and as such I do not fear but that it will receive its share of the public patronage and support. * * *

* Tendering our grateful acknowledgments to the patrons of the paper for their kindness, forbearance and liberal patronage in the past, I shall hope by increased effort to merit a continuance of the same in the future."

The Republican was edited and published successfully by Mr. Edgar for a number of years. In the issue of Sept. 3, 1880, the following notice of a business change appeared, in reference to the consolidation of the Examiner and Republican, under the caption of

The Republican Examiner

" As already indicated in the Examiner of this city, a consolidation of the two papers, Republican and Examiner, has been effected, the first issue under the new management appearing on the 10th inst., under the headline, Republicun- Examiner.

" It is the purpose of the proprietors to make the new paper second to none of its character in this section of the state. In politics the paper will be progressively and aggressively republican, holding that the continued peace and prosperity of the country depends upon a continuence in power of the republican party. Its weekly compilation of news, local and general, the proprietors will spare no pains or expense to make full and complete. In a word, it will lie the aim of the publishers to furnish a first-class family newspaper, devoted to republican principles, to the development of home interests, to practical temperance, and to elevation of the moral and social standard in our midst.

"The Republican returns thanks to its patrons, in the past, and believing that the combination will make a more efficient and satisfactory journal than either alone could have been, solicits a continuance of their patronage and good will."

The first issue of the Republican- Examiner appeared September 10th, as a five-column quarto, in which form it has since continued, William II. Edgar and Morris R. Locke acting as editors and proprietors, under the firm name of Edgar & Locke, the latter gentleman having served as editor and proprietor of the Examiner. The following salutatory appeared in the first number of the newly consolidated journal:

''With this issue the Republican-Examiner makes its bow to the good people of Jersey ville and Jersey county, not as strangers, but as friends joined together, with the hope that united we may be of greater service to the religious, moral, social and business interests of the city and county. We make no pretentious boasts of what we propose to do, preferring rather to let our work speak for itself in our effort to furnish a first-class family newspaper to our patrons. Politically, the paper will be unqualifiedly republican, and we shall labor assiduously for the unbuilding of our party in the county and its continuance in power in the nation. In the other departments of our paper we shall know no one class or sect to the exclusion of any other, but shall endeavor to treat all classes and all sexes witli equal candor and fairness. We thus hope with diligence in business to make our paper a valuable one, and a welcome guest in every household it may enter. With these few plain words we launch the Republican-Examiner forth on its mission, with malice toward none and charity for all, hoping the paper will prove worthy of an enlarged and generous patronage."

The firm of Edgar & Locke conducted the paper until January 12, 1885, when Mr. Locke retired, and was succeeded by Frank M. Roberts, who some three weeks previous had leased the office, and who, at present, is the senior member of the firm conducting that journal. In the issue of Jan. Hi, the following valedictory of Morris R. Locke appeared: "Reluctantly I leave the editorial rooms of the Republican-Examiner, but having Bold my undivided one-half interest in the newspaper and job office of the Republican-Examiner to Frank M. Roberts, must of necessity make room for him. Mr. Roberts comes to the front with a ripe newspaper experience and a practical knowdedge of all the various branches of the printers' art. I bespeak for him a cordial welcome. And, in bidding the readers of the Republican-Examiner adieu, I shall always remember their kindly indulgences and pleasant acquaintanceship. Before closing this brief ' leave taking,' I want to express thus publicly my sense of obligation to the kind, courteous and gentlemanly treatment received at all times and under all circumstances from my late partner and colleague, Col. Win. H. Edgar, who remains editor-in-chief of the Republican-Examiner."

"The facile pen of Morris R. Locke, Esq., will be missed in the columns of the Republican- Examiner, that gentleman having, as will be noticed elsewhere, dissolved his connection with the paper. As a partner, Mr. Locke has been considerate and honorable, seeking by every fair means to do justice to his business associates and deal fairly with the patrons of the paper. In leaving, he takes with him the kindliest feelings of those with whom he has been associated, and the assurance of their best wishes for his future success."

In March following, another change occurred in the management of the Republicom-Examiner. William H. Edgar, who had edited the paper since its advent in Jerseyville, retiring, and giving place to Will H. Hedley, one of the present proprietors. In the last issue - March 27, 18S.r>_under Mr. Edgar's control, he inserted the following adieu to his friends and patrons, as the sad farewell of a parent parting from a child:

"After 16 years continuous service in newspaper work in Jerseyville, I yield to the pressure of other duties and lay down the pen for others, and doubtless worthier hands. To my friends I can say in parting that I reluctantly^break the tie that has so long bound us together. When I recall the many bitter political struggles of the past, the ups and downs of our minority party, the different leaders who have from time to time stood at the head of affairs in Jersey county, and their hearty and cordial co-operation in the effort to upbuild the republican party; when I think of this record extending through these many years - the best ofmy life, I turn from it with the feeling of one whose cherished work is still unfinished, and reluctantly bid farewell to the friends who must carry forward the work in the future. Whether much or little has been accomplished in these years, I have here sought to do what I could, not only to advance the interests of the republican party in Jersey county, but to advance as well the moral, social and material interests of Jerseyville and Jersey county. If mistakes have been made, and doubtless they have, they were of the head and not the heart. To the business men of Jerseyville I shall ever feel profoundly grateful for their liberal patronage and support, by reason of which I have been enabled to pass through the panics and 'hard-times' in years past without pecuniary embarassment, and prepared always to meet my obligations as they fell due. Such liberality is exceptional and prompts me to say what few publishers of provincial papers can say, that in all these years I have never had to borrow a dollar or ask for an extension, to carry on my business. My successors, Messrs. Roberts & Hedley, are in every way worthy the confidence and support of the citizens of city, and county. They are young men trained in the republican faith and will labor in season and out of season to hold up the republican banner, and being practical newspaper men, they will carry forward the business of the paper in a practical and workmanlike manner. To these skilled, active and enterprising young men, I leave the Republican'- Ejxaminer, with the assurance that they will not only maintain the present standard of the paper, but will greatly increase its facilities for usefulness in the future."

The present management, on assuming editorial control, wrote the following short but pithy salutatory, a specimen of Spartan terseness, that should serve as a model to many other young adventurers upon the rough and stormy seas of journalism:

"We are not after scalps, but after friends and dollars, and hope by comducting a fearless republican paper, and square dealing with all to merit both.

Messrs. Roberts and Hedley are both young men of ability and practical experience in the newspaper field, full of push, enterprise and industry, which cannot help but redound to the best interests of not only themselves, but also the town and county in which they reside. The Republican-Examiner, at present, is a neat, five-column quarto, ably edited, and is a spicy local paper.

Frank M. Roberts was born in Lancaster, Schuyler county, Mo., Aug. 28, 184G, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth A. (Brownj Roberts. In 1862 the family removed to Jacksonville, 111., where Frank M. learned the printer's trade, in the Journal otlice. In February, 1865, lie enlisted in Company K, 154th Illinois volunteer infantry, and served till September, 1865, when he was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn. Returning to Jacksonville, he resumed work at his trade, and continued the same till July, 18(38. He then went to Decatur, and had charge of a job printing otlice till December. On the 24th ot that month he was at Jerseyville, arranging presses and material preparatory to establishing the Jerseyville Republican - now the Republican-Examx with which office he was connected eight months. The following year he was in Missouri, but did not follow his trade. He, however, longed to again enter a printing office, and thus, in November, 1870, accepted a position in the job rooms of the Springfield, 111., State Journal. Five months later we find him a shareholder in the Daily Leader, at Bloomington. In July, 1872, he went to Humboldt, Kan., where, during the presidential campaign, he published the Southwest. Afterwards, the paper was moved to Neodesha, Wilson county, Kan., and the name changed to the Free Press. While in Humboldt, on the 22d of December, 1872, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage with Lydia Boyce a daughter of William and Diana Boyce. In March, 187.'!, he returned to Springfield, 111., and again entered the employ of the State Journal company. In the fall of 1873, he went to LaPorte county,

Indiana, and accepted a position as traveling agent and correspondent for the Herald, which position he held till January, 1874, when he went to Burlington, Iowa, and became superintendent of the Hawkmje job rooms, which were changed to Acres, Blackmail &Co., with whom he remained till the winter of 1875. During his stay lie introduced many novelties in the job printing business. He next had charge of the Cedar Rapids Republican job office, and in July, 1876, became superintendent of the Western Stock Journal and Farmer. In March, 1877. he established a job office at Oscaloosa, Iowa, and commenced the publication of the Messenger mid Appeal, a publication in the interest of the labor movement, and continued the same till November, 1879. He then went to Sigourney and took charge of the News. 'I'ht iiir, tn Ottumwa, and became foreman of the Courier job room. Nov. 10, 1881, he returned to Sigourney and accepted the position of superintendent (if the News office. March 29, 1882, his wife died. She had given birth to two children, one of whom - Coral F. - is still li\ ing. After the death of his wife be wmt to Chariton, Iowa, and took charge of the Democrat- Leader. July 21, 1881, he went to Santa Fe, N. M., and accepted a position as foreman of the New Mexico Printing and Publishing Company. In June, 1882, he accepted ;i position in the office of the general manager of the Tertio-centennial Celebration Association, and remained till after the exposition, in August. He then took a camp outfit and started out prospecting and mining. He located mines in October, and remained till April, 1884. He was then appointed to a position in the government printing office, at Washington, which he retained till September, when he returned to Jerseyville. In December, he leased the Republican-Examiner job rooms, and Jan. 9, 1885, he bought Morris It. Locke's half-interest in the paper, and in March assumed editorial charge. April 15, 1885, Mr. Roberts was married to Clara E. Buffington, a daughter of Dr. J. M. and Frances (Gordon) Buffington. Quite a romance was connected with this marriage, of which part will be given here as taken from the St. Louis Gtobe-Denwcrat. " The bride and groom were betrothed 16 years ago, but owing to the opposition of her parents, the nuptials were not celebrated, and they separated, she knowing nothing of his whereabouts for 13 years. In 1872 he married another lady, and in 1882 she died, exacting from him the promise that if he married again, it should be to the one to whom he was at first betrothed, if possible. Subsequently, he found her unmarried, and the sequel indicates her fidelity."

Will H. Hedley was born in St. Louis, Mo., August 21, 1859. His parents, James and Mary A. Hedley, are natives of Sheffield, England, having emigrated to America about 1852. The subject of this sketch resided in St. Louis until 1869, when, with his parents, he moved to Chicago, 111., residing there one year; removing back to St. Louis in 1870. Since 1871 the life's experiences of the above subject have been rather rugged for one so young in years. In 1872 he went to Webster's Grove, Mo., remaining there about 18 months; from thence he removed to Barry, 111., and took up his abode with a farmer for about nine months; he then traced his steps back to St. Louis, Mo., and in August, 1875, entered the office of the Central Ohristian Advocate, for the purpose of learning the printing business. He labored in this capacity about one year, when he once more engaged in farm life for two years; returning to St. Louis in 1878, and labored at the printing business there until July, 188U, when he left the latter place for Barry, 111., and entered the printing office of S. Fitch, proprietor of the Unicorn, remaining with him until March 8, 1881; at this date he accepted a position with A. Hughes, Griggsville, 111., publisher of the Press. He remained at the latter named place until Feb. 20, 1884, at which time he departed for St. Louis, Mo., and took a position in the Nixon-Jones, book and job printing establishment, remaining there until Oct. 20, 1884. He then accepted a position in the state printing office of II. W. Rokker, at Springfield, 111., remaining at that place until March 21, 1885, when he came to Jerseyville, 111., and purchased Col. W. H. Edgar's half interest in the Republican- Examiner, and associated himself with Frank M. Roberts in publishing the paper above named.

Gkafton Independent

This newspaper was established by Col. W. H. Edgar, of Jerseyville, in 1877, the first number appearing on the 11th day of October. It was a seven column folio; decidedly neat in appearance, and well filled with local news and pointed editorial paragraphs. The paper was issued from the office of the Republican, Jerseyville, where all the mechanical work was done, though the editor, Mr. R. R. Claridge, prepared all his manuscript at Grafton. Like all other newspapers, the launching of this one was accompanied by a salutatory, which was as follows:

"In presenting the initial of the Independent to the citizens of Grafton and vicinity, we shall not weary our readers or friends with any learned disquisition on the mission of the newspaper, or what we propose or expect to accomplish. This stereotyped method of salutation has had its day, and the world is now looking out for something practical rather than the mere visionary or ideal, A newspaper air-castle is very similar to any other kind of an air-castle, and just as likely to collapse; golden promises are easily made and oft times easily broken; and a newspaper promise is possibly less value than any other kind, particularly a promise to pay. A newspaper, we may remark, is a very precarious institution at best, depending upon the variable temper of the people that support it. One week the editor is popular and is credited with being a very useful citizen; the next, he is under a cloud, and is pronounced an ass of the first magnitude, and so the business suffers or prospers accordingly as the editorial barometer is high or low. It is, therefore, unwise, not to say foolish, for the mouthpiece to promise in advance what tunes the organ shall play; many of them will of necessity be discordant and harsh, while many will be the reverse and pleasant to hear. The Independent is a practical business enterprise, and will be conducted as such. It is not conceived in the interest of any sect, party or class, but in the interest of the whole people, with a proper re- gard for honesty, sobriety, justice, industry and economy. These ends it hopes to subserve, and thus be worthy the cordial and liberal support of the people for whom it is intended. To merchants and business men we say, we hope to make our columns useful to you - a valuable medium for the advertising ofyour goods and wares, resulting we trust, to your mutual advantage and profit. To the general reader we may say, we hope weekly to furnish you with stub a budget of local and general news, as shall make our paper a welcome visitor, and one to which you may point, we hope, with some degree of satisfaction and pride. This is no Utopian scheme. We expect to work hard and unceasing to make the Independent useful and profitable to its patrons. We are not of those who expect something for nothing, but we hope to render an honest equivalent for what we get, and to merit the respect and confidence of all."

The paper continued without any change of management until September, 1878, when R. R. Claridge purchased the necessary materials, and removed the office to Grafton, becoming himself sole proprietor, as well as editor. In the issue of September 20, the following paragraph, relative to the change, appears:

Heretofore this paper has been simply an experiment, but it may now be regarded as one of the permanent institutions of the county. It shall be our endeavor to give the people of Jersey and the lower portion of Calhoun counties a paper that they may regard with at least some degree of local pride. The preparation of printing the Independent at home has involved the outlay of a comparatively large sum of money, and in addition, the expense of publishing will be considerable, therefore it will he necessary for our patrons to be as prompt as their circumstances will admit in paying their 'Subscriptions-. Our patrons have doubtless observed that in the past they have not been bored with the duns for subscriptions that are so common in country papers. We have two reasons for this: First, because to do this would be very unpleasant for us; and second, we do not think it would do any good, as we take it for granted that those who are sufficiently interested in the Independent to subscribe for it, will pay their subscriptions as soon as they are able to do so. And in the meantime, we have reason to believe that we receive as much or more money on subscriptions, than if we were continually reminding delinquent subscribers of their failure to pay. In conclusion, we feel justified in stating that the Independent will enter its second volume under very favorable auspices."

The Jersey Independent

The size of the paper, as well as the place of publication, was changed with this issue, it coming out at the county seat, as a five-column folio. The following is a copy of the salutatory:

"Encouraged by the generous support bestowed upon the Independent during the past three years, we have moved it to Jerseyville, enlarged and improved it, and here it is. We have faith that an earnest, faithful, independent paper, devoted to the interests of Jersey county - even such as this paper has been and will continue to be - will not be suffered to go begging for support. And as showing that we have not reckoned without our host, the change has been made at the solicitation of a large number of the best citizens of the county, irrespective of party - men who have stood by the paper in the past, and who will not forsake it now. In conclusion, if by dint of hard work we can make a respectable living for our family, and at the same time make the paper of use to the people who support it, we shall be content."

With the issue of April 5, 1882, Mr. Claridge closed his connection with the paper, disposing of it to Lyman T. Waggoner, who became editor and proprietor.

A. M. Slaten became identified with the paper as part owner, with the issue of June 4, 1882. The firm name was then changed to Slaten & Waggoner, the latter being the editor. Mr. Slaten soon afterward assumed entire ownership and control, and in turn disposed of the property to J. M. Giberson, of Elsah.

In July, 1882, the paper and the material was purchased by J. M. Giberson and C. II. Kelly, of Elsah, but before a paper was issued the latter bought out the interest of his partner and became sole proprietor. The first paper under the new management was issued August 2, 1882, and contained the following salutatory.

"With this issue we commence the publication of the Jersey Independent, ami hope that the following few lines will sufficiently serve to introduce us to the public. Our object shall be the dissemination of news, and the honest reflection of our own political opinion editorially. Another aim will be to publish a paper for our patrons generally, and not to meet the views alone of any individual, class, or corporation. All promises herein contained will be fullfilled to the satisfaction of the patrons of the huh pt ikIi nt, as our every endeavor will be for that end. What we ask is the cordial co-operation of our friends and patrons, and once this is secured to us we can safely promise that a newspaper shall be secured to them. We close here trusting that our introduction will be found sufficient.

In the fall of 1885, the support given to the Independent proving insufficient for its existence, the office was closed, and the paper discontinued.

The Free Press

This is owned and edited by E. T. Lurton and R. E. Smith, and is intended to take the place of the Independent. It is quite a neat and well gotten up sheet.

Charles H. Kelly, the late editor and proprietor of the Independent, is a native of the state of Illinois, having been born in Alton, in December, 1848. In 1850, his parents removed to Jersey county, where Charles was reared, and where he has lived ever since. He like the other boys, attended the common district schools of the neighborhood in winter, but during the summer was engaged in work on the farm. His latter school days were spent at the Christian Brothers' College, at Alton, the place of his birth. Finishing his education, he returned home where he divided his time between farming and teaching school. Politics now attracted Ids attention, and he was four times successively elected to the office of assessor of Elsah township, and one term as treasurer of the school fund of the same township. In 1884, after removing to Jerseyville, he was duly elected collector of Jersey township. He was united in marriage, in May, 1S74, with Sarah A. Darlington, and as the result of this union there have been five children, three of whom are living - Bertha K., Samuel B., and Percy D. Myrtle and Willie are deceased. In politics My. Kelly is a staunch democrat, of the old Jacksonian type, notwithstanding the name by which the journal over which he presided has been known during his connection with it. During his editorial career, his general aim was always to labor in the interest ofthe general advancement and enlightenment of his country and this community in particular. As an editor he was conscientous in the discharge of what he conceived his duty to his friends and party, and therefore had the confidence of many who admired his honor and adherence to his principles.

The Grafton News

When the Independent was removed to Jerseyville, in November, 1880, Grafton was left without a newspaper. This state of affairs continued until April, 1882, when the Grafton News made its appearance, the first number coming out on the l.'5th of the month named, with J. A. McClintock as editor and publisher. A four-column, eight-page paper, it was well gotten up and edited, and was received with genuine greeting by the citizens of Grafton and vicinity. The following is Mr. McClintock's salutatory, appearing in this number:

"What, another newspaper? Yes sir, and this time it is to be a natural one. This is the agreement with the subscribers, and with that understanding I have promised to do the best I can for its columns in all that pertains to the general news and welfare of the surrounding country. I shall have nothing to do with the political questions of the country at large, and very little with such questions in any way that does not strictly interest the people of Jersey county. What we do say shall be in an independent way, entirely regardless of partyism, and we shall be glad to have the hearty co-operation of those who wish honestly to advance the interests of the people of Jersey county. Knowing well that there is no big bonanza in a newspaper published in Grafton, and still feeling as though the community ought to support a small paper, and that it will be for the benefit of everybody else as well as myself, I would like to ask, at least, the encouragement the people think I am entitled to. We know many people of good judgment think a newspaper cannot live in a town of the population of this, while others, when such an enterprise is talked of, will come forward and blow their whistle long and loud about the heqi they will give, and when you get into the mire they slip off and leave you to help yourself.

" What we want is good genuine friendship that will take you by the hand and help you up and let you go on your way untrammeled. I certainly think that this side of the county ought to support an enterprise of this kind, and if even the few who are ready and willing to assist in such an undertaking will stand hy me and not expect entirely too much of me, I shall spare no exertion of which I am capable to make a success of the Grafton News."

No change was made, however, as regards editorship, form or size, but under its new name it was everything that its name implied - a strong advocate of prohibition. It continued thus, without change until the end of the year, 1884, when it resumed its former name of the Grafton News, .Mr. McClintock turning over the editorship to C. B. Edsall, and retaining the ownership himself. No changes have been made in these departments since that time, though the size of the paper has been altered to that of a six-column folio.

Corydon Perry Edsall is a native of Jersey county, born three miles north of Grafton. He is a son of William and Lydia H. (Perry) Edsall The former, who was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., settled in this county in 1838. The latter parent was born in the state of Alabama. The subject of this sketch attended the district schools of his native township, and, later, the Illinois Industrial University, at Champaign, where he became fitted for school teaching, in which occupation he has since engaged. He has taught, altogether, 15 years, 7 years of the time in one school - Shiloh district. He is thoroughly qualified for his responsible position, and as an instructor is highly successful and popular. He was married April 6, 1879, to Catherine Shaffer, daughter of Andrew Shaffer, of this county. They have three children, Thomas Harry, Perry A. and Lennie Edith. Mr. Edsall is a supporter of the prohibition party, and was defeated on that ticket for the position of circuit clerk in 1882. He took charge of the Grafton News, as editor, Jan. 1, 1885, which position he still occupies. He is also the representative of the .Etna insurance company at this point, and a real estate agent.

Jekseyville Evening Times

"For some months past we have been frequently urged by our friends to establish a daily newspaper devoted to the interest of Jerseyville and Jersey county. We have finally yielded to their friendly solicitations and with this number enter into the arena of journalism. The Times, an evening paper, will strictly adhere to, and advocate the principles of justice, and equity, assist in advancing every work of enterprise in our midst, and always be in the front rank in opposing wrong and defending right."

The Daily Times

On the 17th of Aug., 1885; Mr. Blennerhassett retired from the ffrm and the paper is now in the hands of J. A. Walker, sole proprieter and editor.

John A. Walker, the subject of this sketch, was burn in Deavertown, Morgan county, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1853. He spent the early part of his life on his father's farm, and at the age of 12 years moved to Jerseyville, 111., in the spring of 1865. In 1S67 the family returned to Ohio, and in 1870, leaving his paternal parent there, he again visited Jerseyville, and entered the office of the Democrat, then published by Burr iV Wheelock, as apprentice. He remained in the office until 1873, when he went to Carrollton, Greene county, HI., und engaged as a compositor on the Patriot, published by Minor & Lindley, where on Nov. 11, 1879, he married Susie Sapp, adopted daughter of Hon. George Wright. In the spring of 1880 he moved to Jerseyville and was employed on the Republican* Examiner, where he labored until May 1885, when he became the junior editor and publisher of the Jerseyville Daily Time*.

He received his education in the free school of his district, and was noted for his close application to study, receiving a good knowledge of the branches generally taught in the common schools of the day.