Madison County, Illinois - Chapter 11: Tee Press, 1882 (part 2 of 2)

The Weekly Madison Press

was started by Theodore Terry and James R. Brown, at Edwardsville, August 17, 1858, and was Democratic in politics. The partnership of Terry & Brown continued until December 15, 1858, when it was dissolved. Brown retiring, and Terry continued the Press.

whose founder was James R. Brown, made its first issue June 26, 1856. Mr. Brown issued four numbers, when the office passed into the possession of O. C. Dake, Esq. Subsequently Joseph L. Krafft assumed control, and from him it was transferred to William G. Pinchard, Jr. In 1860 the latter sold it to Col. Frank Springer, and he in turn transferred it to Thompson & Dunnegan. They published the Advertiser for eight months, then Thompson got entire control of the office, and he continued the publication until the latter part of the summer of 1865, when it passed into the possession of Messrs. Whitman & Crabb. They changed the name from the Press to the

The first number of which was issued at Edwardsville, October 12th, 1865. Crabb soon retired from the partnership, and Whitman continued the publication until October 5th, 1869, when he sold the material to S. Y. Crossman, editor and proprietor of the RepuhUcan. All of the above papers were the continuations of the Madison Advertiser, and Whig and Eepublican in politics.

The Sucker Life Boat

Was the name of a small comic paper published in Alton, the first number of which was issued in January, 1855. John T. Beem, Martin Brooks and Willbur T. Ware were the editors and publishers. It suspended in July of the same year.

The first German newspaper printed in Madison county, was established in Alton, in 1852, by P. Stibolt and V. Walter. It was in form a five column folio, well printed and ably edited. It was Democratic in politics, and supported the measures advocated by the then rising statesman, Stephen A Douglas. In 1854 the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Stibolt removed the press and material to Galena, Ills. Subse. qently he removed to Peoria, Illinois, and was there one of the editors of the Deutsche Zeitung.

The Illinois Beobachter

Was the name of a German weekly newspaper started in Alton in June, 1856, by John Eeis. It was the exponent of the principles and German organ of the Douglas wing of the Democratic party. Its founder continued its publication until March, 1863, when he died. V. Walter then became the editor and proprietor. He carried the paper over to the Republicans, defending Lincoln's administration, and giving a hearty support to the war measures for the suppre.ssion of the rebellion. In the presidential campain of 1864, it gave Lincoln a warm and cordial support. It had much to do at that time in educating and sustaining the union sentiment among the German portion of the community. In October, 1864, Mr. Walter sold the paper to G. H. Weigler, who continued the Beobachter until February Sth, 1S66, when the office, with its contents, was totally destroyed by fire.

Freie Presse The Missouri Cumberland Presbyterian

Was removed from St. Louis, to Alton, in March, 1855, and there published until the following June. The subscription lists were then sold and transferred to the Watchman and Evangelist at Louisville, Kentucky. It was edited by Dr. J. B. Logan, a distinguished minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The paper was originally started in April, 1852, at Lexington, Miasouri, where it was published for one year. In April, 1853, it was removed to St. Louis, and on the 15th of March, 1855, removed to Alton.

Was a monthly publication, issued at Alton, and published in the intere.st and under the auspices of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Dr. J. B. Logan and Rev. W. W. Brown were the Editors. It was started iu the summer of 1857, and continued until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when it suspended.

The Good Templar

Was established in Alton in 1865, and continued for three years. It was edited by B. H. Mills. It had been formerly published in St. Louis. Mr. Mills was an able writer, and was the author of a work on Temperance.

The Alton Banner

Is the name of a German newspaper started in Alton in May, 1866. It was established by the Pfieflier Bros. In October of the same year, John Mold, a practical printer, purchased the paper, and continued the publication until October 1st, 1868. Then the leaders of the Republican party in Alton bought the Banner, and put Mr. V. Walter in charge of it as editor. He continued one year, when it was sold to Messrs. Meyer & Voss. In 1870, Meyer purchased Voss' interest, and continued the publication until January 6th, 1877, when he sold the Banner to R. Boelitz. The latter continued editor and proprietor until July 1st,

1881, then sold to Messrs. Zechiueister & Henzel, and they continued to April 26th, 1S82, when Messrs. Kleinwot & Henzel became the editors and publishers. The Banner is independent in politics. Mr. Zechmeister is editor. He was formerly connected with the St. Charles Democrat, Mo. The Banner has a good circulation, and is the most independent German newspaper published in the county.

Western Comberland Presbyterian

No. 1, of Vol. 1, was issued June, 1862, at Alton. It was intended to supply a demand occasioned by the sale and removal of the St. Louis Observer to the east, leaving all the northwest part of the church without an organ to properly represent them. It was devoted to religion, morality, church information, and religious news generally. It was founded and edited by Eev. J. B. Logan. In 1866, he sold the subscription lists to T. H. Perrin, but remained editor of the paper until 18G8, at which time Rev. J. R. Brown, D. D., bought a half interest in the paper. Dr. Logan then purchased the subscription lists of the Cumberland Presbyterian, and united with Dr. Brown. The word " Western " was dropped, and the uuitcd paper called

The Cumberland Presbyterian Our Faith

A religious paper bearing the above title was started in Alton in September, 1875. T. H. Perrin and Dr. J. B. Logan were the proprietors. It was published monthly, and was designed as the mouthpiece of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It was continued one year and seven months, when it was sold to the St. Louis Observer Co., of which paper Messrs. Perrin & Smith are the proprietors, and Rev. Benton Farr, D. D., editor, and Rev. W. C Logan assistant editor. As will be seen by the foregoing. Dr. J. B. Logan had an extensive connection with the religious journals of Madison county. He was a native of Huntsville, Alabama, and was born Dec. 18th, 1820. He was regularly ordained, and entered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church while yet a young man. He came to the southwest part of Missouri on missionary service, and soon after settled in Lexington, and from there went to St. Louis, and then to Alton, where he organized the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and was its pastor for nineteen years. During that period he was president of the Board of Missions, and was moderator of the General Assembly, which is the highest office in the Cumberland Presbyterian organization. He removed from Alton to Taylorville, Illinois, and there died September 14lh, 1878. Dr. Logan was a voluminous and extensive writer. Besides the great amount of writing he did for religious journals, he was the author of a number of published works, which had for their object the enlightenment of the masses upon the principles and tenets of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Notably among his works are : " Alice McDonald," " Carrie Holmes," " Tract on Happiness," and others. Dr. Logan did not possess a collegiate education, but he was a great student and read extensively. He was blessed with a naturally strong and vigorous mind and an exceedingly retentive memory. As a writer as well as a speaker, he was plain though forcible. Productions of his pen read well. There is no attempt at profuse elaboration, but the point aimed at is plainly discernible. That and their literary merit, make them very readable books.

It was founded and the first copy" printed March 26th, 1859. The editors and proprietors were Rudolph Stadtmann and John Harlen. It was printed in the German language. It was in form a five column folio. On the 7th of May of the same year its name was changed to the

Highland Bote

On the 25th of June following, the office and fixtures passed into the possession of Messrs. Volege and Weis, who continued the publication until April 1863, when Timothy Gruaz became editor and proprietor. The latter gentleman at once refurnished the office, putting in new type, presses, etc, and when completed it was well equiped in all its appointments. He also gave the Bote a reputation as an outspoken, fearless Democratic newspaper. Believing that the principles as presented and advocated by that political organization, if adopted would redound to the advantage of the whole country, he did not hesitate to avow and proclaim them, notwithstanding they met with fierce opposition from a large number of people. During jMr. Gruaz' proprietorship of the Bote it was the organ of the National Rifle Club, and Sharp Shooters' Society. He continued the publication of the Bote until June, 1868, when he sold out to Messrs. B. E. Hoffman and Maurice Huggy, who continued as a firm in the publication until November, 1869, when Hoff"- man purchased Huggy's interest, and moved the press and material to Edwardsville. At the latter place the name of the paper was changed to the

Mr. Hoffman edited and published the paper until 1870, then sold it to E. G. Wolf and Frank Haag. They continued until 1873 when they failed, and the publication was suspended. The presses and material reverted to Mr. Hoffman in consequence of default of payment on the part of Messrs. Wolf and Haag, and he sold it to Capt. Anthony Neusteadt of Collinsville in this county. In our judgment, had Mr. Hoffman chosen to contiuue in journalism he would have achieved success and journalistic fame, but from his version and statement of his experience, it was a succession of mishaps, perplexities and financial loss, and in addition he has no kind of doubt but that it was a source of great annoyance to the public. We at the present writing, have not ascertained the opinion of the latter.

The Intelligencer

was f juiuled by James R. Brown, at Edwanlsville, October 24tli, 1802. It started as a Democratic paper and has so remained, notwithstanding the vicissitudes through which papers of that political complexion have passed. Mr. Brown conducted the Intelligencer until his death, which event occurred April 30, 1882. He was a native of England. He came to America while yet a youth, settled in Edwardsville in 1853, and herelearned the printer's trade. He was quick, active and industrious, and soon became an adept in artistic printing. As a manager of a newspaper he was considerably above the average. He made his paper the organ and spokesman for his party under his own dictation. He was a man of positive views, and exceedingly strong will power that would brook no control, and which could not be dominated by others. His positive views and their too free expression led him into difficulties sometimes, but all admitted his honesty while deploring his want of tact. Articles from his pen were short, on the paragraphic style, and partook somewhat of the nature of the writer. They were spicy, pungent, vigorous, sarcastic and not always well-timed.

The Union

Is the name of a German newspaper published at Highland in Madison county. It was established and the first number issued October 2-lth, 1863. Its founders and originators were some of the leading representative men of Highland and vicinity, who were in favor of a vigorous prosecution of the war then in progress. They desired to have a journal in their midst that would uphold the Union cause and cultivate Union sentiment among the citizens of Highland. They subscribed liberally. A company was formed, the presses and material purchased and the Union started. Charles Seybt was chosen editor, and continued in charge until January 28th, 1865, when he was succeeded by Dr. G. Eutz. When the paper was started it was a five column folio. With number eight, of volume one, it was enlarged to a seven column, same form but in volume second, it was reduced to six columns, and with number one of volume four it was enlarged to a seven column folio.

On the 28th of December, 18G6, Dr. Rutz and John S. Hoerner purchased the office and material of the stock company. On the22d of October, 1868, the name of the paper was changed to the Hiyhland Union, which name it still retains. On the same date it was enlarged to an eight column folio.

The firm of Eutz & Hoerner continued the publication of the Union until March 18th, 1874, when Mr. Hoerner purchased his partner's share in the paper, and from that time to the present has continued sole proprietor and editor. On the 20th of April, 1877, the form of the paper was enlarged to a seven column quarto.

The Union from its first issue has been Republican in politics. It took high ground in time of the war, and ably advocated the war measures of that time. In later years it has become more liberal - that is to say it might now be

In 1875 Mr. Hoerner purchased and placed in the office a Fairhaven power press. In 1879 he erected a large twostory brick building expressly to accommodate the printing business, and fitted it up with steam power, new presses; type, etc., and it is now, in all its appointments and conveniences for business, second to no other office in the county.

Mr. Hoerner is a practical printer, and has served twentyfive years at the case and in the sanctum. He learned the trade in the printing offices of Edwardsville, and afterward worked in the offices of the St. Louis papers. In 18G6 he removed to Highland and became half owner in the Union, and subsequently sole proprietor, as above stated.

The Edwardsville Republican

Was established, by S. V. Grossman a practical printer. He was an Englishman by birth, and came to America, and learned the trade in Cincinnati. In 1854 he came to Alton, and there was connected with the publication of different papers. He was the foreman and superintendent of the mechanical department of the Courier office for a number of years. He came to Edwardsville in 1869, and brought with him a job office. With that material he commenced the publication of the Bepublicun.

The first issue was made July 1st, 1869. About the 1st of October of the same year, he purchased the material of the Courier, a paper published iu Edwardsville which had suspended. He continued editor and proprietor until his death, which occurred in June, 1875. The publication of the paper was continued by the " S. V. Grossman Printing Company," afterwards E. B. Grossman, then O. S. Reed & Co. The latter firm continued until July 1st, 1879, when T. M. and W. R. Grossman formed a partnership under the firm name of Grossman Brothers, which still continues. The Bepuhlican in form is an eight column folio. Politically, it has from its first issue been straight Republican. The office is well supplied with power and job presses, and fully equipped with the modern improvements of a country newspaper office. The Grossman Brothers are practical printers. The paper, under their control and management, has become one of the influential organs of the Republican party in this congressional district.

While the Bepuhlican was run under the management of Robert B, Grossman, a daily paper was issued. It was kept up for a few weeks, then discontinued from lack of patronage.

The Collinsville Argus

Was established in Gollinsville, August 12, 1871. The Union Publishing Company were the proprietors, and A. W. Angier editor. At the end of the first volume, Angier was succeeded by L. D. Caulk as editor. The paper was then owned by the Gollinsville Publishing Company, an organization of the leading business men of the village. Caulk was succeeded by Anton Neustadt, who became both editor and proprietor, having purchased the stock of the company. He held control until August, 1878, when Connolly & John- son became proprietors of the Argus- Connolly retired from the partnership in January, 1879, and A. W. Johnson continued the paper until August of the same year, when its publication was suspended. The press and type were sold and shipped to Staunton in Macoupin county. The Argm was a seven column folio. After Mr. Angier retired from the editorship of tiie Argus, it became Republican in tone and so continued until 1878, when until its suspension, it was run as an Independent paper. After the Argus pa.ssed from the control of A. W. Augier, he commenced the publication of a paper in Collinsville called the

Liberal Democrat

The first number was issued October 10th, 1872. It was an eight column paper, Democratic in politics. The presses and type of the office were removed to Edwardsville in 1878, and on the 2d of October of that year, was started

Our Times

A. W. & J. S. Angier, editors and publishers. It was continued until the latter part of March, 1881, when it was sold to Messrs. Price & Simcox. On the 28th of May 1, 1881 , the name of the paper was changed to the

Edwardsville Times

Price withdrew from the firm June 18, 1881, and Mr. John L. Simcox continued the publication until July 16, when he took in as a partner, E. W. Anderson. The latter retired October 8, 1881. Mr. Simcox remained sole proprietor until December 1st, 1881, then sold a half interest to Joseph S. Umberger. The latter firm still continued until May 27, 1882, when A. L. Brown purchased the paper and changed the name to the Edwardsville Democrat, and changed the form from a seven column folio to a six column quarto with the sheets cut and pasted. He has refitted the office with new type and presses and now has a neat printing office He is a young man of ability and seems to be imbued with energy and a desire to excel, and we have no doubt but that in time the Democrat will become one of the able journals of this section of the country.

Was issued in Alton. The first number was printed in August 1873. It continued until 1875, then suspended. R. L. Smiley was editor. It was published by Eugene Smith. Its name indicated its mission.

Alton Democrat

The leading organ of the Democratic party in southern Illinois, was founded by James N. Shoemaker and Hugh E. Bayle in Alton in January, 1875. It was then issued During the first year, E. J. Bronson was connected with its publication. Ou the 17th of June, 1876, the daily edition was commenced, which has continued to the present. In September of the same year the paper passed into the hands of Messrs. Perrin, Smith &. Co. The "Co."

was then D. C Fitz [Morris, who was the editor, a position he still retains. Perrin, Smith cO Co. continued until March 1st, 1878, when Fitz Morris withdrew from the firm, but as stated above, has continued editor of the Democrat. The daily is a seven column folio and the weekly a six column quarto.

The Democrat, under the vigorous management of Messrs. Perrin & Smith and its able editor, has grown to be one of the most potential political organs in southern Illinois. Both Messrs. Perrin and Smith are practical printers. The former is a native of Alton, and learned the trade in the old Courier office. The latter served an apprenticeship in the office of the Telegraph. Both bring to the trade a practical knowledge of the business. The office in all its appointments is the best equipped for doing all kinds of business in the county, and is unexcelled in the southern part of the state.

The Troy W'Eekly Bulle Tin

The first newspaper issued in the enterprising village of Troy in Madison county, was a paper bearing the above title. James N. Jarvis was its founder, editor and proprietor. The first number was issued February 22d, 1873. Mr. Jarvis continued the publication of the Bulletin until April 15th, 1881, when he sold it to George Armstrong and Joseph S. Umberger. They published it until July 1st, 1881, then sold it to Henry B. Morris, its present editor and publisher. The Bulletin is a six column folio, independent iu politics. It is neatly printed, and enjoys a healthy circulation.

The Morning News

Was started in Alton, June 18th, 1876. It was edited by James J. Mcfneniey and Eugene J. Bronson. It was a daily, independent in politics. It suspended about the let of September.

The Chrlstian News

Was a monthly publication issued at Alton and published in the interest of the Congregationalist Church. E. A. Smith was the publisher. The first issue was made in 1875. At the end of one year it was sold to the " Advance Company," Chicago. It was edited by Rev. Robert West of Alton, now of Boston, Mass.

Qui Vive The College Review

Another paper issued by the students of the above named college, made its debut iu September 1879. Frank J. Merchant and John L. Pearson were the editors.

Collinsville Weekly Herald

No. 1, of Vol. 1, was issued September 10th, 1879, James N. Peers, editor and publisher. It was then a five column folio, afterward enlarged to a six, then a seven, and then changed to a five column quarto, cut and pasted. The Herald is independent in politics. Mr. Peers is a practical printer, and an adept in the mechanism of printing. The office is fitted up with a Campbell paper and job press, lun by a Baxter steam engine, small press for job work, mitre and curving machine, and a complete stereotyping apparatus. In short the Herald has the neatest and most complete outfit of any small printing office within our knowledge. Mr. Peers furnishes stereotype plates of ready printed matter for a number of papers in Illinois. The Weekly Courier was a six column folio campaign paper, published in Collinsville by J. N. Peers, and edited by William A. Garasche. It supported Hancock for the presidency. It suspended a week before the election.

Was established in Alton by J. J. Mclnerney, October 15, 1879. The Sentinel is now in its third volume. It is devoted to the general interests of Madison county, and Alton in particular. It is an eight column folio, independent in politics, and is fast growing in popular favor.

The Little Episcopalian

Was a monthly journal edited and published by Dr. A. M. Powell at Collinsville. The first number was printed in March 1880. On the first of October its name was changed to the

Banner Of The Cross

Was the name of a German paper printed at Edwardsville. The first issue was made May 7, 1875. The publishers were C. Lohmann & Son, C. Lohmann editor. The Anzeiger was at first Independent in politics, but in the political campaign of 1876 it supported Hayes and Wheeler, and from that time on until it discontinued it was a Republican paper. H. C. Lohmann retired from the Anzeiger May 9, 1878. It was continued by Mr. Lohmann, senior, for a short time after and then suspended.

The Edwardsville Demokrat

Was the name of another German jwper, which was first issued iu March, 1880, by Gustavus Hohwendler, publisher. Hon. B. E. Hoffman was employed as editor. After four months' trial Mr. Schwendler was convinced that a German newspaper in Edwardsville would not pay, and the i)ublication ceased. It was Democratic in tone.

The Highland Herald

The business men of Highland wanted an English paper published in their midst, and for that purpose subscribed liberally to its establishment and support. They selected William H. Foy as editor and publisher. He contiimed to publish the Herald for its citizen owners until June 20 of the same year. Then he was succeeded by Louis E. Kinne and George Roth, who took charge for the stockholders. T. S. Richardson was selected as editor. That arrangement continued until August 24th following, when they retired and J. A. Krepps and Charles Boeschenstein purchased the paper of the stockholders. On the 8th of September, 1881, Mr. Boeschenstein became sole proprietor and editor. In form the Herald is a six column quarto. It is independent in politics, and devoted to the interests of Highland and vicinity. The office is fitted up with a new Fairhaven power press and a fine supply of type of tlie latest styles and finish. It is a growing paper, and bids fair to be of great value to the good people of Highland.

The Collinsville Star

Is the latest aspirant for journalistic fame in Madison county. The first number wa.s issued January 7th, 1882. Hugh A. Wetniore is its founder, editor and proprietor. He is not unknown to fame in the journalistic world. He was for a number of years connected with the newspapers of St. Louis, and by them was employed as a special reporter in different parts of the country. In that somewhat difficult capacity he sustained the reputation of an active, truthful and able correspondent- He therefore brings to the business experience and a knowledge of at least one branch of the business. The mission of the Star at present is to get a covered dirt road or " shed road " from Collinsville to St. Louis. For his laudable efforts in that direction we hope posterity may " rise up and call him blessed." The Star is a three column, four page paper, independent in politics. The history of the press of Madison county has been briefly traced. There have been a few failures, but upon the whole it has been fairly representative of the business growth of the county. Few industries can show a better record, or number more patient, earnest and enthusiastic workers. The influence and character of the press has grown with the material wealth and intellectual growth of those they have represented. The number of newspaper enterprises organized and now in existence in the county and the character of their support, speaks well for the liberality of her citizens, and unmistakably shows the power of printer's ink and editor's pen. To the press, perhaps more than to any other industry, belongs the credit of building up and giving Madison county her enviable standing among her sister counties in the great State of Illinois.